ISSUES: Valerie Jarrett Says Gay Bullying Victim Justin Aaberg Made 'Lifestyle Choice'. Jarrett later apologizes!

Senior White House adviser Valerie Jarrett, in an interview with the Washington Post's Jonathan Capehart, discusses the recent string of suicides related to anti-gay bullying, and describes meeting Minnesota teen Justin Aaberg's family backstage at the Human Rights Campaign dinner, where she recently gave a speech.

She also calls Aaberg's sexuality a "lifestyle choice":

"They were aware that their son was gay. They embraced him. They loved him. They supported his lifestyle choice. But yet when he left the home and he went to school he was tortured by his classmates."

Yesterday, Jarrett apologized: "In a recent interview I was asked about the recent tragedies about gay youth who have committed suicide, and I misspoke when I referred to someone's sexual identity as a 'lifestyle choice.' I meant no disrespect to the LGBT community, and I apologize to any who have taken offense at my poor choice of words. Sexual orientation and gender identity are not a choice, and anyone who knows me and my work over the years knows that I am a firm believer and supporter in the rights of LGBT Americans. Most of all, I hope this does not distract from the issue I was asked about -- the desperate, tragic decision by some young people who feel that their only recourse is to take their own lives because they are being bullied or harassed because they are gay, or because others believe they are gay. We must instill in young people respect for one another, and we must set an example of mutual regard and civility to create an environment that is safe for every person, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity."