SOAP Q: Out soap star Thom Bierdz shares this message!

Thom Bierdz, who plays Phillip Chancellor III on The Young and the Restless, is a also a gifted artist who has deep concern about the recent rise in gay suicides.

“This is especially relevant since I am from Wisconsin, my gay soap opera character Phillip Chancellor III is from Wisconsin, and there were two teenage gay suicide incidents in Wisconsin this week – one who died, one who tried,” the actor said in a message yesterday. “Gay teens are four times more likely to take their lives – because they feel ashamed and alone.”

“I want to help people see their pain, so the bullying stops.”

Thom says he is familiar with the loneliness and anxiety that can accompany being gay and he talks in this video about how painting helps him channel his pain. He encourages people to paint about what it is like being a gay teen today and enter the American Arts Awards for free.