With the impending release ofStar Wars: The Force Awakens, the franchise’s fandom has never been greater. One of the several prominentStar Warsfan groups, the 501st Legion, put their powers to good use recently, by helping an eight-year-old fan namedLayla Murphyovercome some harsh bullying at her school. After 501st Legion memberJason TuttlemetLaylaat a fan convention, he lead the charge to giveLaylatheir support. Here’s a message from the501st Legion’sFacebookpage, which reveals how they helpedLaylaovercome her bullying, with some assistance from’Weird Al' Yankovic.
“Layla is yet another young girl who was teased at school for likingStar Warsamongst other “boy” things. As a result of the bullying, Layla began to lose herself. She stopped wanting to wear herR2-D2jacket andGuardians of the Galaxyshirt out of fear of being ridiculed. 501st Garrison Tyranus led the charge and rallied messages of support from #501st members all over the world to encourage Layla to be herself. Taking it one step further, Layla became the next recipient of the customStormtrooperarmor originally built for another girl (Katie Goldman) who was in a similar situation. After suiting up, Layla was whisked away to meet “Weird Al” Yankovic at a local concert where 501st members were participating on stage. This excited young #StarWars fan now proudly carries the trading cards of her 501st supporters in aChewbaccabackpack and can’t wait for the next opportunity to troop in armor. Her favorite part of wearing the costume? She loves when people say, “What a cute little boy!” only to discover that there’s a girl under that helmet! #BadGuysDoingGood #HeartOfTheForce #StopBullying”
Layla Murphybecame an immediateStar Warsfan after discovering her father’s toys around their Roanoke, Virginia home. After she moved to a new school,Laylawas told that she shouldn’t likeStar Wars, because it’s only for boys, with some even asking if she was turning into a boy. Here’s whatLayla’s mother,Nicolette Molina, toldCNNabout the bullying.
“At this new school Layla started coming home more quiet and less of herself, and started asking not to wear her shirts or R2-D2 jacket.”
AfterMolinatoldTuttleabout her daughter’s bullying problem, he began sending stickers, patches and trading cards toLayla, and encouraged her fandom.Laylanow feels “loved and accepted” while wearing her Stormtrooper outfit, and she gets a big kick out of people who think she’s a boy under her costume.Layla’s story comes just a few years after another young girl,Katie Goldman, was in a similar situation. Her fight against bullying lead to the creation ofWear Star Wars, Share Star Wars Day, which is held annually in December.
Check out the photo below withLayla Murphyin her Stormtrooper outfit and’Weird Al' Yankovicbelow. you’re able to also visit the 501st Legion’s officialFacebookandTwitterpages to find out more about the organization. What do you think about thisStar Warsgroup’s crusade to stop bullying?
