I am proud of my school. Not because of the educational or athletic accomplishments of its students. I am proud of my school because I am an openly gay male and have found a considerable amount of acceptance from my peers. Not often is it that a homosexual student can be open to his or her classmates without discovering a troubling sentiment of fear and hate.
As I came out, I found acceptance by all my close and loosely associated friends. Yet, I still sense many students hold homophobic attitudes. When people use of the words "fag," "gay," and "queer" as insults, they seem to forget that these words hurt and only make the abuser look ignorant, angry and small.
But these words have been so overused that they have lost their regard as strong, offensive words that should carry the gravity of racial slurs and as such should never be used against another person. But presently, people have a disregard for the pain and conflict that the societal concept of "gay=bad" has on young questioning teenagers.
I have always been strong, yet at times I still feel the uneasiness of telling someone that I am gay due to that "gay=bad" concept that is so pervasive in peoples minds. This article has been a long time coming for that reason. Imagine outing myself to the entire student body and knowing that someone is going to follow their irrational impulse to insult me for who I am. This fear haunts the many closeted students who need the chance to express themselves as individuals. Yet, people still don't care, yet people still hate.
If you are one of those people who regularly falls upon homophobic sentiment to express yourself, and I am not able to appeal to your better self; then realize that the use of words such as "fag", "dyke", "butch", "fem", "flamer", "faggot", "queer", "sissy", "lesbo", "fairy," etc. is blatant, abusive sexual harassment. These words along with any discussion of a persons sexual practice fall under the Capital High School Sexual Harassment Policy.
It's not always easy. There exists an underlying anti-gay sentiment from students and teachers which is the fostered expression of American societal homophobia. Offhand comments mostly, the use of offensive words as descriptors such as "that's so gay." Teachers, please remember that students do suffer from this harassment and it can be stopped by your example. Setting guidelines for appropriate conduct should include zero tolerance for this form of sexual harassment in the classroom.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of such harassment, it is a serious, punishable offense and is not tolerated. The school staff is here to support you and will take all appropriate action to help. Don't allow this to happen to you. Don't stay silent. Don't be intimidated.
If only I could have seized upon the newfound inspiration that ran through students after the Martin Luther King, Jr. assembly. I think the connection of racial equality to sexual equality would have struck a chord with much of the student body. I hold onto the dream of acceptance, respect, equality, non-discrimination, marriage, consideration, a decent education and love. We make it possible for tomorrow.
As cliché as it sounds, we are the leaders of tomorrow and we create the leaders to come. What ideals do we wish to share? Those of hate, prejudice and ignorance, or acceptance and a more open-minded view toward others?
Capital High School is fortunate enough to have a group of individuals who can help students in their times of need. The Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) is a support group for whomever wishes to attend with a focus on helping students that are experiencing problems growing up gay, lesbian, transgender or bisexual. The group is open to people of any sexual preference and it usually discusses whatever is happening in a person's life. We're just there to help. Teachers are also invited.
I decided to write this article after having heard stories from other local schools and realizing how fortunate I have been to be associated with the open-minded people that attend Capital. But the idea rose in my mind that maybe Capital isn't as open-minded as I would like to assume.
Maybe there is a large homophobic sentiment out there but it has stayed a slumbering giant waiting for the right moment to waken and express itself. So if it exists, this is my chance to find out. This is the moment in which Capital has a chance to prove itself, and I will know what sort of stories I will be able to relate about my high school experience to my children.
After the fact - This article became a longer process than I ever imagined. It involved inner conflict and the grave concerns of my friends. More love and affection came from putting myself in danger than I have known yet. After School Pride was published an overflow of complete strangers would thank and congratulate me for writing it. The Outlook was proud to publish it, I was proud to have written it and many fellow students turned over a new leaf because of it. Life has become a series of things I do instead of things I should do. I came away impressed with my school, family and friends. I hope you enjoyed reading it.
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