The day before Christmas break, one of my students came out in my class by way of an original oratory, a memorized speech of a personal nature that is persuasive. In the speech he told the class and me that he was gay, and how he wished people were more tolerant in our rural, red, part of Iowa. With the campaigns of Republican candidates being trumpeted on our media 24/7, it has been hard to miss the anti-gay bias in the party and the area.
I have always seen gay rights as a civil rights issue, and it bothers me that gay teens have 4X the suicide rate of other teens.
More below the fold!
On my critique of his speech, I told him I would be willing to be the faculty sponsor of a gay-straight alliance in our school. Today, I was asked about it by our Guidance Counselor. She was a little surprised, but she wanted me to know that the student had talked to her. The Dean of Students who is in charge of activities spoke with me briefly, and he seems ok with it.
This will not be accepted in our community or my Catholic Church. The principal organized a "world record Teboing" on the last day before Christmas break. He probably supported Santorum at the Republican Caucus. He will not like this, and the new Superintendent will not be happy either.
My questions to those of you on Dailykos:
1) Does anyone have any experience starting a gay-straight alliance in a high school.
2) Are there any examples in small schools? (Our enrollment at the hs is under 250)
3) How do I deal with the bigots in my building and community?
4) Does anyone see a downside to starting the club?
After we have endured thousands of ads that say all gay people are evil, it is a wonder that anyone would have the guts to go against the trend. For many of my students, Ron Paul was a choice because he wasn't a bigot against gays and lesbians. We are one of the few places where high school students know more gay and lesbian students than those of another race.
Any advice would appreciated.
Don't get me wrong. I will not back down. I will be glad to put my name on the line for the adviser. My grandfather stood up to racial bigotry in his Baptist church in the early 50's at the peril of his Superintendency. I am just looking for advice.