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The
other reason I want my students to know I’m gay is that on average, about 10%
of the general population is non-heterosexual. Yet substance abuse, teen suicide, and teen runaways are
disproportionately higher in the gay/bisexual segment. As a teen, I didn’t know a single gay
person that wasn’t me. My message to
gay or bisexual students, teachers, parents, and their friends and relatives,
is that to be gay or bi is NORMAL. Sexual orientation is part of our cultural diversity, and
non-heterosexual orientations are every bit as normal as
heterosexuality. Homophobia and
heterosexism are forms of bigotry. One more
thing. The question of whether sexual
orientation can be changed shows up time and again. Several members of sexual minorities, for one reason or other,
feel they can never be comfortable with any orientation but
heterosexual. I would say, go with
your heart. I cannot personally
endorse any “transformational” or “reparative” procedure, but each person
must do whatever is necessary to ensure inner peace. If you feel such measures are necessary,
by all means good luck. SEXUAL ORIENTATION IS NOT LEARNED. IT IS INNATE. BIGOTRY IS LEARNED. You can choose not to hate.
Some related links: (all G rated, by the way!) Gay, Lesbian, Straight
Educators Network This is an
organization for sexual minority educators, their friends, and their
allies. As yet, they have no Delaware
chapter, but I hope to change that. American Civil Liberties Union One
other thing I hope to push for is adoption of children by gay couples. It angers me no end that legally, I have
no connection with my son. It
happened in New Jersey,
it will happen in Delaware. Youth resource This is a good starting point for teen
members of sexual minorities. It
contains Parents, Families and Friends
of Lesbians and Gays A terrific
organization dedicated to the families and friends of sexual minorities. Heterosexual allies can sometimes be more
helpful than anyone to us in times of need. |
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