Change in culture on gay rights signifies something much more
Discomfort. Discrimination. Devastation.
Until only a few decades ago, these are some of the fates that awaited openly homosexual individuals, even at MVHS. However, the recent push against anti-gay bullying and homophobia in the community is raising hope for a life with something else: tolerance.
Over the past few months, the growing movement has caught momentum throughout
classrooms, largely because of the efforts by educators on campus. Teachers are increasingly broaching the once sensitive topic during class, and Gay-Straight Alliance posters against gay jokes were recently distributed to many classrooms on campus.
It is time for us students to answer their call for action, and it starts by listening to their words.
In February, science teacher Renee Fallon told a story of the destructive effects of stereotypes against homosexuals (https://elestoque.org/news/21-news/1405-out-in-the-open-creating-a-safe-space.html) in sports. Spanish teacher and GSA advisor Joyce Fortune recently discussed her own personal experience being bisexual in a hostile environment. In the past few months, several students have come out to be interviewed by El Estoque in support of tolerance.
“[My parents] are a little more on the conservative side, but their views are starting to change,” junior Jacob Lui said in a previous El Estoque interview. (https://elestoque.org/news/multimedia/1393-out-in-the-open-reconciling-religion-and-views.html)
Why does this change matter?
Currently, the rights of gay individuals in society are not clearly defined or defended. Only five U.S. states have passed laws to recognize same-sex marriage. Considering that the high school students of today will be the voters, lawmakers, and taxpayers of tomorrow, the attitudes of students at schools like MVHS matter. Ultimately, we of Generation Y will determine future of the gay rights controversy in the coming years.
It is time for people to shoulder the burden of dealing with an issue that has been closeted since its emergence. It is time for society to rid itself of prevalent and insensitive jokes against homosexuality. It is time for gays and lesbians to have access to the same rights that heterosexuals are privileged to.
The first step in that process will be for all high school students, including at MVHS, to realize that as leaders of society for the next 40 years, our approach to the issue will decide its outcome.
