Gays Lesibens??? what do you think of this?

Question

GLSEN Supports Florida Student, ACLU in Lawsuit to Form GSA
Media Contact:
Daryl Presgraves
646-388-6577
[e-mail]

Nov 16, 2006
NEW YORK, Nov. 16, 2006 – In yet another example of a school potentially putting anti-LGBT bias ahead of an enriching and safe school climate, an Okeechobee High School student is suing her school for not allowing a Gay-Straight Alliance to meet on campus.
The Federal Equal Access Act requires schools to allow every co-curricular student club to meet on campus. Currently, according to the student’s complaint filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the school allows co-curricular clubs such as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Farmers of America, and the Latin Club, among others, to meet on campus.

"It’s disheartening that the administration of Okeechobee High School would choose to deny access to a club that teaches respect and tolerance," said GLSEN Founder and Executive Director Kevin Jennings. "The reality is when Gay-Straight Alliances are formed on campus, all students benefit."

GSAs provide a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students and their straight allies to promote respect and tolerance and address anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools. The presence of a GSA relates to reduced absenteeism, better academic performance and a greater sense of belonging at their school for students. According to GLSEN’s 2005 National School Climate Survey, which documented the experiences of LGBT students in school:


LGBT students whose school had a GSA were less likely to miss school because they felt unsafe compared to other students. About a third of students whose school has no GSA missed at least one day of school in the past month (32.0%) compared to a quarter of students whose school had a GSA (25.5%).

LGBT students whose school had a GSA reported higher levels of school belonging than students whose school did not.
More than 3,000 GSAs have registered with GLSEN, including more than 100 in Florida. GLSEN provides a place for students to register their GSAs and receive support and resources.

Answer 1

Sadly it's a case of `you can shout, but it doesn't mean people will listen`. I suppose the strength of these groups is in the community sticking up for each other, because it's certainly unlikely to change views within the school or college.

Still, with each passing year, those growing up become more tolerant.

Answer 2

I think you are obviously a young and unintelligent person to even ask such a ridiculous and hurtful question. I would think that by 2008 young kids would know that using the word "gay" to describe something like "stupid, uncool, etc." is absolutely unacceptable and blatantly homophobic. It's young, IMMATURE people like you that perpetuate harmful stereotypes and make this world a lot WORSE off for the rest of us. I would suggest picking up a book now and then, and trying to learn a little bit more about tolerance and acceptance. People are so naive to think that the language they use doesn't harm others, but the reality is that allowing children and immature teenagers (and adults for that matter) to use the word "gay" as an insult is not only offensive, but downright harmful. I hope you're proud of yourself for spreading hate. Thanks for that.

Answer 3

Somebody ought to buy the school administrators a clue.

That fight was lost the last time it went to court. The GSA won, hands down.