Sounding Off

The news lately has been full of tragic stories of teens taking their lives, most in response to being bullied for being gay, or perceived as being gay.  I work at a school where the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) is strong and proud, and really mostly made up of straight allies who are standing up to support their peers.  They have no agenda other than to create a safe space for themselves so that they can turn their attention to learning, rather than focus on mere survival.  And they've done it.  The other day a student announced at the All School Meeting that it was "National Coming Out Day" and then explained that this was a chance for people who have had to live closeted lives to step out and start to live as who they are.  It is the custom at Avalon that all announcements are met with applause.  Even when I announce that there will be a high stakes standardized test in the afternoon.  They clap.  They are nice that way.  After this student made his announcement I held my breath for a second, wondering what kind of response he would get.  I will point out that announcements about the activities of the GSA (protests at the capitol, a school dance, a booth at a festival) are made often and greeted with respect, if not always enthusiasm.  I should not have worried- maybe it had something to do with the news of suicides and the tension around this issue, but the applause was thunderous and went on for a quite while.  Here was a diverse group of kids from all corners of the twin cities and they were taking a moment to say (with their hands) stop the hate, stop the madness, give everyone a chance to learn and live in a safe environment.

This same student was recently quoted in a StarTribune article on the subject and today a letter penned by him (and his GSA compatriots) was published in the 'point/counterpoint' section of the editorial page under the heading:  What does it take to make a school safe for learning?  The counterpoint to our student was written by Tom Prichard, the president of the Minnesota Family Council.  The comments on the page have been a mixed bag of support, questions, and a bit of hate-mongering.  I hate to read those.  All this young man is asking is that schools are safe for all.  We work hard to do this at Avalon, and I see the payouts.  In a conversation with his mom last week she said that what she loved about Avalon is that her son's main force of energy is NOT spent defending who he is or keeping out of the way of bullies, but rather on investigating the local food movement and getting intimate with the details of organic farming.  He is learning and growing in ways that were not possible in other environments and she is thrilled.  So am I.  Here's a link to his article.  It may not be perfect, but it's honest and it's brave, and he signed his full name, unlike many of the hateful people leaving their comments below it.  Go Ben.  Strib Article