“No one can tell you not to be yourself,” says sophomore Cristina Calandra. “Be who you are.”
This is the sentiment of much of today’s youth, and is seen as the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) movement gains momentum. Schools are launching gay-straight alliance clubs, states are legalizing same-sex marriages, and equal rights seem to be one of the most debated political topics of today’s generation.
“We were brought up thinking so openly of others and ourselves, more than other generations. Why is it even a question still?” continued Calandra.
“Ignorance,” replies SAC intern Ms. Cardone. “But it’s about time people are really getting involved and stepping up for these rights.”
This is VHS’s first year with a Gay-Straight Alliance Club. Support has been “inspiring,” with the initial interest meeting drawing over 50 students. “Unfortunately,” says one student, “there’s a certain stigma associated with the club. I’d join but I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.”
Ms. Cardone, having sat in on a few GSA meeting urges students to go, saying, “If you care about an issue it shouldn’t matter what other people think. Go because it’s important. Go because you can make a difference.”
Many religious and political groups strongly oppose LGBT rights, such as the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. Westboro leaders of the ‘God Hates Fags / America is Doomed’ campaign – go to various sites to picket alleged “sinners.” These locations include, but are not limited to: gay marriages, public schools, and even the funerals of servicemen and women.
“That’s so messed up,” says junior Ryan McLaughlin. “Especially at a soldier’s funeral. I mean, (that soldier) fought so that they even have the right to protest. That’s just wrong.”
“It actually disgusts me,” says Lynn Keating, regarding opposition to the LGBT movement. “I didn’t even know that stuff like that went on.”
The LGBT movement was propelled forward after a series of teen suicides. Rutgers student Tyler Clementi killed himself after being spied on via webcam during an encounter with another man. Clementi was one of many tragedies fueling the public’s passion for this topic.
Celebrities are getting involved, too. Lady Gaga is known not only for her over-the-top outfits and catchy dance hits, but for her support of the LGBT community. She was one of many playing an active and very vocal role in the military’s repeal of its ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ policy. Gaga has also launched the ‘Born this Way’ foundation, an anti-bullying organization seeking equality for all. When Gaga’s home state of New York legalized gay marriage, she tweeted, “I can’t stop crying. We did it, kids.”
Campaigns have spurted into the world, from ‘FCKH8’ to the ‘It Gets Better’ campaign, whose message is simply telling kids that “it gets better” than whatever they may have to endure during their ten years. The goal? To show kids that they aren’t alone. Celebrities involved include Ellen DeGeneres, Neil Patrick Harris, Ke$ha, Sarah Silverman, Jason Derulo, and many more.
While progress is being made, there is a long way to go before equality is a reality for the LGBT community. “I think there was a much stronger gay presence at my old school,” says senior Emily Aron, who attended high school near Washington D.C. before moving here. “I walk through the halls here and some of the things I hear are just really offensive to gay people. (I hear it) in class even, it makes me wonder what some people are thinking.”
“I don’t get why people care,” says Keating, “it doesn’t affect them.”
Taking for granted that hate and anger is part of what they must face, the LGBT community soldiers on with what they are doing. ‘Pride,’ a celebration of sexuality and individuality, is held in almost all major U.S. city every year.
As today’s youth become tomorrow’s leaders, equal rights for the LGBT community seems to be at the forefront of issues for many.
“I think it attracts so much attention because it is so attainable,” says one VHS student. “We can make it happen, we can grant everyone equal rights. It’s just a matter of doing it.”