Accepting the Rainbow
In our society, a topic that has been of interest very possibly since the beginning of civilization is now necessary to address. This is homosexuality. With the changing of laws to give rights to immigrants and other minorities we must examine the rights of homosexuals. This article is not arguing for or against gay marriage rights; but examining the acceptance of homosexuality in Junior High and High School; the usual age for people to ‘come out.’
For all of my Junior High years and my fist year of High School (this year) I have been friends with a girl who is now openly gay. In grade eight she announced she was bisexual; and somewhere between then and grade nine she made the transition from being bisexual to a lesbian. I would like to say that her sexuality was met by everyone with open arms, and that in our modern times my classmates were all able to display tolerance whether they agreed with relationships between the same sex or not.
They say that everything you truly need to know (mathematics, grammar and history aside,) you learn in Kindergarten; and I for the most part believe this. You are taught that if you have nothing polite to say, don’t say anything at all. It’s put in simple enough terms; so that even at your wee age of four or five you can understand. Somehow this life lesson doesn’t stay with us in our later years, along with the concept of celebrating our differences and tolerance.
Now that my friend and I have made the transition from Junior High to High School, our circumstances have changed. We both attend a school well known for its open acceptance of differences. Compared to most High Schools the gay population is high – it isn’t unusual to see two guys holding hands as you walk down the hallway. However; I can’t help but feel we live a sheltered life. In other High Schools homosexuality can be an uncomfortable topic that is mocked because it is not fully understood. It is crucial in such diverse societies as ours that we know as much as we can about each other’s cultures and lifestyles. Though knowledge we may base our opinions. Knowledge is power; and I believe if we all had a greater understanding of homosexuality; society would be one step closer to achieving our goal of widespread tolerance.
- Youth Voice for Early November 2007 by Haylee Fortin
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