Get Schooled

By Kathy Kelly

April 6, 2005 12:57 PM | Link to this

First of all, the “Day of Silence” doesn’t promote a homosexual agenda—that is absurd. The day of silence does promote tolerance, acceptance, and diversity. The conservative students state that the day of silence is to protest perceived discrimination and alleged harrassment. It is very real. One only has to look at the tone of their press release to see the mean-spirited nature of their position and wonder how they treat their fellow gay students.

Secondly, this conservative group has it all wrong if they think they can refer to themselves as Christians as if the “Day of Silence” students are not Christians. Probably the majority of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender folks are Christian or belong to some other faith.

Here me when I say I am gay. I am Christian. And God loves me!

The real issue that should be discussed here is why these anti-gay conservatives are so afraid of gay people. What is this phobia all about? Gay people live ordinary lives just like straight people. There is nothing to fear…

By Lola

April 6, 2005 01:22 PM | Link to this

It seems to me that the Day of Silence should represent ALL groups of people, and not just gays. There are plenty of people in this world who are discriminated against, for whatever reason, and they should ALL be relevant. Labeling this day as exclusive to gays is discriminitory to all other groups of people who should be included.

By Shauna

April 6, 2005 01:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t care who in the hll is gay and who isn’t. I don’t think that my tax dollars that are geared to teach children should be going toward teaching that homosexuality is okay. I don’t want my child coming home to me one day asking if it is okay for her to have a girlfriend instead of a boyfriend. The answer to that question in my household will forever be HLL NO!!!

I’m not afraid of anyone, I just do not accept or tolerate homosexuality in my home. Whoever doesn’t like that then that’s their problem.

By smithy

April 6, 2005 01:55 PM | Link to this

My question is: WHO CARES IF YOU’RE GAY?? Nobody else walks around advertising whom they choose to sleep with, so I don’t get why the gay community seems to be OBSESSED with advertising it to everyone else. I’m with Shauna - I don’t want my tax dollars going to school programs that teach my child about things that are completely contrary to what I am teaching her at home. School is a place where they should teach the children things that prepare them for the corporate world and help them become productive members of society. This is just another reason to either send her to a private school or home school her.

By Hannah

April 6, 2005 01:59 PM | Link to this

Homosexuality is no sin. People who are intolerant need not make the kind of statement that the students at this school are making. I love myself, and I love God. I am gay, and I am not ashamed. I have a Gay-Straight Alliance meeting after school, and I will discuss this article with them.

I do not believe that I will be able to read this aloud myself, because even now I am on the verge of tears. Why spread the hate?

My parents love me. And they never ever EVER tolerated HATRED in our home. You shouldn’t either.

Feel free to email me at Preciouscat00@yahoo.com

By Brian

April 6, 2005 02:03 PM | Link to this

It’s extremely sad to hear from parents who would shun their own children for something that they don’t have any control over? How will your child ever trust you, or openly communicate with you when you prejudice your opinions so strongly. If your daughter is a lesbian, you have just told her that she can never talk to you about it. GSA’s are needed in our schools to provide students a space where they can talk to each other. You need to realize that there is a biological basis for homosexuality, it appears in every species on the planet - it is not a choice. Don’t you love your children enough to seperate reality from your own prejudicial fears?

By smithy

April 6, 2005 02:08 PM | Link to this

Hannah - I don’t hate gay people at all. I simply don’t understand why they feel the need to broadcast their sexual preferences to the rest of us. We don’t care! I will love my daughter no matter what, but I don’t feel it is a school’s job to teach her things that are contrary to the values that my husband and I feel she should have. I don’t think homosexuality is a sin. I don’t think anything about it, other than the fact that I don’t CARE what someone’s sexual preferences are. It’s a personal choice (I know you’re born that way, but it is a CHOICE to act on it), and it should stay personal. It’s your business and all I ask is that it stays that way. Why is that so wrong?

By Griffin

April 6, 2005 02:10 PM | Link to this

Gays and lesbians aren’t hated by the hetero community. We (speaking for a bulk of the heteros) just don’t like having your warped sexual views pushed in our face. Homosexuality is a sin. Hannah you can think what you want. But you’re wrong. I don’t hate you. But keep your lifestyle and perverted actions in your closet and don’t try to get my kids to think that you’re just fine in society’s eyes. I don’t think you are. And the majority of school parents are like me.

By Heather

April 6, 2005 02:10 PM | Link to this

Its not like a person wakes up one day and says “you know what I think I want to be gay” Believe me no one would choose to be gay if that was the case. My opinion is that it is going to happen no matter what so why not at the very least teach young people who are going that way proper things so that they don’t get themselves in a mess. If there were more information for young gay and lesbians and some good examples set and people to look up too then I am all for it. The issue’s that gay’s and lesbians have had to put up with lately is for the birds and I haven’t yet figured out who can call themselves childern of God and think that they can get by with it. I have just come to the conclusion that they MUST have a different God than me and not one I would want in my life. It isn’t like the schools are turning these childern gay it is a issue and they know it so they are trying to make sure all childern gay or straight are educated. If anything these groups that are doing all this is making it far worse for the mental stability of young people they are going through enough on thier own they DON’T need any help.

By smithy

April 6, 2005 02:20 PM | Link to this

Heather - I agree with you that those children who are confused and think they’re gay, or if boys think they should be girls or if girls like both girls and boys, or whatever their problem, should have a place to go where they can discuss such things. However, that place should NOT be in a public school. The majority of kids DON’T have a problem with their own sexuality, and there is absolutely no reason to expose them to that kind of information, ESPECIALLY not in a taxpayer-funded institution. Have your Gay/Bi/Shemale/Whatever club but have it somewhere else. I’m not going to have my daughter learning about things that have no relevance in her life. If, God forbid, she does come home one day and tell me that she’s gay or thinks she’s a man or whatever, I will love her no matter what and will do whatever I can to help her with her struggles. But I see no reason to expose her to those kinds of issues before that day comes.

By Heather

April 6, 2005 02:34 PM | Link to this

Hannah - You are a true child of light. What these people don’t seem to understand is that you are not as they say pushing your views in thier face. As a matter of fact I didn’t see where sex was mentioned at all by you so now who’s mind is in the gutter. Remember what Jesus said blessed are those who others judge in my name for THEY have a place in heaven with our father. See these people all want to talk about the bible and sin but they don’t want to understand it the other thing Jesus said was blessed are those who not only hear me but understand me. If you are a good person who treat people with respect and kindness then you are perfect in the eyes of God.

By Heather

April 6, 2005 02:46 PM | Link to this

smithy - the fact is that no child in first grade at all should be taught anything about sex I don’t care if it is gay or straight. I do believe there is a age where this becomes a issue in thier life but not that young. So this I agree with on all levels anyway. However here is the thing, I believe that discussing it in schools (at the right time) is a good thing on many levels. First of all it is not going to turn a straight person gay however it may teach them tolerance and understanding which this world needs. There is already too much hate we don’t need anymore fuel added to a fire that is already burning out of control. I can remember back when I was in school and I have to say that I thank God everyday that I was informed on this issue mind you It was high school but it taught me so much about people. It did change my views it changed me. It made me a person who respects others and thier life no matter what or why or how they lived it. All I am saying is don’t we already have enough hatered in this world?

By Hannah

April 6, 2005 02:48 PM | Link to this

Thank you, Heather.

“More numerous than the hairs on my head are those who hate me without cause.” Psalm 69:4 I believe.

By Hannah

April 6, 2005 03:24 PM | Link to this

It truly makes me sick to think some teenage kids would have the opinions of the teens aprticipating in this event.

I am not one to blame parents for most things, but homophobic parents teach their children to be homophobic and intolerant. I am sure that in most cases it is not purposely done, but not letting their children know that they (the parents) are accepting makes them just as much to blame as the students.

My children will know from the day they are born that I love them, and all people—including the ones that many do not accept. This includes other ethnicities, the mentally challenged, homosexuals, and the poor. (Tell me if I am missing any!)

Hatred will NEVER EVER EVER be taught in my home.

God made all of us, and he loves every one of us. Don’t you ever forget that.

By Griffin

April 6, 2005 03:38 PM | Link to this

Hannah - please don’t have children….Plus just because we don’t agree with homos doesn’t make us a “homophobe”. Believe me - I’m not phobed of homos. Just don’t like their thing and don’t want it integrated into the public schools. You’re not gonna make it any better by quoting scripture. You know what your destiny will be. God bless you anyway.

By Common Sense

April 6, 2005 03:44 PM | Link to this

I agree with Smithy. Why is is that only homosexuals choose to walk around wearing their sexual preferences on their shirt shirt sleeves. I do not care what people do in private, be they hetero or homo, but I should not be forced to discuss those things in public.

And another thing, I will home school my children before I ever allow anyone teach teach them that the homosexual lifestyle is normal.

By Shauna

April 6, 2005 04:06 PM | Link to this

Smithy,

I have placed my child in private school already. But, thanks for letting me know that I did the right thing.

Actually, this whole topic lets me know that I did the right thing. I will never understand the gay/lesbian mind frame. I refuse to think about how they are affectionate with each other or how they relate to one another on a personal level. Not only do I not agree with it, I don’t want it spoken about in my home. You see, to me and my faith, it is wrong. Plus I’m like mostly everyone else on this blog - I don’t care what you do behind closed doors and I would hope that you don’t care what I do behind closed doors with my husband.

The bottom line is that public school is not the right place to talk about such a personal choice. That is what parents are for. I understand that hatred is wrong. I am a black woman trying to raise a young black daughter in America. TRUST ME, I KNOW ABOUT HATRED. But I don’t think that not agreeing with the gay community means that I hate them. I just don’t agree. The best part of this country is that I don’t have to agree. I respect your decisions, just don’t flaunt them in my face.

Think about it, would you like to see straight people putting up all of this fuss if it were the other way around? No you wouldn’t.

Plus, if we want to keep quoting the BIBLE, marriage is between a MAN and a WOMAN. Not two men or two women. The sole purpose of mankind is to reproduce. Women cannot reproduce without men. It is just that simple. And don’t try that invetro crap with me. One way or another, you need the MAN’S sperm to make a baby, so you do need a man.

Bottom line - keep it out of public school.

By Britt

April 6, 2005 04:07 PM | Link to this

I do not care if someone is gay I have plenty of gay aquantances. But I do not want my child going to school and having a gay/homosexual club in the school. I do not care who you CHOOSE to sleep with. I just do not see the point in parading around what your preference is. You would not see me having a bumper sticker or having a parade because I choose to sleep with my husband. I do not feel that it is appropriate. You want to be a man with a man and woman with a woman then fine. Just keep it to yourself just as us heterosexuals do. I do not feel that it is appropriate that we succomb our kids to this. People can say what they want they can try to pin point past history and say that so and so was gay but in actuality it will never be proper until someone is stupid enough to try and change the bible. You want to be schooled and educated then you need to read up on sins and what the bible says about homosexuality. Yes God tells us not to judge and be bias but then again read what He says about homosexuality.

By smithy

April 6, 2005 04:07 PM | Link to this

Heather - the word “sex” was nowhere in Hannah’s post, you’re right. But I constantly hear that gay people are JUST LIKE straight people, so the ONLY difference between gays and straights IS the sexual relations you have with other people, so this discussion, by virtue of its topic, IS about sex. I will teach my daughter that sex is a natural and healthy thing to be shared between a man and a woman, and that it is nothing to be ashamed about. I will teach this from a very early age - most likely beginning at about age six. While that seems young, I think the sooner you teach it the less taboo the subject is and the less she’ll be tempted to go out and find out on her own. However, I will NOT be teaching her that homosexual sex is normal or healthy. I will not be teaching her about it at all and I certainly don’t want her learning about it in school. I’m sure she’ll be subjected to enough mixed messages from her friends and the world in general soon enough. It simply isn’t the job of a public school to teach children these kinds of lifestyles are normal. The majority of parents would agree with me on this. I don’t resent or hate or dislike or any of those things. I simply don’t think homosexual teachings have a place in public schools. Period.

By Charlie Galvin

April 6, 2005 04:29 PM | Link to this

Some folks have questioned why gay and lesbian people have a need to advertise whom they sleep with. I think we should stop and think about how much advertising of the heterosexual “lifestyle” we are all exposed to from birth. From our parents, through television, our classmates and neighbors—we are constantly shown what is considered normal in our society. If exposure to an example were the key, how could anyone not be heterosexual? There’s got to be something deeper going on.

Many people have photos of their spouses and children on their desks at work. Many couples give each other a hug or a smooch in public when one drops the other off at the office or the train station. But if two men or two women do any of this, it’s “flaunting their lifestyle.” Is this fair? Is this equal?

If I don’t get the same thing from my reading of the Bible that you do, is it wrong for me to say that? I don’t believe that God thinks any less of people because of whom they love.

Remember, Christians choose to accept Jesus, and respect for this choice is enshrined in the Constitution. Whether there is any element of choice in one’s sexuality should thus make no difference in a person’s right to equal treatment.

“Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” are fundamental, “inalienable rights” by which all men are “endowed by their Creator” according to the Declaration of Independence.

Isn’t this still America?

By Hannah

April 6, 2005 04:50 PM | Link to this

“The bible contains 6 admonishments to homosexuals and 362 admonishments to heterosexuals. That doesn’t mean that God does not love heterosexuals. It’s just that they need more supervision”

And I went to a PRIVATE CATHOLIC SCHOOL for four years. Sorry, Shauna, maybe it’s not such a “right” thing to send your kids to a private school.

And if I “chose” to be a lesbian, did you chose to be a heterosexual? I can no more choose my sexual orientation than you can. I am not attracted to men, just like you are not attracted to the same sex.

By ambergris

April 7, 2005 08:40 AM | Link to this

Homosexuality is an abomination.

By Hannah

April 7, 2005 09:08 AM | Link to this

I think that people should just forget what everyone looks like when they have sex. THIS is the fear here—our sexual relations. I don’t think of what YOU GUYS look like when you have sex, so why do you think about what I look like? What I do in the privacy of my own home is MY business, not yours.

And giving my significant other a peck on the lips before work in public is NO DIFFERENT than a heterosexual couple kissing in public. It is no more flaunting my lifestyle than the heterosexuals “flaunt.” How is my kiss any different than the kiss of heterosexuals? Just because I kiss women does not mean I flaunt my lifestyle. I just believe that if heterosexuals can kiss and hold hands in public, I should be able to as well.

By Britt

April 7, 2005 10:21 AM | Link to this

Homosexuality is a CHOSEN lifestyle. It has yet to be proven that it is in your genes. I am sure you are going to argue that Heterosexuality has not been proven in your genes either and you would be right. The thing is it is not right. In order to reproduce you need a MAN AND A WOMAN. From the beginning of Adam and Eve it was certain. God did not make Adam and Alex or Eve and Emily. He made a woman from a man because that is how it is suppose to be. You want to be a man and have relations with a man or woman with a woman then so be it. But do you have to have a parade and bumper sticker and t-shirt and every other material thing stating that you are homosexual? No, and if you think we flaunt when we hold hands or kiss one another goodbye in public then you are sadly mistaken. It is a fact of life that men are with women and it is second nature to kiss our spouse or hold their hand without fear of rejection or prejudice being cast upon us. If homosexuals want to be so accepted then stop having parades and making it know that you are homosexual with the rainbow stickers and what ever else you have. I am not going to have my kids raised in a school where they are taught that it is okay to be with a woman if you are a woman and vise versa. That is me as a parent to decide whether I want my kids exposed to that life style or not. It is not the schools descretion to do so.

By Amy W.

April 7, 2005 10:24 AM | Link to this

is anyone going to observe the day of silence next week?

By Britt

April 7, 2005 10:30 AM | Link to this

No.

By Amy W.

April 7, 2005 10:49 AM | Link to this

Britt:

so, from a logical standpoint, you just accused homosexuals for not having any scientific evidence that they have a choice, yet you just admitted yourself that you don’t either?…The thing is it is not right….only because “the bible said so” you believe that sexual relations should between a man an woman?

what you’re doing now by arguing this point is stating that the bible dictates how people should live their lives. now, i don’t necessarily have a problem with that. however, A, not everyone follows the bible, and B, many people DO follow the bible but interpret it differently than you. who is to judge what is the “correct” interpretation?

It is a fact of life that men are with women and it is second nature to kiss our spouse or hold their hand without fear of rejection or prejudice being cast upon us.

actually, its a fact of YOUR life. for most human beings, regardless of their sexual orientation, it is “second nature” to kiss or hold the hands of their significant other. so what gives you the right to dictate who can and who cannot? by judging others, you are just as guilty as those you accuse.

I am not going to have my kids raised in a school where they are taught that it is okay to be with a woman if you are a woman and vise versa.

i’m sorry, but the last time i checked, i didn’t see a pro-homosexual curriculum circulating around math, english, social studies, or science textbooks. if anything, children at school are taught to think for themselves and to develop their own justifications for why or why not they believe something. if you don’t want your children to learn basic critical thinking skills, then i wholeheartedly support you taking your children out of school.

personally, i’d have more respect for you if you said that you taught your children what you believe…but allowed them to understand WHY you believe a certain way, and furthermore allowed themselves to personally decide what to believe. from your previous posts, it seems as though you are force feeding your children values, which has the possibility of backfiring later in their lives. ignorance isn’t bliss.

By Mario Martinez

April 7, 2005 10:56 AM | Link to this

Despite the ignorant homophobic comments by a few on here, I am encouraged that people in my younger generation are for the most part, not holding on to the antiquated prejudices of the past. I find it supremely bigoted for a person to have a problem with the gender that one falls in love with. Trying to justify one’s bigotry with religion is even worse. Claiming that you are not hating when you say that homosexuality is oxymoronic, since by your very lack of acceptance of gays, you have demonstrated your lack of mental and heart capacity to embrace an entire segment of human beings. Your protestations that you aren’t really filled with hate is futile because you can’t not accept same-sex relationships and still be considered a loving person. I don’t want my children learning bigotry or homophobia, so I vehemently applaud any effort to teach youth acceptance of all people, including bisexual and gay citizens.

By Britt

April 7, 2005 11:08 AM | Link to this

First of all I beleve what I want and that is that the bible states men are with women and need to be to keep humans in the world. Second, I do not have children yet but feel that I would not want them in a school that teaches children through a club that it is okay to be homosexual. It would be my choice as a parent to decide to teach him/her what is appropriate and what is not. It is not the responsibility of a teacher of a club to advertise that. Just as it is not appropriate now to have prayer in schools. People do not believe in it and it is not the descretion of the schools to dictate that decision either, but of course, out of our control, the govnerment has chosen not to allow it. When I do have kids- my husband and I have decided to give them a bible when they are old enough to understand it and let them read it and interpret it for themselves. If they have questions on certain topics about homosexuality and so forth then I will tell them what I think and if they feel they need further opinions and facts then I will be supportive of them going out and talking to others, preachers and so forth. I am stating what I believe in. Yes I said that neither sexual preference is a DNA fact but in a way heterosexuality is: you need a man and a woman to reproduce and keep the world going. If you want to go the invetro way then so be it. I am not one to sit there and say “you cannot raise a child because it has two moms or dads” as long as that child is getting loved and nurtured then fine. Then it is the best interests of the child. I have said/written before that I do not care- I have friends who are gay that I work with on a daly basis. They are men and they are hilarious and very loving but I don’t want to hear about what they do behind closed doors. One of the guys even agrees-“if we want ot be excepted then we need to blend with everyone else. Stop having parades and making people notice us”-that’s all I am saying…. homosexuals want to be excepted then stop MAKING people notice them and stop pushing it into our faces to except you. Keep it to yourself just as heterosexuals do. AMY: You do not have to respect me. This is my opinion and I feel strongly about it. If we cannot have prayer in the school for the fact that people believe in different things and what not- then we do not need to offer homosexual clubs for the simple fact that people believe in different things in that aspect as well. I never said I did not want my children to get a good education and I would NEVER take my kids out of school. I believe strongly in education. My husband is in medical school and I am in the process of getting my masters. So, my kids will have a good education as well. Now-a-days you have to to get ahead. I do not treat you different because you are gay. But I do have my opinions when you go around force feeding to others. Not saying that you do(if you are homosexual) but alot of people do. They feel that to get their point across they need to be in your face. Sorry to offend you if I have but everyone is expressing their opinions as well as me.

By MrLiberty

April 7, 2005 11:48 AM | Link to this

As with every other controversy that breaks out in the government school system, this one too is the result of the very nature of government controlled, taxpayer forced-financed schooling.

Bottom line - if you force everyone to pay for something, everyone will want their say…and they should get it. This issue isn’t about tolerance, hatred, or anything else that is being cited. It is really about whether or not everyone should be forced to pay for government run indoctrination centers (schools).

Every parent should be offended at the kind of garbage that passes for education in today’s government schools. Whether its the lies and deception surrounding the true history of this country, or the new math and reading experiments that continually get foisted upon innocent children, leaving them illiterate and unable to do basic math, the government operation of schools has virtually undermined any possible hope for real education in this type of environment.

Many argue that it is only this “inclusive” environment that can promote tollerance, but it is obvious that the opposite is really the truth. To further expect that moral choices that are offensive to many would not be countered by protest of one form or another is just naive.

Homeschooled children and those in private institutions have the benefit of being able to get an education without the influence of other moral standards being forced upon them. While certainly one might not agree with the teachings that are presented in all of these situations, one cannot deny that force is not being applied (in the form of taxation) to further engender hostility.

As with every other problem in society, the answer is simple. The influence of government in the situation must be eliminated. People get along fine when they are not forced to. People get along even better when they are not forced to pay for the behavior of others that offends them.

By Hannah

April 7, 2005 12:19 PM | Link to this

I (and my fellow members of our school Gay-Straight Alliance) will be participating in the Day of Silence. We want to end the discrimination and protest the silence that we must all face on a daily basis. During the entire day, I will not speak, and ALL people who must be silent or are discriminated against will be in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless you all. I know he loves me—let him love you as well.

By K.C.

April 7, 2005 01:10 PM | Link to this

Ok..that was a picture I did not want to have to imagine! But it was right though, Griffin! God apparently says things about homosexuality-just read your sins and the whole bible! I do believe God will forgive when faced with that at the gates of Heaven but just as he does not like adultery and premarital sexual intercourse- he does not like homosexuality.

By Common Sense

April 7, 2005 02:16 PM | Link to this

I have said it before, and I will say it again: “Teach tolerance…instaed of forcing acceptance.”

By Jennifer

April 7, 2005 02:29 PM | Link to this

Some people are gay and some people are just perverted, but there is a difference.

Being gay means having the ability to fall in love with the same sex, and although there are people who do not understand that can happen doesn’t mean it’s not true.

I am a firm believer of promoting tolerance towards other people even if I do not believe in their lifestyle. I have mine and they have theirs.

Homosexuality has been around since the beginning of time and it used to be accepted. And you know what? It is ok to be gay. Sadly, some people still think gays will try convert straight children. It’s completely ridiculous. Of course, there are also men who think all gay guys want them and there are women who think all lesbians want them, too. Let me assure you this is not true.

It’s a good thing there isn’t anything serious happening in the world and all people have to focus on is what people do in their bedrooms. On that subject, how many of our officials who are straight have gone outside of their marriage either with a woman or a man? Many. The concept that gays are ‘destroying the sanctity of marriage’ is absolutely ludicrus. I think straight people have been doing a good job at that for a very long time now.

And who can forget Jeff Gannon. Smile, Jeff!

By Jennifer

April 7, 2005 02:40 PM | Link to this

Life is so much easier when you go by the simple rule of: Be nice to everyone.

I don’t have to believe in the ‘bible’ in order to be decent to people and not run around committing murder.

Funny, though, that people think putting their kids in private school will perhaps stop the ‘gay influences’ from happening to their children. I would rather teach my children tolerance and understanding.

There are MUCH worse things out there my kids could be, and gay isn’t on that list.

By Jennifer

April 7, 2005 02:45 PM | Link to this

It’s a good thing to know some people feel it’s ok to hate on the basis of sexual preference as long as the bible says it’s ok. Even those of you who say you don’t hate stop just short of saying that in your posts. It is very clear you do by how your posts are worded.

It’s also nice to know that ‘Christians’ are the first ones in line to be intolerant of another human being. Servant of god my butt.

By ambergris

April 7, 2005 03:01 PM | Link to this

Being homosexual is a choice stop making excuses for you blatantly sinful lifestyle.

By Bowdoin

April 7, 2005 03:05 PM | Link to this

A gay acquaintance of mine in college (early 1980s) once posed the following question to me:

Assume that sexual orientation is a “lifestyle choice” and not something hard-wired into our brains.

Why would anybody consciously choose a lifestyle that they knew would subject them to constant (sometimes vicious) verbal attacks, limit their job opportunities, subject them to legalized discrimination, prevent them from marrying or adopting children, and put them at risk of violent death at the hands of homicidal bigots?

Any claim that homosexuality is not natural has to, it seems to me, be backed with a good answer to that “why?” It’s been 20 years, and I’m still waiting for one . . .

By Shae

April 7, 2005 03:21 PM | Link to this

I am not going to say that I totally agree with homosexuality but it is not our place to tell someone what to do with their personal lives. I work with someone who will swear up and down she is a devote christian.But she will be the first to talk about you and what she thinks is right. She makes fun if you are a different race-black, asain whatever. She make funs if you speak another language and believe in something other than her. I am a christian but admit I do not go to church but I have my beliefs.. and today it seems you can say and do whatever you want as long as sunday morning you are in church apologizing…which isn’t right, you know? I honestly do not know what I would do if my son/daughter came and told me they were gay. I admit I would be furious but that would be an obstacle that God has given me and my family to get through. In no way would I disown my child-you take the good with the bad…your child is still your child. I do not totally agree with homosexuality, i will be honest, but we used to have the same problem with african-americans and look how far we have come. Yes, there will always be those people who are stuck in their ways but then there are some who just adjust to the times and era. My perspective is- you don’t like just ignore it and look away. If they are not harming you then just go about your business. As long as someone is not forcing you to be gay then leave them alone.

By brandy

April 7, 2005 03:35 PM | Link to this

Well I must say that after reading many responses I kept hearing one common point: that children should not be forced to learn about homosexuality through school clubs. I totally agree with that but there is one thing that many are forgetting. School clubs are optional therefore one is never “forced” to learn about homosexuality if one has not chosen to join the club. Personally I think that homosexuality is a sin, but at the same time I believe that being gay is no worse than hate, adultry, lying, or any other sin, so I think that it is time that people stop putting weights on sins as though God does not look at all sin the same.

I am not gay; however, I do have gay friends, and while I may not agree with what they are doing, I love them just the same. And I truly feel that tolerance is key, because for all of those Christians out there you have to remember that people have put up with us having Christian oriented clubs in tax funded, or public, schools. So now it is time that we return the favor.

p.s. and for the record I am true Christian

By Amber

April 7, 2005 05:09 PM | Link to this

Wow. You know what? I think the Young Republican Club should be shut down because I don’t agree with them. I don’t want them teaching my children their evil views! I will not pay my tax dollars to have them teach my children that bull!

That is what these silly people sound like saying that Gay-Straight Alliance Clubs should not be in schools. NO ONE IS MAKING YOUR CHILDREN ATTEND THE MEETINGS! If they choose to have a different opinion than you on the issue of homosexuality, people like you are going to sit them down and preach to them for hours on why it is wrong. Blah, blah, blah. This is brainwashing! Cut the freaking cord already!

Why must your children be exact replicas of you?

By Jennifer

April 8, 2005 10:07 AM | Link to this

Amber,

Unfortunately, your analogy is flawed. Political clubs can easily be tied to a specific course in school—government. On the other hand, clubs dealing specifically with sexuality/feelings about sexuality are not as easy to tie to a specific course. I know you can stretch it & say that it’s an extension of Health class, but that’s a fairly weak tie.

I’m not quite sure whether they should be in schools or not. I tend to favor sticking to academic/service/athletic-based afterschool activities. I fail to understand why sexuality must be waved out there like a banner for everyone to see. However, seeing how the lines of communication are permanently disconnected in many of the homes of the people on this blog, I can see a real need for these clubs somewhere—whether that place is school is the point of the debate, and honestly it seems to be an inappropriate place for it, just like the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has no place in a public school.

By Capt. Louie

April 8, 2005 12:02 PM | Link to this

Jennifer, first the homo/health ‘connection’ is no more a stretch than saying teaching kids to be a Republican is simpy teaching them government. After watching the Republican legislature here in GA this year, I can definitely say that Republican partisanship is NOT good government. As for me, I think political parties out to be banned, but that is another blog.

Anyhoosies, if we truly want to eliminate any non-academic “clubs”, then make darn sure you eliminate all the sports teams as well. Not only will the public save millions and millions paying high school football and basketball coaches, but those activities have been repeatedly demonstrated as having adverse effects on academics. Between children on steroids to academic fraud on so many levels, to the possibility of permanent injury and even death(!!), sports really doesn’t belong in an academic setting.

Where is the outrage when the varsity team is allowed to skip classes for practice & games? Where are the bloody screams when the coach gets caught teaching the boys an illegal trick to win the game? Why doesn’t society collapse all round our heads when the football coach/ ‘math’ teacher is found to be giving his players passing grades whether they even attended his classes or not? This stuff isn’t limited to pathetic crooks like the Harricks at universities, people, this starts in high school! There are Jim Harricks in almost every high school that has a sports team.

But gee Cap’n Louie, you whine petulantly, sports is great for kids, and teaching them to be perverted little f* isn’t!!!

Is steroid use, fraud and cheating good for your kids? How about that permanent knee injury that you will go bankrupt having a surgeon repair (and badly)? How about when you bury your 17-year old sun because some sadistic old washed up wanna-be is making them do a hundred laps in 98-degree heat? Gee, that’s just AWESOME for family values, right???

Keep in mind that, as pointed out earlier, these kids aren’t heteros who go to these clubs and come out bi/homo. They were bi/homo, and its WHY THEY WENT TO THE STINKING MEETING!!!!!

This last: I, too, get tired of the “homophobia” label. Those people aren’t afraid of them, they just don’t like/agree with it. Also, for that crowd, remember this, you can say that the other crowd wears its sexuality on its sleeve, but if they had equal rights and protection under the laws, you wouldn’t know they existed. They are fighting for equal treatment, just like the blacks did under Jim Crow. Did MLK “wear his blackness” on his sleeve? No, he reminded you who he was, and what he was, simply to remind you that he, and his people, weren’t getting a fair shake.

By Fistarus

April 8, 2005 06:48 PM | Link to this

Tim Bueler is a moron. He invites the scumbags from gaymarriageno to park their trash trucks in front of his school. Gaymarriage no is a group that will not hesitate to perform battery on high school kids that disagree with their message. Robert O’Connor did just that in Garden Valley, California. He is out on $15k bail. His trial is coming up soon. The Otterstad, Dick and Luke, a father and son team are associated with Ronald Brock and Cheryl Sullenger. Brock has been arrested on numerous occasions and Sullenger was sentenced to 2.5 years in the federal pen for conspiring to blow up an abortion clinic. Brock’s hero is Paul Hill, the guy who was put to death for the murder, yes murder, of doctor in Florida. Nice group you run with Bueler!

By Lacy

April 11, 2005 11:47 AM | Link to this

Wow, I am really saddened to read a lot of these posts. I’m not gay, but I have some gay friends, and even shared a room with a lesbian in college. I’ll admit at first I had the usual homophobic qualms (“What if she hits on me/looks at me/whatever?”) but that NEVER happened. She was just like any of the other roommates I’ve had, and better than most.

People who are gay do not choose to be—people who “choose” to be gay or Bisexual are probably just experimenting and will end up in a heterosexual relationship. I don’t know if it’s genetic or physiological or whatever—no one does, and I doubt anyone will ever know. Sure, there’s no “gay” gene known… guess what, scientists also don’t know exactly which genes make a person black/asian/white/whatever. And why should we spend $$ trying to find it/them?

But I digress. I don’t understand this “gay people flaunt their lifestyle” criticism. Is showing affection to someone “flaunting?” I never wanted to see what happened with my roommate and her girlfriend behind closed doors (and never did)—but I also didn’t want to see/know what went on in my hetersexual roommates’ bedrooms. That’s a privacy issue—not a homophobic issue. But just hold hands/hugging/etc in public? Why is that so upsetting and “flaunting?”

For those who think it’s a “choice” and that they are flaunting their sin, I ask—why don’t YOU ask permission before flaunting your Chrisitan beliefs? No one thinks anything of it if a Christian esposes their beliefs to anyone in earshot. There are other religions in the world—and some of them might feel that the tenets of christianity are a “sin” to them. By your logic (it’s a sin to me—it shouldn’t be allowed), it shouldn’t be allowed, right?

At the heart of this blog is the question about the School Club. I don’t know much about the club, but it sounds like it’s just a general meeting area where teends can discuss sexuality and culture. It’s not a “gay” club—it’s for both gay and straight students. And its intention is not to teach about homosexuality—there’s really nothing they could teach that a high schooler doesn’t probably already know. It’s to allow teens a forum to discuss issues without feeling judged or hearing a bunch of Bible Thumpers telling them they’re sinners and going to hell (wasn’t there something about “throwing stones” in the bible?). If your child is not gay or interested, they need not attend, the same way they wouldn’t attend a theater group if they aren’t interested in acting.

And a note for those who claim to not be “homophobic.” You’re absolutely correct. Most people these days don’t fear gay people, so the term isn’t accurate. Racist people don’t fear people of other races, and anti-semitic people don’t fear Jews. They have blind hatred, often based on their religious beliefs. I believe people who hate (and don’t think that writing “I don’t hate gay people” before writing something that CLEARLY shows you do means anything… there are a lot of racists people who “don’t hate black people.”) gay people need a new term. Ideas anyone?