LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Harassment & Invisibility: One Student's Story |
Nobody tells Latino kids in the high school that nobody cares if theyre Hispanic so long as they keep it to themselves. Jewish kids arent told that theyre sinners, and they could change into Christians if they wanted to. People dont tell black kids they should put up with racism because theyve come so far from when they were slaves. They dont have to defend why there is a black history month, or why people want black studies included in the curriculum. People dont say, "Thats so Korean!" when they mean something is stupid or weird. People dont tell disabled kids that the community isnt ready to defend their equal rights and inclusion yet. You never hear anyone argue that breast cancer is Gods way of killing off women, or that its a good thing. If a teacher hears anyone use a slang insult for a Chinese kid, they jump on it. When foreign exchange students ask teachers about dating in the school, they arent sent to see a guidance counselor.
But every day in the high school, I hear its okay if Im gay so long as I stay in the closet, and that Im an abomination against God, that I can change if I want to, and that people like me shouldnt be taught about in school. Im told that I should be satisfied because our school is far better than it used to be, and that I shouldnt push for my equal rights and inclusion because the community isnt ready yet. I hear, "Thats so gay!" all the time, and I hear that "AIDS is my punishment" for being who I am, and I hear the word "faggot" all the time. Its hard not to walk around angry all the time. Reprinted by permission from Open HandsResources for Ministries Affirming the Diversity of Human Sexuality. Information on subscribing to Open Hands is available by writing to: 3801 N. Keeler Avenue, Chicago, IL 60641, or call 773-736-5526. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 4, May 7, 1999 |