I am about as non-homophobic as they come, but something about this Openarms Youth Project mentioned in the New York Times today didn't quite sit well with me...
For those who want a general gist of the article, Tusla, Oklahoma has enacted an Openarms Youth Project in many middle schools. This project allows for locations in which gay and lesbian youth can go and feel safe from the bullying that they face at school.
Yes, it is great that this youth project is allowing a safe-haven for middle schoolers who are gay and lesbian, but whatever happened to breaking down the homophobic stereotypes within the middle schools?? The real question that I am trying to pose is: When has isolationism solved anything?
If I recall, there was an era not too long ago when African-Americans were treated as sub-humans, and what was the solution? Definitely not keeping African-American children from interacting with white children. These middle schools should be talking with the kids who are doing the bullying and enlighten them about gay-straight alliances. The issue is not the gay and lesbian youth being themselves, but rather the bigotted straight kids learning to treat their fellow classmates with the respect they deserve...or more importantly, the parents who fear the "unnatural, unchristian" ways of homosexuality.
-Riley G.
Two Things
1 hour ago
6 comments:
I totally agree with you Riley that this is not the best solution to the problem, but I do think it is a step forward.
This is just a gut feeling, but I think that with this program, more gays and lesbians will be more open about their sexuality, and that this will eventually lead to more tolerance if not more respect for gays and lesbians.
-Yuzo Yanagitsuru
Hello Riley,
First I would like to say, what an informative and interesting blog you have posted. Aplauso. Second, I think you have judged the Oklahoma Openarms Youth Project a bit harshly. The project is not a method of isolationism, but more an opportunity for happiness in some of the most troubling years of these kids' lives. The article in the NY Times mentions that many schools are making efforts to promote tolerance, like establishing GSA programs. But, no matter how many GSA programs are established, there will always be prejudice and bullying. Change of ideals is gradual (just like the civil rights movement). Tolerance cannot be forced into middle schoolers in a matter of weeks, months, even years. They have already been influenced by religion, family, and societal norms, and overcoming those influences requires a lot of work.
Tolerance takes time. There is undoubtedly bullying in Oklahoma. So, isn't it better to have a safe place to go, one where you can be yourself without fear, during a constant struggle for acceptance? I think the Openarms project is a brilliant idea. It is not isolationaism; it is an effort to make a transition easier; to provide nights where bi and gay middle and high-schoolers can meet teens of the same orientation and find support and unconditional acceptance. For some, it might be a life-saving oasis. Hopefully "that's so gay" will eventually exit the english language but, until then, I think Openarm events are a great idea.
"There is undoubtedly bullying in Oklahoma."
And in just about every state as well. I wouldn't be surprised if the conservative sections of CA have bullying going on as well.
"Tolerance takes time."
And in the case of homosexuality, it might take even longer for gay tolerance to take root than it took for the modern racial equality.
"So, isn't it better to have a safe place to go, one where you can be yourself without fear, during a constant struggle for acceptance?"
I agree with this view. This isn't segregation; it's not like gay people have to use a seperate water fountain or bathroom than straight people. This program is merely a safety net. After all, with all the negative connotation the word gay is receiving, it can be comforting for homosexuals to find a place where they can relate and open up to other gays.
Even though I don't support gay marriage, I wouldn't mind the presence of this program.
Rily i love you lets be lesbians to show those people its ok to be open about it.And i love this subject you put up. But lets face it it is oklahoma somewhat the south and there trying to change whats going on even thoe there is still a race problem. One step at a time and also being with people you know is great but to change peoples minds you have to mix around(not really lesbians but its ok if we were! :D)
Amanda lol!
I actually read this whole article, all 9 screens of pages. It is a great piece of journalism, and has examples of how this is still a touchy subject in the Bay Area, not to mention Oklahoma, as well as interviews with teachers, administrators, parents, and kids in several other states.
Freedom from fear through segregation is not the goal, but it does help gay kids who have to grow up right now in environments of limited tolerance where most adults just don't get it yet (if they ever do). Perhaps the next generation will grow up in an environment of fuller tolerance, with less of a need to provide separate spaces. See also: the already noticeable decline in importance of gaybrohoods like the Castro in SF.
Your impatience is honorable. I myself am tripped out by the change. GSAs in Middle School? Say what? 25 years is a long time... but I still can't believe it.
The closing anecdote in that piece made me smile, with a reluctant and probably embarrassed as heck but loving Dad taking his son Austin to Gay Pride and putting up with hearing his boy scream at hot men in speedos, how great is that.
Pride parades are sort of segregationist, too, but heck, when you are 3% of the population or so you might as well throw good parties and meet new people. Hanging out with only straight people in a small town in Wisconsin didn't sound fun at all for Austin. So he begged his Dad to take him to Pride, and they went. He's going to be OK. :)
Openarms is not about isolation of our GLBT youth. We actually allow any youth through our doors. On Saturday nights we have as many "straight youth" attend as we do GLBT youth. All of our youth are learning acceptance of any difference we find in others. We are very proud of the diversity of all our youth!
Carol
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