Pantagraph.com | Letters | Gay youths deserve protection in schools

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Dear "Not all those..." wrote on Sep 7, 2007 2:08 AM:

" You're correct... not ALL... "

Not all those... wrote on Sep 6, 2007 1:52 AM:

" who find something morally substandard are hateful, bigoted, or phobic. In many cases, to live out that moral understanding in ways that are not terribly hurtful, but actually loving, is a really difficult battle for the ones labeled "homophobic." It isn't the same as dealing with the labels given homosexuals, but some equal sensitivity might be in order. "

Big Brother wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:44 PM:

" You believe the GLBT is picked on more than anyone else? In the preceding article take the special group name GLBT out and place in it the name of almost every special interest group in the US. For example insert christian or African American, or Native American, or Hispanic, or overweight children, or EMH students. Its all the same. To believe you are more picked on or more entitled to special protection is self indulgent on your part. If you do not believe me ask any overweight girl how many times she has been harassed about her weight since she started school 12 years earlier. Your findings are ludicrous and self serving. You detract from the real problem of equality for ALL students when you serve to focus the attention on your self serving interests. "

Student protection? wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:18 PM:

" Why just protect students? Why not drop-outs and recent graduates? Why not adults? Why not......? "

I dont understand wrote on Sep 5, 2007 6:52 PM:

" Why can't we offer protection to all students? Why does it have to be only one group that gets protection? "

...GLBT wrote on Sep 5, 2007 5:33 PM:

" " Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgendered "? I think the type of sandwich sounds a whole lot better. "

Tractor Driver - Part 2 wrote on Sep 5, 2007 4:09 PM:

" By the way, I'll put my education, and more importantly, my sense of civiility and neighborliness against yours any day! Some people need to learn that name calling only makes them littler. "

Tractor Driver wrote on Sep 5, 2007 4:06 PM:

" I'm one and proud of it. (Glad you had a good breakfast and lunch today too.) "

Tracy wrote on Sep 5, 2007 3:55 PM:

" To To Tracy: I just want the schools to focus on what comes first. TEACHING ACHEDEMICS. I do not care if people are gay, whatever, but I do resent the fact that they think they are in more pain than other kids with issues that don't get this attention. There is drug addiction, alcohlism, abuse, poverty, social pressure, sex, STD's, on and on, but we keep having to hear about the poor gays. It is old. I want my kids to learn, unfortunatly I had to explain to my daughter in 7th grade why two girls were kissing in the hall. It is inapproiate and I am tired of it. Be gay, have the life, just quit thinking being gay is some kind of big deal. Get over yourselves and try being more descrete. "

To Tracy wrote on Sep 5, 2007 2:37 PM:

" So funny that you say we are trying to be "special", when in fact, all we want is to not be discriminated against, harrassed and compared to criminals, etc. as it is done here in this blog. If the article were about an ethnic group or pregnant teens or something other than GLBT kids, would you be so indignant? Tom's letter is to the point, unbiased and very well written. No one should be harrassed at school. No one needs to grow up except some of you people on this blog and the people that proliferate the hate. "

To Joe wrote on Sep 5, 2007 2:33 PM:

" Right on! WE as gays and lesbians "don't deserve anything more than the next guy"!!! That means we deserve the same rights, entitlements and protections as anyone else. Bravo Joe. "

The Joker Responds wrote on Sep 5, 2007 2:21 PM:

" No, I don't hide the fact that I'm straight. I also don't advertize either. The point I was trying to make is that unless you communicate your orientation in some way, who's gonna know? Personaly I don't care what people think about me one way or the other. Lot's of people don't care much for me for lot's of reasons. But I don't walk around telling people not to pick on me becasue I'm (insert your cause/religion/orientation here). I figure it's nobody else's business. If you like me, fine. If you don't like me, well that's fine too. But I am not gonna cursade one way or the other. "

Tracy wrote on Sep 5, 2007 1:44 PM:

" I am so sick of gays thinking they are so special. Everyone gets harassed to some degree in school, even in the work place as adults. Please TEACH MY KIDS MATH, SCIENCE, ENGLISH, ART, MUSIC, ATHLETICS, SOCIAL STUDIES AND THE LIKE. If I had known that crap like this would take priority I would have moved to a different district than Unit 5. Teachers think they are so special that the even have to nurture and protect these kids? What egos. Get back to the job you are getting paid for, and try doing it a little better if I might add. Be gay, I don't care, but quit butting in line in life's true priorities, starting at the school level. "

to To “to Re: to nice try tom” wrote on Sep 5, 2007 12:42 PM:

" Oh just awesome! The tractor drivers are out in force! We have people comparing gay people to criminals and now to people who like animals a little too much. I'm just waiting for the inevitable child molester comparison You guys are just too much. Just listen to how absurd you sound. "

to why??? wrote on Sep 5, 2007 12:40 PM:

" I've known quite a few gay people over the years and none have marched in any parades. They just want to live their lives and maybe get married one day. I'll bet if gay people were granted the right to marry the person they love, you'd see a lot less of "shoving it down your throat." There'd be a lot less need for marches demanding equal rights. "

GLBT wrote on Sep 5, 2007 11:41 AM:

" Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Transgendered "

To “to Re: to nice try tom” wrote on Sep 5, 2007 11:26 AM:

" What if it were a person and an animal in the park? There are some things you should close your mind to. If you close your mind to right and wrong and open your mind to unnatural behavior, you open yourself and your family up to perversion, abuse, broken families, lose of self-esteem and grave deterioration of a healthy, safe society. "

To What is GLBT? wrote on Sep 5, 2007 10:07 AM:

" I think it's a type of sandwich. "

why??? wrote on Sep 5, 2007 9:54 AM:

" I don't agree with bullying, but why is it that gays must always keep "screaming" about it. I am really tired of having it "shoved down our throat!" I don't believe that straight people go around having parades about their sexuallity, or wearing ribbons to proclaim they are straight. Just live your life, and quit demanding special treatment! Judas!!! Why do we need to know whom someone is sleeping with, it is their decision! Keep it in the bedroom! "

...What is GLBT? wrote on Sep 5, 2007 9:52 AM:

" Not sure I want to know...or if it even matters. "

What is GLBT? wrote on Sep 5, 2007 9:19 AM:

" I have no idea what that is or what that stands for. "

to Science wrote on Sep 5, 2007 8:57 AM:

" There's nothing to say that being gay is genetic. Some theorize that an overexposure to the "wrong" hormone in utero causes people to be gay or bi. Also, there are a lot of destructive genes that keep getting passed down because they are recessive and/or the carrier lives long enough to reproduce. In any case, gay people can and do have children. Tell us, when did you choose to be straight? "

to BILLY BOB wrote on Sep 5, 2007 8:55 AM:

" Personally, I think that Muslim beliefs should be taught in public schools. After all, if you get to teach Jesus, then I can teach Allah. "

T wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:43 AM:

" To Unit 5 and 87 and all the other districts in the area. Either CLEAN Up your policies and inforce them or the courts will. To those of you on this blog that think its ok why don't you show up at the hearing and they'll get your money to. I'd suggest you teach your children through example that you can't bully these individuals or others around. It's no different in the work world "

JR wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:15 AM:

" I don't agree with the bullying. Kids can be cruel though, and everyone has to deal with it. I grew up as a fat kid, and I got teased. Still somehow I got over it. I didn't let it get to me. I wonder, what are the suicide rates of alcoholics compared to non-alcoholics? Drug Users? Etc. Sure, blame the bully to make you feel justified, but sometimes you have to look deeper into the cause of something. "

Nerd wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:13 AM:

" I was small and got straight a's. I was picked on by bullies. No one set up protective groups, special laws, special programs, etc. to keep the little nerd from being bullied. All students should be protected, not just those with non-traditional sexual identities. "

FYI wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:08 AM:

" Where does being gay and having a sex life come into play? Being gay or lesbian has nothing to do with having a sex life. It is merely being attracted to someone of the same sex. If a young gay person decides to engage in sexual activity, that is their decision, just the same as it is a young straight persons decision to engage in sexual activity. You all have turned this forum into something completely useless. This article has nothing to do with sex, and I believe that you are all ignorant. "

Are you serious? wrote on Sep 5, 2007 7:06 AM:

" Are you all serious? You're still arguing about this story? You are all outrageous. Grow up. "

Joe wrote on Sep 5, 2007 6:55 AM:

" Thats whats wrong with this country, everyone wants to be treated "SPECIAL". They don't "Deserve" anything more than the next guy. "

Science wrote on Sep 5, 2007 4:49 AM:

" How is it not a choice? If it were genetic it would be a destructive gene! "

Can we please~~ wrote on Sep 5, 2007 4:00 AM:

" give this issue a rest??? Let these people live in peace and go about your own business. It's not for you or me to decide their sexual orientation, it's their's!! So please just drop this subject; I think enough has been said and written on this issue. "

BILLY BOB wrote on Sep 5, 2007 1:07 AM:

" In a FREE society that wants to be FREE from discrimination and harrassment, people with religious convictions would be openly and FREELY allowed to express them at our education centers. The GLBT in an effort to discriminate against FREEDOM OF RELIGION openly condem the expousing of any christian beliefs at the school. If a christian believes that homosexuality is an abomination to Gods eyes he is labeled a homophobic harrasser. If anyone is being harrassed and oppressed its the christians that wish to express their belief in God at school. So really Tom....who is calling whom names? As for your findings from Massachusettes.......I trust the findings are as skewed as the stories of Chapequitic were. "

BILLY BOB wrote on Sep 5, 2007 12:56 AM:

" In a FREE society that was FREE from discrimination people with religious convictions would be openly and FREELY allowed to express them at our education centers. The GLBT in an effort to discriminate against freedom of religion openly condem the expousing of any christian beliefs at the school. If anyone is being harrassed and oppressed its the christians that wish to express their belief in God at school. "

to Cavewoman wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:40 PM:

" LOL. A 13 year old knows he's gay because he's turned on looking at guys. When I was 13 years old, I knew I was straight because I was turned on looking at girls. This isn't rocket science here, only hormones. "

to The Joker wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:39 PM:

" Flip it around. How do you know if someone is straight unless they tell you? "

ToThe Joker wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:06 PM:

" Does that mean these kids or anyone else should hide who they are...do you hide that you are straight? To those who think this just protects gay children. It also protects straight kids who are called gay. Oh to cavewoman, I know i was gay at 13...no one told me and no one else knew until i came out to my family and close friends at 25...I date women and all the "macho" straight man stuff. BUt knew i was not that person. I didnt chose it, God chose me...mabe he chose me to come down and teach people who are closed minded people that gays are human too...hopefully i do my best so when i go up to heaven, i can say "I tried" and i do everyday...Oh and not all gay men are flamboyant...i know more flamboyant straight men! "

The Joker wrote on Sep 4, 2007 5:51 PM:

" Here is a question for anybody who is gay-How would I know you were gay (sorry, rumors don't count) if you didn't tell me? "

to Re: to nice try tom wrote on Sep 4, 2007 3:57 PM:

" I don't support outrageous behavior and only want to hold gay couples and straight couples to the same standard. I would explain a gay couple displaying an inappropriate amount of public affection in the same way that I would explain a straight couple displaying an inappropriate amount of public affection. Some behaviors are appropriate for public display, others are not. In any case, I'm not seeing gay people asking for special treatment, only equal treatment. I got to marry the woman I love. Why can't a gay man marry the man he loves? I wouldn't say your concern is practical, just closed minded. "

Cavewoman wrote on Sep 4, 2007 3:55 PM:

" Tom, how does a 13 year old know that he's gay? He must have gotten the idea from someone (maybe his teacher or parent?). Thirteen year olds should not even be sexually active!! "

don't get it wrote on Sep 4, 2007 3:20 PM:

" Gays and lesbians are not singled out for unfair treatment. Anyone who focuses their life on sexual activity will be found out and be ridiculed. Did you ever hear the term slut in your high schools. I did 40 years ago. Be descreate and there will be little issue, be public and there will be harrassment. For the comment about in the park makeout sessions gay/lesbian/or hetro', the best rule of thumb is GET A ROOM! If we want to see it we can rent a video! "

Re: to nice try tom wrote on Sep 4, 2007 2:11 PM:

" you have missed the point of my post completely. I am not for harrassing anyone, just merely stating that preferrential treatment for people who choose so stuff an alternative lifestyle down my throat is repulsive. If you are a straight couple with your wife then why would you go out of your way to defend such outrageous conduct on a group of people who are going out of their way to be so flamboyant? My take on this matter is neither religous or politcal, it is practical. Case in point, when I am at Miller Park trying to enjoy the ameneties that my tax dollars are paying for at the lake with my grandchildren fishing, why is it up to me to explain to my grandchildren of two people of the same sex on a blanket on top of each other showing exuberant affection for each other? My point is that I am trying to try and explain choices of others that appear to even 5 years olds, conclude that is unnatural. Now please explain to me how you and your straight wife would explain these things to your children and grandchildren. "

to: to MRS. wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:37 AM:

" Leave her alone, she has no gripes unless she invents something to gripe about. "

to MRS. wrote on Sep 4, 2007 9:02 AM:

" I don't think any homosexual teachers are talking about their bedroom life... "

to Nice Try Tom wrote on Sep 4, 2007 8:49 AM:

" Why is it so difficult to simply leave gay people alone? Why do you feel this desperate need to harass and humiliate them? Are you compensating for some of your own feelings that make you uncomfortable with yourself? I'm a straight male married to a straight woman. The presence of gay people or gay relationships does nothing to diminish me or my relationship, nor do they make me feel uncomfortable. Life is too short for bigotry. "

to hmmh wrote on Sep 4, 2007 8:45 AM:

" Its always amusing when people compare being gay to being a criminal. Get off your tractor. Bullying is a major cause of low self-esteem. When people like yourself make other people feel bad about themselves for being themselves, you ruin their self-esteem which in turn causes destructive behavior like alcoholism and suicide. Gay people aren't hurting you. Leave them alone and in peace. I doubt they'd want to know someone bigotted like you anyway. "

MRS. wrote on Sep 4, 2007 8:01 AM:

" I agree Tom, their accomplishments should be recognized as anyone elses, who knows, a homosexual might find the cure for a disease. That is fine, but why is it necessary to add that person as a homosexual? Why is that needed information? If a hetrosexual finds a cure for a dsease they won't include he liked the oposite sex or she slept with her man every night. Teachers at school (usually) don't talk about their straight lifestyle in their bedroom, why should it be ok for a homosexual to do so? "

MRS. wrote on Sep 4, 2007 7:54 AM:

" All kids need to be protected at school but what is the difference in making fun of a homosexual or a fat person, a poor person, an ugly person or any other person? Those kids are just as hurt as a homosexual. A kid is a kid. If the law would allow bullies to be taken care of the way we did it there would be far less bullies. ( A Christmas story) I am very confused with all this talk of religion being the cause of hate, wars and all. My God never tells me to make fun of a person or hurt anyone. My God does tell me to obey man's law. I have never marched in any anti Demonstrations of any kind, never chained myself to an abortion clinic door, and never had any desire to kill an abortionist. God tells me to pray for these people, tell them of God's gift. The rest is between God and that person. I also can’t understand people saying leave God in church. My God goes everywhere with me. I am not ashamed or embarrassed by My God. "

Say Tommy.. wrote on Sep 4, 2007 6:52 AM:

" Lets worry about the "readin and rightin" exspecially the "rightin". "

Nice Try Tom wrote on Sep 4, 2007 6:20 AM:

" but your attempts to normalize abnormal behavior has fallen on deaf ears. Why should the majority change their entire way of thinking to accept, support, and give specialized treatment to a few handfulls of people who CHOOSE to be different? This is another case of a double standard issue when you have gays flaunting their sexual CHOICE in public, then crying foul when people voice their opposition. Just a few years ago the dont ask dont tell policy was protocol for even the military, but now that is not good enough. It is the CHOICE of gays now to attempt to cram their lifestyle down the heterosexuals' throats and then cry foul when they are not embraced by the mainstream. What a crock. "

hmmh wrote on Sep 4, 2007 3:25 AM:

" Could it be that the suicide is from their own feelings about themselves? I get tired of hearing about these overwhelming feelings that they just can't cope with so they have to turn to this lifestyle. Do you think any addiction including alcoholism and drug use is hard to overcome? But if you can't overcome it should we just accept it? When you want to have an affair should we just say it is natural so let's just accept it? When you want to rob a bank or beat up your neighbory, be angry at everyone, or gossip should that just be accepted? Some of the bank robbers, alcoholics and drug users commit suicide too. Is that other peoples fault or does that come from within when they know on some level what they are doing just might not be kosher. I think people need to quit blaming their problems on others. You can blame someone for everything if you want and you don't really have to try that hard. "

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