No discrimination is reasonable but there, to me, is nothing more screwed up than the discrimination inherent in our “Don’t ask, don’t tell” world.
Now, thanks to old Jim Crow back in the 40’s and 50’s and 60’s, I’ve faced more than my share of discrimination but I overcame all that, beginning in my childhood, as me, as who I am – which was etched in the thickness of my lips, in the tightness of my naps, in the flaky white ashiness in my skin, in the African-ness of my skinny black legs, in the intonations and rhythms that colored the dialect in my speech. After so many years, I was more than ready when it came time to sing “Say it loud. I’m black and I’m proud.”
But what is a gay child to do, when the world says: “Hey, go on and be gay if you want to but just don’t twitter us about it.” How is that child to feel with a world breathing easy in its heterosexualness while he or she suffocates?
Who advocates for our LGBTQ youth as they face chilliness in their communities, as they are harassed, as they drop out of school, out of life, too many of them ending their lives. Who helps give them voice?
Well, GLSEN San Diego County (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network) does, striving to assure that everybody at school is valued and respected no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
Chapters at various schools provide students a chance to get together to socialize, plan events and parties, and discuss various subjects and issues that pertain to their well being.
To further its cause GLSEN San Diego County puts on a BENEFIT DINNER each year at the Big Kitchen in Golden Hill/South Park. One is coming up real soon.
Date: Thursday, October 28th
Time: 6:00-8:00
Location: The Big Kitchen – 3003 Grape Street, San Diego, 92102
A donation of $16:00 per ticket includes a scrumptious lasagna dinner with salad, garlic bread, brownie and a choice of tea or lemonade.
Reserve your tickets by email now, glsensd@yahoo.com, and help GLSEN make our schools into better and safer places for ALL youth!
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Dear Ernie,
Thank you for all you do on behalf of these children who desperately need a voice – and love. You get it. I can only hope the time comes when the majority does as well.
In the meantime, we need people like you who will carry the torch.
Big hugs,
Lauren