“Man, that math test was so gay.”  Walking down the hall I hear the people behind me talking. This is the same conversation I hear at least 5 times a day. Someone should probably inform students that “gay” does not actually mean stupid or lame or difficult, and that the misuse of the term is offensive to those who are, in fact, gay. But no one will say anything.

I don’t blame them. Who would correct these people and risk being called gay themselves? Who even notices this slight anymore? It has become such a common occurrence that it goes unnoticed by most, but not all.

When I came to STA in grade nine I had high hopes for high school. I would be able to come out, and be free from the immature views of elementary school students that being gay is weird and gross. I would join a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and would be able to be myself.

I quickly learned that being gay was still kind of weird, there was no GSA, and I was still in the closet. So I decided that I should start to change that. Our school needed a GSA.

Four years ago, I spoke to two trusted staff members. They, in turn, spoke to the then principal who swiftly halted the idea, saying it wasn’t possible at that time. I was a disappointed grade nine student, but admittedly, I was not the one who would have to deal with phone calls from parents who didn’t approve. STA was and is a Catholic school, so I knew, even then, that it may never happen, but I had to try.

Today, I’m now very fortunate to have a family and friends who are supportive, but there are many who do not have that. A GSA would be their only support system. Understandably however, this may be difficult in a Catholic school. “This is not a club we can support in our school because it goes against our Catholic beliefs. It is, however, important in schools for all students to be a part of some sort of club to feel like they belong. It is unfortunate that there aren’t more clubs and organizations such as GSAs outside of school,” said Ms. Carambia a teacher at STA.

She went on to add, “There are other clubs that schools do try to provide that try to provide students with self-awareness, self-confidence, self-esteem so that students can feel that they belong somewhere. Regardless of whether a student is gay or straight, everyone needs a support system and can reach out for help if needed whether it is from school clubs or from outside the school in the community.”

Our school does have many clubs that students can join and each of these does get the student involved in the school and the community. Some LGBT students may still not feel entirely comfortable being themselves in these groups, even though they are open and accepting.

“From my perspective I think that the idea of equity and fairness is embedded in what the school is about and the gospel’s values. Because we are made in the image and likeness of God and all deserve respect and to be treated fairly,” said Mr. Daly, principal of STA, “I’d like to think we’re committed to promoting values like dignity, equity, and respect within the context of being a Catholic school.”

The Halton area does have a youth group called Hope for LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Questioning) teens. It meets only once a month however, and is not the most private environment. Many students cannot make it out to these meetings without their parents knowledge; this is important if they are having issues coming out.

Many students think a GSA is a good idea as well. Scott Bordas, a grade 12 student, said, “I would join it because I have a few friends who are part of the gay community and I personally don’t have anything against the fact they choose to have same-sex partnership.” He also agreed that “STA does have a very friendly and open community, but I think it would take a year or two for the students to understand the reason for a GSA because, as we know, most students make fun of people in the gay community.”  Most of the students I spoke to said that they would join the group as well.

The Halton Catholic District School Board mission statement states that “an effective learning environment fosters in each student a sense of unique value, self-esteem and importance to society.”  We should foster a sense of value in our gay students.  The fact that 10% of the world’s population is part of the LGBT community can no longer go unnoticed. Though it is safe to remain neutral,  by overlooking this group we are pushing them deeper into the closet. There are students who need support but are often too afraid to ask.

More information about Hope in Halton can be found at www.haltonpride.org.

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