Comments on: Queer high school accepting enrolments

By: Stuart Baanstra

Stuart Baanstra — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 01:22:16 +0000

Clearly, Nicole, Josh and Paul have never been bullied.

By: David

David — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:22:15 +0000

I was bullied at school, it would have made a big difference to my life. – 30 years ago.
Today though, it’s quite simple. Bullying and any form of discrimination should have a zero tolerance attitude.
It’s the bullies and the bigots that need to learn that THEY are the ones that don’t belong in society, not segregate the gay kids. What unconscious messages are the segregated kids learning? – Does it reinforce the concept that they are different, or will they learn an alternative concept, that they are special…
Either outcome has a whole list of outcomes that may not be desirable.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:50:53 +0000

I understand the desire to be in a place where you are among like minded people. I understand the desire to put yourself in a place where you can avoid the negativity for those who don’t ‘fit’ the main stream schools. But I question if segregation is the answer. I would suggest perhaps intoducing a compulsory class about diversity and being inclusive…and include within that equal aspects of cultural, religious, sexual orientation and differing abilities…but I doubt that would happen

By: Paisley Fife

Paisley Fife — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:17:58 +0000

I do understand your POV, Paul, but I like to think of it as the difference between a single-sex school and a co-ed school. It’s hardly segregation. A vast majority will still attend public schools. In the long-run it’s just another school, attempting to cater and encourage children to continue with their education. Nothing more, nothing less.

I do not believe that it prevents people from understanding and accepting these differences as many will still attend regular school. Let’s not forget that most people want and accept Gay Marriage and no matter what, there will always be the few who don’t. In schools people get teased for pretty much anything, there’s no way around that.

And there is also no statistical evidence included which proves that a majority of teens do get bullied because of their preference and, as there are only 14 students enrolled our of the possible 25, from those statistics I do not believe it to be as big of an issue as this article is trying to make out. In High School people just tend to stick to themselves and their own group. That’s not to say that students don’t get bullied, though.

I have absolutely no problems with there being a school such as this. :)

By: Mike

Mike — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:15:10 +0000

True segregations maybe the wrong answer but i think by bridging these type of school with the everyday school in moderation could help both sides of the field in achieving things in understanding, acceptance and supporting LGBTQ community in not just USA but for the entire world… Again this is my opinion.

the problem right now, is that every school is worried about making the first step in talking about LGBTQ and teaching about what sex education for not just in regards to opposite sex but same sex as well. parents have to given their children the benefit of a doubt on their maturity, and the school need to make it clear to parents that the sex education isn’t just one sided.

By: Lucy

Lucy — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:06:01 +0000

I actually find it so amazing and so so sad that we have the need for LGBTQ schools, but I am so supportive of these schools. Many Lesbians, Gays, BiSexuals and Transgender have to confront so much bullying, torment and abuse on a daily basis for just being honest to who they are and it is fantastic that these students can still pursue finishing their school education in a safe environment. I Think if schools can be created for religions and talents (Art and Music) why not for supporting a fantastic, true and wonderful people. Well Done!!

By: Josh

Josh — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 11:52:11 +0000

I agree, although the idea of a tolerant atmosphere in a school, this could be created through careful teaching in sex ed and stuff. I do like the idea of the coming out class, because I found that bloody difficult.

By: Paul

Paul — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 23:45:21 +0000

I can certainly understand the motives and the the reasons people see for doing this. Yes it will help create a more accepting and supportive environment for young gay kids, with less bullying and hate. But! In the long run I think it is a really bad idea. Segregation and apartheid only serves to emphasise difference. It prevents people of different backgrounds, whether it be race, religion or sexual orientation from coming to know, understand and accept those differences. This will not solve the problem. It is an easy quick fix that serves to perpetuate the problem.