A reader just sent us a story in which we think you’ll have some interest. Danielle Smiley has come against some pretty heavy opposition in her quest to found a Gay Straight Alliance at her North Carolina high school. In typical Christian-right fashion, local pastors insist the club will be a hotbed of homo sin. The Herald Sun reports:
Local pastors and parents have denounced the proposal. They’ve said the club could help spread AIDS, encourage children to engage in sex and persuade others to become homosexual.
Ug, it’s just so frustrating when people think all homos do is shoot drugs and have orgies!
All of us know that the GSA ain’t nothing but a bunch of young homos and straight allies getting together to have nice, quiet chat.
It wouldn’t be a “gay club” for recruiting homosexuals and promoting sexual activity, but instead would focus on raising awareness about homosexuality among all students, she said. It also would provide an opportunity for gay students to talk with their peers instead of their parents or adults, Smiley said.
With all the controversy, school officials called a community meeting to discuss the matter, which 130 people attended. A decision has yet to be made.
Smiley says she understands people’s trepidation, but it all comes down to free speech:
How about we take this to the next level?
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I was raised as a Christian and I understand everything that the Bible says to me… I’m not forcing anyone to go to this club. But the First Amendment gives me the right to free speech… All we want is to have people treated the same.
Word.
Awwww
How can they hate on the poor girl…her last name is Smiley for God sake.
Kamasutra Jones
The problem is that there are many homos out there who think they’re sexuality is really about shooting/snorting drugs and engaging in orgies. Whether a majority or minority of homos is certainly debatable. However, we all know about the scourge of crystal methamphetamine running rampant in the community. And sadly, this is what the public sees as “being gay.” While they (the public and Christian right) need to change how they see us, WE need to change how we act and are portrayed. With anything, it’s a two-way street.
Kamasutra Jones
And here I read on and find this posting, which totally proves my point above:
http://www.queerty.com/queer/news/another-day-another-gay-scandal-20061005.php
Matt Hill Comer
Kamasutra… I understand your points exactly. I’ve said them before, but let’s not forget about all the horrible things straight people do too…. oh but wait… hold up… Let’s not forget all the horrible things EVERYBODY does. Bad decisions don’t just lie with gay people, or straight people or red or black or white or green… all kinds of people do bad things – we are all human after all. Maybe the gay and straight community just needs to realize we might have more in common than we have different.