Earlier this week we posted a video from a gay Texas teen in which he shares his emotional story of being asked by his high school principal to go back into the closet or face expulsion.
In the video, 17-year-old Austin Wallis intentionally does not name the school, but it was only a matter of time until someone connected the dots.
The Texas Observer did just that, tracking him to Houston’s Lutheran High North. They reached out to the school for a comment, and Dallas Lusk, head of school at LHN, sent the Observer a statement from Wayne Kramer, executive director of the Lutheran Education Association of Houston. The association covers three schools, including LHN, which has an enrollment of 162.
Here’s what it says:
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
“Lutheran High North welcomes all students and their families to the LHN community. We profess and proclaim our Christian beliefs with the foundations and authority taught in the Bible, all within the teachings of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. We respectfully require students to adhere to these accepted values and moral beliefs. Sometimes, as in this case, students have to make choices and decide whether their beliefs align with our community and we respect their choices. We also respect student privacy and do not comment on any individual student or their actions.”
So according to the school, being gay would fall under an unaccepted value and/or moral belief. This is the kind of religious garbage that convinces kids that something is wrong with them, and that it’s their fault if they choose not to “denounce” being gay, as if that were a thing people could do.
In the email the Observer received, Lusk also wrote that students are banned from promoting “anything sinful,” and pointed to a “morals clause” in the student handbook.
It reads:
“Lutheran High North reserves the right, within its sole discretion, to refuse admission of an applicant and/or to discontinue enrollment of a current student participating in, promoting, supporting or condoning: pornography, sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bisexual activity; or displaying an inability or resistance to support the qualities and characteristics required of a Biblically based and Christ-like lifestyle.”
Since when was psychologically damaging kids “Christ-like?”
Parents, if your child attends a school with a “morals clause” directly targeting LGBT students, please consider alternative means of education. The world isn’t slowing down for you, so catch up.
polarisfashion
I wonder how many other LGBTQ students are in this school? I hope they can see this guys example and potentially get out of an environment that isn’t good for them.
GG
The bible says NOT ONE WORD about sexual orientation. Therefore, this school’s actions of excluding homosexuals and bisexuals based on their sexual orientation is AGAINST GOD.
But then, “Xtians” like this never seem to let such a fact stand in the way of their bigotry.
jwtraveler
Are religious institutions legally permitted to engage in any form of human rights abuses they choose if they claim that they are part of their religious values and moral beliefs? Can they engage in racial or gender discrimination if they claim it’s part of their moral beliefs?
technicolornina
@GG: Actually, it does. But this is where it gets great, and where I really want to shove Xtian leaders’ faces into the pages of their purported holy book and scream HOW CAN YOU CALL IT INFALLIBLE WHEN YOUR G-D TRANSLATION IS WRONG, ANY OF YOU?!
It’s in one of the gospels, and it’s the story of Jesus and the centurion as written in the original Greek. The story you might have learned in Sunday school is this: The Roman centurion goes to Jesus and says “my slave is dying, please heal him!” Jesus says “I’ll come right away” and the centurion says “No, I believe that if you only say the word, he’ll be well.” Jesus says “This man has more faith than any I have seen in all of Israel” and heals the slave, then blesses him and the centurion.
Here’s the problem with that story. THE CENTURION DOESN’T SAY “SLAVE.” The word he uses has no English translation, because the concept illustrated by the word has never existed in an English-speaking society. A “pais,” the word he uses, was a slave you purchased in the same manner as a wife, for the same reasons as a wife. He doesn’t say “please heal my slave” at all–the most accurate translation we could give today in terms of meaning would be “please heal my husband.” (Still not an exact fit, but much closer than what we’ve got.)
Jesus responds by granting the request and blessing them both. Nothing about going your way and sinning no more, nothing about the Evils Of Laying With Men, just “okay, sure, y’all are good with me.”
So yes, the Bible does address homosexuality in the context of “two men in a committed relationship.” And it treats it exactly as any other marriage.
GG
@technicolornina: Actually, it doesn’t.
technicolornina
@Ladbrook: Yeah, I first read about it on Would Jesus Discriminate (it’s a dot org. I don’t know if Queerty will let me publish the actual LINK link). The only ancient Greek I speak are the technical terms I needed to learn for my college major, so I have to confess I’m a little bit at the mercy of translators. However, when the translation given is “based on this, this, and this source contemporary to the bible to give context to this original verse,” I’m going to be a little more confident in it than “well, this root word means this and this root word means that, so put them together and it means THIS.”
DarkZephyr
@jwtraveler: I am not sure, perhaps, if they are a private school. Again, not 100 percent sure.
Ladbrook
@technicolornina: As a confessed agnostic since around the age of 16, I have no memory of this particular story from Sunday school. Can you tell us where we can read more about your interpretation? Maybe an article or website that addresses the translation error? I’m curious to know more. Thnx
technicolornina
@GG: Actually, it does. You clearly didn’t read any of my comment past the first line.
GG
@technicolornina: Actually, it doesn’t. And now that you’ve entered the realm of claiming supernatural powers y claiming that I did not read the entirety of your comment, please offer proof of said power by, say, telling me what I ate for breakfast.
DannyEVillage
@GG: What technicolorina is telling you is basically exactly correct as regards how biblical scholars analyze the story: the word used by the Centurion for his sick “servant” or “slave” actually is a word used for a person with whom his “owner” is in an intimate relationship.
Here are one of several references about the story available online:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jay-michaelson/when-jesus-healed-a-same-sex-partner_b_1743947.html
technicolornina
@polarisfashion: Yes, I am! There’s also a verse–I forget WHERE in the Bible, I think Acts?–where Paul comes on a man who’s described in a fashion that matches contemporary descriptions of gay men. He’s on his way home from temple, but the verses he’s paused to read in his Torah scroll are verses related to being an outcast, and it’s not clear he was actually permitted to take part in prayer. Paul ain’t having any of that. Paul tells the man to come with him to church.
@GG: I’m not even justifying your cattiness with a full response. You’re acting like a child. Actually, that’s not true. I know several children, and all of them would be ashamed to talk like you.
GG
@technicolornina: “I’m not even justifying your cattiness with a full response. You’re acting like a child.”
Translation:” Waaaa. Waaaa. I’ve been called on my bluff and cannot deliver. I will therefore accuse the other party of being catty and childish.”
Yes, there is childish behavior exhibited here, but not by me.
FACT: The bible says not one word about sexual orientation. Deal with it.
PS. Still waiting for you to tell me what I had for breakfast.
polarisfashion
@technicolornina: Fascinating, thank you for sharing! Are you familiar with Matthew 19 verses 10 – 12? The so called Christians like to ignore that part as well. It’s where Jesus tells his disciples about three types of eunuchs. We all know that a eunuch that is made that way by men is someone who was castrated. Another type of eunuch is someone who makes them self that way, or in other words they took a vow of celibacy to serve God. A eunuch who was made that way in their mothers womb is a homosexual. At the end of the verse Jesus tells the disciples if you are able accept it, then accept it. If Jesus can accept homosexuals, why can’t the Christians do so?
McShane
@technicolornina:
I thought Luke referred to the servant as “Doulos” which is slave in Greek.
Just go to Bible Hub, Luke 7:2.
Weymouth New Testament, “Here the servant of a certain Captain, a man dear to his master, was ill and at the point of death;
AtticusBennett
“Christians” also like to ignore the words attributed to Christ in the Sermon on the Mount in which HE, rather explicitly, condemns the public-spectacle-making of prayer and commands that prayer be done IN PRIVATE.
Scribe38
Last week a number of posters on this site were calling the kid a media whore and defending the school. I want at least one of these as*holes to admit that this kid has way more balls than they do and that the school was f*cking wrong.
Derek Williams
And what did Christ say against gay people? Nothing.
KJ
For the sake of clarity, I want to point out that this is a “Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod” affiliated group – A very conservative denomination, and should not be confused with the ELCA “flavor.”
Ian
The Missouri synod Tx school might directly target LGBTQ but the ELCA doesn’t. I’m ELCA Lutheran. So is our youth pastor Who’s also gay. We embrace whoever comes to us. There is also the Methodist church with a gay bishop and many others. As gays aren’t all pedophiles; Christians aren’t all bigots. Many of us actually see WWJD as a good thing, A good even anti Christians could get behind. Jesus was a left wing after all. Screw the school for its mis-interpreted “biblical” ways, and to the oppressed gay kids there, don’t reject your role model because the people in power use scripture outside of its historical context to bend you to their narrow ways. Please don’t throw me in w the bigots because I’m Christian. I’m here, I’m queer, I’m Christian, I’m educated, I’m a parent, I’m a nurse, I’m a leftie, I’m a teacher, I’m different, get used to it.
siflwr
I am amazed and bewildered by the fact that a Lutheran Missouri synod school would actually ask any of it’s student to step away knowing of the MONEY CRISIS
the church as a whole faces, and, Isn’t this what the religious leaders of all churches really teaches all about.. it’s not about saving souls, yet damning them everyday is a more profitable business, it’s the bottom line that’s really at stake here. If this young man or any young man fails to procreate this linage stops here. Oops no more souls to save…no more pledged monies for the school or church. That’s the bottom line.. So if they choose to turn away someone it’s not really because they are a “bad” person, they just show no earning potential.
chuck
I was raised Lutheran. GOD IS FAKE!
onthemark
@Scribe38: It’s not an either/or. Some of us said the school is f*cked up, and still said the kid was out for attention. Both can be (and IMO are) true.
Scribe38
@onthemark: Being open and honest about who are is never wrong. Almost every teen has a social media site. Why do only str8 teens get to post about their lives and who they love? This school singled the kid out because he was gay and instead of taking it the kid fought back in the manner of his generation. Protesting against mistreatment is very different from attention seeking. Civil rights aren’t given in this country but fought for. I would be proud of this kid if he were my son.
robho3
So not to sound like an asshole or anything and I totally disagree with the school’s views but at a private school they can do things like that. My advice is to go to a school that embraces your values… if you are gay why would you want to give money to any organization or business that doesn’t support your values????
Ans the kids little public video was irritating as hell. Why these kids have to broadcast every aspect of the life is beyond me. And the tears and hugging were just too much
bottom72
Ohhh this poor boy it breaks my heart and brings me to tears.
michaelmt1009
Is it any wonder that hate and homophobia keeps getting passed on by hypocritical institutions like this High School and their BS. I always ask myself the same question; what God do you believe in? and what warped interpretation of the bible are you subscribing to? I would be interested in learning if this school gets any state or federal funding and if so how can we start a movement to take those funds away. Enough is enough.
NiceNCool1
This exposes religion for the bullshit it really is.
lauraspencer
@Scribe 38…..I never defended the school, but I did say the kid was looking to be a celebrity. I still stick by my earlier statements.
Personally, I feel the school is wrong and it is sad in this day in age that religious institutions are still not more accepting, but since there is obvioulsy a code of conduct that I’m sure all parents and students are aware of I can’t fault the school for standign by their code (even though I personally find it crazy). I would think that if a hetero teen was on youtube talking about topics that would be inapproriate (by church standards) that they to would suffer the same consequences.
There are plenty of schools that are accepting that you don’t need to go to one that doesn’t fit.
dhmonarch89
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lutheran-High-North-Houston-TX/133405310019123
you can review their school via their facebook page.
OzJosh
@technicolornina: There are English words that come closer to the original meaning than “slave” – “concubine” and “catamite” would be two. It’s just that Bible translators choose not to use them.
For anyone enlightened enough not to care what the Bible actually says about anything, the really interesting thing here is that, as usual, Jesus has no problem with enslavement, sexual servitude or gross exploitation. Whatever the translation, the word clearly implies ownership, and JC is just fine with that. Whack-job Christians have no problem seeing the Biblical endorsement of slavery as an unjust and archaic practice of an un-evolved culture, yet far more vague, dubious and ambiguous references to even more archaic (e.g. Old Testament) values they choose to elevate to the level of unimpeachable truth. You’d think that the more intelligent Bible thumpers would eventually see that there is clearly something else driving this desire to demonise gays, and it has nothing to do with the written word. But I guess the conclusion is that the more intelligent ones still aren’t very bright.
lcandela123
The Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church. Even among protestant churches, they are well known for their extreme views and brain-dead fundamentalism. This is the church that violently split (killings occurred) with the Wisconsin Synod of the Lutheran Church, over the ground shaking “issue” of whether music would be allowed during Sunday services.
Now, I admit that as religions go, this cult is no worse than any of the other mind-control schemes out there. I was raised as a Roman Catholic, whose rich history of stupidity and atrocities are legend, so why should I talk?
But honestly, music?
technicolornina
@GG: No, you refused to read what I actually wrote, then came back with a catty comment when I pointed out that if you’d read what I wrote, you’d be able to look up the passage to read for yourself. I’m not the one being childish.
However, this will be my last comment to you. Enjoy feeling like you’ve “won,” because I’m pretty sure all you’ve proven is that you’re a jerk.
steveleong
They toss around words such as “morals and values”, in an all knowing, holier than thou, rightous way.
When in fact, they have ripped apart the very fabric of this young man’s life, his dreams, and faith in God.
They discriminated, condemnedand promoted crucifixion in the name of God. The same God that created
Austin being Gay. They are now on the receiving end of a powerful law, that all their praying or pseudo-faith
will be able to protect them from.
What one sows, so shall they reap.
jantheman4903
@Scribe38: hi pick me pick me. and stand by it. he didn’t do anything..just went on youtube n cried and wanted OTHERS to do things about it..as is happening. and at the end “OOO subscribe subscribe”. so harvey milk should have made a tv spot..cried about no representation and expected others to do it. this is a generational thing imo not a gay or straight but i don’t give him respect for ONLY going in front of camera n getting to first base over n over.
Dev.C
@robho3:
I think you fail to realize that this is just how this generation of kids communicate, which is all through social media and is about sharing each others story. You are jumping the gun by saying he wants fame because he has a Youtube channel and I understand why you might think that, but most kids know it’s very hard to become famous off Youtube or make serious money from it.
There are hundreds of gay kids who do exactly what he does and about 10% percent of them are famous to the point of being social celebrities. Most of them are either in college or have graduated college with some form of degree in media.
These Youtubers aren’t just fame hungry reality stars, they all have jobs or carriers and do social media videos to. Most of them also encourage kids like him to educate themselves and to also keep making videos because their visibility is important, which I have to agree with.
You may not like seeing him cry on camera about being mistreated and being consoled by his boyfriend but that’s seems like a personal reaction on your part. You don’t know this kid and you obviously haven’t watched his other videos to see what he’s really about, so how could you and why would you judge him based on this video? a video that he didn’t intend to go out to all these different blogs, but was intended for his followers mainly on youtube.
So in closing, yes you do just sound like an asshole.
Cagnazzo82
Jesus had nothing to say about gays.
He did however have quite a lot to say about the self-righteous, holier than thou, false pious crowd who proclaim themselves the arbiters of morality.
Their actions, kicking him out for being gay, is far more sinful than anything this kid has done by simply being who he is and making videos trying to give other kids hope.
jeremy dale
A lot of people think that Jesus was gay. He never had a girlfriend and remained single all of his life. Walked around in a robe, hung around with guys all the time, all of his best friends were guys and allowed guys to wash his feet. He only invited guys to his dinner parties. There maybe other reasons that i am not aware of. Do you know any?
And about the Bible, this book is loaded with sex and violence not to mention all the magic tricks and lies that went on to befuddle people. Who would want to live by these principles? Live and let live I always say, gay , bi or hetero, we are all the same species. We need to unite, care for and love one another which is so much easier than fussing about everything.
Marvellis1
Before you go off on single men who primarily hang out with other men, remember Jesus and his disciples.
Being religious and being a nut case are two different things. Most anti-gay sentiment is based on voodoo beliefs, not Christianity.
SteveDenver
Religion is a CHOICE, and a stupid one.
Sexual orientation is not a choice.
SteveDenver
Nicolay is hotter than Jesus.
Stay with Nicolay.
Clark35
This guy is extremely stupid for choosing to go to a private school.
GG
@technicolornina: “No, you refused to read what I actually wrote.”
I’ve already asked you for proof of this, but you have not done so. Indeed, in lieu of proof, all you offered was derogatory terms.
“. . . this will be my last comment to you.”
We’ll see if you can keep your own word. At least that would be something to your credit.
perevier
Hey, Guys, I commented on YouTube, and the only response I got was from some knuckle-dragging neanderthal asking me what it was like living with AIDS. I happen to be negative. Anyway, I respect the balls it takes to get on social media, and be as free as you guys are, and I’m sorry you are experiencing the backlash. Even so, please know that it is just this kind of bravery that is bringing freedom to others. In “my time”, I would have probably been killed in public school had social media been around. Just know that there are earlier generations that are behind you in your struggle. I just recently turned 50, and there are those before me who had it even worse. Stay strong, and true to who you are. We’re behind you!
scace
It’s not surprising this story comes from Texas, but are any schools associated with the Lutheran Education Association of Houston receiving FEDERAL tax benefits? It would come to no ones surprise if it was receiving monies from the tax payers of Texas, but any federal tax benefits should be immediately withdrawn! I urge all federal taxpayers to complain to: Richard Weber, Chief, Criminal Investigation or Don Fort, Deputy Chief, Criminal Investigation
1111 Constitution Ave NW; Room 2501; Washington, DC 20224 or leave a message at:
http://www.irs.gov/uac/Criminal-Investigation-(CI)-At-a-Glance
Scribe38
@lauraspencer: There were tons of organizations that had segregation written to into their bylaws so does that mean that the civil rights movement should not have challenged them? Rosa Parks knew where it was written she should sit, doesn’t mean she should not have fought for her rights. Btw how much input did you have on the high school that you went to? Most of us go to the high school that our parents send to. Its a shame the kid has to fight against bigots and those in his so called gay family. People judging the kid because he was crying and being hugged really need to reevaluate their lives and remember how painful it is to be rejected at that age.
Scribe38
@jantheman4 t903: Actually if you watch his other videos you would realize that he was supporting other teenagers coming out as gay. Each generation fight oppression in their own way. You threw out Harvey Milk name, would he be attacking this kid or helping him? There isn’t a doubt in my mind that Harvey would tell you either help the kid or stfu and get out of his way.
PLAYS WELL WITH OTHERS
So sad that on a site like this you see “adults” spewing the same crap on Gay kids that you would find on any rightwing nutbag site………
canuckdave
promoting, supporting or condoning: pornography, sexual immorality, homosexual activity or bisexual activity;
So if guy had sex with 6 women and 1 guy in a year, does that make him mostly straight but not quite bisexual and certainly not gay? Don’t they know about the Kinsey Scale of sexuality? And they call themselves educators.
masterlowlow
I would love for someone to dig into this school and see if at anytime if it has accepted any Federal money for anything at all. I know that it’s not a College and not getting student loans. But any money for things like building maintenance, grants for computers, or anything I mean anything at all during it’s regrettable existence. My point is that it could be used to force that school to be dragged kicking screaming even if it does not wish too. Into this century with acceptance of everyone no matter what or who they are inside outside. If they accepted Federal money to help pay for insurance, or to buy a school bus then they either have to repay the money or change not to mention the fact that the “Morals Clause” is in violation of everyone’s rights. Christan’s always forget that at least at this time Construction trumps Bible every-time no matter how much they want it to be the other way around. No special rights or special protections for Christan or any Religious Groups in any State in America we are protected from that. A couple of well placed legal suits should either close this “School” or force it to change it’s hateful ways once for all. When I appear in Court I even refuse to swear on a Bible, because it has no more power then the local phone-book or a copy of “Drummer Leather boy’s of the Month issue” it’s time we take back the power put Christ back in Church keep it their. Not in our schools, Courts, Government Offices and meetings. I know it makes me sound extreme but trying to prove my point. If you do nothing your just as guilty as going along with the Sheeple letting them harm our kids every chance they get.
Disciple
I am not justifying this stupidity however it is a private Christian school so it is not surprising in the least. I feel bad for the kid but this is what happens when you attend a school led by cultists.
Jerry12
Ah;yes! The “Bible.” The most widely printed and distributed books of Fiction ever produced.