Kids Today

WATCH: NYC School Bans Fifth-Grader From Giving Awesome Pro-Gay-Marriage Speech

OMG! Can we give this boy a big ol’ high five? Fifth-grader Kameron Slade from Queens, New York was barred from giving a speech supporting same-sex marriage. After winning his class competition, Kameron was entered into the school-wide competition at PS 195—until his principal ordered him to choose a different topic, one that’s not “inappropriate,” or leave the competition.

ThinkProgress provided the full speech in the video above and this transcript of a selection:

“Some people are for same-gender marriage, while others are against it. Like President Obama, I believe that all people should have the right to marry whoever they want. Marriage is about love, support, and commitment. So who are we to judge? If we judge people like this, this is a form of prejudice. We must learn to accept all differences.[…]

My mom is very open to me about same-gender marriage. However, some adults may feel uncomfortable and think it’s inappropriate to talk about this to children. I think adults must realize that as children get older, they become aware of these mature issues that are going on in the world. If children read or watch the news, they can learn about things like same-gender marriage, so what’s the point in trying to hide it?

In conclusion, I hope that everyone understands how important it is to respect everyone for who they are. Same-gender marriage is becoming more popular. I believe that same-gender marriage should be accepted worldwide and that parents and teachers should start to discuss these issues without shame to their children.

Can we print up “Vote Kameron Slade” T-Shirts immediately? (And he’s a welcome antidote to this hate-spewing child.)

Naturally, Kameron is very bummed out. “I was really looking forward to it,” he said in an interview with NY1. “I thought that this was a real good winning speech for tomorrow.”

It is, Kameron. Blue ribbon all the way!

Most parents sided with the principal, completely failing to grasp the speech’s important message. Parental responses were: “That’s an adult conversation, yes.” “That’s between a parent and a child.” “I think they are a little too young to hear about this.”

These adults must have been in the throes of ADD when Kameron specifically addressed the futility of hiding such a topic from kids. However, we’re pretty sure most made snap judgements without even hearing the speech.

Kameron’s mother is rightfully outraged. “For him to be denied the right to voice his opinion really upsets me,” she told NY1. “It’s on the news. It’s a part our lives now. They need to open up. The New York City Department of Education needs to open up.”

A-frickin’-men. Although, it is odd that Kameron’s mom didn’t want to be identified or seen on camera. Curious thing that she’s willing to proudly put her own son on television, but not show her face. All the more kudos to brave little Kameron!

At this point, Kameron is being forced to write another speech, choosing to discuss animal cruelty prevention. Presumably, the school allows this because beating, maiming and abusing animals is considerably more kid-friendly than loving, lasting human relationships.

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated