I think that it is uplifting to see teens given the opportunity to be themselves freely. At this day in age, although everyone has opened up to this topic more than in the past, certain things such as prom could be tough for teens if they feel unwelcomed. I think that this is a great idea and I hope to see it spread.
3
It's so hard to be a teen. I am well into my 60's and recall those years as some of my most uncomfortable. Now I work with teenagers, as a school-based public health nurse, and have seen what a great bunch of kids comprise the Gay-Straight Alliance each year.
Truly, there are times when I am not comfortable with the more extreme trans outfits, especially when they are accompanied by lots of piercings, but that is my problem. To Emily in Ohio, I would say, "Would you rather be in your shoes or in the shoes of one of these teens facing confusion about their sexuality and a world that can judge with remarkable cruelty? No one is mocking or harassing you, and you have the freedom to not participate."
5
Fun stuff. Reminds me of 'Frisco in the 80's, when there was actually a lot "gay" culture.
2
Right on!!!!
1
Great idea - I hope it spreads. One unfortunate aspect I noticed in this article, however, is the obesity evident in virtually every picture. Kids this age should not be fat! Why is this? Is it the fast food crap that so many folk eat these days? There is something seriously wrong in a nation where fat folk seem to be increasingly the norm among all sectors of its population.
2
Back in 1953, when I was 16, I quit a Chicago high school, because I had "those"tendencies". Then it was taboo to be queer(that is what we were called) or even mentally ill... and there were absolutely no support groups to help gay teens.
What a difference today in Chicago... A few years ago, on several occasions I spoke to a group at Chicago's Walter Payon's College Prep High School G/S/A after school program... and the first thing I said to them was how lucky they are to be part of that program. They had the support of their school,teachers and most important... their peers.
This year, after the tragedy at Parkland Florida... it was students from their G/S/A after school program that came to the forefront. To make sure it never happens again there, and reaching out to their elected state officials that helped to change gun buying laws.
I wish all schools had Gay-Straight- Alliances, in big and small cities and Red and Blue States. I know it would of made a difference in my life had it been available when I was a high school student.
Thank you for this excellent report, and great images of kids being themselves and enjoying life as well as it should be!
10
What a wonderful idea. I hope that this sort of thing spreads far and wide.
16