This ran in today’s op/ed section of The State. Thanks to Bennie Colclough, Co-chair of the SC Progressive Network, and C. Ray Drew, executive director of SC Equality for writing with clarity and compassion on an issue that is fracturing the student body at Irmo High School.
Alliance promotes tolerance, not sex
By BENNIE COLCLOUGH and C. RAY DREW – Guest Columnists
The question of a gay-straight alliance being formed at Irmo High School and the ensuing resignation of Principal Eddie Walker has created a firestorm of emotion in the Midlands. Thousands of people have spoken out on online blogs. Demonstrations have been held. Prayer vigils have been formed. The emotion has created tremendous misunderstanding.
Gay youth grow up isolated. They often grow up without the support of parents, ministers, teachers or friends. The pervasive negative stereotypes in our society create a horrible dissonance in the minds of gay youth: a choice between hiding the true nature of oneself or facing profound rejection from loved ones. This leads to a frightening fact: Gay teenagers are three times more likely to attempt suicide. Regardless of how you feel about gay people, no one wants our kids to kill themselves.
National research shows that 80 percent of gay students do not know a single supportive adult at school, 38 percent face hostility and violence at school, and 18 percent experience physical assault. Gay students face more verbal harassment and physical violence than any other group of students. The one mitigating factor for these students is knowing a supportive adult at school.