Chicagoist: CPS Ponders a High School for Gay and Lesbian Teens

Ingrid

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 20:09:30 -0600

I think that high school *period* is the true 'false environment'. It's a four year microcosmic pyramid scheme meant to inflict pain on the sensitive or different. I don't see these schools as being nirvana, but it's nice to know that a school could exist where students don't have to worry about getting beat up every day.

Mary_Sunshine

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:00:33 -0600

I agree that it doesn't seem to solve the problem in general. Gay-bashing arises partly from homophobia, and partly, just because high schoolers are assholes and will pick on anyone who's "different." Creating a special school seems to be creating a false environment for the gay kids, and doesn't address the homophobia/bullying issue at all.

Ingrid

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:29:03 -0600

dj skilz You don't have to be gay to go to the school, so it's not like it's totally segregated. They said they want a 40%-60% balance. And what are you losing out on when, at any other school you may possibly have to hide your sexual orientation or risk getting beat up or verbally abused the whole time you're there? It's 4 years...and those four years can possibly be the worst four years of one's life, or at a place like this they can be a positive experience. I just don't see this as segregation.

Ingrid

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:21:42 -0600

I see this as one step in a positive direction. I feel so strongly about bullying in schools. I have a ZERO, ZERO, ZERO tolerance for any type of bullying and it just dumbfounds me how often teachers turn the other way or have the attitude of 'kids being kids' or it's just a 'right of passage'. I don't see this as alleviating other schools' responsibility towards providing education and a safe place for all students...I think that this school could be a tremendous success and serve as inspiration and example to other schools. I really hope this happens.

dj_skilz

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:16:49 -0600

Hmm... I am a pretty progressive guy, but things like this really get under my skin. As certain groups struggle for equality (LGBT, Minorities, Women), there are factions that seem to think a segregated solution is the answer. I personally find this a bit hypocritical and "DOUBLE-TALK". Granted I am on the other side of the agendas here "White male", but I wouldn't want to just goto an organization for white males. I feel you loose out on the experience of integration into society thru segregationist agendas like these. I would have less of an issue if there was no public money being considered for such a venture, but I still believe that awareness and education is a better solution.

Albanyparkour

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 17:01:48 -0600

Simply based on the suicide rate, yes. Most of my friends are GLBT and with only a rare exception high school was more than the usual shitty experience for them. Gay-bashing remains one of the last great "acceptable" ways for aspiring bigots to get their hits in. Teachers can turn a blind eye. One lesbian friend of mine went to the principal after being jumped by some girls for being a "dyke" and he told her to "try acting more like a girl". This was in the late 90's. A school where GLBT kids could relax and just have all the normal horrible worries of being a teen? Hell, I would have wanted to go there as a high schooler, think of the theater program!