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Pride Guide 2000
GAY PEOPLE
Schools must change, to end the pain Robbie felt
by Leslie Powell Sadasivan
This the text of a speech that Leslie Powell Sadasivan wrote for the Millennium March on Washington. Because of time constraints at the March rally, she was unable to give it.
I am a suburban mother from Ohio who anticipated the highlight of the year 2000 would be my son, Robbie's, high school graduation.
Leslie Powell Sadasivan
But Robbie Kirkland will only be represented as part of the Class of 2000 on a memoriam page in his yearbook. At the end of Christmas break in 1997, Robbie chose to end his life rather than return to the homophobic and hateful environment of his school.
He was a gentle, sensitive, and loving boy. Our family loved, supported, and accepted him, but could not protect him from the harassment of his classmates or the rejection he felt from our homophobic society and the
THE CENTER
Catholic church.
The years of homophobic harassment from his classmates left Robbie feeling worthless, humiliated, isolated, and frightened. He internalized the homophobia he encountered, and hated himself because he was gay.
Sadly, there are too many stories like Robbie's. Every day in schools across our country, children are assaulted with words such as faggot, queer, and dyke. They are often pushed, tripped, punched—made to feel ashamed of who they are. I truly believe this type of harassment is the precursor to hate crimes that occur in our society.
The lack of legal protection for gays only encourages and reinforces hatred and homophobia. It gives some license to discriminate, harm, and even kill. It is no surprise that statistics show sexual minority youth have an increased risk for depression, suicide, drug abuse, dropping out of school, and running away.
Think back to your own pain when you were young and experienced or. witnessed homophobia. Do not dismiss these memories as an unfortunate aspect of being gay, but as a problem that we need to actively eliminate.
There are many things that we can do to reach out and make a difference for gay youth.
One simple, yet valuable action you can take is to write your schools and tell them about your experiences as a gay youth. Describe the homophobic teasing and harassment that you witnessed or were a victim of. Ask schools to have teachers undergo mandatory training in gay sensitivity and aware-
ness.
GLBT youth need to see themselves in the curriculum. Therefore, insist that schools include GLBT figures in the curriculums. Demand that schools form and support gay straight student alliances. Schools should have sexual orientation added to their harassment and discrimination policies for both students and teachers.
THANK you!
The Lesbian/Gay Community Service Center of Greater Cleveland
6600 Detroit Avenue
Schools must stress acceptance, tolerance, and respect for all, regardless of perceived or visible differences. Student diversity programs must begin in the early school years to effectively combat prejudice.
It is important to support legislation that gives sexual minorities equal rights and protection against harassment and hate crimes.
Organizations such as P-FLAG, GLSEN, the Human Rights Campaign, GLBT community centers, and student gay-straight alliances are valuable assets and must be supported. Their web sites offer valuable information and guidance.
I would like to share with you part of a poem that Robbie wrote. His words reflect the pain, rejection, and hopelessness he experienced and which many GLBT youth continue to experience.
I'm Dying and No One Cares I try to stand and walk
CONICLE
I fall to the hard cold ground. It feels as if to life
I'm no longer bound.
The others look and laugh at my plight. Blood pours from my nose,
I am not a pretty sight. I try to stand again but fall To the others I call But they don't care The pain is unbearable The world is not fair I'm lost and cold
I wish someone would lend a hand to hold
My tears mix with my blood The end of my life, it nears I'm dying and no one cares.
I encourage you to be that hand to hold for our youth, reaching out and guiding them into a millennium free of hatred and inequality. Thank you. God bless you.
John R. O'Connor, LISW ACSW of D.L. Dunkle and Associates Practicing in Two Locations!
5 S. Main Street Suite 204 Oberlin, Ohio
44074
12417 Cedar Road, Suites 21-24 Cleveland Hts., Ohio 44106
216-229-2100 800-938-9973
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11th Annual Garden Party
On the Shores of Lake Erie at the Beautiful and Historic Shoreby Club Sunday, July 30th
11:30am Benefactor Reception $75
($80 after July 15)
Open Bar hosted by Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum! Served up by Rom & Ronnie from Place! Hors d'oeuvre, and a spectacular Vegasstyle review by pupeteer/impressionist Jerry Halliday, featuring Sista Girl!
It took a community to build this community center!
On behalf of the staff and board of trustees, we'd like to thank the many individuals, volunteers, supporters, funders, community members, groups, businesses, politicians, and Center friends who gave an incredible amount of money, time and energy to The Center's relocation to 6600 Detroit Avenue.
THE LESBIAN/GAY COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER OF GREATER CLEVELAND 6600 DETROIT AVENUE
Garden Party Eleven Sponsors:
SOUTHAAN
A SYMBOL OF FABUDOM
LAKEWOOD HOSPITAL
QUBAD Qranc EXACTIN PRSTEN
Y
Body Language
Ameritech.
Captain Morgan
ORIGINAL SPICED RUM
(216)651-LGBT
www.lgcsc.org
Monday-Friday Noon to 10pm
CLUB CLEVELAND
RAY WOLF &
DAVID PEIFER
COPY KING
On F On D
3
Ohio Skin
Clinic
plus...
1:00pm
Guest Admission $35
($40 after July 15thk
Featuring Cleveland Pianist, Ken Wallace, wine, soft
drinks, and a cash bar with
a spectacular luncheon to follow plus...
Everyone will Enjoy:
Our one of a kind live and silent auctions of the most intriguing trips, entertainment, fine art and much more. Special Guest Emcee: Marshall McPeek, WKYC TV.
Special Finale performance by Windsong Women's Ensemble
Garden Party Eleven Center of Greater Cleveland
Annual benefit for the Lesbian/Gay Community Service
216-651-LGBT or www.lgcsc.org for more information