I had to write a paper for Mr. Baker (Danny DeVeto) and I chose a topic that has had my class fighting for a week straight over, but the thing is, I've not completly came out to everyone yet (though a lot of people do know I am bi) but this paper, will hopefully be the beginning of the end of my closet breakthrough...
Nonetheless, here is my editorial. I have never been soo proud of a paper before...let me have feedback when you read this...I really want to know what you think!
Every day everyone is faced with a challenge, whether it be trying to get home work done, or discriminated against, and after a day of this, you wake up the next morning to see it happen all over again.
Homosexuals are no exception to the rule of discrimination. Every day someone who is "gay" is hurt physically or emotionally. What makes things worse is when you are a homosexual teenager. I know from first hand experience how this feels.
Most people believe that homosexuals should not have the same rights as everyone else. But doesn't the most factual legal document in U.S. history (the constitution) and Bill of Rights state that the first amendment state that everyone has freedom of speech, freedom of press, assembly, religion and demand change in government? If African-Americans and Whites, Catholics and Christians, Male and Female all have the same rights, there should be no reason why homosexuals cannot have them too.
Schools have never been safe for homosexual teens, but now since more are coming out, it seems as if violence has gotten worse.
"Gay students are five times more likely then heterosexual to skip school out of fear for their own safety"<--Study of Massachusetts youth published in "Pediatrics"
61.1% of gay students reported verbal harassment
46.5% reported sexual harassment
27.6% reported physical harassment
13.7% reported physical assault
It doesn't end there, the "Pediatrics" study found that among self-identified gay and lesbian teens, more than one-third reported having attemped suicide. Which is three times the 9.9% of self-identified straight teen reported suicide attempts.
There are many ways of changing things and making them better. One way is to try and help out communities that are having "problems" in their society with gay people. Try and make schools safer, studies also show that teachers and facilty are over looking this horrible problem.
Gay teens are so afraid to come out because they know about how much "pain" it will cause them. They are the only one's to suffer, parents don't because most of them disown their child once they find out the truth.
We are living in a wonderous time, if you look at it technology and discovery wise, but one of the worse times in society. If something isn't done now, it will not be done in the future.
One of the funniest parts about the whole thing is I started rewriting my paper tonight and had just a page and a half (hand written) and when I rewrote it, it turned out to be two and a half pages...I am soo proud of it...please, email me or just tell me what you think of this...I Do want to know.