Faith and Tolerance

When I began teaching in my school district, one of things that surprised me the most was the absolute intolerance of many of my students. This intolerance was only reinforced when I was asked to sit in on a meeting to represent one of our teachers. This teacher was an openly gay male who shared with his students stories from his life, some of which included talking about his husband. He did this in part to help any of his students who may be struggling with their own sexuality. He knew of the high suicide rate that exists for many gay teens and wanted his students to know his classroom was a safe place.

The meeting was called due to a parent's complaint against this teacher. As I sat in on this meeting, I was stunned at the bigotry and prejudice that came out of this woman's mouth. I truly felt like I was stepping back in time. The words that she uttered were very similar to what many 40 years ago uttered during desegregation and integration of our public schools. Much of what she said were quotes from the Bible to justify her prejudice.

I guess the irony in all of this is that this woman was African American and she did not want her son taught by some fag. The way she she said that word sticks out in my mind some five years later. It was no different than the bigoted white person who uses the "n" word. It was just as hateful and hurtful.

Vallejo is known as the most diverse city in the U.S. However, it seems as if some want that diversity to not be inclusive of its Gay population. The mayor of Vallejo was recently quoted here and here. How sad it is that in a city plagued by gang bangers, violence, a high drop-out rate.high unemployment and high foreclosures, that he would say something so ugly and divisive.

The mayor will never understand the damage that he has done to the kids who remain silent, closeted and forgotten.