School Alliance Groups

Students in high schools across the United States are beginning to appreciate the benefits of
forming gay/lesbian/bi/transgender/straight alliances. These are groups that share
information and support for all students in dealing with sexuality and sexual identity
including sexual orientation. What is your opinion about these groups? Should high schools
provide the facilities and forum for groups of this nature? Why or why not? If high schools
allow gay/lesbian clubs, should gay/lesbian teachers be allowed to discuss their sexual
orientation with their students?
I believe that gay/lesbian/bi/transgender/straight alliance groups are very beneficial. I
think that they are sometimes necessary. Although we have come a long way since the 1960s
there is still a negative stigma to being gay. The stonewall incident in 1969 might have served
served as a catalyst for the formation of gay right group (Crooks & Baur, 2011, p. 274) but to
this day we are still having debates related to the topic. It can be difficult to for teens to come out
or feel comfortable asking questions regarding their sexual orientation, especially when their
orientation isnt traditional, like heterosexuality. Its really about the unity formed and the
acceptance of others. I think any group that promotes unity and self-love/ love for others is great.
It is important that teens feel like they have somewhere to go for answers. It is also very
important for people to learn about lifestyles that arent the same as their own because it teaches
tolerance.
Schools should provide the facilities and forum for groups of this nature because it will
be benefit to their students. I have seen so many different groups and clubs allowed in schools
that it would make sense if they didnt allow one like this. I think the purpose of clubs to find a
group you can relate to and find people who understand you. Groups like these provide the
feeling of belonging and the affirmation and acceptance that are missing in the larger culture
(Crooks & Baur, 2011, p. 271), not only for homosexual individuals but as well as the
heterosexual participants. It is understandable if a school feels nervous about such groups
because it involves topics regarding sexuality but Its not just about giving
gay/lesbian/bi/transgender/straight teens somewhere to get information; its about teaching each
other about acceptance and really getting to see how normal all the differences are. The school
will benefit as well because it will create a more welcoming environment and there will be less
harassment incidents if students are accepting. Sex education in school is really basic and
doesnt give much information so I think its important for people to discuss issues or concerns,
especially in high school when a lot of teens really become aware of their sexual identity. I think
it is okay for teacher to discuss their sexual orientation with students. If we are talking about
sexuality in a math or history class, than I can see why it would be a problem. Sexuality should
only be discussed in settings that are appropriate. If people are getting together after school for a
club, than they know what will or can be discussed. Having a club and classroom specifically for
such conversation is appropriate.
In conclusion, I think that there are a lot more positive than negative attributes to having
a sexual orientation alliance group. It is a natural need to feel like one belongs and creating an
environment that allows that will be beneficial. Students and schools would benefit. The health
of students is important to their success in school and being informed and welcome are also
important factors to being a healthy person.
References:
Crooks, R., & Baur, K. (2011). Our sexuality (11th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth