Newsgroups: bit.listserv.deaf-l
Date:         Tue, 1 Sep 1992 23:08:22 EDT
From:         "Dave Windley, Data Comm Specialist X799" <AADW@CATCC.BITNET>
Subject:      LGB ed vs Deaf ed

Annie says:

> LGB kids suffer marginality in schools.  They suffer ostracism,
> beatings, and harrassment from other students, and from teachers.
> They lack positive role models.  So do many other marginalized groups.
> I don't think segregation is the answer here, though.  The answer is
> increased visibility of LGB teachers and a positive attitude toward
> sexual difference from the administration (and from society).  This
> takes time and work.  We're getting there.  Already LGB college
> faculty are fairly accepted, and high school teachers are becoming
> more visible.  Positive queer characters are appearing in some movies
> and TV shows.

      Just FYI:  *I* am greatly offended by the term "queer" to
      represent persons who are LGB.  That term definately infers
      something wrong, abnormal, and negative.  There are others who
      do not care about labels and their hurt factor.  That label
      happens to throw shards of glass from the terminal to my face.

      Although there has been some progress in recent years, the
      children need more positive exposure.  I interpret part-time
      for a county school system in Maryland.  We had a lecturer who
      was openly Gay and also has full-blown AIDS.  You would not
      believe the bigotry, picketing, and bad press we received when
      The disABILITY Awareness Project of Howard County tried to
      visit a school and educate the children about those who are
      different.

      In the end, the children pulled through with wonderful
      editorials from some student leaders at the middle school.
      They told the administration just how much they valued our
      visit regardless of the man's sexual orientation.  It was a
      very touching experience indeed to see the children teaching
      the parents a thing or two!

      A lot more work is needed, and from my experience with the
      disABILITY Awareness Project of Howard County Maryland, the
      key to eliminating negative feelings towards those who are
      different is to target the children, before the hatred and
      bigotry is imbedded by parents and society.

>
> Besides, a lot of the LGB positive role models can be positive role
> models for straight kids, too.  Remember, they are more than just
> LGBs-- they are whole people.  They can be accomplished women, people
> of color, people of varying backgrounds and abilities...  For every
> characteristic that I share with my role models, there are a hundred
> that I don't share.  I can pick and choose that which I want to
> emulate.

      Well spoken; I wish others would adopt as open a mind as you
      have.
>
> Besides, what school would a deaf lesbian go to???
>
      Hmm....thought provoking!
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   Dave Windley,                       Catonsville Community College
      Data Communications Specialist          800 South Rolling Road
      Sign Interpreter                     CATONSVILLE MD 21228-9987
      GLBO Co-Founder                          Voice: (410) 455-4799
      ITR Club Vice President                             AADW@CATCC
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