Mostly, Harthan said, his experience following his revelation has been positive, in part, he said, because his school had been prodded to adopt a strict anti-harrassment policy. But he also said the fact that he is one of only a handful of students and teachers in the region's schools who are openly gay suggests to him a high level of denial in the community. Teachers in some schools can still lose their jobs if they speak out about their sexual preference. In our school as well as in the larger community I just don't see this as a major issue. Ferriera said he believes it is incumbent upon all school administrations and teachers to promote the discussion of sexual orientation at appropriate times even when it is uncomfortable for them individually.
Silence is complicity, so breaking the silence and stopping hate talk is the first step.
You certainly can't expect a gay student to come forward and make the first move because that is asking the victim to be victimized again. By Jenifer B. Mckim, Globe Staff Stephen Fox said he has been shoved and verbally harassed at school because he is gay. Yesterday, Fox stood in front of the State House and told some 2,000 people about the abuse he faced. Fox said to cheers. Many students then danced and celebrated at a concert on the banks of the Charles River.