Dear Editor,
I came back from a two week holiday to read this week’s paper (Oct. 25, 2016) and read Carl Werkman’s long letter about the indoctrination of our youth by the LGBTQ movement. In this letter, Carl claimed that homosexuality is a religion that is being forced on all Albertans by the government through the schools. I then checked the two previously missed issues and saw the editorial, on Oct 18, encouraging our government to enforce Bill 10 in both private and separate schools in Alberta; and two more letters against gay straight alliances (GSAs) in schools.
I was going to try to refute all three letters, but decided that that would be proving their fears - where they will be harassed and silenced by those who disagree with them. Instead I want to inform people that GSAs were started because many youth and young adults that did not act like their “normal” hetero classmates were often bullied, harassed, or even beaten for being different. GSAs are not for indoctrinating students, but to provide a safe place where students won’t be judged for asking questions or for being who they are.
Many youth have all sorts of feelings, and some are attracted to people of the same sex and some aren’t. If a youth is raised in a family where being attracted to the same sex is seen as wrong or a perversion, the youth might be scared to ask questions. Which is unfortunate because questions don’t necessarily mean anything, it just means you are curious. So a GSA is a place where youth can talk with informed adults, and these adults might be LGBTQ or they might just be someone who understands youth need non-judgment, compassion and kindness. Adults who are willing to talk about relationships and sexuality.
It would be wonderful if all parents were not fearful that questions mean their child is gay or lesbian. It would be wonderful if all youth felt they could talk with their parents about anything without fear of judgment. It would be wonderful if people could inform their family that they are LGBTQ without fearing their parents’ reaction. Unfortunately it is often the children whose parents don’t understand that homosexuality is not a choice, is not a sin and not wrong, that are scared to tell their parents because they know their parents will judge them as bad or worse.
GSAs are not for indoctrination of students, not all students have to join the GSA, just like not all students have to join any of the school clubs or sports. The GSAs are not necessarily run by LGBTQ teachers, though different members of the LGBTQ community may be invited to give a talk or presentation to the students. GSAs are to help students feel safe and comfortable in their school.
Your children will be safe in the schools; your religion won’t be disallowed. But maybe, with GSAs some of our youth will feel safer and understood.
Vicky Couteret
Fort Assiniboine
