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Life is hard enough, no need to make it more difficult

Life is hard. It is something I say often. Why? Because it is true. And that is for people like me — white, middle aged, heterosexual and above the poverty line.

Life is hard.

It is something I say often. Why? Because it is true.

And that is for people like me — white, middle aged, heterosexual and above the poverty line.

Just imagine what it would be like for a young person who is still trying to find their place in life, and is part of a gender or sexual identity minority.

That is why I have been an adamant supporter of the Gay-Straight-Alliances (GSA) and I am so pleased that Barrhead Composite High School students have access to one.

If being part of a club with other like-minded students that are guided by caring and educated staff in an effort to foster acceptance and inclusion of everyone helps students feel safe enough to be who they are then I’m all for it.

It is why I am also concerned about United Conservative Party’s (UPC) opposition to Bill 24, which purpose is to make it illegal for teachers to inform parents that their child has joined a GSA, and as a result potentially be “outed” unless the child consented. UPC leader Jason Kenney says it isn’t his intention to “out” students, but give teachers the ability to inform parents if they deem it is in the best interests of the child. I can’t imagine that having your parents find out you are LGBTQ before you are ready to tell them would make you feel very safe.

Perhaps in some instances this could be beneficial. I would hope that there are a great many parents who would accept and love them for who they are, but I’m not sure it is worth the risk. Being a member of the LGBTQ community can be hazardous to one’s health.

According to an Egale Canada Human Rights Trust’s survey on homophobia and transphobia in Canadian schools, one out of five LGBTQ students experience bullying every day: 90 per cent are verbally bullied, 70 per cent hear transphobic comments while another 37 per cent are harassed about the sexual orientation of their parents.

Andrea Berg, executive staff officer in professional development with Alberta Teachers’ Association at a 2016 PHPS professional development day in Barrhead said the number of LGBTQ youths who have suicidal thoughts are disproportionate compared to their heterosexual counterparts, 44 per cent compared to 26 per cent.

An article published by the Journal of Adolescent Health, titled Suicidality Among Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Youth: The Role of Protective Factors, states over half of gay, lesbian or bisexual students have suicidal thoughts. In 2009, a study by Massachusetts Department of Education found LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.

According to a report by the National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce on youth homelessness, LGBTQ youth face homelessness at a “disproportionate rate,” with 20-40 per cent of all homeless youth identifying as LGBTQ. The report also states 26 per cent of LGBTQ teens were kicked out of their homes when they came out to their parents.

Life is hard enough. Let us support LGBTQ youth by giving them the support a GSA can provide, without the threat of being snitched on to their parents.


Barry Kerton

About the Author: Barry Kerton

Barry Kerton is the managing editor of the Barrhead Leader, joining the paper in 2014. He covers news, municipal politics and sports.
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