MORE ON THE ALEX SANCHEZ DEBATE

NORTH HEAD BAPTIST CHURCH'S RON FORD HAS A REPLY TO THIS LETTER... READ IT IN THE SAINT CROIX COURIER, TUESDAY, NOV. 4



School administrator needs homophobia training
COURIER WEEKEND
Friday, Oct. 28

I am writing in response to School District 10 Superintendent Pierce's letter in Tuesday's Courier (“Sanchez controversy a learning experience”, Letters to the Editor, Tuesday, Oct. 21).
I was happy to hear from him and get a better understanding of the reasoning that went into the school district's decision to cancel Alex Sanchez' talks at schools in St. Stephen and St. George. I was also disturbed to hear that he has been receiving such disrespectful e-mails and messages. It is always disappointing to learn that people who supposedly want tolerance can act with such intolerance themselves.
I can understand Mr. Pierce's and others' pride in what they have done to encourage a safe and welcoming environment for all students, including Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian, Transgendered, Questioning (GBLTQ) youth. A lot has been done. But how sadly ironic, then, that in dealing with this event, the district actually perpetuates homophobic thinking.
Mr. Pierce defends the district's decision by stating that they needed to listen to Mr. Sanchez's message before allowing him to speak at the schools. But if the district is indeed committed to increasing the tolerance and understanding for gay and lesbian youth in the schools, why didn't they just call Mr. Sanchez and see if he would be an appropriate speaker to foster this message? Jumping to the conclusion that the speaking engagements needed to be cancelled suggests a level of homophobia at play here. Why, because a speaker is going to be talking about gay issues, is that alone enough to get the speaking engagements cancelled?
I am also concerned that Mr. Pierce wrote that he now knows, “exactly how some of our students must feel when they are targeted because of their choices and decisions.” I do hope that Mr. Pierce understands that for GLBTQ youth, this is not a choice. Seeing it as a choice is one of the biggest misconceptions around sexual orientation, and is the reason behind a lot of the intolerance out there. If it is a choice, they can choose not to.
Being attracted to someone of the same sex is not a choice or decision. It is part of who you are. There is a difference between being disliked for something you do and being hated for who you are. There is also a difference between receiving demeaning messages briefly as an adult, and receiving demeaning messages over and over and over again as a teen, when you are still developing your sense of who you are. As a psychotherapist with almost 20 years experience working with GBLTQ adults, I have seen time after time the devastating effects of our societal hatred.
Lastly, while I appreciate that the controversy around the school district's decision has opened debate about this issue, I was disappointed that Mr. Pierce did not acknowledge the damage that the district's decision may have caused for GBLTQ youth in Charlotte County. As reported in the Courier, this decision was made by the district after they received complaints from a small group of parents. As role models for the youth in their care, choosing to cancel the talks tells the students that gay rights are not worth going the extra mile to protect. I do wish that Mr. Pierce had realized this and apologized to the students. That would be some great positive role modelling!
I fully appreciate that the school district and all involved only had the best of intentions and, I imagine, have learnt a lot from this experience. Perhaps in the fallout from this event, the district could arrange some education for themselves – teachers and administration – to increase their understanding of what homophobia is and how to address it. Negative attitudes and fears around homosexuality are so insidious that often they go unrecognized by those who are not GBLTQ themselves.

Liz Neve, MSW
St. Andrews