Gay-straight alliances should be in every secondary school

Richmond Hill High School just escaped a bullet from the Human Rights Commission.
When the school principal gave the go-ahead for students to apply to set up a gay-straight alliance, student Sean Kaw stopped his appeal to the commission to intervene. Sean went to the commission after being told the application for the gay-straight alliance couldn't be made until next year.   
The club offers much needed support to gays, while it gives straight students a chance to show they're both comfortable and accepting of homosexuals and want to help look out for everyone's well being. In fact, gay-straight alliances should be set up in every secondary school in the country.
The fact some people are still uncomfortable with homosexuality is a clear indication that gay-straight alliances are needed.
I attended a small town high school from 1958 to 1962. The gay students were centered out, teased and, at times, bullied. Most of all, the gays were lonely. Alienation does that. A few of us, myself included, made a point to sit with the gay students on the bus, to invite them to join us for lunch and to encourage them to attend school dances. 
Of course, a few of my peers took issue with our befriending homosexuals. Personally, I made it clear: I wasn't worried about losing them as friends. Instead, I excluded ignorant and mean people from my dance card. Looking back more than four decades, as a heterosexual, I would have welcomed the chance to take part in a gay-straight alliance.
It's obvious there's still work to be done.
To a certain degree, homophobia in all its ugliness still has a strong-hold on society. Gay kids continue to be centered out, teased and bullied. And they continue to struggle with loneliness.
Gay-straight alliances are not only needed in schools, the alliances should be set up at Queen's Park and in the House of Commons. In particular, it might help put a much needed end to the nonsensical conflict over gay marriage.
Gays should have the same freedoms and opportunities as all citizens. Under the umbrella of a democratic Canada, equal rights should be availed to all Canadians. If gays want to get married, our only response as a nation should be, "Congratulations." 
Sean Kaw and the principal of Richmond Hill High School should stand on the same stage and take a bow: well done to both. 
If your kid comes home and tells you he or she is joining a gay-straight alliance and you offer your support, you too should take a bow. You're a good parent.

Comments

[Erica]

I'll put this information out there right now. About 5 years ago my friend and I tried to start a Gay-Straight alliance at Dr. Denison Secondary School in Newmarket, and it was completely rejected almost instantly by the principal.
We considered starting it as an underground kind of club, but knew that would defeat the purpose and push gay, bisexual and transgendered teens furthur into the margin.
Dr.Denison Secondary School's administration is flat out homophobic, and I'm almost ashamed to have graduated from such a close minded school.

[Sean]

I Googled my name out of curiosity (doesn't everyone?) and this page was the first hit. Really, I'd like to thank you for your kind words. This is an old story and a closed chapter in my life, but still, words have power.

The world needs more people like you. Thanks.