I recently became aware of the fact that homosexuality has been excluded from the
health course. As a member of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA), I find it appalling that our
“liberal” district can justify leaving a large segment of the population out of its teaching
curriculum, and in this omission foster ignorance towards gay people. If this topic was included,
perhaps the negative attitude would remain, but there is the potential that with more
information might come a greater acceptance of gay people. I am writing on behalf of GSA to
ask you to take this step towards tolerance.
Homosexuals are a minority group in our society. They frequently face incredible
prejudice and lack of acceptance. Unfortunately, this attitude echoes in the halls of Strath Haven
High School, voiced by its own students. “Oh, that’s so gay!” is a common statement, and is
roughly equated with saying that something is stupid, or undesirable. The signs posted by GSA
are torn down within days of their appearance. I question whether people who commit these
acts know exactly whom they scorn, and wonder if they would continue to act in this fashion if
better informed.
Many students take more neutral views. Their attitude is that it’s okay for people to be
gay, but they don’t want to know about it. They are comfortable with the existence of GSA, but
they would never even remotely consider attending a meeting. I heard one person say, “Yeah,
it’s fine if people want to be gay, but I mean, why would they? It’s not like there aren’t enough
cute guys out there… why would you want a girl?” This statement shows that the person
uttering it didn’t understand what homosexuality is. She had formed her opinion based upon
bits of information and misinformation that had filtered into her ears over time. This method of
learning is not reliable; she never discovered that for many gays, their lifestyle is not a conscious
choice or a logical decision but a result of the realization and admission that they are attracted to
people of the same sex.
I heard a similarly unenlightened comment elsewhere. A student in one of my classes
stated, “You put a plug in a socket. You don’t put a plug in a plug.” He, too, did not show full
understanding of what he spoke against. If people knew about the love that can exist in a gay
relationship I doubt they would be so quick to condemn it.
It shocks me is that the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District does not include
homosexuality in the health curriculum. In this omission, the board sends the message that it is
acceptable to not know about being gay. However, one can imagine how much good might
potentially come out the inclusion of this topic in the Health course, as prejudice is rooted in
partial or incomplete information. The health classroom is a safe and secure environment for
this topic to be addressed in a direct manner, where a teacher can explain what homosexuality is
and attempt to enlighten preconceived notions and stereotypes. Granted, there will still be those
who cling to intolerant views, yet the possibility exists that some people will come to a better
understanding of gay people and be more willing to acknowledge their existence and accept
them as full members of society.
When placed in the context of human sexuality, homosexuality can be presented not as a
way of being different, or a “freak,” but simply a way of being. Educating the student
body in this manner could increase the acceptance of gay people, and groups like GSA might
lose their social stigma as more people become understanding and open. Clearly, it makes sense
for the Wallingford-Swarthmore School District to include the topic of homosexuality in their
health curriculum.
