Non-Lab pride leaders discuss vibe in schools
April 4, 2019
Allyship, according to pride leaders at other Chicago-area high schools, means more than not being homophobic. Working with administrators, they hope to promote understanding, not just tolerance.
Carter Wagner, Francis Parker School’s Pride Committee leader, said regular events prove effective when educating the community. The school holds three assemblies each year, as well as “ally meetings” where straight, cisgender students can learn about the experiences of their LGBTQ counterparts. Furthermore, Carter, a sophomore, said the presence of openly gay teachers at Parker positively contributes to an atmosphere of understanding and inclusivity.
Some students wish to be less public about their identities. Pride Committee holds bi-weekly safe spaces for queer or questioning students in which attendees often discuss the challenges of coming out.
Because we create this safe space, many students still in the closet attend our meetings. — Carter Wagner, Francis Parker Sophomore
“Because we create this safe space, many students still in the closet attend our meetings,” Carter said, explaining why these meetings are not open to straight students.
Through both public and private discussion, Carter said Parker’s community has come to understand the difference between tolerance and genuine support.
At Jones College Prep, students and faculty struggle with this distinction, according to Sara Decker, Pride Club board member.
“A lot of the student body believes that not being homophobic is enough,” Sara, a sophomore, said.
Sara said this lack of understanding, as well as limited education on LGBTQ history, often causes her school to downplay the issues faced by gay and transgender students. She said one incident involved conservative students at Jones claiming it was “more difficult to come out as conservative” than gay.
Julian Rivera, a transgender student at Munster High School in Indiana, echoed this criticism.
He said, “It’s a safe environment to come out but a trickier one to be respected and understood.”