The Senate voted to repeal Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell today, so full repeal is now assured, only awaiting Obama’s signature. I’ve been following the House and Senate debates very closely on C-SPAN these past weeks and I’m so happy Harry Reid made sure the Senate voted on this important issue before the lame duck session ended. Finally service members can be open about who they are without fear of discharge.
I haven’t blogged in a little while ’cause I’ve been busy with finals and all – I just came home yesterday, in fact, because this week was final exams week. This coming Spring semester will be my last at UMaine, and I’m in the process of making plans to move down to Florida shortly thereafter. I will likely attend graduate school in Florida, where I’ve already been accepted. It’s going to be awesome to finally have my Biology degree and start looking for a career! My roommates Mandy and Sarah just graduated, so I want to give a shout out to them. Thanks for a fun semester and best of luck to both of you! Come visit me to see the poms!
The Bangor Daily News published my letter to the editor in the weekend edition today. You can read it by clicking here. I have copied it below as well. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Yule, or whatever other holiday you celebrate! I’ve already begun wrapping presents and preparing our Christmas tree. Kitty will not be getting any tinsel this year ^-^
Gay harassment
I was disturbed to hear from my mother, a local social worker, that another student at Belfast Area High School has attempted suicide due to anti-gay harassment.
During my time at BAHS, students and some faculty repeatedly harassed me, because I am gay. School administration suspended me for a week for wearing a T-shirt that said, “It’s OK to be Gay.” It became necessary for the Maine Civil Liberties Union to become involved, and on a regular basis a civil rights attorney visited the school.
In 2008, during a small claims proceeding, I recounted all the abuses against me in front of school administration and their attorney.
Schools nationwide are on high alert to prevent bullying, especially anti-gay bullying. I am incredibly disappointed by the BAHS administration’s total failure to protect its gay and lesbian students, now five years later. When a school turns a blind eye to bullying or even advocates for discrimination, victims and their parents should contact the Maine Civil Liberties Union and follow up with litigation.
There are many resources available to help victims of bullying and even more for parents and teachers to help prevent bullying.
I know from my experiences that it does get better, but for a kid who is having to deal with being called a “fag” or “dyke” every day, the day things get better may come too late. Victims of bullying, parents, and educators — – don’t wait for it to get better. Take action now.
Adam Flanders
Orono