Last week a group of high school students from Pennsylvania’s McGuffey High School took markers to lockers of their fellow LGBT classmates writing Bible verses in protest to the international “Day of Silence” meant to support their gay, bisexual and transgender peers.

The Day of Silence, established in 2001 by GLSEN (The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) encourages students and young adults to take a vow of silence in an effort to prompt officials to address the problem of anti-lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) bullying and harassment in their schools.

The group of students who organized “Anti-Gay Day” showed up on April 16th wearing plaid, with “anti-gay” written on their hands. The group encouraged others who were anti gay to also wear plaid.

They began physically pushing students who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT), left posters, notes and verbally harassed them.

There is an alleged “lynch list” that circulated around the school.

Lynch, also known as Lynch law, is an extrajudicial execution carried out by a mob, often by hanging or other ways of execution.

The clique posted a photograph on social media, wearing plaid and claimed it is the first of a week long series of “anti-gay” events.

Erica Kolat, McGuffey High School Superintendent released a statement to WXPI, a local news station saying:

“Allegations of harassment were brought to the attention of our administration. We resolve to ensure that all children can grow and learn in a safe, supportive environment free from discrimination.”

Growing up with two gay moms and facing homophobic comments with my brother in high school from our peers, this is a sensitive subject for me.

Homophobia often trickles down from parents, figures or people the children look up to and absorb knowledge from.

It’s terrifying to me that there are parents on this planet who have homophobic belief systems that involve discrimination about love that are being passed down into the Play-doh minds of our children.

Monkey see, monkey do.

Let’s teach our monkeys to do differently.

I left a message with the superintendents secretary today offering to come speak about gay rights and homophobia next week when I am in New York.

This group of children who have organized “anti-gay” week may not unlearn, but it is necessary to take action against movements such as these, douse them with awareness and support victims in anyway we can.

To love freely without discrimination is our birth right.

~

Relephant:

Would Jesus Serve Pizza at a Gay Wedding?

~

Author: Janne Robinson

Editor: Katarina Tavčar

Photo: Author’s own