I had the second meeting of the gay straight alliance

[dsc]

and 20 people showed up. I am still amazed at how this is going. There are so many times that we underestimate the amount of change that has actually happened until it literally slaps us in the face. I let my administrator know I am considering coming out and he was very supportive. In all honesty, I think they are proud of having this club and what it represents. In all honesty, 2007 was a disappointing political year for us. No pro gay legislation from Congress for a start. But, on personal levels we are winning victories both big and small. In North Carolina, in the shadow of Jesse Helms, a gay straight alliance, with some actual straights, can be run by a gay teacher, and nothing ugly is said or done. For someone who grew up facing anti gay taunts on an almost daily basis, I am just totally floored. I will likely wait until next year to come out, if for no other reason, than to give the club time to grow in undiluted light, but I am still just floored. We are winning this war, one school, church, and family at a time. All the hate filled homophobes in the world are going to have a tough time overcoming that. Here is to progress.

[wellstone dem]

1. What wonderful news

and bless you for this important work. You are making a difference in the lives of our children. Thank you.

[dsc]

3. I have been getting more than a few students approaching me

for info about the meetings. Truth be known, I have never felt as necessary as a teacher as I have in the last few weeks. At 40 one starts looking at legacy and as legacies go this isn't so bad.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

2. Remember:

It takes superhuman stamina to sustain hate over the long run. It's just tiring.

Besides, gay hating is so last year.

[terrya]

4. This is very heartening.

You're doing great work for us...and straight people.

I wish there was a gay and straight alliance when I was in school. Maybe I wouldn't have felt so alone, so isolated.

Thank you.

[dsc]

10. My middle and early high school experience is why I am doing this

I wasn't totally sure how this would turn out, but I was determined. It has been so much better than I feared it might be. I can feel myself becoming more confident in myself as this goes on. As a fellow teacher pointed out, I am getting as much out of this as the students, and I am.

[xchrom]

5. what wonderful news -- both for you personally and for the group -- i hope you feel very, very good.

:applause: :applause: :applause:

[dsc]

6. I am on cloud nine

Kids are literally coming out of the woodwork over this. I cried on my way home on Thursday (living down to stereotypes admittedly) but still I cried.

[MuseRider]

7. "we underestimate the amount of change

that has actually happened until it literally slaps us in the face." An important statement and one I can certainly back up here in Kansas. We recently did a poll that was amazingly supportive. When results are open to the public I will share them. It is not perfect by any means but there is a big change or people are not as shy about expressing their support for equality. This work that you do will be seen as some of the most important work done. There are a lot of evangelicals coming of age and that scares me. The work you do will be able to counter a lot of that. With all the sadness and the disappointing political scene your ability to present positive change to the kids and your school is so uplifting.

[dsc]

8. I keep thinking

Is this real? Can I really take yes as an answer? But at some point, it really is real.

[MuseRider]

11. Yes you can

and you should take yes for an answer. Too bad yes seems so unbelievable. :hug: You made this happen!

[dsc]

12. I am standing on some big sholders here

including the likes of you. The kids are also bigtime deserving of credit.

[MuseRider]

14. It takes a whole bunch of us

and we are still down but we will not stay down. Stories like this make me ready to meet the long day of phone calls and emails to go out. These stories and the photos that my friend took of the smiling faces taken during the first domestic partner registry in our state boost the spirit. I am so happy he showed them to me, they really make you want to get out and do more. Yes the kids. Yes yes yes, the kids are amazing aren't they? Last local election we would never been able to do what we did if it were not for the committed kids who helped us go door to door. They are going to take this over and run farther than we ever even thought of. I hope it happens before I am dead, I would love to see it, hell I think it is what is keeping me going now! :)

[dsc]

15. For me it was a letter that put into relief

A kid put a letter into my box asking for information about the club and it made me think of the amount of courage it takes for a kid like him to approach a person he doesn't even know for this. I wouldn't have been that bold in all likelyhood.

[MuseRider]

17. You have already made a huge difference

just judging by that story. He felt just safe enough. I know you can imagine what that was like for him, I can't but I try. You did this. You made it just a little more safe for him and now he will just grow and grow and learn to be whatever he wants to be in his life just a whole lot easier than if he had never learned about your group.

I can't pat you on the back enough for this. :)

[dsc]

18. I can only hope so

[Glorfindel]

9. Thank you; what a wonderful thing you're doing.

n/t

[Not Me]

13. One hundred years from now...

...It will not matter what kind of car I drove, What kind of house I lived in, Or how much money I had in the bank, But the world may be a better place because I made a difference in a child's life. << -- -- -- YOU!!

(author unknown)

You are giving these kids (gay and straight) a priceless gift, and making the world a better place.

[dsc]

16. I had a rough semester last one

and gave some thought to leaving that school but I am now revitalized and realize sometimes things, even bad ones, happen for a reason. I am decidedly thinking of legacy with this but also getting strength.

[Chovexani]

19. That's wonderful news

Never underestimate the difference small things can make in people's lives, especially teens.

I am so happy for you and the kids. :hug:

[dsc]

20. thanks

I find myself waiting with baited breath for Thursday's now as I meet new and interesting students. I feel pretty good about this to say the least.

[MJJLWolf2]

21. Awesome news!

[Skittles]

22. I have often thought

homophobes fear what they don't know - it is much harder to demonize someone as sick or evil when you know and respect them - yes INDEED - so come out of the closet y'all!!! :D