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Thursday, November 3, 2011

Hate Crimes - Gay Discrimination in Schools

Though apartheid is already a far outcry these days, being rejected by countries and societies earlier this century, the often small, invisible cases of bullying and discrimination are ever present in schools. Usually, they slipped away and often go unnoticed.

At present, violence against teen gays is increasing. According to a 2005 survey conducted by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, more than 64 percent of gay and lesbian students have reported physical, verbal and sexual harassment in school, while 29 percent of the students missed a day in class because they fear for their safety.

Those vocal, openly gay students earn most of the bullies' brunt and later become victims of abuse. In a 2008 incident at Oxnard, California, Larry King, a 15-year old, eighth-grader, openly gay student was shot in the head by a 14-year old student, Brandon Mclnerney. King was often a subject of humiliation in their junior high school because of the fact that he was gay and comfortable in showing it, wearing high heels and make-up in school. However, King never showed defeat and instead fired back at the boys by either flirting or chasing them in school.

According to another eighth-grader witness by the name of Eduardo Segure, a day before the shooting, a boys' love had been expressed. It was King saying he liked Mclnerney, which may have threatened his ego and self-identity. Jaana Juvonen, a psychology professor, said that it is possible for Mclnerney to feel threatened when King expressed to him.

With all these happening, the public wondered what schools actually do to educate students about discrimination and tolerance. Hate messages everywhere usually preceding attacks. Although school officials have met with gay activists after the incident to review the school's tolerance program, they could have done something earlier to prevent it from happening. In fact, Jay Smith of the Ventura County Rainbow Alliance even questioned whether teachers are ready and knowledgeable on how to deal with gay teen issues such as boys' love.

The incident has fueled the outrage again of gay rights activists and has been condemned as well by nearby communities. The killing of King led to vigils and a 1,000-people march. Apart from this, the incident has drawn the attention of the nation like the killings too of some other gay students such as Brandon Teena, the Nebraskan transsexual whose story was featured in a film entitled, "Boy's Don't Cry" and Matthew Shepard in Wyoming. Well-known lesbian TV host, Ellen DeGeneres, gave her sympathy and support. She said that she's not a second class citizen, so as King and it's OK to be gay.

True, the boys' love issue can heat up arguments and can be a threat to any guy. However, it is not enough reason to kill let alone when someone expresses sexual preference by the clothes one wears or how one looks like. What are needed are more understanding, tolerance and eventually acceptance from the public.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Justin_Law_Tan

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