The age at which (and the way in which) people realize that they are GLBT varies from person to person. Some people are aware of their sexuality at a young age. Others, however, make this realization over a long period of ti me. Before someone realizes that they are GLBT, they may spend many years assuming that they are heterosexual.
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Are you ever harassed a school? What do you do about it?

While none of us have been physically assaulted, several of us have been verbally harassed both in and out of the classroom. A former student was thrown down a flight of stairs. The best response is open conversation.
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Is the environment at BHSN sportive?

While, there are other schools in the country that are more advanced in integrating GLBT issues into the curriculum, we feel the environment at BHSN is more supportive than most other high schools. The atmosphere is one of openness and caring. The objective of our group and the school is to create this atmosphere. This mission has b een backed in the courts, specifically in a recent lawsuit in which a Michigan student was awarded 2 million dollars because her school failed to protect and support her as a lesbian.
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Are your parents supportive?

The answer to this question is different for every student. For the most part, our parents are supportive. However, we are the exception. Many students feel that they cannot talk to their parents about GLBT issues. Often students feel as if their parents will not be supportive or understanding. This makes a friendly school environment even more important.
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Is it hard to be openly GLBT or supportive?

Yes and no. Being a supporter is definitely easier then being GLBT. It can be difficult to stand up to peers who are uncomfortable with GLBT issue s. Being GLBT is more difficult because it is not readily accepted. It can create isolation and the loss of friends and family.
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Are there many GLBT students in the closet?

Yes! Of those who are GLBT, only a minority is out of the closet. When people do come out, it is often after high school, when they have left home. The person has fewer pressures. The person has financial and personal independence.
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Why aren't more students out?

Social pressures keep many students in the closet. The loss of friends, the isolation from family, and the fear of letting people down are some of these pressures. Pressures may also keep students from realizing they are GLBT.
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Is their someone you could talk to about being GLBT?

Fortunately, there are some friends and te achers that we feel we can talk to. Other people, however, do not feel the same way. One reason they may feel this way is due to the shortage of out students in the school. For that reason, we feel that it is important for support groups, such as ours, to exist.
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If I believe being GLBT is immoral, why should I be supportive?

We do not want to ask you to change your beliefs. Instead, we ask you to provide an open environment where all students are more likely to learn. If a student does approach you ab out these issues, kindly refer the student to another staff member who you feel may be more comfortable.
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Selected Questions from teachers:

"How do you expect teachers to respond to community members who may suggest this is a lifestyle chosen and schools should not be involved in the issue?"

The controversy as to whether sexual orientation is a choice is still on going. However, this debate is inconsequential. The issue here is support of individualism and diversity at our school. We are trying to create an atmosphere where all students are supported and comfortable.
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"Is it any of our business what your [sexual] orientation is?"

A student's sexual orientation should not be of concern to the teacher. The concern of the teacher should be the safety and comfort of the student. A hostile atmosphere affects all students, straight or gay.
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"Do you feel comfortable coming out to a teacher? (is the staff supportive?)"

It depends heavily on the teacher in question. Students are more comfortable coming out to teachers who promote open and friendly classroom environments. This may include the encouragement of open conversat ion and the production of new ideas. One way a student can recognize a comfortable environment is by a safe zone sticker. If a student should come out to a teacher who does not feel comfortable talking about the issue, the teacher should refer the student to a counselor or more supportive teacher.
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"How can we make the classroom more comfortable without offending some group?"

An easy way to make a classroom more comfortable for everyone is simply to say that disrespect, of any group, will not be tolerated. Such broad statements are unlikely to offend anybody.
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"What is the typical reaction of other students to your group?"

Typically there is no reaction to the morning announcements. However, the posters we made to publicize our meetings were ripped down, giving us the impression that some students are not comfortable with the issues raised by the group. We have had a number of both positive and negative responses. The goal of our group is to counteract the negative with education and open conversation.

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