Varied views on homosexuality give way to intellectual discourse

December 14, 2007

By: Meher Ahmad <mahmad@hilite.org>

Teagan Sachs, president of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) and senior, feels fairly comfortable talking about her sexuality. “I am a lesbian. Don’t hate me for who I love; I don’t hate you for who you love,” Sachs said.

The opinions on homosexuality of the students here, though not often voiced, are large and varying. Their beliefs shape atmosphere in the school today. But, according to those who oppose homosexuality, they treat their peers with the respect they deserve.

Kristina Hartman, counselor and GSA sponsor, said she often sees discrimination based on sexual preferences in the high school, but nothing out of the ordinary in comparison to other forms of teasing. “There is some teasing if students are aware of someone’s sexuality,” she said. “A lot of students aren’t aware. There is some confusion with their identity at this age, but even with students who are aware, they are hesitant to express themselves. High school is a microcosm society; it is hard to be different anyways.”

Elliot R. Smith, professor of psychology at Indiana University, said that the responses some have to homosexuals are uncontrollable. “Many people’s emotional reactions can’t be controlled. Even if they try and control it, they still feel that emotion. In some ways, people who have deep rooted feelings that cannot be turned off,” Smith said.

Many students who oppose homosexuality can link their opinions to upbringing and religion. Junior Morgan Parham is one of the many students who disagree with homosexuality. “It’s unnatural and against the will of God. God didn’t create people to be that way. It’s supposed to be a boy and a girl, that’s how God created people,” Parham said.

Senior Skylar Blackburn feels much the same way. “I don’t believe its right. Marriage and intimacy is held between a man and a woman,” said Blackburn. Religion plays a major role in Blackburn’s decision as well. “That is the big question, is it on the side of God? I believe it isn’t.”

Regardless of their beliefs, however, Parham and Blackburn still maintain their friendships with their homosexual friends. “I’m friends with them. They are people as well. I accept the fact that I can’t change the way they are,” Blackburn said.

Parham’s opinions are similar as well. “I have a couple of friends that are gay, and I don’t think any less of them. I just don’t think its right.”

Sachs feels that the discrimination gay students face in the high school is less subtle than what they may face outside of school. “It’s not obvious. A lot of people find something else to pick on once they know about your sexuality,” Sachs said.

In a school where individuality is encouraged, many wonder if students are doing enough to discourage discrimination. “Carmel is pretty typical of Midwest. The Midwest in general is fairly conservative, with the exception of a few towns and college campuses,” Hartman said.

Interestingly, Sachs finds that discrimination is heightened when she visits college campuses. “I don’t get a lot (of discrimination) here, but a lot more on college campuses. Someone threw something at me and my girlfriend when we were walking by and shouted something.”

Junior Fredrick Boyd has faced similar behavior in a college situation. “I’ve been yelled at, gawked at, called a fag. Pretty much everything,” said Boyd. “I don’t let it get to me though. You learn to build a wall around yourself, so it makes no difference.”

What some overlook, however, is the role of religion in gay life. “I am a Christian lesbian,” Sachs said. “The members of my church accept me for who I am. Hate the sin, love the sinner.” Boyd also studies religious texts such as the Bible frequently. “People see a couple of words and overdo it,” said Boyd. Sachs agrees with Boyd at this point. “People take the Bible very literally. But everyone is welcome to their own opinion,” Sachs said.

Hartman feels that this school has done a fairly good job at keeping discrimination to a lower standard than other Midwest schools. “I feel we are extremely lucky to have a GSA and an administration that accepts a GSA. I don’t see a lot of opposition from students. I do feel we have quite a few of students who support the GSA,” Hartman said.

The overall consensus of the students interviewed is this: agree to disagree. While many students feel that the homosexuality is wrong, they choose to ignore that fact when it comes to their friends.

Updated by David · Filed Under Acumen 

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