Dear Destiny,
I recently heard that the school/ school district is contemplating removing/banning pride flags in school because of a parent complaint. I have a lot of friends who are queer and love that they are represented at school by the LGBTQ+ flag and it breaks my heart to see them so upset that it is getting taken down. Many of my friends have varying households that do or don’t accept queer people. I know this is rough for all of them, to see their representation in this school be taken down because others can not accept them. How can I support my friends in a time that they probably need it most?
Sincerely,
A Loving Learner
Dear Loving Learner
I agree with you. It breaks my heart to see pride flags being taken down because a parent can not accept who a community of people are. As a queer person, seeing flags around this school from teachers who support me, it is very special to me. Especially right now in this day of age where homophobia is at large. Knowing that there are flags from people who will support and love me keeps me going. Seeing these flags being taken down breaks my heart a lot, the queer community has fought a lot just to be acknowledged as a minority in this world. But, how to help support your friends during this time, or at all during these times in general. I have two ideas on how to support them.
Firstly, just be there for them, let them talk about how being queer makes them feel, how this flag fiasco has them feeling. Be present and let them know you are here to support them. During this time especially it is hard for a queer person to be open about themselves to someone else but you can be that person they can talk to.
Secondly, make sure they feel cherished. Queer people are going to struggle a lot more than straight people as homosexuality is seen as “unnatural” or a “sin” to some people. In turn some queer people feel outcast, weird, and even hate themselves for being the “wrong” way. Make sure to let your friends know they are cherished and loved for who they are.
I hope this gives you some ideas. As a queer person right now these are just a few things that I would like to receive during these times. I hope you can support your friends by doing these small things that could make a huge difference to them.
XOXO, Destiny
