I have been following the actions of Kerry Pacer for about a month, well since February 26th. Kerry pacer tried to start a Gay Straight Alliance club in her bigot dense town of Cleveland Georgia. After facing much anti-gay harassment she took her club idea to the school board. They turned her down. Fortunately for Kerry, she was smart enough to get the rule book and put the bigots in their place. However, it took about a month of fighting with community members and some crazy church groups to get the club into the school.
"I can’t tell you how relieved I am that the board is finally going to do the right thing and let us create a safe space for gay students at my school," said Kerry Pacer, a 16-year-old lesbian who decided to form the club with friends in an attempt to counteract rampant anti-gay harassment at the school. She added, "I understand that not everyone supports this club, and those people have a right to their opinion. But we also have a right to exist, and nobody’s rights should be trampled on."
With the help of the ACLU, Kerry Pacer’s club, with a revision of the name, will be able to meet after school. Hopefully without a problem.
I wish that there were not so many bigots and religious zealots in the south, but it is good to know that their close mindedness can not completely stop progress. I think Kerry Pacer is a type of revolutionary, standing for what she believes in and not bowing down to the pressure that is put on her by those in her community. She fought for, and with help created a positive change in her school. She should be applauded for what she has done, and I hope that her Peers Rising in Diversity Education club (PRIDE) does not face any more problems, and continues to grow.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
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Now it's clear why the school stalled—they are going to ban all non-curricular clubs next year. This is acceptable collateral damage in the war to keep queer students down and their straight supporters invisible.
To add insult to injury, the state is about to promulgate a rule requiring parental notification and permission before a high school student takes part in any extracurricular activity.
I'm glad I don't live in Georgia, and I won't buy any product or service originating in that state.
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