INTOLERANCE TO GAY/TG YOUTH

By Mona Gable

Adults could learn a thing or two about tolerance from the 15-year-old and his “cross-dressing” friends. As one reader sweetly posted after I described my son’s enviable fashion sense and his penchant for girls’ jeans. I’m glad my son and his friends don’t care about such petty things and aren’t hung-up in the least about gender.

If anything they’re gender blind. One of his friends has such feminine features he’s almost pretty. Like many teenage boys he also--brace yourself--dyes his hair and has a knack with a flat-iron. I feel neurotically protective of this friend. Because of his looks I’m always worrying he’s going to be jumped on the way to our house or get cornered in the quad at his big rowdy high school.

We always forget the changing whims of fashion. Think back now. Way back. Remember the long, Jesus-like hair? Tie-dyed T-shirts? Headbands? And I’m just talking about the guys now. During the sixties my Republican father constantly harangued my two youngest brothers about their hair. “YOU LOOK LIKE A GODDAMNED HIPPIE!” he’d roar. He really had no need to worry. Both brothers evolved into fervent Republicans with country club memberships and short hair.

I’ve been obsessing over teenage boys and fashion because of two disturbing incidents involving transgender and gay teens this week. The first has to do with five high school teachers in San Leandro, California. The teachers got their religious panties all in a bunch when they were asked to put a poster in their classrooms. The poster was quite nicely designed with a rainbow and pink triangles and a warm and fuzzy slogan that read “This is a safe place to be who you are.” But the teachers didn’t like it and refused to display it. Why? Because the poster was part of a school district program to promote tolerance for students who are--oh, let’s just stop beating around the bush and say it--homosexual!

I guess there’s just no pleasing everyone, is there? The teachers, being the big-hearted souls they are, felt the poster violated their religious beliefs. Or something like that. I say hogwash. If your religious sensibilities are so offended by gay or bisexual or transgender teens, then go teach at Pat Robertson High School for The Intolerant and Bigoted. Whatever. Don’t do it on my dime. Or the public’s. Obey the law.

WHOLE POST: HUFFPO