A FORUM FOR
By: Asusena Uribe & Jocelyn Lopez
Coming out is a momentous occasion, one where the person is able to share their truest selves with the ones around them. On Oct. 20, 2021 LGBTQIA+ bearcats and allies “came out” against bigotry and a history of hate at the Coming Out Against Hate forum.
Equality Club President Eve Barajas (10) and ASB Vice President John Seden-Hansen (12) were the first speakers to introduce the reason for the forum; to support safe spaces and confront the homophobic hate on the PRHS campus. They then introduced the 14 students from all different grade levels that would testify their experience of being an LGBTQIA+ member on campus.
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After opening ceremonies which asked the crowd to keep an open mind and heart when listening to the student testimonies, Ava Hughes (12), Danny Perez (12), and Cameron LeClair (12) gave the first three speeches of the event.
Hughes expressed that she came out to her whole family to speak out and make sure future generations felt safe on campus. Perez highlighted the freedom they felt coming out, yet how Paso Robles campus historically tolerated the hate towards queer students. I can’t even see myself represented on the walls of my teachers' classrooms because of a restriction that was set after a student defecated on the pride flag. We didn’t do anything but we are the ones being punished. It doesn’t make sense. LeClair, an avid ally, followed and read a speech from an anonymous student that wanted to share their story.
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After the first three speakers Advanced Dance members Zaira Gomez (12), Reese Hartley (12), Amani Arellano (11), Ava Cox (10), and Advanced Dance teacher Jennifer Bedrosian performed a minute long performance to “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga.
Senior Emily Neri stepped up to the mic to share her testimony representing her safety and the meaning of the flag to her.
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Neri was followed by Equality Club Vice President Sprout Aragon. The sophomore spoke out about all of the negative and positive experiences she endured while transitioning.
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Lillian Shroyer, a sophomore, then shared the homophobia they have dealt with and expressed that LGBTQIA+ students aren’t political opinions.
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Senior Zaira Gomez read for an anonymous student who felt great fear during their freshman year and didn’t feel safe to fully come out on campus.
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"My love doesn't have to look like yours."
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Shortly after, Barajas introduced freshman Elise Jordan who shared a two minute poem expressing the alienation that LGBTQIA+ members face at PRHS and how they refuse to be silenced.
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Barajas presented a Call to Action to remind the audience that “knowledge is power only when we act on that knowledge.” She demanded three things:
- The district issue a public apology for their timid response to hate
- The district enact a zero tolerance policy regarding hate and hate crimes on campus
- The district must enact other policies to protect marginalized students after a consultation with stake-holder clubs in order to protect students’ rights and identities.
Transitioning into the final three speakers, junior Israel Pérez stepped up to the stage speaking out about the friendships and relationships he lost while coming out and all the hate he had to undergo his freshman year from his classmates. Senior Genevieve Grimes proclaimed that progress needs to be made now more than ever, touching base that it’s upsetting that they have to fight very hard for their rights at such a young age. Senior Jules Ramos was the final person to share their speech verbalizing how they came from a homophobic home and when coming to school, they need a welcoming space.
As testimonies ended at 7:15 pm, Barajas and Seden-Hansen told the crowd that if they had any questions that now would be the time to ask. Some of which included: if students felt safe on campus, is there LGBTQIA+ education at school, what can faculty members do to help to make students feel safe. There were a total of 10 questions that were asked by people in the crowd and answered by the students that shared their experiences being an LGBTQIA+ student on campus.
Two donations were made as well. Eric Alcosiba raised 900 dollars for Equality Club through a GoFundMe, and an anonymous donor also donated 300 dollars. Choir teacher Gaylene Ewing and 14 other students started off singing Love is Love is Love to finish off the event, and the audience eventually joined in.
Two donations were made as well. Eric Alcosiba raised 900 dollars for Equality Club through a GoFundMe, and an anonymous donor also donated 300 dollars. Choir teacher Gaylene Ewing and 14 other students started off singing Love is Love is Love to finish off the event, and the audience eventually joined in.
As the forum ended, community members stayed to congratulate the speakers and gather their final thoughts. Parents to members of the Paso Robles community shared their perspective on the forum.
Board member Chris Arend stayed after the event answering questions and congratulating these students on being able to produce this meaningful event.
“It was a nice event, you know, always pleasant. The kids were expressing themselves. I think it’s a great way of freedom of speech to do that.” Arend said. |
Former President of Equality Club and PRHS alumnus, Liz Phillips attended the event proud of the students who shared their experience and educating others.
“I was tearing up through the whole thing. It felt truly supportive and welcoming to everyone, which is such a nice change of pace in Paso,“ Phillips said. |
Drama teacher Marcy Goodnow attended and helped run the event with full support, very proud of all of the students that made the event happen.
“It was very emotional seeing the community come together. I am hoping this will create some momentum for change,” Goodnow said. |