Queer-ies
by Layla Charron
Embedded Files
With Pride Month being this month, we thought it would be so important to highlight queer experiences at BACS! A few weeks ago, we sent out a form to the entire school that essentially does just that! NQW wanted to ensure that LGBTQ+ voices and experiences were heard, whether those experiences had been negative or positive. We gave students the chance to remain anonymous and asked basic questions such as pronouns and their label in the community. From there, we asked about experiences, opinions, and hopes for the future.
Our first question was based on positive experiences! Every single answer actually was related in some way to acceptance! For one anonymous writer, that support of her identity comes from her family! Similarly to other interviewees, she also listed her friends and peers to be very accepting of her identity also. Many students agreed that their good experiences also came from meeting new people at BACS that are also a part of the community and were accepting of them! Overall, that just goes to show that creating a supportive community for queer people makes all the difference.
Photo: by Sofia Sousa
The following question asked about negative experiences while identifying as a member of the community. An anonymous user said that she had to deal with many stereotypes as a bisexual/biromantic person. These assumptions claim that bi people “don’t know what they want and will find out later in life”. According to this writer, she has also heard people say that bisexual people are “more likely to cheat”. These stigmas have really bothered her and she doesn’t want her or this community to be viewed this way. Other writers included answers such as being called slurs and not being accepted by family or friends. A different responder who chose to remain anonymous mentioned the homophobia within Christianity. Another NQW staff member, Favour, actually wrote an article on this topic! The article can be viewed here.
From there, we asked what coming out and also being closeted was like for them. Majority of the users stated that they are actually still closeted, some to just their families, while others are fully not out. As for the other writers, they said their experiences were either by gradually coming out over time or being outed by people around them. Those who were outed said that it did truly make them unhappy and in some cases, the people that were told were not very accepting. Overall, it just was a toxic environment and they wished it had gone differently. If you know someone who is queer and not out to everyone, please just keep it to yourself and let them say it when they are more comfortable! It makes a world of difference.
Photo by Sofia Sousa
Next, writers let us know their opinions on Super Straight, Straight Pride, and also fake sexualities made by hetero people! Although I’m sure it can already be assumed, every single person who filled out this form said that it was just blatant homophobia and transphobia! Overall, LGBTQ+ have had to worry about acceptance for years and cisgender straight people that plan events like “Straight Pride” just want to feel opressed so badly. It truly is just a mockery of queer people and is extremely unecessary and unwanted!
Photo by Tania Guerrero
Lastly, students mentioned their hopes for the future of the LGBTQ+ community! The consensus between everyone was just generally to be accepted and to have rights. One person mentioned that they hope LGBTQ+ people won’t be excluded from the majority of society like they currently are. Along with this, they mentioned their desire for queer people to no longer feel guilty or shameful about their identity, but rather feel positively or happy. This shouldn’t be a dream or a goal. The idea that people in this community have to be ashamed of who they are is truly horrible. We are in a time where people are coming to be more accepting than ever before, but it’s still not enough. As queer allies, it is so important to learn more about LGBTQ+ people and what they go through. If you feel as though you don’t know enough, learn more. And, if you feel as though you do know enough, learn more. There is always room to grow and educate yourself. As for those around you, if you are in a safe position to do so, teach them more too. As humans, it is crucial to grow your knowledge on the experiences of those around you and to keep an open-mind in the process. Listen to queer voices. Expand your knowledge on different terms and communities. Care for those around you who need support. That is how you can be an ally.
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