I have to say I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support that I’ve seen in my school, on facebook, and across the country and world today. I have found that there is a limit to what people will tolerate when it comes to bullying, and especially bullying towards LGBTQI youth. The staff was tremendous with their support, there was purple everywhere from people who I don’t really ever get a chance to speak to. The teachers and the kids just showed so much love and compassion for each other all day long. I got a group hug from 1st Graders I’ve never even spoken too. My own students and I read a book about how what one person does can spiral into a whole bunch of people having a bad day, and they realized that, they have the power to make their life better by staying positive. That kind of positivity is powerful, and it can be life changing. The most amazing part of my day was the morning.
I started the day with the announcement (you can read the transcript below). I had a student help me with the announcement who I had in my first class as a fourth grader (she’s now in 7th grade, I can’t believe how fast time goes by). She was a really tough kid, and made me work my ass off my first year. She also made me cry several times (not in her presence) because I knew she was hurting a lot back then. I tried my best with her, but she was actually moved from my class in November of my first year. Now, as I looked up from reading my speech today about kindness, I handed her the phone and she began reciting. She wrote about who she is and how proud she is of herself. Her smile was ear to ear. I realized something right in that moment. Back in 2007 I didn’t help her at all, because I couldn’t at that moment, but she has grown to be a mature young lady wise beyond her years and protective of her peers. She’s going to make an amazing adult. After the announcement, as she went to leave she said, “Look Mister, I’m wearing our flag today.” She pointed down to a small rainbow flag hanging out of the pocket of her cargo shorts. I never have told her I’m gay, I am not “out” to students at school. Never the less, I smiled and said, “You rock our flag, girl!” She is so much braver than I could ever be, and I am humbled by her example.
I will never forget this day as long as I live. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this place. I only wish that the kids who committed suicide could have seen today. They would have seen that this world is a beautiful place sometimes, you just have to look past the nonsense. I do know that a great many more kids saw that they are cared for, they are loved, and I know that will make a difference. And I know that those kids didn’t die in vain, they were a spark to light a shining revolution in how many people think.
Ellen’s interview with Joel Burns today…so amazing.
