LGBT+ Community in WHS

The LGBT+ community grows and grows every day, but how is it accepted in Williston High? LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. We went and sought out people’s opinions on the LGBT+ community in the high school and were happy with our results. Interviewing multiple different genders and sexualities, we found that most people were very accepting. Some did not feel comfortable talking about the topic. We began by asking a series of questions:

• How do you feel about the amount of homophobia in WHS?
• How do you feel about the amount of acceptance in Williston High regarding the LGBT+ community?
• Are you religious? If yes does it affect your view on the LGBT+ community?
• Were you raised in any religion? Is yes did that affect your view?
• What do you think WHS can do to avoid any further homophobia?
• Do you feel there is a helpful and supportive community for anyone apart of LGBT+?
• Have you ever personally seen or dealt with homophobia?
• Do you feel there is a safe and supportive place to report any discrimination based on sexuality that effective?
• Do you think this (anything regarding LGBT+ community) should be a touchy subject?

Our first interview was with the senior counselor, Mrs. Jennotte. She herself being straight but having family in the LGBT+ community has been supportive her entire life. Jeannotte, one of the most supportive counselors in Williston High says, “Yes, I think people should be open about who they are.” A now-practicing Lutheran, her religion hasn’t affected her view or opinion on anything regarding LGBT+.

Next, we interviewed a bisexual junior here at WHS, Rylee Harmer. Her input was similar to many others: supportive and accepting. We asked Miss Harmer her opinion on the amount of homophobia in WHS: “I think it’s stupid; I feel there is too much,”  which others agreed with.

We then continued to another WHS staff member. One of the best art teachers, Mr. Skinner had a great opinion on the topic, making positive and knowledgeable points. ”Not being comfortable because they have different beliefs, that’s fine. It’s when you start to take actions against it, then it’s wrong. If there is proof, then it needs to be taken care of.”

Next, we set off towards a newer teacher. While interviewing Mrs. Drumm, an English teacher, we came to the realization that even people who are not a part of the LGBT+ are supportive and passionate about the topic. She and her husband have both experienced large amounts of homophobia in college as well as small things around the school such as “That’s so gay!” but as teachers, students tend to hide more from them. When asking Drumm what she thinks WHS can do to avoid any further homophobia she responded, “As a school, practicing tolerance-acknowledging opinions and beliefs that you don’t agree with but letting others live peacefully- is important. That should stand true for all beliefs.”

Our next interview was with a junior, Dylan McKinney. He is a straight male who is very supportive towards the LGBT+ community. Having multiple friends in the LGBT+ community, Mr. McKinney stated, “They have as much as love as anyone else.”

Interviewing multiple people who are both a part and not a part of the LGBT+ community brought a  lot of insight on how WHS as a community stands together and has its difficulties. Although not including every interview and some people even refusing an interview, we hope this article, if nothing else, brings a new appreciation and/or knowledge on the issues people belonging to the LGBT+ community can face.