Beef ragout

Cheese souffle

Pie and pudding "en flambe"

We'll prepare and serve with flair

A culinary cabaret

You're alone

And you're scared

But the banquet's all prepared

No one's gloomy or complaining

While the flatware's entertaining

We tell jokes

I do tricks

With my fellow candlesticks

And it's all in perfect taste

That you can bet

Come on and lift your glass

You've won your own free pass

To be out guest

If you're stressed

It's fine dining we suggest

Be our guest

Be our guest

Be our guest [[;) The pics will be avlbl. In a weekish.]]

The impact of sexuality discrimination is wide-spread. Most impacted, are those who do not identify with or are not recognized with the heterosexual majority. This means that even students unsure of their sexually identity are targeted by homophobia and marginalization. Even more broadly, students who even slightly deviate from societal expectations of masculinity or femininity are at risk as targets (Hansman, 1998).

Also of great importance is the severity of the consequences of sexuality discrimination. By not taking action [as teachers] and becoming actively involved, these consequences are essentially being accepted (Snelling,1991).  While growing up students may feel that they need to pose as ‘normal’ among other ‘normals’ in order to avoid negative stereotypes (Hansman, 1998, p.3). They often feel unsafe about being open, to either themselves or others, about sexual identity and experiences. The result is a “common socialization process” in those who struggle—“learning to hide”.  In hiding, students’ ability to learn is jeopardized, as is their desire to participate in school activities (Hansman, 1998, p.3).

Risks for non-heterosexuals are vast. Revealing sexuality or displaying behaviour different than traditional sex-role stereotypes, has the potential for an “onslaught of verbal and physical abuse (Hansman, 1998, p.3).” Many are familiar with Matthew Shepard, a university student, who was savagely beaten, tied to a fence-post, and left to bleed in the cold because of his sexuality (Sheppard, 2003).  Physical abuse is among the many other increased risks to the non-heterosexual community that society should be mindful of. These include: caregiver abandonment, rejection, school-leaving, homelessness, and prostitution (Uribe, 1994).

Psychologically, while dealing with sexuality issues, youth often feel elements of isolation, rejection, and desolation (Hansman, 1998). The result is a possible increased risk of psychiatric illness, specifically those considered to be onset by environment.  Studies verify that homosexually active individuals (as opposed to exclusively heterosexually active individuals) have a higher prevalence of such things as mood and anxiety disorders (Netherlands Mental Health, 2001). Drug use has a higher prevalence in non-heterosexual communities, as well (Netherlands Mental Health, 2001). Perhaps the most important factor to be considered, when establishing the importance of sexuality content in school initiatives is suicide; suicide is a devastating reality for those who suffer (Hansman, 1998).

The A.T.A. published a study done in 1997 stating that “gay youth are two to three times more likely than their heterosexual classmates to: attempt suicide… and abuse drugs and alcohol. While some gay and lesbian youth react to their situation by becoming overachievers it is also true that at least 30 percent of adolescents who commit suicide are homosexual (Teachers Guide, 2003, p.3).” A study by Bell & Weinberg suggests a higher impact rate stating that “gay males are six times more likely to attempt suicide than heterosexual males, and that lesbians are twice more likely than their heterosexual counterparts (Hansman, 1998, p.4).” 

Both the scope and the intensity of the impact are too great to ignore.  In fact, ignoring these issues can be a very damaging mistake, because it actually increases the problem. A letter in the Journal of the American Medical Association regarding suicide prevention alleges that psychological needs are not being met by medical professionals.  The same could be argued about educational professionals, as well. The letter mentioned states that “these youth [dealing with sexual identity] are not only hated, but also at risk of being ignored to death… Denying the needs of these young people—or worse, ignoring their very existence—only confirms that we do not consider them important (Snelling, 1991).”

Today I spent a good chunk of time chatting it up with our two bussers at work.  Seriously, these two guys (Craig and Nate, see guestbook, they’re on there) are two of the funniest guys I know.  I laughed so hard all day.  Nate is new to our store, and I was honoured to be one of his favorite servers at the bird.  Other than that, just swim club.  Tonight our coach focused on my stroke and it’s nice to know I only have 3004 things to work on.  Seriously, though, it was nice to have her advice because she has really impressive coaching skills.

Six years ago today, twenty-one year old Matthew Sheppard died, never emerging from the coma he was found in five days earlier.  The college student was found tied to this fence post. Police say he was pistol whipped and severely beaten, left to die in near freezing temperatures. He was also robbed, but police say gay bashing was likely the motive.

United States president at the time, Bill Clinton said, “I hope that in the grief of this moment for Matthew Sheppard's family, and in the shared outrage across America, Americans will once again search their heart and do what they can do reduce their own fear and anxiety and anger at people who are different.”

Instead, this week a Baptist Church in Kansas will be picketing “all in celebration of the 6^th anniversary of Matt Shepard’s entry into Hell on Oct. 12, 1998 in religious protest and warning ‘God is not mocked! God Hates Fags and Fag-Enablers! Ergo God hates Matt Shepard’ (and is now tormenting him with fire and brimstone)… and all who engage in & enable the filthy fag agenda!”  Hopefully, soon the heart-searching begins.  Well, I’ll leave you with that because I’m on my way to go see a movie.

There’s an old Peanuts book called “Happiness Is…”.  I swear part of the book should be Happiness is a great karaoke-session during a car ride.  Happiness is looking across a room indicating someone psychotic is present.  Happiness is laughing so hard the tears and the stomach ache never stop.  Happiness is infectious.  Happiness is a Saturday night.