By Betsy Bergeron
Upper School Choral Music Teacher
I am an out and proud member of the LGBTQI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, asexual, gender-fluid, and all the other labels) community. I am also the faculty advisor for QUEST, our Gay/Straight Alliance.
It was not so long ago that GFA began this journey towards not just acceptance but celebration of differences and respect for all. I am so honored to know so many brave young people who identify on the LGBTQI spectrum — alums and current students. They have inspired me to keep going on this journey.
As the flyers and the poster say — transgender rights are human rights. It is so important that we speak up now for our trans friends, relatives, students, and teachers. We are not asking for special rights or favors, just the opportunity granted to any straight human being — to live their life with equal rights and without fear.
Finally, clasp your hands together, notice which thumb is on top. It feels comfortable, right? Now re-clasp your hands so that the other thumb is on top — how does that feel? The same? Different? No matter what answer you give, is it wrong? NO
This is what it means to be LGBTQI, etc.: not wrong just different/unique and that uniqueness is what makes our world a better place.