WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

By:  Randy Gillis

Dear LGBT Students of Sullivan High School,

 

PURPOSE:  The reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.

I've been thinking a lot about that word lately, thanks to Special Education teacher Diana Medley (not affiliated with Sullivan High School).  I, along with the rest of the country, listened, slack-jawed as Ms. Medley made several statements about the gay students at your school (and gay people in general) that defies comprehension. 

She is supporting a group of christian students at your school as they lobby for a separate 'traditonal prom' where you will not be welcomed. 

To listen as a special education teacher says that she believes god created everyone equal is bewildering enough.  I suppose the examples of the flaws in that theory that sit in front of her on a daily basis have failed to make an impression.  My mother taught me as a child that this idea that god created us equally is but a ruse created by people who want to criticize and/or judge their fellow human beings without guilt or responsibility.  We are not created 'equally' and though  I don't know anything about god's eyes, we are most certainly not equal in each other's eyes.

But let's put that aside.  Ms. Medley went on to make a statement that I had to rewind several times just to make sure I had heard her correctly.  When the reporter asked her if she thought gay people had a purpose in life, she shook her head, smiled and said, "No, I don't, I personally don't, I'm sorry."

For an educator to make such a statement was inexcusable...I thought.  But I've finally come to the conclusion that Ms Medley's purpose is directly related to you.  Here's what I think she is trying to get you to do:

1.  To steel your wool.
2.  To open your eyes.
3.  To wake you up.
4.  To spur you into action (if not now, then she's planted the seed for down the road).
5.  To stiffen your spine.
6.  To toughen your hide.
7.  To force you to question.....EVERYTHING.
8.  To inspire you to take a stand.
9.  To give you a reason to seek each other out.
10. To get you involved.
11. To be counted.
12. To research.
13. To teach you not to yield to a belief that belittles.
14. To find your voice.

As LGBT people, you are so very special and you will be punished for it.  You will also find out just how incredibly strong, smart, creative, resourceful, resilient, loving, essential and immeasurably...... purposeful you all are.

And as for Ms. Medley, well, I think she has served her purpose very well indeed.

Sincerely,
Randy