The comments of Mr. Bill Ballenger, Inside Michigan Politics Editor, regarding Matt's Safe Schools bill (HB 4162) and categorical enumeration, are shortsighted ("Safe Schools Coalition Fractured…" – April 5, 2007). It seems Mr. Ballenger is concerned only with informing the public of what is, not with what could — and will — be.
The coalition did not "make it a gay issue" any more than the Little Rock Nine made it a Black issue. If that were the case, the bill would only include gay language. The marketing offensive is being pressed from the Right. Moreover, if the bill dies, it will not be enumeration that kills it, but rather the result of homophobia, cowardice and politicos putting self-interest ahead of children's health.
As former Co-Facilitator of the New York State Dignity for All Students Coalition, I have observed that this process requires steadfast patience and considerable relationship building. In EVERY state where an inclusive safe schools bill has passed, the coalition of interests involved has faced an uphill battle. The image of coastal states having ALWAYS been gay friendly is false. They struggled to get there, and did not win by compromising on "gay" language, working tirelessly for years to ensure that the public understood what the bills included.
In the end, though, where these bills have passed, it has been the young people, of all races, sizes, genders, and sexual orientations, who have made it happen. This bill will eventually pass with their persistence, even in a state where the pubic has been mislead into trying to drive people of color and LGBT people away (Proposals. 2, 2004/2006). I know this because I was born and raised here and, despite Michigan's relatively conservative climate, it is still infinitely better to be gay here now than in the 1970's.
The change is coming no matter how hard "Righties" squirm, doubters doubt or haters hate. Let's hope that Mr. Ballenger and others like him have the smarts to move out of the way as young folks begin to create a better Michigan, starting with public schools.
{ITAL Sincerely,
Tony O'Rourke-Quintana}
