A powerful and passionate speech was given by Alex Hagerty against providing pornographic literature in public schools at an October school committee meeting in Abington, Massachusetts.
According to The Post Millennial, Hagerty honed in on the use of explicit books, such as This Book is Gay, being available in school libraries. Hagerty, who is gay, told the people present at the committee meeting that he knew what it was like walking the halls of Abington High School and being unable to be himself. Hagerty noted he witnessed bullying, heckling, and the stereotyping that his fellow gay students experienced and that he understood the importance of acceptance matters."
As Hagerty spoke to the gathering, it was clear the subject of providing support systems for the LGBTQ community was a priority. That LGBTQ students need places where they can build their confidence to live their life as who they are and places where each student can seek guidance. Hagerty was quick to say books like This Book is Gay does not help with LGBTQ acceptance."
Hagarty said, The Gay Rights Movement was founded to advance equality, treat people with dignity and respect and denounce and reject wrongful stereotypes, caricatures, and stigmas. Hagarty added that books like This Book is Gay, with explicit sexual language, graphic imagery, and dangerous scenarios, arent representative of the majority of LBGTQ people.
The people who equate my community to these books, and saying they should be for children, are reattaching the erroneous stereotypes and caricatures and stigmas the Gay Rights Movement found to get away from. According to the report, the audience was moved by his statements, standing and applauding what he had to say.
Hagerty added, I dont care if the literature is straight, gay, or cartoon. Sexual material that illustrates how to perform sexual acts promotes dangerous apps, and advocates irresponsible behavior is not a book that public schools should be putting into the hands of children.
If people want to promote tolerance and acceptance, then support and assist the Abington High School GSA with private funding for age-appropriate educational books, speakers, awareness, merchandise, guidance, tools, and friendly events like perhaps a dance.
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