3 minute read
The Old Man's Corner: No More Moments of Silence. E.L. Winston
Rochelle J. Photography
THE OLD MAN'S CORNER
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E.L. WINSTON
NO MORE MOMENTS OF SILENCE
Stompoutbullying.org reports that 9 out of 10 LGBTQIA students reported being bullied or harassed last year and over one third of LGBTQIA students are physically assaulted in school because of their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. October is National Bully Prevention Month and I thought it important to speak for those who feel like they don’t have a voice or that no one is listening. I have never liked bullies. The whole beating up or harassing people because you’re bigger or have control of the environment that someone is in shows more weakness then strength. I’m tired of having these same types of conversations about human decency and respect for another human being especially when it comes to our youth. We must equip our youth with the ability to stand in times of adversity, but we don't educate them about where they come from. This does them a disservice because if you don't know
your history, then you don't understand your greatness. National Bully Prevention Month is also LGBT history month so we bear a responsibility to those who are coming behind us. They need to know that they have the ability to create safe spaces for themselves, their peers, and generations to come. They can be a Ruth Ellis or a Bayard Rustin. I need them to know that we've been contributing to the fabric of this country from the beginning. For us, as the elders, then we have to be willing to go back to basics. If we have to show up at school to escort every rainbow child in the building then let’s do it. If there's no safe space, then we need to make a space. Mentorship is crucial. Our youth need to see that we survive and thrive. They need to know that what they are experiencing is not how life should be and that we are here to protect them. We care to support them. We have to give our youth the tools it takes for them to be their biggest advocate and to be able to protect themselves. If you're being bullied, then please reach out to someone. You do not have to be silent. I Love You All. Do an old man a favor: Check on our young people. We’re all they’ve got.
