A goal for Equality
By Gabby Hernandez—
Passaic is diverse and students from all over the world are classmates. Various ethnicities and points of view are respected. However, there seems to be just one group that has been ignored. People with different sexual preferences have been left out of the general acceptance of diversity. While not being persecuted in the halls, this segment of our student body would like to be recognized and valued for their contributions to the diversity of the student body.
In order to be noticed Senior Christopher Dominguez, known to his peers as “Crissy” and Junior Artemio Toledo, along with current SBYS faculty members Ms. Banks and Mrs. Cilento, formed a new club called the NOH8 (Hate) club. The NOH8 Club is the first club formed for gay, bisexual, lesbian, and straight students in PHS’s history. Crissy and Artemio, with the support of many of their friends, created a petition to organize supporters for the club. More than seven hundred students and faculty members signed the petition, and at last the club was formed.
“We just want to be in a place where we feel comfortable with each other, a place where no one is judging you or looking at you like you’re some kind of infection,” said senior Nereo Lozano. Another senior, Jarlenys Abreu, said, “We’re like a family already, we’re all different. We like different music and in this club we come together as friends and we’re practically family.” The purpose for this new club is to give a place for students who feel out of place and feel at home, where no one will judge.
“You don’t have to be gay or lesbian to join the club, if you just want to meet new people or hang out you can come to the club,” said senior Tarynn Aldridge, “ I mean there’s people who are members of the club who are straight.” Everyone must feel welcome if the NOH8 club’s objective, of overcoming the stereotypes of sexuality in society, is to be achieved.
Many members stated that the hardest part about being gay is dealing with ignorant people. Many have lost friends and have been rejected by family members. The most difficult struggle for acceptance is actually at home. Senior Alfredo Aguilar said, “One day after I got home and my parents had already found out that I was gay, the first thing they did was tie my sexuality with religion. I come from a very religious family and for them, me being gay meant the performance of an exorcism.” He continued, “They were all crying and I felt hurt by the rejection of my family. I have a normal life; I go to church; I like music and interaction with other people; the only difference is that I like guys. That’s it.”
NOH8 promises to be a successful club, with more than thirty students attending the first meeting on Wednesday, March 27. The meeting was full of enthusiastic teens ready to share their stories. The atmosphere at this meeting, between laughter and jokes, was upbeat and enthusiastic. Students interacted like they knew each other forever.
Club advisor, Ms. Banks said, “I’m here for anyone that needs my help. This club is not only for you to feel safe, but also to provide counseling one on one if anyone needs it.” She and Mrs. Cilento both listened and joined the conversation. The meeting was a success. NOH8 Club created a founding statement, they said, “Don’t be scared of being who you really are, if the people in your life can’t accept you how you are, maybe those people are not essential in your life. You were BORN THIS WAY, you’re unique just the way you are.”
