By Ajuni Kaur
Courier Staff Reporter
Editor’s Note (5/23/16): As of this time the course will not fulfill a student’s ethnic studies requirement, however Ellison is working towards making it so.
James Logan High School will be the second high school in the Bay Area to offer a LGBT history class. The class will be offered for next year, and will count as an a-g course.
LGBT rights have always been a topic of major debate in the United States, but the history is inspiring. It’s a model to everyone to stand up for their beliefs and their lifestyle. It shows us how to be strong and not leave the fight until they achieve their goal.
The first School in the Bay Area to have a LGBT history class was Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of Arts. According to California Educator, the students who took this class loved it, and had an amazing experience.
Mr. Ellison, the teacher who proposed to have the class here on campus, said that, “Ms. Schlax, [the teacher of the original course], was very happy and offered her class material. I will teach the class per her plans the first year, and then tweak it a little after my experience. It is a project-movie-based class, so I think the students will like it.”
Students enrolled in this course will not only learn about LGBT rights but also about also about the AIDS crisis, and the lives of various lesbian, gay, and transgender people. In addition, they will be taught about the legalization process of gay marriage.
When asked about any concerns relating to the class, Mr. Ellison said, “Many students that need to take the class won’t take it, fearing what their friends and peers will think about them.” The class is open to everyone despite of one’s sexuality.
With the help of donations, Mr. Ellison has also established a LGBT library. He wants to add more to this collection, and is planning to do so this summer.
“I will be taking a summer class to study the things I need to know for the class. I am excited to teach this class, and to teach students about the rights that were denied to us.”
There are currently 18 sign-ups for this class, but it’s not too late to opt for this class. Juniors and Sophomores who don’t have they ethnic studies credit completed and are interested in this subject should meet with their counselor as soon as possible
I have a DVD from the It Gets Better Project I’d like to donate to the library! It is of a song the SFGMC recorded for the project and also includes interviews with chorus members about being bullied in their youth for being gay. Email rayotani@aol.com
way to go mr ellison and logan!! this is agreat opportunity for students to become aware of the lgbt community
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