|
|
So what can be done about the situation in Toronto? What do gay youth need? The ultimate goal must be a youth-friendly environment within the city. Where young people can come and be themselves without the pressures of the older gay community, and the heterosexual world. Where they can socialize, study, and relax. Parallel to this, there needs to be a reimagineering of the role of youth groups in North America, a swift and steady move away from the groups that we find today, toward the more beneficial European model.
The existing ‘structure’ will argue that attempting any such radical change would be more destructive than productive. These are the people who know gay youth solely through the skewed perspectives developed during their own formative years, showing no regard for the way that the world and reality of being young and gay have changed. There are a few individuals, however, who do understand these needs, having worked with open minds with the young people at issue here. These are the few who can take out the gems that are our gay youth, and with a great deal of love and care, gradually polish them to the point where they can do what they do best – shine. One dares only hope that they will soon be given the opportunity to make that happen.Works Cited or Consulted
Gay Youth UK. 7 Dec. 2001 .
Demographic Study on Male Sexual Orientation - notes. 11 Dec. 2001 .
Tolerante Scholen.net. Empowerment Lifestyle Services. 16 Dec. 2001 .
Klindera, Kent, Lauren Patti, and Carrie Shriver. Facts LGBT Youth At Risk and Underserved. Washington, DC: Advocates for Youth, 1998.
das publikom Stadt Münster. 21 Dec. 2001 .
Niedersachsen. Niedersächsisches Ministerium für Frauen, Arbeit, und Soziales. Schwule Jugendliche: Ergebnisse zur Lebenssituation, sozialen und sexuellen Identität. By Ulrich Biechele and Günter Reisbeck. [München]: n.p..
Bass, Ellen, and Kate (Contributor) Kaufman. Free Your Mind : The Book for Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth And Their Allies. N.p., 1996.
|
Tags
You must be logged in to add tags.
|
Writer Profile
Martin Kuplens-Ewart
This user has not written anything in his panorama profile yet.
|
Comments
A really interesting study... Umi A. | Jun 9th, 2002
I have realized that the main reason homophobia presists is due to stereotypes and misconceptions about homosexuality. The fact that you brought important surveys and statistics to light really helps creating a more positive image of gay youth, and creates a sense of awareness regarding the problems and obstacles they consult in their lives. A very very good article. Hope to read more from you in the future! :)
Joel Solow | Jun 13th, 2002
Truely an important issue, and a good article. Despite living in New York, one of the more tolerant/liberal of all American cities, I understand the challenges that face 'queer' teens, whether in the mid-west, or Canada. I'm actually working on a gay issues-focusing chapter in a book, and if you'd like, I could send you an interview, maybe get some of your opinions in the chapter. just e-mail me at insearchoffaith@yahoo.com if you're interested.
-Joel
wow! Ha Thi Lan Anh | Jun 24th, 2002
dont have time to go through all rite now but denifitely come back and dig it :) interesting study.. i do believe there are quite some youth gays in my city and the number is rising.. but in Vietnam and asian countries as well i think people are really afraid of gays,hate them even,thinking they being gays means they have deseases.. lots of mistereotypes about them and also misunderstandings.. the thing is we havent really cared and theres noone really dare to talk about youth gays problems..
well done Karis | Jun 25th, 2002
Yes, I finally got around to fully reading it. Hahahaha, it was interesting, don't you fret about the flow of your writing.
Yes, Deutschland has a reputation around the world for being very gay-friendly (from my experiences), and Canada is a little cold (hahahaha).
I didn't know that the gay youth group sit. was so pathetic here in Toronto, I really am interested in trying to fix it! I really am!
And it is really good to look at the things homosexual teens have to dealwith in other parts of the world. I remember speaking with someone in Manila, and they gave me some excellent insight. It goes with what Angel says, actually, and it makes me sad.
Online communities aren't as fulfilling, true, but there's a start. There is a start. I don't know! I'm thinking about all this...
thanks for reminding me!
Definately Adam Dexter | Jul 25th, 2002
This is a pretty big issue, and I am glad that there are more and more people that are concerned (not just homosexual youths).
Humans may have differences that set them into categories (which is sad) but if you draw the line in reverse, you will come to the concept of everyone being human. And this in itself is the greatest generalization anyone can make.
Just my opinion Courtney Rider | Apr 21st, 2004
I'm not into writing tons but this is a huge issue for me although I myself am not a gay youth. Many friends I have are though and are persecuted because of it. For example, just last week my friend "Joey" was canned and rolled down the hill in a garbage can. I can't stand to have these things going on. I commend you for being bold enough to put your opinion on here and I can only hope that i try to make an example like you.
Human Rights shirley lokito | May 24th, 2004
It's a basic human right to choos their path of life and have the resposibility of their own body, including their reproductive system. I strongly agree that there should be more gay studies, being taught at school, etc. in the belief that our society would be a better place to live in, without any clash between this group of people and that group of people. That kind of dislike between gay poeple and normal people is always exist but there something we have to do to suppress it. APART FROM THEIR SEXUAL ACTS, THERE"S NOTHING SEPARATING.
You must be a TakingITGlobal member to post a comment. Sign up for free or login.
|
|
