At 15, Arizonan Caleb Laieski is already an established gay activist. In 2008, he and a friend founded Gays and Lesbians United Against Discrimination in reaction to the votes banning gay marriage in Arizona, California and Florida.
He knew discrimination. He dealt with it at his high school in Surprise, Arizona--west of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The school district should have tried to stop the anti-gay slurs and abuse, he said, but they did nothing. School district officials won't comment but say they have policies in place to prevent harassment.
"Everything I have gone through has inspired my activism," he said.
His pursuits have received a lot of notice and attention from human rights organizations. Many people are surprised at his youth because of his knowledge and accurate information on issues.
Here's the best part for me! When Laieski was recently invited to attend a Human Rights Campaign fundraising dinner, his dad drove him there and stayed.
"There are so many profound things that have happened that it constantly impresses me," Michael Laieski said proudly!
Don't you think his father's acceptance and pride partly gave him the courage to step out there as a gay activist to fight against the ignorance of those who discriminate?
Never underestimate the importance of parental acceptance, openness and pride. I bet his mom feels the same way. Way to go Laieskis!!!
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Yes, I do think that having your parent(s) defend you and stand up for you is of monumental importance, especially at high school age or less.
ReplyDeleteAs an adult man, I can pretty much do it on my own now. But, if I had come out during my teen years, having my parent(s) love and support would be very, very important.
- Louie
I wish I had known my children were gay when they were in high school, but I had no idea. Maybe now, with more openness and understanding, children will feel more confident to come out earlier and make their lives easier and their parents lives more enriched. We can only hope.
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