“Do not talk to that girl, she is going to Hell.”
The words sting junior Serina Lewallen’s ears as she walks down the hall with her friend. She has heard the words before-the fiery, hate-filled words of judgement because she is homosexual.
Lewallen began expressing her sexual preferences when she was in the ninth grade, but it was not a decision she came to overnight.
“Unlike what people think, you do not just wake up one day and decide your ‘bi’ or ‘gay,’” Lewallen said. “For me I’ve always known the types I have been attracted to, but in the ninth grade I became ready to show it off and stop caring what people think.”
Lewallen has been treated differently ever since she came to terms with her decision to be outwardly homosexual. She hears the words “homo” and “queer” on a daily basis, but feels that is not fair. Even Lewallen’s mother agrees.
“She should not be bullied for her sexual preference,” said Lisa Lewallen, Serina’s mother. “Although I do not agree with homosexuality, I love her for who she is.”
Lewallen is not the only student who has faced discrimination because of sexual preference.
“We should be treated equal; we only have different interests,” said sophomore Scott Burkette. “Some students look at me with a ‘stupid-queer’ look on their faces, practically downgrading me,” he said.
Burkette, too, has suffered consequences for his decision, including being treated unfairly by others who do not agree with his choices.
“I have been treated like I do not belong, and I shouldn’t be here. I do not like it because it is stupid that I should be treated a different way because I have different interests,” said Burkette.
Burkette has support at home. Burkette lives with his grandparents, who are more than happy with his decision.
“If it is okay with Scott, it is okay with us,” said Ann McIntyre, Burkette’s grandmother. “We are fully supportive of his choices.”
Students who have differing opinions about homosexuality often face a whirlwind of controversy surrounding the topic.
“The school doesn’t address the topic,” said an anonymous student. “They treat open gays at school the same as different gender couples when it comes to public display of affection, but you can tell that they are looked upon harsher.”
Even though others may find them to be wrong, the negative reactions are undeserved. Lewallen and Burkette stand firm in their beliefs and feel it is the right thing to do.
“I think most reject the idea because it goes against what they think is right, but sometimes you need to decide your own opinion and stop following by example,” said an anonymous student.
Despite the name calling, Lewallen has found peace with her decision and is confident with the person she has become.
“Never stop having hope, always be yourself, and never let anyone break you. If you can change one person’s opinion about being gay, then you have accomplished something bigger than you. You are amazing so do not ever change,” she said.