This Is Why I Do What I Do...

Posts like this are why I do what I do. Some members of my community obviously do not understand the depth of what is going on around the country. As a straight ally, it is my job to set the record straight. Thank you all for supporting me and encouraging me to keep on going!

Here is the post. Read with caution:
http://www.bvbl.net/index.php/2011/03/26/battlefield-hs-on-display/

Here is my response:

Let me put all of the comments threatening investigations and everything else to rest. As a senior at Battlefield High School, I created the Battlefield GSA. It was not created by a teacher, an administrator, a school board member, or even a gay student. It was created by me, a straight, Caucasian, sensible student at Battlefield High School.

The posters were created because, regardless of your position on equality, there are students at Battlefield everyday who identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender. They are made fun of ruthlessly. Several of them have even threatened to commit suicide. I am not here to argue whether you support gay marriage. I am here to argue for a club that I created so these students can stop getting harassed.

I agree that students are in school to learn, but how can they learn if they don’t even know if they will make it through the school day. I personally have seen students made fun of for all reasons. I don’t know about you, but once “children” start killing themselves because of things being said at school, we have a problem.

I am attacked very often for trying to advance the gay agenda, and that’s fine if you want to believe that. However, let me present you with the reality. As a Jewish student in Prince William County Schools, I was verbally attacked on a regular basis. I wasn’t attacked because I was gay, I was attacked because I was Jewish, short, and “too intelligent.” On one occasion, I was thrown to the ground and kicked around.

I tried to commit suicide three times before I reached high school. Luckily, an organization named the Anti-Defamation League came to my aid and brought me out of a phase that I thought would end my life. After that, I vowed that I would not let the same things happen to my peers and the students that would follow me.

As part of my effort to make sure all students feel safe, I created the Battlefield GSA to specifically make sure students that identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, or Transgender would feel safe in their own school. They deserve more than to be walking around everyday fearing their own classmates. There are several students in the club who identify as straight. No one is there because it is a “Sex Club.” The students are there because they see that bullying is an issue and they are sick of it.

It is time for everyone to face facts. Whether you like it or not, bullying has become an issue in schools across the country and it is time something be done to stop it. It is not a Gay Issue, a Jewish Issue, a Hispanic Issue, IT IS A HUMAN ISSUE. Stop denying what you know is really the truth.

I thank you to all of the aware members of my community reading this post. White Cotton, continue what you are doing, it is people like you that make me proud to live in the area I do.

How are you going to be a straight ally?

So I haven't updated for a while. Sorry about that folks...

Anyway, my goal here is to help share resources for those interested in being allies of the LGBT community. It is also for members of the LGBT community to find allies. I thought I would help by sharing some tips about being an ally.

1. Don't assume anything
1. Many people assume that all LGBT people have exactly the same feelings (relationship-wise). This understandable because we grow up learning about definite sexes and definite sexual orientations. It is important to know that both are fluid. Never assume that because someone currently identifies as gay, they love the same sex all the time and that's all they think about.
2. Feel free to ask
1. Most members of the LGBT community don't mind be asked about their sexuality. If they do, they'll let you know. If you feel uncomfortable with what pronouns to use or how to address them properly, just ask. Most are going to give an honest answer. It's better than going out on a limb and accidentally offending someone.
3. Do some research
1. If being an ally is new to you, do some research. Check out what terms mean and what terms you shouldn't use. There are definitely some "no-no" terms that many people think are okay but the LGBT community finds offensive. This is another situation where it's good to ask someone who knows some stuff already (which hopefully is why you're reading this!)
4. Don't always assume you are offending someone
1. I can even be accused of this. Definitely be careful of what you say, but don't always be afraid to speak up because you think you are offending someone. If you never ask any questions or let people know when you're uncomfortable, you'll never learn from each other.
5. Be an ally all the time.
1. Unfortunately, we are surrounded by people who are unaware that they are offending the LGBT community with some of the words they say. It's usually not a good idea to yell at anyone, but if you hear something offensive, speak up! Say, "Hey! That could be offensive to someone." or something similar. People tend to be on guard when they are with someone who they know is a member of the LGBT community, but they let things slide when they're not around. Be an ally all the time!

So there are 5 tips for now. More are coming! If you have questions, comment on here on send me a message. I'm hoping this can be a forum where I answer questions on a regular basis :)

As always, thanks for reading!

What Are YOU Going to Do to End the Silence? UPDATE

So GLSEN Northern Virginia is doing a Day of Silence Video Campaign entitled, "What are YOU Going to Do to End the Silence?"

Watch my video here and then create your own response!

What Are YOU Going to Do to End the Silence?

Here is a how-to on recording a video for YouTube. You'll need a YouTube account either way you choose. Go here to sign up. It's free.

Using webcam to record video

There are two ways to use your webcam with YouTube:

1. You can record video using the software that came with the camera and then upload it to YouTube (with or without making edits)

OR

2. You can also record directly to YouTube using the My Webcam feature.

To record a video directly to YouTube, you'll need to have:

• A YouTube account
• A confirmed email address
• A webcam or camcorder attached to your computer

If you have all of these things, follow the steps below to upload to YouTube directly from your webcam or camera:

1. Sign in to YouTube. Make sure your camera is attached to the computer and working.
2. Go to the Record From Webcam page (http://www.youtube.com/my_webcam).
3. Enter the information about your video in the left column. This is required before you begin recording.
4. If you get a message that says 'www.youtube.com is requesting access to your camera and microphone,' click the Allow button. If you don't see a picture in the record section, you may need to choose a different video source from the video dropdown in the Record Video window.
5. Once you see a picture coming from your camera, click the Record button to start recording your video.
6. When you're finished recording, click the Done button if you're satisfied with your video, or click the Re-Record button if you'd like to try recording it again.

When you click the Done button, your video will automatically be uploaded to YouTube and begin processing. You can edit information about the video by going to your My Videos page.
If you're having trouble using webcam, you may want to make sure any firewall software you may have is allowing connection to our server. If you're on a corporate or school network the connection could be blocked and you may want to check with your network administrator to find out what restrictions your network's under.

My Video for the Anti-Defamation League

Here is a video about me for the Anti-Defamation League.
In case you cannot view the video on here, this is the link:
A World of Difference Institute: David Aponte

© Video Copyright 2011 Anti-Defamation League

What's Going On?

I think it would be best to start off with what's going on right now.

Currently, most states have bullying policies on the books, but they lack the language to protect students based on sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Most policies simply leave out the words "sexual orientation and gender identity/expression", while many don't even list the groups of protected students. Many simply say that bullying is not tolerated. This is referred to as a zero-tolerance policy.

Zero-tolerance policies have been proven to be ineffective and, in some cases, used against LGBT students. What we all need to push right now are comprehensive, enumerated policies.

For example, the Safe Schools Improvement Act is going through the Senate right now.
Click here for information on it: http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=s112-506&tab=summary

Many Senators aren't on board and LGBT students across the country need our help.
Go here to find out who your Senator is, and how to contact them.http://www.contactingthecongress.org/

Here's a blog for all the allies...

So, as many know, I am a straight ally that is a strong advocate for gay rights. I decided to create this blog for all the allies out there and all of the members of the LGBT community looking for allies.

Each blog post is going to talk about ways to be an ally, ways to advocate for the LGBT community, or ways to support equality.

I'm hoping to make this website friendly to everyone, including those who would like to learn more about LGBT issues around the world.

Ask any question you want! This is a place to learn, but please use good discretion and do not offend anyone that may be reading the blog.