While Betsy DeVos is making it easier for bigots to discriminate against LGBT students in education, some schools like Stony Brook University in New York are making moves towards inclusivity.
The school recently announced that it’s making changes to its homecoming traditions. Instead of having a “king” and “queen” ruling homecoming, the university will have three student “royals” preside instead. Before the change, the finalists for king and queen were ten students: five women and five men. Now 10 students are selected, regardless of gender.
This is a fabulous move to being more inclusive of all students. Now students who are trans, agender, or non-binary can feel more comfortable running for a homecoming spot.
“Programs, events, and competitions that are categorized by gender put folks in the awkward position of either choosing to not be seen or affirmed for who they are or just not participating at all,” Chris Tanaka, assistant director of LGBTQ* services, told Stony Brook University News. “This change has opened the door for more students to feel like Homecoming is an event in which they can fully participate.”
Lee Bitsoi, chief diversity officer and homecoming court judge at Stony Brook, say it’s “another step toward building a welcoming, caring, supportive and inclusive campus community where all students feel that they belong.”
In these increasingly polarizing times, it’s nice to see people take intentional steps to be welcoming. Yes, it’s “just” homecoming, but removing unnecessary barriers to participating in this tradition allows the possibility of positive experiences, and positive memories—instead of feelings of alienation and exclusion—for LBGTQ students who decide to participate,.
We need politicians who will stand up for LGBTQ students. Can you chip in $3 to help them get elected?