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MONTPELIER, VT -- On November 19, seventeen gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered and questioning (GLBTQ) teenagers met with Governor Howard Dean. With pizza and soda as an icebreaker, the youth held an important dialogue with Governor Dean -- a meeting VCLGR's liaison, Keith Goslant, had been longing for. The teens, coming from many organizations, including OutRight Vermont, Central Vermont OutRight, Youth Aware of Addison County, G/LEARN-Upper Valley OutRight and a group from Rutland, spoke about issues concerning GLBTQ youth.
The topic of safe schools was a highlight of the meeting. Youth spoke about harassment in public high schools, and the need for gay/straight alliances and other safe spaces within the school environment. Governor Dean supported the formation of gay/straight alliances.
State law requires public schools to adopt and enforce policies that deals with harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation. Dean stressed the importance of these laws, and committed to making sure they are complied with. He plans to work with the State Board of Education to enlighten teachers about sexual orientation and homophobia. He plans to send a letter to all public schools in Vermont, making it clear that homophobic harassment can not be tolerated in an educational environment.
The Governor had celebrated his birthday earlier that week, so the meeting
ended with a few surprise gifts -- freedom rings, a pin and an OutRight Vermont
water bottle. The youth who attended seemed to walk away pleased. I'd say, we
had a silent ally for a governor, but he's just found his voice.
