From the Community | Why can’t I learn about my identity in school?

From the Community | Why can’t I learn about my identity in school?

“Gay.” I was nine years old, sitting alone in the ninth row of a cold, yellow school bus when I first heard the word echoing from the seats behind me. It was neatly packaged inside of a quick — but piercing —insult, as if it felt comfortable serving as a tool for violence. Although initially unaware of its significance, I could tell it felt both natural and out of place at the same time — a feeling I knew all too well. “Faggot.” I was twelve yea…