BCAT News

Burlington High School has a diverse student population and support for LGBTQIA+ students has been increasing dramatically since 2007. Some supports in place include counselors and the GSA (Gay straight alliance). However, changes within public policies from President Trump’s executive orders about gender identity and sexuality have the power to impact our community. 

While BHS has shown students and teachers how much they care for and support the LGBTQIA+ community with clubs and activities, this support is not universal, either in the U.S. or in the world, and current political rhetoric from the Trump administration has specifically targeted the LGBTQIA+ community.

“I definitely think that nowadays it (homophobia and transphobia) is rampant, I wouldn’t say it’s rampant so much here but it is rampant in the world and some of it is leaking to here.” Said Veras Connolly, former BHS student and current BCAT production coordinator. “And I think that is very dangerous when we have important people or these higher figures who are saying things, and then we have younger impressionable kids or students who hear these things and echo them.” 

There will always be people in the world or within the US government who disagree with beliefs surrounding the LGBTQIA+ community and attempt to make laws against them. What BHS does not want is students or teachers coming to school and repeating what they hear on the news or from their families. 

“We try to maintain a healthy and respectful environment for students” Mr Sullivan, BHS principal, said.

Luckily, some students do feel that they can be their full true self at BHS without issues of homophobia, transphobia, or conformism getting in the way of their true identity.

Antonio Casarano, BHS freshman, says that compared to what he experienced at Marshall Simonds Middle School, “BHS as far as I’m aware has not had any incidents regarding any LGBTQ issues.” 

Thankfully, with support systems in place, Burlington high school students find it somewhat easy to be themselves within our community. The Gay Straight Alliance has been a great support system for LGBTQIA+ students, helping them feel more comfortable with being themselves at BHS, giving them a safe space to talk about any issues and discuss what it’s like being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in today’s society. 

“I think now when we’re in this climate where a lot of history is being erased and people don’t feel as safe, that it’s important to have a safe space where people can gather and talk and just know that they’re not alone,” Ms Carey, BHS teacher and GSA club advisor, said.

With the world changing rapidly, it is important to have safe people to talk to and to know that you are in a safe environment. Burlington high school takes pride in showing acceptance and support toward students and faculty, putting support systems in place and enforcing rules.