I wonder if those who were so supportive of prayer in a graduation speech would be supportive of this as well?

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/10/gay-texas-teen-graduation-speech_n_3416355.html?ir=Gay+Voices

A Texas teen is being praised after coming out as gay in an emotional graduation speech.

Jezebel's Laura Beck says Mitch Anderson's address "can only be described as the best graduation speech of our time." Anderson is the 2013 salutatorian at Belton High School in Belton, Texas.

"I have been bullied a lot. I’ve been called unspeakable things and relegated to a place of lower class," Anderson is quoted as saying in the speech, the full text of which can be found here. "I have been made to feel worthless, unneeded, a blight on the world. People have mocked me, said that I was virtually subhuman."

Anderson then continued:

"So, for a while, I was in a very dark place. I had no concept of self-worth, and frequently pondered suicide. I became so dejected, that many times I thought of killing myself not just because I saw no point to life, but because I had been convinced that doing so would actually make the world better ... And after I had realized I was gay, I hated myself. I wished and prayed endlessly that I could just go on with life normally, that I could be like everyone else."

Incorporating quotes by Zachary Quinto, Madonna and Nicki Minaj as well as a Harry Potter reference, he also noted:

"The world could use a little bit more love. Let us all not be so quick to judge. We ought to be a bit kinder to others. Be not afraid of what you do not know, because more often than not, it’s probably incredibly similar to what you know. And when you disagree with someone, hate is not a form of love."

Read the full speech here.

Anderson told KTEM News Radio 14 that no one -- not even family members or friends -- knew he was gay before he delivered the speech, but nonetheless said reaction has been positive.

“I’ve received so much support and kindness,” Anderson said. “Knowing that [people] found the speech inspirational has been really amazing.”

Earlier this year, New Jersey teen Jacob Rudolph similarly came out to his class, as well as parents and teachers, as LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender) after being named Class Actor.

Meanwhile, in May, Colorado-based gay teen Ted Chalfen thanked his graduating classmates for their support in a commencement speech.

"I’m going to skip all of the clichés I want to rattle off right now, and get right to the point -- I’m gay," Ted Chalfen, identified by Towleroad as being from Boulder's Fairview High School, told the crowd. "Many, if not most, of the students here today know this, and most of them don’t really care."

bottom line is graduation is a time when they deserve to say how they feel


whether it was speaking out about how people treat you for being FAT, or being poor, or being gay,,,,,I have no problem at all with individuals who have worked to graduate speaking about their experience or feelings,,,its personal to THEM,,,

It is their speech time.

More on homosexuals?

"Many, if not most, of the students here today know this, and most of them don’t really care."

True, so why does he need to say this? Ok, so he's a sexual deviant big deal. How about the majority of the students who aren't and didn't feel the need speak of their sexuality? Who needs to know?

its a moving moment of achievement,, they should have personal expression in those few moments they get to speak

kids get bullied in school for all sorts of reasons, their weight, ther clothes, their intelligence, etc,,

if they make it to the end, I understand them aknowledging that they did it in spite of the put downs,,,,

Why do you have a problem with him stating he's gay?

I don't have a "problem" with it. What about the majority of students that didn't feel the need to speak of their sexuality? Is he special?

its his special moment when HE is on stage

my take is its not really about 'homosexuality' or 'sexual preference',, after all, noone knows those things about you unless you tell them or sleep with them

its more about his 'behavior' and how he was treated for it,,,,
and its very popular now to speak out against intolerance of homosexual behavior,,,,,,,its probably not a trend (yet) to speak out about all the other types of intolerance,, like for fat people, or for poor people,,,

but kids go through alot of things before they graduate and I say give them their few minutes to express themself if they accomplish getting through it,,

He was the salutatorian so I would guess that he managed to go through things fairly well as most who graduate do.
Perhaps at graduations they should read the list of students that are gays and read a list of the non-gays. Maybe also the fat and non-fat students. Then all can share in speaking out about intolerance and oppression.
That would be what graduations are for?

Just as the kid who prayed during his speech, this kid earned his chance at being Salutatorian. If he wants to talk about who he is and what got him to where he is, I say go for it. If the kid wants to pray because he feels that's who he is and it's important enough to do in front of a group of people, fine.

That's ok. But don't you think that it takes a little something out of the special event for the rest of the students? Graduations are not just about one student.

I have no problem with it.

Are you saying they should get rid of valedictorians and salutatorians all together so as not to take anything away from the other kids?

Why not? If equality matters.

no environment is going to perfectly suit all the people involved,, I dont think that takes anything away

whatever we speak on or do in public, some people will relate and others wont,,,thats just life,,,,,

Go for it. Work on getting that done and let us know how it goes.

I see no problem with them, though, as they've earned their titles as valedictorian and salutatorian because they have the highest and second highest GPA in the graduating class. So, I see no problem letting them speak.

And you're supposed to have tolerance for it.

I agree, I have to tolerate people in public constantly,,lol

part of life

i call it free gay advertising...