Doesnt it seem obvious that gang prevention and intervention needs to acknowledge the realities of gay and lesbian youth? Last night Irv calls me after a planning meeting for an upcoming seminar, geared for high school students from eastside continuation schools. One of the components they always have is a workshop about boy girl relations, which also addresses the issues of mistreating and objectifying women as is the norm in the gang world. Teaching each other with respect and passing on some egalitarian values. To learn to talk over issues as well. Irv says at the meeting that at the beginning of their upcoming group discussion they should at least make a statement that everyone is able to share, including gays and lesbians. Everyone needs to feel welcome to participate. These are the most progressive guys in Boyle Heights, so hes sure they will be supportive, or so he thought. Immediately, the groups went hysterical and shot him down. Now it wasnt just the typical veterano faction of old gangers who lost themselves, it was even the basic civil rights guys. Why? Because its too much trouble they say, because Latino wont accept such things so they refuse to touch the “gay issue.” They said they tried to 20 years ago and wont try again. Even the one African-American friend he expected to get it, he said it doesnt really need to be talked about, because he already plans to show a prison rape movie! To say the least Irv was furious, this issue isnt over yet. To be continued...
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 20:15:59 +0000
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