Barrera Minute #8: Recognizing LGBTQIA+ History Month
San Diego Unified shows its support by marching in the Pride Parade
One of the first bits of history we learn in school is that George Washington was the father of our country. Even if he didn’t actually refuse to lie about chopping down a cherry tree, he is held up as a role model. So just imagine if you woke up one morning and Washington had been erased from history books in order to serve someone’s misguided political goals. You’d be justifiably outraged.
Now imagine that the hero who was erased was Harvey Milk, the first openly gay Californian elected to office. Or Sarah McBride, the first openly trans member of Congress. What about codebreaker Alan Turing, whose work was critical to defeating the Nazis? Or Sally Ride, the first female American astronaut to travel in space? If right wing politicians get their way, our children would be robbed of these role models, simply because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. This is just wrong.
“Throughout his many years at San Diego Unified School District, Richard Barrera has stayed the course as an advocate for schools that are safe and affirming places for ALL students.”
Fighting for the visibility and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA) students has been an important part of my almost two decades of work as a trustee for the San Diego Unified School District. Research indicates that at least 10% of SDUSD’s students identify as LGBT. These young people are vulnerable to rejection, bullying, violence and suicide. Our district strives to make them feel valued and safe by:
Adopting robust anti-bullying policies;
Supporting campus Gay-Straight Alliance student clubs;
Providing resources for LGBTQIA+ students and their teachers and families;
Marching in San Diego’s annual Pride Parade; and,
Celebrating LGBTQIA History Month in October.
One of many LGBTQIA+ History Month displays in San Diego Unified schools
Equality California (EQCA), the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQIA+ civil rights organization, has spotlighted our work. And in 2011, I was honored to receive the San Diego LGBT Center’s Harvey Milk Leadership Award for my work to stem the alarming rise in suicide among LGBTQIA youth.
I was honored to receive the Harvey Milk Leadership Award
As humans, we feel worthy when we see ourselves reflected in the media, including history books, and by the respect given to our leaders and traditions. As we close out LGBTQIA+ History Month, I hope you will join me in ensuring that this important part of history is showcased, not erased. Please help me bring this message to every school community by supporting my campaign for State Superintendent of Public Instruction by visiting our website here.
Richard
