Original photo courtesy of Judith McGinty, Edited by Lydia Breuer
This is a censored image of the LGBTQ+ flag created with tape by art students. Administration took down the piece after unknown students vandalized it.
Opinion: Students Silenced
Administration Should Not Have Taken Down LGBTQ+ Art
February 9, 2021
The art class created tape art on the walls around the school regarding social issues in order to bring awareness. Near room A232, three students created an art piece representing the LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, etc) community. After unknown students vandalized the piece by peeling it off, administrators said the piece had become a distraction and disruption and took it down.
The art should not have been taken down.
It is important that all voices are heard and are treated equally, as it is the American right to do so. According to the Student Press Law Center, schools are only allowed to censor something if it causes a “material and substantial disruption of school activities,” which means that it would have to have a substantial effect on the school. If this is true, then another tape art piece of a large Vuse vape should have been taken down as well. It remained on the wall despite students taking photos with the giant vape for social media and students claiming the artists put it on the wall as a joke. The LGBTQ+ art did not cause such a distraction on that scale, as it only brought awareness to the issue of normalized homophobia, and was not directed towards anybody in particular. That did not stop people from being upset about it for really no reason. LGBTQ+ students should be able to be represented in this community without having to worry about being harassed or silenced due to the school valuing its reputation more than educating those on a serious issue in our society.
Instead of educating those who think it is wrong, the administration decided to take it down so as not to cause fights. When in all reality, it came across as suppressive and makes it seem as though the school does not have its best interest for LGBTQ+ students. Generally, times are changing and every day America becomes more progressive and accepting of LGBTQ+ people, but they are still mistreated and their rights are still being debated. Bigotry and hypocrisy still exist and has been exhibited in this school, as seen when the LGBTQ+ art was vandalized by a student before administration had it removed and when the ‘BLM’ (Black Lives Matter) in a neighboring art piece was ripped off. The full BLM art piece was not taken down by administrators, but it was also not repaired since its vandalization. No action has been taken to reprimand any students who vandalized the piece. While the student that vandalized the LGBTQ+ art piece is unknown, there is no education or announcement to try to let them see their wrongs.
To prevent this from happening again, the school should educate the students and faculty who disagree with that community. LGBTQ+ assemblies could be extremely beneficial to the school to show that people of that community are humans and deserve respect and to be treated as an equal, even if one disagrees with their identity. The school should do a class assembly with at least one speaker, either from the school or outside of it. The lessons in the assembly should not be a one time deal, either. Character Wednesdays should also have education on the LGBTQ+ community as well. It wouldn’t require much change to the schedule for Character Wednesdays and it would broaden the horizons of what it teaches about how to be a better person.
The art should not have been taken down. Instead the people who dislike it should be educated to not hate on someone just because of who they love or what they identify as. If there was more LGBTQ+ education and representation at this school, then many students would feel much more comfortable and safe.
Zoe Lea • Mar 7, 2021 at 10:50 pm
I know I am extremely late to the party, as I don’t check badger tracks nearly often enough, but thank you so much for addressing this Lydia. I swear, if I hear one more person say that LGBT+ people are ‘being heterophobic’ or ‘shoving it down their throats’ I might scream. We are not trying to shove it down your throats. We are not trying to force straight people to be LGBT+ with us. We know better than most that you like who you like, you are who you are, and other people can’t change that. We just want some toleration, please. If you think that it’s fine and this school doesn’t need change, then I have a couple stories. Earlier this year, a friend of mine was pushed down a stairwell; not because he had provoked anyone in any way, no, just because someone didn’t like what he was wearing. He was wearing a shirt that said he was gay. And then, at the bottom of the stairs, an administrator told him he needed to change his shirt because it was “offensive.” Another time, i heard a guy in my academic class suggest that we send all the lesbians to the gulag. He said it fairly loud, but he didn’t get any negative repercussions. People are able to do and say hateful things to us and get away with it, and they know it. This is a problem. If you are a straight/Christian/republican person who at least tolerates us and doesn’t do/say stuff like this, then congratulations! We don’t have a problem with y’all. However, we still need to take a stand because of the people who don’t at least tolerate us.
LHS Senior • Mar 3, 2021 at 10:14 am
The fact that grown adults cant accept the fact that times has changed is ASTONISHING. its amazing that you spoke out about this and also kept it respectful. the LGBTQ+ has been silenced long enough. Straight people walk around our school without getting called slurrs, so why cant the LGBTQ+ community do the same? if you’re homophobic just say that sweetie. The fact that so many PARENTS/ADULTS are being homophbic about tape being put up is ridiculous.
Emalei • Feb 11, 2021 at 6:07 pm
I am a female, i am 16 , I go to school and keep up average grades, I have a social life with many friends, I participate in activities, and I live the average normal life with a religious family. Notice how I fit the normal description of a average teen, but there’s one thing you don’t know , I am bisexual. After reading everything in the beginning that would describe the average teenage life I am not different from any of you. May you be straight, gay, bisexual, pansexual, transgender, etc, we are all the same. But unfortunately LGBTQ+ have to stand up for themselves as they aren’t seen as “normal”! We are the same, our blood runs red like yours and we shouldn’t be silenced when we shouldn’t have to be so loud for equality. Some of you in the comments are absolutely disgraceful.
omg • Feb 10, 2021 at 6:51 pm
If putting up TAPE art is shoving homosexuality down your throat then what do you think we feel when we walk in the hallways and see heterosexuals holding hands, hugging, or even kissing in the stairwells. We see this everyday and just go on about our lives, but the one time we try to do something for ourselves you just cant bare to let a piece of TAPE stay on a WALL. If the tape was unacceptable the so should any type of PDA from hetero relationships. Like do you not see what you are saying? You’re saying that just because you are straight you have the right to show you’re in a relationship and it makes you normal, but if you see one gay couple it’s too much for you and they are “shoving it down ” your throat. Do you really not think that’s how we feel when we go on social media and see endless hetero couples with encouraging comments. Also yes there are homo relationships out there (obviously), and yes they too get good comments, but the difference between a hetero couples comments and a homos is that you don”t see a random close minded guy or girl saying that they can “change” them. By change it means their sexuality. Just in case you hard headed and close minded people didn’t get the memo.
Abri Gilliland • Feb 10, 2021 at 2:53 pm
Looking at the comments from these arrogant homophobes really makes my blood boil. Especially the fact that you can’t put your name?? Is it because you know what you are saying is wrong, or are you just scared to ruin your reputation with your close minded thoughts? As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I can gladly say I am proud of who I am and who I love! That isn’t the case for some. I personally don’t get offended by homophobic comments/slurs, but a lot of others who have not come out yet are heavily affected by those things. Every person is born with a basic, human right. That right is to be happy, do what makes you happy, and live your life how you want unapologetically. People can say homophobia isn’t a thing, but it is typically the ones who say that, that think their “straight voice” is silenced. Straight voices ARE NOT silenced. However, LGBTQIA+ voices ARE. Going to school everyday, being open about who you are, isn’t scary for straight people. This is because heterosexuality is the common expectation for all. I understand that seeing two men/women/non-binaries can be strange, because this is not the societal norm, however that doesn’t mean they are any different from a man and woman relationship. I am saying this because homophobia, transphobia, heteronormativity, etc. is far too normalized at LHS. You don’t have to “accept” us, but at least have the common decency to show respect to us, as you would any other person. The LGBTQIA+ community aren’t animals, WE ARE PEOPLE!! So please treat us like it. Stop saying we shove our identities down your throat when straight people talk about the opposite gender consistently with no repercussions. And stop using your religion as an excuse to judge people for living their life happily. It says in the Bible that a sin is a sin, and all sins are equal. It says to love thy neighbor, but you are hating on us. So maybe being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community is a sin, but so is not loving everyone. If you go by the Bible, go by all of it, not just what you want to. And notice the fact that I put my name on this because I am not ashamed of my opinions:)
Philip lee walls jr • Feb 10, 2021 at 2:21 pm
As for the “Christians” in this comment section disagreeing, please tell me where in the Bible does it say to hate,bully,harass,or treat LGBTQ+ people anyway different? Nowhere. But you know what the Bible does say? That we are all family, and that we should all love and respect eachother. Practice what you preach instead of pushing people away. It’s the main reason people like myself have turned away from religion. Stop deleting my comments I have said nothing wrong
Badger Tracks Admin. • Feb 11, 2021 at 8:16 am
Badger Tracks would like to clarify that we have not deleted your comments. They are not posted until approved, and we just saw them to approve them. However, we did not approve the ones that included your personal information.
Philip walls pt. 2 • Feb 10, 2021 at 2:07 pm
As for the people in the comments using religion as a reason for homophobia where in the Bible goes it say to hate gay people? Where does it say to shun and bully them? No where? Yeah. But you know what it does say? We should love and accept everyone. Now go be a good little Christian and follow the Bible you love so much.
Brenden Burke • Feb 10, 2021 at 11:52 am
1.) Don’t use religion to excue your homophobia.
2.) It’s TAPE ART, literal art made from tape! How is that shoving lgbtq+ culture down your throats!?
3.) The reason we’re associating republicans with the opposing side is because of the 2nd comment
Alyssa • Feb 10, 2021 at 10:12 am
This is an amazing article. As a supporter of the LGBTQ community, I understand people are furious about the tape art getting taken down. Since the tape art was for a school project.
I feel as though if people in the LGBTQ community want to be treated the same as everyone else, stop shoving that you’re gay down everyone’s throat, we get it equality is important. Stop acting like your special because you like the same sex.
Unknown • Feb 10, 2021 at 9:26 am
If you don’t support the LGBTQ+ And BLM then that’s on you, but why are you tearing these things down, they were not trying to persuade you to be apart of the LQBTQ+ and BLM community. What they are trying to address the communities and issues out there. If y’all don’t want these things in the hallway then why are you keeping the posting of the Bible study that goes on every Wednesday during academic? Y’all are saying that y’all don’t want the political and religious things in the hallway but you have that!!! I believe that bull that you can keep the religious stuff up but not what people are wanting to speak out about these groups and what people go through.
ANANOMYS • Feb 10, 2021 at 8:05 am
If you dont support LGBTQ then dont but that gives you no right to deny us as human. We have eyes,leg,arms, and a mind too dont we? calling us names isant funny, bulling us isant funny. we cant change who we are and we wont. Im friends with many people from the LGBTQ community and i am part of it too. Im bisexual and if youhave a problom with it you dont have to talk to me. I have enough support from my mom and my friends. Next time you have an opinion about LGBTQ keep it to yourselfif its going to hurt others. Try walking in our shoes for a day and see how it feels
Clyde Ashfield • Feb 9, 2021 at 10:55 pm
I’m an 8th grader coming as a freshman next year. Seeing this article makes me feel happier for the outcomes of others futures. I’m happy to see this school district progressing. Although there is plenty of hate comments, mostly from 40 year old women, there is more support than hate, and that is what is needed. I hope the LHS takes some action on this topic. As for the parents in the comments that are “concerned” please grow up. I know things must be really hard in life right now seeing people with generational hate be brought a light, but all your doing is embarrassing yourself
Mak M • Feb 9, 2021 at 10:55 pm
The people in the comments saying that this article is against straight people are truly ignorant. It’s disappointing to see just how close minded some people are. This has nothing to do with being against straight people and everything to do with helping to make lgbtq+ kids feel comfortable and safe at school and in their community.
Luca Duvall • Feb 9, 2021 at 8:21 pm
Listen here you trolling in the comments, you think this is funny? It isn’t, homophobia is a real thing and is a very dangerous thing. Statistics show that LGBTQ+ individuals are more likely to commit suicide due to all of this pathetic hate and more. There are countries where being LGBTQ+ is illegal and can get you jailed or even killed. You have absolutely no right to be talking about this “not being an issue”. This is an issue to be addressing and if you can’t grow up, then you have failed this country. “The land of the free”, they say. Prove it, prove it truly is the land of the free. If a bloody African country can be accepting, than so can you. And unlike you, some of us are actually brave enough to use our real names, not some weak alias.
Citation:
https://www.hrc.org/resources/marriage-equality-around-the-world
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicide_among_LGBT_youth
https://amp.usatoday.com/amp/39574685
Former student • Feb 9, 2021 at 8:15 pm
as a former student from lampasas, this action comes as no shock. this town has had many issues pertaining to equality and basic human rights. the art didn’t even have anything dividing on it, it simply stated that we are all human, if you have an issue with the simple fact that we are all human that is an issue that you need to evaluate on your own time, not pushing it into childrens faces, these are not other aldults these are children. in all honesty one of the most eye opening parts of this situation is how the administration handled it, by saying it was “too distracting”, it was too distracting because you made it too distracting, without the hatred of the people in that town there would have been no issue with the fact that we are all equally human.it is administration like this, the people who expect respect out of us, who don’t even respect their students on a basic level. this is one of the many reasons why there is a bad representation towards this school. these are the same people that say “ united we stand divided we fall” the same people who want to tear others down for no reason besides their own issues. i think you should revaluate the real reason of why it was “too distracting” because it surely wasn’t the artists fault.
Lulu Lopez • Feb 9, 2021 at 8:12 pm
If you really feel this is wrong say your name idk why you are hiding behind a name. You obviously feel the need to say something now put your name behind it and officiate your statement because if you feel that strongly it obviously means something. You obviously are offended by this article and you want to speak about it With negative connotations about people well people are reading your comments and they were being offended By those negative connotations so they’re going to speak about it don’t hate on them because they want to tell you their opinion
Lu • Feb 9, 2021 at 7:51 pm
I would like to point something out everyone that is for this article has put their name and has spoken openly about how they feel this is correct well everyone hating and being rude and selfish are giving ridiculous names and hiding behind a screen . Just saying the truth
Philip Lee walls jr. • Feb 9, 2021 at 7:04 pm
As a former student at lampasas high school and a member of the lgbt community this is disgusting. I’m so appalled to see that y’all haven’t grown in the slightest. The bullying and the hatred that was seen in lhs was so overlooked until I moved away and saw how much better other places are. You “republicans”(a real republican would stand for the first amendment) in this school are so intolerant and don’t want anything more then people you disagree with to speak your minds. You guys are so childish and need to grow up before it gets worse. We aren’t “shoving it down your throat” and even if we were straight people “shove it down our throats” way more often. Religion is also “shoved down” students throats should we silence anyone who speaks about religion. Grow up and defend my right to speak my mind like you want so badly for the American people.
Not wanting attention • Feb 9, 2021 at 6:47 pm
The representative doesn’t count “being yourself” as pushing the gay agenda, that should be obvious, he’s telling everyone to just be them, there is no way or reason you should’ve gotten “push the gay agenda” from his comment
Shrek 2 • Feb 9, 2021 at 6:39 pm
Y’all do realize just because it’s a “republican town” there’s still soooo many liberals. Not every republican is against lbgtq+, what we’re against is them automatically assuming everyone is against it.
A freshman • Feb 9, 2021 at 6:34 pm
I think that them tearing down meaningful art is wrong. Think about others LHS! They can love who they want and identify themselves the way they want. Expression is what art is about. They technically deserve the right to have their representation. Lydia thank you for spreading this awareness. I hope in the future these administrators will listen to us . Same with the BLM they followed instructions for social awareness. The students just did what they were told. Thank you
Zala Windhorst • Feb 9, 2021 at 6:12 pm
I completely agree that the mural should of not been taken down. I understand that everyone has different views and opinions but this is ridiculous. I believe that you don’t have to agree with other people’s views, but you can at least respect them. If more people would simply respect others we wouldn’t be having issues like this.
LHS Parent • Feb 9, 2021 at 6:10 pm
This article will probably get more comments supporting the lgbtq movement, because it is a progressive movement and in my opinion , an indoctrination. I am a Conservative Christian parent of a student at LHS, and I taught my kids tolerance, but not to forget what the bible teaches. This movement should also be tolerant of us Christians, and that we do not have to accept this push. Our voices should not be silenced either. God loves us all, and only following Jesus’ teaching will truly make us happy and allow us eternal everlasting life. Would tape art supporting Christianity be met with push back? Absolutely!! Tolerance goes both ways.
Sami McKenzie • Feb 9, 2021 at 5:37 pm
First of all, huge kudos to Lydia for addressing and condemning things that I never would have been daring enough to bring to light while I was at LHS. She took the initiative to, on a grand scale, call out the bigotry that has been ever present in this school system (and town but one thing at a time). If we have learned anything this past five years, it is that hate is something that people are feeling more and more comfortable expressing. Secondly, I agree with her statements totally, as well as the majority of the comments (ie the ones who are written by tolerant educated people). I’m an adult so I can’t call out those comments, but I implore y’all to really look at what you have said and try putting yourself in “the other’s” shoes. It can be very eye opening.
TLDR: Lydia you did great and this is just the start if a more tolerance LHS!
Brenden Burke • Feb 9, 2021 at 5:10 pm
To the person who claimed lgbtq+ people are shoving their sexuality down straight people’s throats… what are you even talking about??? Do you know how many straight people I see making out in the stairwell and hallways and each couple holding hands? A lot. Plus, if you count “being yourself” as pushing the “gay agenda”, then you are massively mistaken.
Anonymous • Feb 9, 2021 at 4:59 pm
Love yourself and everyone around you. We are all human and we want nothing to do with violence and hatred.
Kait Neely • Feb 9, 2021 at 4:02 pm
It breaks my heart to see these comments calling this ignorant. There is no such thing as heterophobia, but this does shed light on the ongoing problem that this very republican town has, which is homophobia. We aren’t shoving it down yalls throats, yall barely give us the time of day. I’m sick of how kids here can just be openly homophobic and nothing is done.
Representative of the straight people • Feb 9, 2021 at 3:52 pm
I’m sorry for the acts of the homophobic bigots in our school, as a straight male and a representative of the straight community i on behalf of everyone am sorry for the harassment that you all have faced, thank you for posting this and everyone stay true to you, love who you want and keep being you, I will always support you, enjoy life everyone♥️
Brayden Dean • Feb 9, 2021 at 3:17 pm
Homophobia has been tolerated for far too long in this school. LGBTQ+ students have never felt as if their voice has mattered, including myself. It’s not easy to walk around the hallways only to receive weird stares, giggling, and rude gestures from my peers. I’m very grateful to see someone take action to stand up for this community. It’s tiring reading comments such as “Why did Lampasas allow you to post this? This is against straight people and this has no reason to be focused mainly on LGBTQA people. They are people too, no need to focus this story on them. Be better!.” Heterosexual people will always sit in a place of privilege that they will never understand. You don’t receive the stares as we do. You don’t receive the homophobic insults and slurs as we do. You don’t receive the every day fear of coming to school wondering who is going to pick on you today, simply because of something that doesn’t have a direct effect on anyone else’s life. Thank you for writing this article, and taking action.
LHS Student • Feb 9, 2021 at 3:16 pm
Most people do not have an issue with LGBTQ whatever else is next, it is when it is shoved down our throats ,constantly, that people get annoyed. If it is your sexual preference and NOT for attention, why do we need to know about? Straight people don’t walk around with a straight flag telling everyone they are straight because no one cares. Talking about this during Character Wednesdays has nothing to do with bringing awareness. The LG+++ community has PLENTY of representation in almost every new TV show, social media, and everywhere else. Just STOP shoving it down our throats! If you want to be accepted, then stop expecting everyone else to praise you for your differences or preferences. No one else gets that, so ya’ll definetley wont by cramming it in our face. Basically yall need to just chill. There are bigger issues in this world, than yall getting a gold star for liking your gender or identifying as something other than a male or female.
LHS Student • Feb 9, 2021 at 3:16 pm
Most people do not have an issue with LGBTQ whatever else is next, it is when it is shoved down our throats ,constantly, that people get annoyed. If it is your sexual preference and NOT for attention, why do we need to know about? Straight people don’t walk around with a straight flag telling everyone they are straight because no one cares. Talking about this during Character Wednesdays has nothing to do with bringing awareness. The LG+++ community has PLENTY of representation in almost every new TV show, social media, and everywhere else. Just STOP shoving it down our throats! If you want to be accepted, then stop expecting everyone else to praise you for your differences or preferences. No one else gets that, so ya’ll definetley wont by cramming it in our face. Basically yall need to just chill. There are bigger issues in this world, than yall getting a gold star for liking your gender or identifying as something other than a male or female.
Facts only • Feb 9, 2021 at 2:47 pm
If you want to be treated equally stop forcing your views into people’s face. you know why straight people don’t get messed with? because we don’t force our views on everyone. If you want to be treated equal act like it and stop trying to force it. There isn’t a straight flag that could be flown in the hallway, but if there was i’m sure that people would be outraged and would vandalize it. If people would just act normal none of this would happen.
Dylan Duvall • Feb 9, 2021 at 2:21 pm
Just the sheer fact that [someone] has the audacity to say something like “Do better!”
[The commenter] must not see how much discrimination there is in this school, because it is rampant. Teens being bullied for being LGBTQIA+ and still getting disrespected. The gays have thousands of years of discrimination behind them, yet you still feel the need to say that this is heterophobic.
Heterophobia does not exsist. It frankly never has, yet you have to make this about yourself.
This article is wonderful, thank you for shining light on this Lydia.
Madyson • Feb 9, 2021 at 2:17 pm
This is absolutely awful. You cannot choose who you love. Just as you cannot choose what you look like or what you find attractive. It is very upsetting to have to listen to things like this. I am a 15 year old bisexual woman and I do not find it okay that we are seen as not right. We do not choose. We are born just the way we are. I 100% believe in God. I have been Christian all my life. He loves everyone and makes us all. If he didn’t accept this and didn’t love this then why would he make us this way. I am not out to my father or stepmother or their side of the family in fear of not being excepted or told to go to church and God will fix me. I go to church I love God. But that does not make me any less of a person. To take down someone’s art bc it offends you or you don’t believe in it is disgusting. We do not harm you in any way and just want to feel loved and accepted for who we are. So why can’t we put aside our differences and see how we are all loving humans who just crave acceptance and kindness from everyone. I am apart of and support the LGBTQIA+ community and I am here for each of you we will get through this together I love you all.❤️
Anon • Feb 9, 2021 at 2:13 pm
The article sheds a light on a serious issue in our town. Not only are there seriously closed minded people in our town, there are people who find it acceptable to sit here and repeatedly justify the actions of the homophobic students and staff in our school. The article was extremely respectful and, in my opinion, correct.
sarah h. • Feb 9, 2021 at 2:07 pm
Those commenting that straight people are oppressed, you sound extremely ignorant. This issue has been around for so long and the fact that you guys are mad because it FINALLY has be brought up- absolutely disgusting. I left this school because of people calling me slurs without repercussions, causing my mental and physical health to spiral. It’s absolutely atrocious, for sure, but not exactly mind blowing. The administration does not care — or at least doesn’t show it — in the slightest about minority issues. LHS faculty, You need to improve. Not only are you being a bystander to homophobia, and transphobia — against YOUR OWN STUDENTS — you are letting these ignorant people get away with this. With the amount of LGBTQ+ people starting to raise their voice and gaining the courage to come out, those with an issue are going to have to face a harsh reality. So please, if you are homophobic, transphobic, whatever, just get over yourself and understand that not every single living person has to be or is the same religion as you. Defend your freedom of religion the same way you’d defend any other amendment.
anyways • Feb 9, 2021 at 1:32 pm
heterophobia does is fact not exist. straight people are aloud to walk around every day without having to worry about being shunned for who they love. this article sheds light to a daily issue in this small republican town called lampasas. thank you for speaking out for the people who are too afraid to.
Josie Delozier • Feb 9, 2021 at 1:30 pm
It’s the fact that some of y’all can’t admit that this topic did need to be spoken about. To the people that are spreading the negative comments, y’all are so ignorant and aren’t realizing that this is such a big problem in our world today. “Do better” really? You should be doing better spreading negative comments is just unnecessary.
Freshmen • Feb 9, 2021 at 1:28 pm
The fact that the word “heterophobia ” can even cross your mind is astonishing. For centuries people of the LGBTQ+ community have been oppressed and told that they were in the wrong for being who they are. In no reality has a straight person been told that they were a sinner because of thier sexuality. The only reason people find this offensive is because they want to be the victum. Being staight is considered the norm which already makes you think your better. So even when the LGBTQ+ community asks for a sliver of recognition and acceptance you immediately have to make it about yourself. Its absolutely ridiculous that you cant have any compassion for another human being. Like come on lampasas do better.
Taylor Talbert • Feb 9, 2021 at 1:09 pm
After reading this article multiple times, and still being hurt, but not surprised by the hatred that follows, i’ve never been so excited to see a step of progress. This article highlights the tip of an iceberg in the discrimination that presides over LHS. To create a space of love, you have to start with addressing the bigotry, and sometimes the only way to do that is to create an “uproar”. In my personal experience alone, this school year started with a demonstration of hatred against the LGBTQ+ community via Twitter. Since then, the students involved have opened their hearts and minds to the idea of love and gender being a feeling, not a construct. I can only hope that they understand how much a demonstration of change means to me and others of the community. This proves all you can ask from people in today’s world is growth and a willingness to become educated. I pray that administration opens their eyes to realize that this change starts with them. Take them all down or put them all back up. Don’t perpetuate the division. All eyes on you admin.
Liz • Feb 9, 2021 at 12:57 pm
This is a brave thing to say in such a discriminating school. I am so proud of you for being able to speak out against the homophobia in that place. Stay strong and stand up for what’s right!
Emma Jones • Feb 9, 2021 at 12:54 pm
This article is wonderful. I give praise to the writer for willing to risk themselves to criticism for this cause. Simply put, if homophobia didn’t exist, there would be no be no negative comments against this post. If homophobia didn’t exist, the art would not have been vandalized by students. If homophobia didn’t exist there would be no dispute over this. Educate yourself, be considerate, treat others as you’d like to be treated and if this is a religious issue to you, love everyone deeply- you’re supposed to, your bible says so.
Your dad • Feb 9, 2021 at 12:52 pm
As an LGBT+ student, I felt happy to see someone giving us a voice. Time and time again we can’t speak up and talk about the oppression we face on a day to day basis. Thank for this editorial, which gave a voice to who those who can’t without facing discrimination. Being in a WLW relationship at school has been stressful. I hope maybe us confronting these issues will make LHS a less stressful environment for all students! .
C.L. Hoëk • Feb 9, 2021 at 12:26 pm
Amazing article. Thank you for using this platform for commenting your voice. Truly embarrassing to see my peers upset over the notion of advocating for marginalized students. This is not a isolated incident of bigotry in this school. Earlier this year I was getting hate for my religion and background, and the same dense-minded administration had the same reaction: tear the student down and shove it under the rug. Representation for all. We want the bare minimum of decency. I REPEAT: THIS IS NOT A ONE TIME THING. THAT HAS HAPPENED, IS HAPPENING, AND WILL HAPPEN AGAIN!
Lampasas • Feb 9, 2021 at 12:13 pm
The fact that so many people are just so openly homophobic in these comments and think they’re completely right just goes to show the stigma in this town. People who aren’t even involved in this situation are victimizing themselves because they’re straight and think they’re being targeted… imagine how members of the LGBTQ+ community feel everyday because of people like you.
Your mom • Feb 9, 2021 at 12:02 pm
Thank you for shedding light on this problem that has been going on in Lampasas since it’s founding. If you say this is ignorant check in the mirror and you’ll see someone who does not think people of different cultures should be voicing their opinion, but thinks their opinion is gods gospel. As someone who has LGBTQ family and friends, I can not imagine someone would take away their representation just because it’s different than the straight heteronormativity Lampasas Texas is known for.
Paraguay Student • Feb 9, 2021 at 12:01 pm
I wish heterophobia was a real thing so you would all understand what being silenced and oppressed really is. Its taken years to get to the bare minimum of acceptance the LGBT+ community has now. Straight people are practically born with the privilege of being open about who they really are, even if who they are happens to be hateful and ignorant. Sure, this is a small thing, but small things accumulate into larger problems. So maybe if some of you “silenced” straights got it through your close-packed skulls that this isn’t just some innocent isolated issue and is a part of a larger problem, then maybe JUST MAYBE you would get where they are coming from. Wonderful Article Lydia
Jordan Plummer • Feb 9, 2021 at 12:00 pm
Thank you for using your voice to speak out against this! The majority of those people against the murals are the same people that advocate and stand behind the first amendment. I distinctly remember listening to several people talk about how the painters tape murals were “too far.” First of all: it’s tape, second of all: it’s TAPE! Those people are embarrassing. I hope that one of these days, people can speak out against racism and discrimination without being called crazy or stupid. If you have never been discriminated against for your race or your sexual orientation then you simply do not get to say that this has gone too far.
Jalena Rostad • Feb 9, 2021 at 11:45 am
The LGBTQ + community has been silenced for too long in this small town and I am so happy that Lydia decided to address it. There should be no discrimination or judgment directed towards anyone’s sexuality and or preferences especially since this is a school. And for the people representation for straight cis people get over yourself.
Saydie Smith • Feb 9, 2021 at 11:42 am
I love how respectful this article is. Great work here and amazing insight into the daily and social lives of LHS students. The homophobia in our school and the uneducation about social issues needs to be adressed. Keep up amaing writing!
Lampasas Junior • Feb 9, 2021 at 11:26 am
“This doesn’t need to be about LGBTQ people” WHAT ELSE WOULD IT BE ABOUT?? IT’S ABOUT RECOGNITION FOR SOCIAL ISSUES AND HOW THE LGBTQ FLAG WAS TAKEN DOWN, WAS LYDIA SUPPOSED TO WRITE “Straight people are feeling threatened by the notion of equality for LGBTQ people, causing the LGBTQ flag to be taken down by administration to protect the ideals of the straight people of Lampasas.” I just find it extremely ironic that this was put up as awareness for a social issue and promptly taken down because it caused social issues, if anything, the people against this art are just proving how much of a social issue this really is. It was tape art on a wall, it wasn’t hurting anyone, it wasn’t anti-straight people, it was simply a piece of art for the LGBTQ students and staff of LHS to feel recognized by.
Lampasas Student • Feb 9, 2021 at 11:17 am
Representation for all students is essential, especially in a town like this. The way parents and other students treat others solely based on their sexual orientation is sad, it’s genuinely sad. What’s ignorant is saying this article is “against straight people” this has nothing to do with straight people, It’s simply an opinionated article written by a student that attends LHS. This isn’t about parents or how they feel, regardless of their feelings, the students won’t be silenced. This didn’t affect anyone the way it might’ve affected those part of the LGBTQ+ community, so this story should be focused on them. This was a great article, even though the reviews aren’t consistent, as a student that attends LHS, many others and I appreciate this.
Daniel Rounds • Feb 9, 2021 at 11:02 am
Saying there is no need to focus on LGBT+ in this story is wild, this story is about an art piece calling for equality was removed by the administration when it should not have been. It focus on LGBT+ because the issue is about LGBT+.
Clayton Engdahl • Feb 9, 2021 at 11:00 am
This is a great article, im so happy to see that the lgbtq+ students are finally getting a voice. All these comments saying that this “isnt allowing a voice for straight people” are completely off base. Straight people have been able to speak their mind and have gotten their way from the very beginning, what happened with the tape was a real attempt to silence lgbtqs and return to the status quo. In a school full of openly homophobic people who spread hate everyday there was finally going to be something nice for lgbtqs, and it was taken away
Lampasas Student • Feb 9, 2021 at 10:43 am
The negative comments on this story are pure ignorant. Clearly this article is talking about you and the homophobia that’s obviously present. “Do better”? hm, that’s what this article is doing, by bringing light onto it. Heterophobia doesn’t exist, its considered “Normal” to be straight. People don’t have to come out as straight, because it’s expected for you to be straight. Great article Lydia! This topic needed to be brought out, and clearly close minded people aren’t happy about it. I hope anyone who reads this comes with an open mind and tries to see this from the community’s perspective, and understand why this was needed to be said. God bless.
Silent Minority • Feb 9, 2021 at 10:34 am
Wow, such intolerance and anger. Presenting a side that is different from your own does not make it evil or “ignorant.” Moreover, such a display merely advocates another group’s perspective, it is not a comment on your way of life. As for this being a “Republican town”, not all of us.
Kathryn Gomez • Feb 9, 2021 at 10:31 am
I do not agree with this, this purely puts the light on LGBT people. When you did not need to point them out when they are already marginalized.
Emma Lopez • Feb 9, 2021 at 10:30 am
I’m happy to hear that your bringing light to this situation and speaking for the LGBTQ+ community. As a person that goes to Lampasas and is apart of the LGBTQ+ community I’m surrounded by close minded people that are openly homophobic to the point I didn’t feel welcome. This problem has been ignored for far too long and has been accepted and expected to happen at LHS. I speak for the LGBTQ+ community and we say thank you for standing up for us in this situation.
Brenden Burke • Feb 9, 2021 at 10:17 am
First of all, amazing article Lydia. I’m glad to see someone representing the LGBTQ+ youth of Lampasas. Secondly, these comments have to be jokes right? Do they really think heterophobia exists!? Straight people aren’t being silenced! Outrageous!!!
Ashleigh Holloway • Feb 9, 2021 at 9:38 am
This story is ignorant. If your going to post this, then post a rebuttal to this. Because this isn’t giving a voice to the straight people in Lampasas. It is a Republican town. You guys have no class. And you had to have known this would be causing a uproar in school. Now you got what you wanted and people are talking about this.
Carry Underwood • Feb 9, 2021 at 9:09 am
Why did Lampasas allow you to post this? This is against straight people and this has no reason to be focused mainly on LGBTQA people. They are people too, no need to focus this story on them. Be better!