The Kiss That Shocked A School

Kenneth Winfrey
June 25 2007, 10:28AM

Some folks just don't get it. After so many earnest attempts to help people understand the LGBT/SGL communities, there is still an attempt to "erase" us and make us invisible, breeding shame among us. Our lives will and must be celebrated just as everyone elses.

As one who had a known same-sex relationship during high school...I was also disappointed to discover that my photograph was missing from my senior yearbook as well. I have often wondered why...but I do not have a copy of my yearbook either.

qtmia_25
June 25 2007, 10:33AM

Bolden's decission was purely homophobic especially since there were pictures of straight couples kissing in the yearbook ...she allowed the school to publish the boy and girl kissing...Andre Jackson should sue sue and sue again ...this could be a court case the advances gay rights. What happened to Mr. JAckson was unfair and unjust.

Charles
June 25 2007, 10:33AM

I'm not sure why this story brought tears to my eyes, but it did. I'm so sorry for the hurt that the school board has caused this beautiful young man. It only takes a few ignorant people to spoil what should have been a beautiful and sentimental memory for this young man. What those homophobes don't understand is the more that they try to destroy Mr Jackson's spirit, the higher his spirit will rise. He's already having an affect on people through this loving act. I'm sure it wasn't his intent but through this simple act of love, Mr. Jackson will become the hero of many young brothers who are trying to find their way in life. Peace and many blessings to you Mr Jackson and too all people that will unknowingly perform a revolutionary acts...

MidwstGuy
June 25 2007, 10:46AM

Does this mean America is homophobic? Get outta here!

As for this guy, he knew or at least should've known what the response would've been when he did it. Sounds like another wrong battle if you ask me.

ToddyEnglish
June 25 2007, 11:06AM

He should sue the hell out of the school and then get his money back for the blacked out year book photo. That was purely homophobic being that straight couples, in year books, are sometimes groping each other, in swim suits, in some of the pictures.

Anyway, both him and his boyfriend are cute...lol.

Derrick from Philly
June 25 2007, 11:06AM

Mr. Jackson is very brave. So many young gay people are brave nowadays--it gives this cynical ol bitch some hope. Speakin' of bitches: that Newark schools superintendent has got herself into some real deep shit. She'll have some church pastors on her side though. It'll be fun watching the church folks and the gay folks go at each other up in North Jersey. I'm so evil.

TR
June 25 2007, 11:24AM

Mr. Jackson did not pick the wrong battle at all. It is the bravery and strength of people like Mr. Jackson that paves the way for change and paves the way for all of us walking this path. He must fight for his right to have the same kind of pictures published in his yearbook and we must support him.

The school can make a decision not to publish photos of students kissing but they CANNOT be allowed to discriminate between types of students. The message behind that decision is irresponsible and fosters shame, division, hate and more homophobia.

Cocoa Rican
June 25 2007, 11:36AM

Seemed like a tender moment that was captured on film...unfortunately that tender moment is between men and that just isn't tolerated. It's time to be angry, but a more timely response would be to demand these yearbooks be redistributed. If they feel that displays of affection (same or opposite sex) are inappropriate, they need to put that in writing for future years to avoid this hoopla. Either we all have our pic in there or none of us do!

bubba
June 25 2007, 11:42AM

This brand of state approved discrimination shouldn't be a surprise. But to say it's the "wrong battle," what are you smoking, MidwestGuy? If you're marginalized on small issues, it's easier to shove you aside for the big ones too. One of the biggest factors in acceptance is getting society to grow up and acknowledge gay affection, specifically to stop categorizing the most sensual forms of it as "illicit." Now that this story has blown up, I hope this guy plans to get out of Newark before he becomes its next statistic. What a shame. That picture is kinda hot. Those boys have beaucoup lips.

cward
June 25 2007, 11:55AM

Yes it is a shame that all of this happened and it does reek of homophobia....plain and simple. This should be taken care of quickly and to the benefit of the student.

VOTE EDWARDS 2008

Ronnie
June 25 2007, 12:22PM

Did they actually think they could get that picture in a year book. They would rather put two white gay men kissing in a year book. I say get over it, and live your life. Hopefully, soon black male on male love will be shown in a positive light, not that gay porn image black gay men are always given.

Blue
June 25 2007, 12:31PM

85 bucks for a yearbook? Shit, have times changed!

But on a serious note, that's fucked up. I'm not surprised though. I don't really see what is suggestive about that. It would seem that if there was any objection it would have been voiced prior to printing. Obviously the adult supervisor of the yearbook group had no issue with it; unless they've changed how that works, all of that stuff goes through the advisor. That's very sad and my feelings would be hurt too. I wonder how his classmates feel. Hopefully at least some of them are voicing support. While I find that there are always gonna be homophobic kids, it seems teenagers are a bit more open nowadays then they were when we all came up.

Bernie
June 25 2007, 12:37PM

Within the past hour I heard an update on this story over the radio. The school has apologized and will re-issue unedited yearbooks to any student who wants one.

Andre Jackson and a NJ gay rights group are planning a press conference for this afternoon.

cmoney
June 25 2007, 12:40PM

This is a sad story but iti is also a beautiful story. It is terrible that these students could not show their love and had to experience homophobia first hand. I really feel sorry for them. On the other hand the mere fact that they felt able to display their love in high school shows how far we have come. I wish I could have taken such a picture with my very secret boyfriend in high school, but we would have been run out of town. I would have been happy just to be able to hold his hand, go to a school dance or say I love you to him. I applaud Andre and David for their fearlessness. I hope they get a real yearbook re-ssued with the picture intact. BTW, the picture is hot and in no way inappropriate. Even back in the 80's when I was in high school, straight kids took similar pictures and had them published with no problem.

TR
June 25 2007, 12:44PM

Ronnie, did they actually think that Rosa Parks could sit in the front of the bus and get away with it? Thankfully she wasn't given your advice. That one act of courage changed history.

Ramsueno
June 25 2007, 1:02PM

For $85, if they did not provide WRITTEN GUIDELINES about what could or couldn't go in, I'd think whatever I put in was acceptable! For them to take his money, RUIN his yearbook AND humiliate him in front of his peers is the only thin unacceptable here.
Of course this is a big issue. Your tomorrow starts today...take no less!

MidwestGuy
June 25 2007, 1:17PM

Bubba, what I should've said is that this the wrong battle for me. While this may pacify some, I prefer to deal w/more pressing issues than some kid being able to kiss his boyfriend in a yearbook. It's great that now he's able to see the unedited version. But, that fantasy will end if he tries to do something similar in the armed forces.

Either way, It seems like the school made the right decision in realizing their error. Hopefully this will do something to affect change on a larger scale, I just don't know what it is.

For all of those who had problems with Keith interviewing Washington and wanted to deal with more "pressing issues," let's see how many of you send your e-mails to Bolden. Keith has provided yet another opportunity, what will you do with it?

chicagoangel
June 25 2007, 1:24PM

I read the ENTIRE article. it seemed ms bolden realized she acted before seeing the whole year book and is willing to apologize to the young man for it. What else can she do? After she saw the other picture she admits she acted prematurely and admitted to it.

So she admits that her judement was misguided and is willing to take steps to make sure it doesnt happen again. even wanting to speak to the young man. Lets see im not sure other in her position would have given a dayum. So i commend her for taking RESPONSIBILITY for what she did.

Mel Smith
June 25 2007, 1:28PM

Heterosexual privilege.

C. Baptiste-Williams
June 25 2007, 1:44PM

Update to the story:
http://www.1010wins.com/pages/613593.php?contentType=4&contentId=637628

$85 for a yearbook... good lord!!

Trent
June 25 2007, 2:42PM

When I initially read this report, I was very upset by it and thought how shameful it is that a school superintendant would do something like this. As many people on here have pointed out, it appears that there were many other (hetero) students who had similar photos that were published.

While some people may view Ms. Bolden's recent decision to allow unredacted yearbooks to be distributed as too little, too late, I think we should thank her for changing her mind and attempting to make amends. True, she shouldn't have done it in the first place. But at least she changed her mind and is trying to do what is right. (And yes, I am sure the thought of a long, protracted lawsuit she would clearly lose helped to change her mind.) I just think it is important that we let policymakers know that we appreciate their attempts to correct their actions.

Karim
June 25 2007, 3:21PM

I am embarrassed by my city today.

Gary Paul
June 25 2007, 3:23PM

I have just come from the Andre Jackson news conference, and all of us should be proud of this young man who, in front of national news cameras, was articulate, calm, and still trying to come to terms with the blow that has been dealt him. The statement issued by the Newark Public Schools District (see the above update) was news to him, and he is still waiting for his "personal apology."

The desecration of the students' yearbooks (approximately 230 books)is a total disgrace. The statement issued by the school district that "The decision was based, in part, on misinformation that Mr. Jackson was not one of our students..." is hard to swallow, especially since he spent both his Junior and Senior years at East Side High School. Not to mention the fact that his Senior picture appears in the same yearbook. Its damage control, pure and simple.

This young man's life has been invalidated, big time, and its going to take much more than a "refund" to right this wrong.

MidwestGuy
June 25 2007, 4:02PM

Garden State Eqaulity promised the story will continue.

Oh boy here we go, let the world stand still because this young man was denied the opportunity to have his pic published of him kissing his boyfriend. Activisim here they come.

They need to ban all sorts of affections in yearbooks from both straight and gay. Too much sex as it is.

jas
June 25 2007, 4:19PM

must've taken some work to black out the photo in every book.. the lengths some ppl will go to. guess its only gay pics that can be suggestive!
but props to him, don't know if i'd have had that courage at 18

Mervin Malone Jr.
June 25 2007, 4:20PM

Andre Jackson is brave indeed. We can all take a lesson from this stong young man that refused to tolerate discrimination. It's despicable that this sort of thing is going on but -- like someone said -- black gay love is seldom celebrated in America. It is quite true that this would've been less of a controversy had the two men been white.

Ronnie
June 25 2007, 4:35PM

Look TR, we live in a world where gay men are breaking there backs trying to get everyone to love us. Simply put, love me or hate me, I'm going to be me. Life is too short to waste over being mad over a photo not showing up in a high school year book. These young men have so much in life to do. This situation in no way shape or form resembles that of Rosa Park's decision to sit in the front of the bus, and not get up. If these young men wanted to prove they were GAY and IN THE WORLD, they should have just posted their pictures all over the school or neighborhood. The whole issue of trying to get people to understand who and what gay men are is boring me.If people around the world don't understand we are about more than sex, and that we want love, bump them. I'm going to love me and who ever else.We need to use our anger over the war, over discrimination in the work place, Sudan, New Orleans, children killing children, gay men being beat up and killed, and not a PICTURE. It's nothing to protest over.

Strepsi
June 25 2007, 4:43PM

MidwestGuy you are disgustingly cynical. OF COURSE this matters -- erasing kisses? In the US today you can be beaten or killed for holding hands in public? These are basic gestures that are negated in rage and (as in Ms. Boykin's case) prejudice or fear. Not to mention American culture tells you your high school grad is one of life's highlights. Until we can walk down the street and show basic affection without being assualted, it ALL matters. What "pressing issues" ae YOU "dealing with"? What ACTIONS are you taking? This brave young man should not be mocked.

cmoney
June 25 2007, 5:18PM

Damn! Some of you guys really need to get a life. These guys are only 18, in love and graduating from high school and you act like getting their picture crossed out of a high school yearbook because they are gay is no big deal. It IS a big deal to them. It is a big deal to the rest of us who face discrimination everyday and who DO NOT say anything. These guys stood up against discrimination at the age of 18 and did more than some of us who are twice their age. There are some really bitter bitches up here, especially the guy from the"Midwest".

Gary Paul
June 25 2007, 5:19PM

To those of you who think this matter is trivial and unimportant, perhaps if you had been at the FUNERAL of Sakia Gunn here in Newark a few years ago, you'd think beyond your own snotty noses. At 15-year-old Sakia's funeral, over two thousand of her fellow high school students were told by city administrators that their lives matter, and that the city was going to do something about it.

Well, they lied, and they're still lying. Maybe where you live young gay and lesbian kids are accepted and life is a bowl of cherries. But here in the REAL WORLD, LGBT youth are subject to institutional homophobia, and this is a perfect example. Get your friggin' heads out of the sand, you morons! What exactly is it going to take for people like you to realize that this affects you as well?

bubba
June 25 2007, 5:31PM

"They need to ban all sorts of affections in yearbooks from both straight and gay. Too much sex as it is."
OK, MidwestGuy. You'd obviously be quite content with the school district that bans touching altogether, even high-fives. Too much sex? A kiss equals sex now? Cut the crap. A senior student who gets an entire page of their own in a yearbook is old enough to understand their responsibility for the content therein, and kisses are not an explicit breach of trust. It's not like they're letting 5th graders insert shots of a spin the bottle session. The administrators are full of shit when saying the confusion lay in whether the page belonged to a student. If they really thought so, they would have blacked out THE WHOLE DAMN PAGE and not one strategically picked image. Maybe he can't fight this fight in the armed forces, but guess what? This ain't the armed forces. And not EVERYTHING is racial. Everytime I hear about gay couples banned from a prom, they're white. And I just saw Bolden on tv. She's black, ahem.

new2this
June 25 2007, 5:42PM

Absolutely disgusting the way people try to justify their bigotry!
Suing the school is just a band aid.
There is no quick fix to reaching people's hearts and minds that behavior such as this is just plain wrong!!!

right thinker
June 25 2007, 5:45PM

It is sad to see people making this into a anti-gay issue. Personal displays of affection between two partners are inappropriate for high school yearbooks. This is not a gay/straight issue, this is an issue about the school system keeping the yearbook up to standard. It is a shame that school system, while trying to do the right thing, buckled under the political correctness of this issue.

I am a supporter of gay rights (marriage, adoption, the whole thing). However, it is sad to see individuals demean their own cause by making a controversy where there is none.

Huh?
June 25 2007, 5:54PM

Right thinker, did you not read what was going on here? If it wasn't a gay/straight issue, why did they not bother to check the whole book? You mean to tell me that they didn't think twice about young teenagers with their hormones? Come on now.

Mel Smith
June 25 2007, 6:02PM

Ronnie, Midwest Guy, and a few other people, the young generation of gays are challenging heterosexual privilege. The superintendent was really saying that his sexual identity is not real. That is why she allowed the HETEROSEXUALS to express themselves. Our sexuality is scum to them. Now, don't hate on that young man for wanting to be treated the same as the heterosexual kids. Be proud of the young generation for during something we were too AFRAID to do in high school; and that is challenge heterosexual privilege. Again, don't hate on them. Be proud that they are challenging the heterosexual power structure in society.

bubba
June 25 2007, 6:24PM

How did anyone here turn this into an anti-gay issue, Mr. wrong thinker? The superintendent eliminated a gay kiss from the yearbook and kept the hetero smooches intact. And WE, the readers of this blog, made it anti-gay? Don't let your hangups about displays of affection for the under 21 set cloud the obvious truth of the matter.

(And what is this no posting again for a "short while" really preventing, anyway - besides the timeliness of responses? WTF is a "short while," an hour? Damn.)

ChicagoChild
June 25 2007, 6:47PM

Are you people serious? Since when is a high school yearbook used to document your sexuality? Is that what a high school education represents? Frankly, I don't want to see anyone kissing in a high school yearbook. Feeling up each other or being in inappropriate states of undress.

What is wrong with you people? What is wrong with the world?

Have you people NOT HEARD the STATE of both Black and Hispanic high school drop-outs rates recently? Have you people not heard of the high rates of AIDS and HIV in the Black community? Why are you not stressing education and common sense? I want my kids to go to school to be educated. I want them to fight for an education, not the right to be shown kissing in a school funded publication. Good grief!

MidwestGuy
June 25 2007, 7:21PM

As a parent, I have no doubt that I would never support my son wanting to have a pic in the yearbook suggestively w/a girl AT ALL and in my opinion this pic is suggestive. Holding hands, embracing and stuff like that is acceptable. As a parent, I get to make that decision.
-So, the idea that people are championing such is insignificant to me. It's not a battle I think worthy. For those offended, good for you. There is enough sex on TV for me not to expect to see teenagers locking lips in a damn yearbook. Not in my house.
-I do a good job on guiding my son on those important fights. As a black man, he'll need it. But, this is not one of those fights.
-It's sad that some of your views are myopic that you end up being gayists. It's you against the world. There is no middleground. You give us everything we want or else.
-My father instilled the value of a good fight. This is not one. This is about what's appropriate for teenagers straight and gay. As a parent, it would not be appropriate.

Darian
June 25 2007, 7:30PM

Appropriate? Midwest Guy remember a simple kiss is what started this whole controversy. The way you talk you would think it was a shot of them actually having intercourse. Teenagers are doing a lot more than kissing these days. Get a grip.

Jeff Smith
June 25 2007, 7:45PM

I love stories like this one. Hooray for Andre Jackson and his lover. I sure love when people stand up for their rights. If the school allowed the heterosexuals to appear in the yearbook kissing then Andre and his lover have every right to have their picture published as well. There should be no double standards applied. The school official was totally wrong. Again HOORAY for Andre!!!!! We need more men like this in the world. Keep standing up for what's right. Express your right to be treated fairly and equitably. I applaud anyone who is willing to stand up and not grovel at the feet of the master as if they were a slave or something waiting for permission to be. He is and thank god he has the spirit to stand and be heard.

p.s. Personally I am not fun of the whole PDA thing (gay or straight) but that doesn't mean you can't or shouldn't do it.

jas
June 25 2007, 8:25PM

come on.. that pic is NOT suggestive at all. i'm amazed anyone can even say that. only thing 'suggestive' about it is that they are two guys!

if it was a straight couple no-one would have made a fuss about it - don't come here and lie and say it isn't so.

greasyguide
June 25 2007, 8:30PM

I think it's wonderful that Andre loves himself enough to fight for his rights to be himself. This story makes me very proud and if anyone knows of how we can support his cause in anyway then please post any info. I'd gladly send him a donation for his legal fees.

CPAPhD
June 25 2007, 8:48PM

Wow....while it seems that kids are becoming more and more confortable and bold with their sexuality at a younger age...it still seems that schools (and people in general) still just don't get it. He's got some big balls and I applaud him standing for what he believes.

MidwestGuy
June 25 2007, 8:56PM

I'm the person who gets to tell my son what's appropriate. My son knows he is to never let me hear that his pants were hanging below his azz. A lot of other parents don't mind. My son knows that I should never hear about him making out w/a girl at school. Some other fathers would give him a high-five when mom's away. Some people won't talk about sex with their child. I do.

So all this talk about "innocence, loving himself, we should be proud, way to go" bullshit is for the birds. I wish I would've come home complaining that I couldn't take a pic locking lips w/my girlfriend. My dad would've looked at me like I was crazy.

Bolden handled this all wrong. But, this is not some "I'm gay and I'm proud moment!" I would hope this this young man has done something memorable in high school other than this and hope he is not used by activists. Have that fight when you are older. Not when you probably won't even be talking to him next year.

I take that back being gay and proud is all some of you know.

Mitch
June 25 2007, 9:59PM

The First Amendment to the Constitution!

Jeff Smith
June 25 2007, 10:14PM

MidwestGuy you really don't get it. Your son would never have come home and complained that he "couldn't take a pic locking lips w/my girlfriend" because Ms. Bolden wouldn't care that there was a pic of him locking lips with his girlfriend in the yearbook. She is only concerned if he includes a pic of him locking lips with his boyfriend. Please stay with the facts of the story. There were two choices for Ms. Bolden - edit all the kissing/PDA photos or leave the yearbook alone. She instead chose to discriminate against Mr. Jackson and send the message that it is okay for everyone to include kissing photos in the yearbook except for Mr. Jackson.This is a clear and blatant act of discrimination. Mr. Jackson should be applauded for recognizing this wrong and challenging the system. A lot of Gay men choose to stay in the closet for various reasons (largely fear - and that's their choice) and would never demand fairness. This man chose to stand up and be counted because he knew he deserved more. Give him his due.

Marq Clarq
June 25 2007, 10:54PM

THIS PICTURE FALLS RIGHT IN LINE WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WORLD RIGHT FOR SAME-SEX MEN & WOMEN...THE MOVEMENT IS ON THE WAY...WATCH OUT & STAY OUT OF OUR WAY! IN THE WORDS OF LAURYN HLL "YOU CAN'T HOLD GOD'S PEOPLE BACK THAT LONG"

Strepsi
June 26 2007, 3:52AM

ChicagoChild and Midwest Guy you again miss the point. There may be a valid question to raising school funds by getting kids to kick in $150 to put 'personal' pages int he yearbook, and yes, you get to teach your kids' morality. That is NOT at issue here.

The issue is that there were many many pictures of guy-and-girlfriends -- including a girl and guy kissing on the FACING page and they were not erased. Your kid might not have wanted a kissing picture in the book. This kid did and he paid for it. The administrators blacked it out. This is hypocrisy and homophobia.

Imagine it was a picture of a young black man with a white girlfriend and they blacked it out because it's "provocative" or "Inappropriate" or even "unnatural". That would have happened not 40 years ago. Discrimination is discrimination.

The young man is not used by activists, he knows when he is being discrimated against! He doesn't want to be "gay and proud" he wants to be treated EQUALLY with every other student at the school. EQUALLY.

ChicagoChild
June 26 2007, 8:16AM

Are you people serious? Since when is a high school yearbook used to document your sexuality? Is that what a high school education represents? Frankly, I don't want to see anyone kissing in a high school yearbook. Feeling up each other or being in inappropriate states of undress.

What is wrong with you people? What is wrong with the world?

Have you people NOT HEARD the STATE of both Black and Hispanic high school drop-outs rates recently?

Have you people not heard of the high rates of AIDS and HIV in the Black community? Why are you not stressing education and common sense? I want my kids to go to school to be educated. I want them to fight for an education, not the right to be shown kissing in a school funded publication. Good grief!

MidwestGuy
June 26 2007, 9:42AM

No people I do get it. I'm sure most if not all of you miss that I acknowledged that the school did the right thing by correcting the error and that it may help on a larger scale.
What I did not do is put my gay flag on and scream hallelujahs screaming about what a great day it is for gays as most of you.
I teach my son the importance of being a black man first, not his sexuality. Most of you probably see yourselves as gay first, putting your sexuality in front of your manhood.
Bolden blacking out the pic out does not make her homophobic. It makes her wrong. Of course, when your world is driven by being gay, everything you see will be seen through the gay lens.

Nathan James
June 26 2007, 9:53AM

Andre Jackson, in experiencing this whole miserable episode, has been taught a life lesson by his high school that four years of education could never teach. Jackson now knows that he, and his right to free expression, are subject to the judgments of homophobic individuals, who are determined that our society NOT become an inclusive, enlightened, and tolerant one.

What an awful reality bite for this young man, who sought only to show that his love for his partner was as valid and beautiful as that shown in the same yearbook by his straight classmates. But it's better that young Andre learn this inpleasant truth now, and understand the nature of the world he is going forth into...

bubba
June 26 2007, 12:05PM

So now we're all "driven by being gay," right? Just when I don't think any more arrogance is possible, here comes a new dose. No, Bolden's actions couldn't possibly be rooted in homophobia. She simply found the lighting and composition in the blacked out picture to fall far short of artistic excellence. If that doesn't convince, I've got more freshly pooped bullshit to sell you.

cmoney
June 26 2007, 12:22PM

MidwestGuy: I feel sorry for your kids. Get over yourself. You cannot speak for me or anyone else about what drives my world. From what you posted about IW, I could conclude that your whole world is driven by some sort of neurotic fascination with his career. But I don't want to be like you.

MidwestGuy
June 26 2007, 1:57PM

Cmoney, I appreciate your concern for my son but he seems to be doing quite well. He's in an academic enrichment program in Maryland as we speak. Bad parent?That's probably why the judge granted me custody as opposed to his mother.

Bubba, and Bolden's actions could also be possibly rooted in considering how a homophobic public would have responded to two men locking lips in a yearbook and acted on it. Whether she was wrong can be debated. But, of course, that would instantly and always be homophobic in many of your eyes.

Maybe the next movement should be allowing young gay black men to be wear dresses to school simply because heterosexual women are allowed the same. There is a such thing as moderation and many of the younger guys out know nothing about moderation because society tells them to "let your hair down." I guess that's why STD tranmissions in that age group are on the rise--because they're just experiencing being teenagers--just living out loud.

ramsueno
June 26 2007, 3:13PM

MidwestGuy you sound like the cranky old man yelling at the kids to get off his lawn. Do you even remember what it was like to be 17? Were you aware that teens have been pushing the limits to what is exceptable since there've been teens? You seem to me be calling for "moderation" when it just sounds like you want things to stay the same...they don't. And unfortunately you don't really get to choose the good or the bad sometimes...shit happens and you have to deal with it. This kid had this this injustice happen to him and chose to face it head on instead of shrinking back. If people see this action as empowering, let them. Someone standing up for their rights is a strong, scary, and courageous thing that more people should emulate...straight, gay, black, or white. Your dismissive attitude and arrogance toward this situation has bothered me all day as I read through these blogs. Granted, you are allowed and encouraged to have your own opinion, but give me a break, let the anger go and redirect it. Its free...

Derrick_the other one
June 26 2007, 3:52PM

Midwest Guy, your use of term “moderation” is very much akin to the idea that gay people should not “flaunt” their sexuality. There is no need for me to explain why that idea is problematic. By the way, yes, gay & straight black men should be allowed to wear dresses to school. This is not simply about Jackson wanting the picture of him and his boyfriend included in the yearbook, this is about him challenging the idea that his picture should be censored while others(straight people) aren’t. As Mel Smith stated earlier, this is a challenge to heterosexual privilege.

Ramsueno
June 26 2007, 4:15PM

Great point Derrick...and for a good man in a dress story read "Men of Brewster Place" by Gloria Naylor...

MidwestGuy
June 26 2007, 4:50PM

Moderation applies to both gay and straight. Lack of it leads teens think it's ok to be "overly" affectionate in public. It is why young girls think it's ok to throw themselves at boys. It is why young gay males learn to be gay before they learn how to be a man. It is why some think it's ok to wear women's clothes. They don't learn how to separate the two and being gay first ends up being the source of heartache because they don't know how to be anything else--but gay. It is why so many males believe 50 is the definition of masculinity.

-No one speaks in moderation, only in absolutes. In my opinion, it's not a good thing.

-My son watches 106th & Park but I try to teach him daily what moderation should be.

-A grave error was corrected. But hopefully he's not led to believe that America will always adjust to his wishes, but that he will have to do the adjusting.

-Ramsueno, if you are bothered by my posts, it may prove therapeutic not to read them. I wouldn't want you to have an aneurysm.

jas
June 26 2007, 5:49PM

midwestguy - are you gay? you say young gay men 'learn to be gay before they learn to be a man'.. i didn't learn either, i was born as both. seems like you are saying being gay and being a man are opposites.

what andre jackson did shows that he is a strong gay man. he should be applauded for that, instead of saying that his stance was insignificant.

what the story does is personify what gay people are fighting for - which is to have the same natural rights as everyone else to love and show affection.

James Synegal
June 26 2007, 5:58PM

It is appalling that this incident happened to Mr. Jackson, and it goes to show us that there is bigtime prejudice and bias in this country. Bolden only blocked out the pic because it was of a gay couple and she would not have if it were a straight couple would she? No, because according to the headlines, there were several pics of "straight" couples kissing, some even on the next page Mr. Jackson's was on. As a gay male I am outraged and will personally write the East Side High School to give my opinion on the matter(not that they really care to hear it), but sorry they gone hear it anyway. I am glad to know that Keith Boykin is not afraid to go head to head against these assholes and I think that he is amazing, talented, and has a lot of class. Most people, gay or straight are afraid to "go against the grain", However, if someone does not do it who will. We must continue to fight to let them know that this type of discrimintation based on race, sexual orientation, color, national origin, class, religion, age, gender, disability or any other unmeritable category WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!!! Keep up the amazing work Keith and to my other gay, bi, or trans, brothers and sisters keep the faith, and never settle for being a second-class citizen, you are just as talented, classy, worthy and have a right to be afforded the opportunity to be productive citizens just like anyone else. Peace

Ramsueno
June 27 2007, 12:28PM

MWG how can you NOT see that you use the same "absolutes" in your argument for moderation? If a kiss is "overly" affectionate, then what is "acceptable affection? What difference does it make if someone wears women's clothes? Why is there a seperation between being "gay" and "male" in your view? I would think if you were preaching moderation, wouldn't it be better to understand where both sides are coming from and try to meet in an acceptable middle? Again, I think your points are archaic and empty and I'll continue to read them cause I'm not a 12-year old who calls someone a name and expects to see som boo hoo hoos...lets keep this a conversation among respecting adults and save the aneurysms for someone you can bully more easily...

MIA
June 27 2007, 12:35PM

YOU WILL NOT AND CAN NOT MAKE US ACCEPT THIS FILTH!! BE GAY ON YOUR OWN TERMS, THIS PIC MAKES ME LITERALLY PUKE, THIS IS NOT NORMAL, SO YOU SHOULD STOP TRYING TO MAKE IT BE!!!!!!!! HOMOS, GO HIDE UNDER A ROCK, WE DON'T CARE TO SEE THIS HORRIBLE MESS.

MidwestGuy
June 27 2007, 1:53PM

Ramseuno, for some strange reason I didn't think that referring to me as an old cranky man (although I'm not even 30), dissmissive/arrogant was indicative of some1 wanting to have an adult, respectful conversation. If my posts have bothered you, and you had the depth of mind to say it, I would think that the problem is with you--not me.
-If you have questions, I'm more than happy to answer them. But, I ask you read my posts in their entirety.
-I gave examples of what I considered appropriate affection for a teenage yearbook in one of my prior posts. Is that insufficient?
-Of course I separate the two and would have assumed most did. There are two genders, male and female. While there is much argument for being born gay. People learn to function in this world according to gender, not being gay. Well, I should say people "should" learn.
-Jas I didn't realize that people were born men. Male yes, but not a man. Obviously we differ on what constitutes manhood.
-I and many others were not born gay.

Nyah
June 27 2007, 2:20PM

I personally think the kiss is sweet. Young kids showing love, instead of being violent.

alicia banks
June 27 2007, 7:07PM

mixed emotions of this one keith

i see this is an issue of tact, class, and protocol

if het students have photos of similar kisses that remained unedited, then he should sue for undeniably bigoted abuse

if not, then he should get over it and create his own intimate photo album elsewhere

there are MUCH bigger battles for gay teens to fight

peace
ab

kanye
June 27 2007, 11:28PM

It is sad that black people think this is an important
issue. Over the past decade, there has been a decline in
black male matriculation and graduation rates at universities and an increase in black male high-school
drop-out rates. School should be for learning, not expressing your sexual orientation.

As a people, let's worry about the serious issues facing
the black community. Let's not worry about some wanna-be issue used by gay men who want publicity. PLEASE, let's
worry about the REAL issues facing our community.

jas
June 28 2007, 3:06AM

where is the contradiction though? can't you worry about both at the same time?
what you said above is an excellent argument for a push to make schools more inclusive and accepting of everyone, instead of making people feel marginalized.

this issue isn't life or death, but it's an illustration of something that affects the day-to-day lives of thousands of gay kids every day. yes school is for learning but it's also somewhere people come together and learn about life, make friends and get to know how the world works.

obviously sexuality is going to play a part socially.

David
June 28 2007, 1:05PM

This is about self esteem and self respect in the face of bigotry.
Without these two important qualities, a person is much more likely to drop out of school, use drugs repeatedly, and engage in unsafe activities.
I applaud this young man for find the courage within himself to stand up for himself.

M
June 28 2007, 4:04PM

We are beautiful. We are worthy. Our love is beautiful. Our love is worthy. Worthy is out love and greatly to be praised!

Walk together children, dont'cha get weary.
There's a great campmeetin' in the promised land!

:)

cmoney
June 28 2007, 4:10PM

Is it any wonder that gay teens have the highest rate of suicide and attempted suicides of just about any group? The discrimination and social pressure against gay teens is enormous and all too often unbearable for some. I am heartened to see kids these days able to express who they really are in terms of their sexual orientation. As this case illustrates, the discrimination is institutionalized from the top. While we write a bunch of crap up here, some teen somewhere is thinking of killing himself or herself because he thinks he or she is "weird" or "sick" a "sinner" or "perverted". I hope that any young gay person reading this story understands that he or she is not "defective". That he or she can be anything he or she wants to be and that there are millions of us out here who respect you for who you are. Many of us and have experienced the hate and survived and that they can too. P.S. MIA: Go to hell, you hateful b*&ch!

M
June 28 2007, 5:01PM

MIA is the equivalent of the white supremacist (or militant black nationalist) who hated/hates to see interracial relationships between st8 people. Such people are motivated by fear and warped self-worth which requires them to try and steal or kill the self-worth of others in order to feel good about themselves. Truth.

James Synegal
June 28 2007, 5:26PM

Miss Mia, I think that you are a bit misguided and perhaps misconstrued hun. You do not know anything about gay people, and perhaps not enough about yourself. If you did, you would not be on here leaving nasty prejudice messages about a class of persons whom you know absolutely nothing about. Whether or not you hate gay people or not, is of no concern to me, how you relate to us is, and I will not have you spreading nasty comments about us. I think that you need to return to school to take some "reality courses", CLASS 101 respectively, cause this is something that you obviously need some extra training on. Also, what makes you hate us so, did something happen to you? Did a pretty "sissy" like me steal your man? I am five feet eleven inches tall, with brown skin, high Indian cheekbones, wavy hair, and sexy light-brown slanted almond-shaped eyes, people always think that I am a model. I pulls the mens hun. I think your afraid that we gone steal all yall mens. Anyways, get a life and stop hating you too will find a good man eventually. Also learn this, all form of prejudice, racism, and bigotry stems from self-hatred, or an aspect of ourselves that we did not come to terms with, so to compensate for a lack of self-esteem we project our nasty feelings onto other people in an attempt to make ourselves fell better or to give ourselves a false sense of power. Something I learned in college,(yes, I did graduate, did you?). Later and I think that you got what you came for and you have just been PROPERLY SERVED!!!

DDC
June 28 2007, 8:37PM

I think the picture wasn't printed because the board thought it would offend or sicken the (majority) straight students. You have to remember that these kids are going to be looking in these books over and over for the rest of their lives to feel nostalgic and happy. So they thought that good feeling would be ruined if they had to look at two people of the same sex smooching. I think it's about that plus the fear of a backlash. It may not be a popular opinion, but it's the truth. Sorry to say that most of those kids were going to blacken out that picture in their yearbooks, anyhow. I agree with others, this was just done to get some cheap attention, if he wanted that picture in his yearbook so bad, he could've glued it in later.

David
June 28 2007, 9:08PM

According to the article, the yearbook cost $85.00, and he paid an ADDITIONAL $150.00 for the special page of photos, for a total of $235.00.
For that amount of money (for a yearbook no less) I would be upset if they took my money and blotted out one my pictures.

Nico
June 29 2007, 4:31PM

I think this young man, Andre Jackson, should be commended for having the courage to come forth publicly and speak out on this matter. I live in New York and I remember reading this in the AM newspaper the other day. And, I was wondering if anything similar had happened in previous school years. By the way, the School Officials should publicly apologize to Mr. Jackson IN PERSON.

Tea Truth
July 11 2007, 3:38PM

That is the MOST disgusting photographs that I have ever had the MISFORTUNE of seeing. It had NO place in a yearbook. It HAS no place in SOCIETY. It is NORMAL for a boy and girl to kiss. What is NOT normal is for two q$$$rs to kiss. People need to STAND up against PERVERSITY. We as homosapiens need to take a stand against UNCLEAN, LOATHESOME and DISGUSTING livestyles. If we don't STAND UP FOR DECENCY. WHO WILL??? That big lip q$$%r and his pervert mate SHOULD NOT be allowed to display their unclean, disgusting disease in a yearbook. The superintendent did the right thing. I APPAUD her. I SUPPORT her. And anyone who is decent and believes that the disease of perversity is DESTROYING the world. How sad that children have to be EXPOSED to this filth. And what is worse that these perverts are ALLOWED to adopt children and LIE to them that their lifestyle is right. We have become a society that is AFRAID to support what is RIGHT!!

Mitch
July 12 2007, 4:34AM

Tea Truth,

You on here preaching to the choir about normal?
What's so normal about a 'bush' being in the White House, then?

cock sucker
July 22 2007, 1:21AM

All of you faggots can suck me off. Do all gay men like anal sex? Do all lesbians like licking bloody pussy? You all should catch aids you perverted bastards. No I am not gay. I AM NOT GAY! You may not suck me off. You may not put your cock in my ass. No I do not want to rub my balls against your balls. No I do not want to slurp up your cum. No you cannot have sex with my sister you fugly lesbians. You can all eat my ass though with some honey and a bit of grape jelly. Enjoy munching on my ass hairs.

cruiser!
August 6 2007, 11:41PM

This just proves that homophobia is still at large n I feel bad that he had 2 go through sooo much just to try n show his school who he loves just like the heteros do...- I think the kiss is hot though n I wish them the best..