Invite: Time for Recess! November 30, 2007
Posted by *christuttle* in : tuttle says... , trackbackAs many of you probably know, I’ve worked for GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network) for over 8 years now and it’s an organization I truly believe in. I could say that it started in Baltimore over the summer of 1998, when as a leader in the GLSEN Baltimore chapter, I would be introduced to Kevin Jennings, Executive Director of GLSEN.
But, it really started in 2nd or 3rd grade. It was recess at Nursery Road Elementary School and I was playing softball with a group of students in the neighboring fields. I always took far right field, praying they wouldn’t be able to hit the ball that far or in my direction. I was rarely so lucky.
The scene usually played out fairly smoothly, until a ball was hit in my direction. I’d run as fast as I could, and depending on which hand was wearing a glove–if I was at all–I’d either not be able to catch the ball or have difficulty throwing it.
You see, I have a disability–albeit somewhat invisible. This disability–not my sexuality– led to some of my very first experiences with anti-LGBT name calling and bias. Simply put; my left arm is partially paralyzed and has been since birth. It’s several inches shorter, lacking normal muscles and usage, and most importantly, I can’t raise it above my head. Unless I’ve told you, you’d probably not notice. I learned from a young age how to try to hide it as best I could. God forbid I might be considered different.
So here I am. Unable to raise my left arm to catch the softball, I can only throw well with one arm, and I have a difficult time with strength and grip in my left hand, often leading to me dropping the softball. As you can probably guess at this point, the insults would soon follow; “You dropped the ball, queer boy” and “you throw like a sissy.”
The irony is that had I played more often, I would have learned how to better adapt to my abilities–as I have with most everything else in my life–and may not have been called the very names that kept me from playing more.
Name-calling, harassment and bias–even in simplest of forms–keep us from realizing our full potential. Whether because of one’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, or simply as a way to insult and degrade another, name-calling and harassment have no place on the playground and that’s what GLSEN’s next fund-raiser, Recess, is about.
Please join me in helping raise money to benefit a terrific organization that’s working to ensure safer schools for all students by attending this event!
GLSEN Recess | See all the information & get tickets here
Wednesday, December 5, 2007 - 6:30-9:00pm
The Ailey Studios - The Joan Weill Center for Dance
Tickets are only $100 and both Joe Kovacs and I would love to see you there! .
Comments»
That’s half a block from where I work! Wish I could afford the ticket. Hope you raise a shitload of money.
I wish I could attend.
I didn’t know about your arm. I find it interesting you regret not persisting in playing softball. That says a lot about you. Very admirable.
I am so impressed with you right now. I have never ever ever heard you make a public statement about your arm before (other than vague references). Mazel Tov, my friend.
Love and smooches.
Thanks all! Looking forward to a good night tonight!
ps… Feisty, if you’re gonna be at PR later tonight for Gay’s celebrations I’ll see you there!!!