Gay-youth safety a 'concern'

AMERICAN FORK — More than 30 people attended a workshop sponsored by the Utah Pride Center Wednesday night, with some saying they wanted to show support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youths who may find growing up in Utah County difficult.

The workshop for GLBT youths and their families was held in the American Fork Library. It came a little over a week after Stephen Graham of Standard of Liberty addressed parents in the same room of the library about the dangers of same-sex relationships in society.

"I'm here today because I know that there are young people in American Fork that identify as (GLBT), and I am concerned that some of them might not feel safe because of the negative messages they have received," said Rachel McNeil, a youth programs director for the Utah Pride Center. "I want them to know that they are valued and loved, just the way they are."

McNeil, along with Jennifer Nuttall of the Pride Center, gave perspective of GLBT youths who are living in a society that is overcome with what they call heterosexism.

They feel that holding meetings like the one that took place last week only worsens conditions for GLBT youths within schools.

"I think that it makes an environment in the school that is not safe for (GLBT) youth," said McNeil. "And I think it sends a message that it is OK to not treat those kids in a respectful manner."

Some attending the meeting were from Utah County, while others had traveled from Salt Lake City in order to show their support.

Cristy Gleave and Keri Jones made the trip from Salt Lake with their 8-year-old son, Yeager, in order to show their support.

"It's a little harder to grow up in Utah County," said Gleave, 44, who grew up in Orem and graduated from Mountain View High School. "I'm old, so when I was in school you didn't even talk about being gay, it just wasn't discussed. So it was tough."

Graham, last week's speaker, was also on hand to see what would be addressed in the meeting. He sat as a quiet observer throughout the 45-minute presentation but still steadfastly believes that homosexuality is a behavior that is wrong and can be changed.

"I wanted to hear what they had to say," said Graham, following the workshop. "I heard what I expected to hear, but it's sad to me that they can stand up there with a straight face and disregard all the harmful aspects of homosexuality. But I hope the best for them."