Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts is the first-ever high school to offer an LGBT course to its students. Over 28% of the school is LGBT or questioning, which is a higher percentage than in any other high school in San Francisco. The class will discuss material like LGBT history, literature, terminology, media portrayal, and San Francisco’s LGBT community.

Lyndsey Schlax, the future teacher of the class, wrote on the school’s Facebook page, “I’m excited to teach the class because, in San Francisco, at SOTA, students should be learning these stories; they're 'their' stories. With LGBT studies, our students will be learning about advocacy, being a good ally, and the history that shaped San Francisco and the LGBTQ community…So much is changing in America, and the world, for LGBTQ individuals…I get to teach this history as its happening. It can't get much more exciting than that!"

Schlax understands that not every school is ready for such a class, stating that a teacher in North Carolina recently read a story about a gay couple to his students, which was met with opposition by some parents. Soon after, he resigned.

While many colleges offer studies in gender and sexuality, SOTA is the first high school to take on instruction, and we’re sure many more will follow.

Would you be interested in taking an LGBT course at your school?

Photo Credit: nbcbayarea.com

POSTED IN LIFE, In the News