Pride Victory
Pride Victory
Salamanca High School shows solidarity and support for LGBTQ+ students
photo/ Kierstyn Klahn
In the wake of social activist movements rising to prominence with exponential growth and in support and awareness flooding the past two decades, it’s an undeniable observation to say that such movements have made a large impact on greater society. A seed planted within a small niche that was shunned by the larger community has now blossomed into a beautiful flower that is largely accepted by said community. In this, let’s visit Salamanca High School. My alma mater, for on this depends, my security in the present, and my success in the future.
Being a student who has attended Sally High for my entire career in education up to this point, I can say that the atmosphere surrounding my high school is nothing short of what you would expect from being around an old friend. They get you and you get them, the language is a connection that is unspoken. For years I’ve walked the hallways and seen posters in support of the various social activist movements, and I’ve felt accepted by this small collection of people. Coming out as (a bisexual for me) any member of the LGBTQ+ community can be extremely difficult, and the reception of the people around you can either lessen or worsen that stress.
I can sit in this chair and proudly type that the people at Salamanca High, whether it be my friends, colleagues, acquaintances, or teachers, are all very accepting and understanding. Over the years, the LGBTQ+ population within SHS has grown. So much so that a plethora of organizations have been created within the school to give an accurate representative voice to those LGBTQ+ members within the student body.
It is with this that something special and touching occurred on the 3rd of June in 2021. After much back and forth with the school board of administrators, a group of students made local history. The Salamanca Social Activist group is one of the many organizations within Salamanca High that are geared towards social activism. On June 3rd, a large ceremony took place, wherein the Salamanca High School collectively raised the LGBTQ+ Pride Flag up on a pole in the front of the school. To an outsider, this may seem like an insignificant event. But to all whom were in attendance that day, and to some that weren’t but still held immense support, it was a victory of epic proportions after a long and hard-fought battle.
Local SHS student and SSA member Kierstyn Klahn excitedly said, “As a member of SSA it was surreal to know that all of the work we put into this amounted to something and makes an impact on so many people.” Indeed, it does. Even as LGBTQ+ and movements like it rise in the ranks to prominence, this doesn’t come without opposition or oppression. We all face trials and tribulations in our day-to-day lives, but the flag raising ceremony was a reminder that we can accomplish our goals once we set our minds to them.
Personally, I’m extremely ecstatic and proud of the work that the SSA put into and continues to put into being that voice for the students who cannot be heard. Many members are people that I know and see on a daily/weekly basis. And I can almost certainly say that everyone who may read this knows a member of the LGBTQ+ community to some extent. It’s amazing to know that someone recognizes a struggle and stands in solidarity with you. It’s amazing to know that in a world full of obstacles, one doesn’t have to run the course alone. To a member of the LGBTQ+ community reading this, no matter where you currently are – we stand with you. We support you and we know how difficult the journey can be. You are not alone on the path, and you won’t be alone when you reach the top. Thank you for being you.