Gay Straight Alliance Founder Shares Thoughts on Human Rights Ordinance

Many interesting people blog on Patch and we want to introduce you to some of them. Each Wednesday we will highlight a new Patch blogger.

Joshua Lee started a Gay Straight Alliance while at Rochester Adams High School and since graduation he has joined Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network.

Today, Lee answers our questions.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Troy Michigan, lived in a little town called Snelville Georgia for two years when I was two years old, and then moved back to Rochester Hills and have lived here ever since.

What are your hobbies?

In my free time I love playing tennis and staying active. I run the Brooksie Way half marathon every few years to gauge my fitness level. I also really enjoy singing and doing musical theatre. I am now a part of the Glee club at Oakland University (Go Grizzlys!). I am currently doing volunteer work within our K-12 schools to combat bullying by giving presentations to teachers, administrators and students alike.

Favorite book?

The Travelers Gift By: Andy Andrews

Favorite movie?

Bridesmaids

How did you get involved with GLSEN?

After I started the GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) at my own high school, I began attending GLSEN's monthly meeting that brings together all the high school GSA leaders to seek help and advise on how to move forward with their clubs. I found those meetings to be incredibly helpful and I became more and more involved with the organization. Once I was out of high school and a legal adult I was given the opportunity to be a board member for the organization.

What's the biggest misconception out there that the group has to deal with?

That we are only looking out for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) youth. False! My door is open to anyone regardless of sexuality or gender expression. I am here to help anyone that needs it.

What are your thoughts on Royal Oak's Human Rights Ordinance?

Personally, I am a huge supporter of the ordinance and truly hope it passes. I have talked to many youth and I can see how destructive it is for them to not be treated as an equal in society. Being young and discovering oneself is hard enough, why are we making it even harder? The fact that we deem it acceptable to tell a group of people they are not equal is repulsive and I am saddened that it even needs to come up for a vote.

You can follow his blog on Patch.

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