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It is doubtful anyone would choose to be gay

I am the founder and sponsor of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) for the high school students of Prince George. I started the GSA in Nov.

I am the founder and sponsor of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) for the high school students of Prince George. I started the GSA in Nov. 2007, to have a place and time each week where lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendering students (LGBT) and their heterosexual friends and allies could meet in a safe and welcoming environment. These marginalized students meet weekly to find ways to combat the homophobia and heterosexism in the schools and community, watch movies, play board games, have guest speakers and visitors, discuss the issues that all teenagers talk about, and just hang out as friends who do not judge each other. In the more than two years of the GSA, none of the heterosexual students attending has become gay or lesbian. No one is recruited for anything, and it is simply ludicrous to say that heterosexual students are at risk of being persuaded to become homosexual. Given the homophobia and regular diatribe from our society, it is doubtful anyone would choose to be gay.

For Ms. Serup, I am sorry to burst your bubble. I am an expert in homosexuality. Mine. Fact: I was born gay and knew it from a very young age. I even got married to make it go away, so I could fit the norms of society. It didn't go away however. Why? Because I am gay. I do admit I have a gay agenda though: paying off my mortgage and car loan, continuing with my great job and living a long and happy life with my family and friends. And to help make a better world not just for gay and lesbian people, but for everyone. Ms. Serup, your understanding will come when a family member or very close friend comes "out" to you. And Toni and I would be very happy to meet and have a coffee. My treat. I can't promise I won't try and make you gay, though. Maybe just a little.

Thanks to Dan Rogers for listening, to The Citizen's editor for telling it like it is, and to all the students who have attended the GSA, for being so inspirational.

Greg Laing

Prince George