In Arkansas, there is a 10 year old boy named Will Philips who is refusing to stand and say the Pledge of Allegiance. Why? Because he doesn’t believe this country is living up to its promise of “liberty and justice for all,” especially for gay and lesbian Americans. He says he won’t recite the Pledge until gay and lesbian couples can marry. And remember, he’s just 10 years old.

William is a smart, well-spoken boy- he even skipped the 4th grade. Some of Will’s classmates, however, aren’t being very mature about his choice. He says some kids have called him a “gaywad” for what he’s doing. This brings up two issues that I think need to be talked about: 1) If you are an advocate for LGBTQ equality, some people assume that you are LGBTQ, and 2) Some kids (and adults too, but this story is about kids) think that being gay (or LBTQ) is a bad thing and something to tease others about.

On one level, because it makes sense that LGBTQ people would be advocates for their own rights, that others would wonder if the reason someone was an advocate for equal rights was because they themselves were a member of that community. However, this is not just an issue of LGBTQ rights; it’s an issue of civil rights, and so it affects everyone. The reason I am a supporter of equal rights is not because I’m LBT or Q- it’s because I see LGBTQ people as equal to myself and therefore just as deserving of the civil rights that I have. This isn’t a “gay issue,” it’s a human issue.

The second point deserves even more attention. Adults need to realize, and children need to be taught (or re-taught), that being LGBT or Q is not a bad thing, and that they should never tease someone for being LGBTQ or because they think they might be LGBTQ. It’s an issue that needs to be addressed at home and in schools. Parents need to teach their kids to respect diversity, and teachers need to stop bullying (of any kind) when they see it, and respect all of their student’s differences.

Many people, as we saw clearly in Maine, get nervous at the idea of “homosexuality” being “taught” in schools. This is based in fear. Kids will not be “taught” how to be LGBTQ or how to “recruit” other kids. If they will be taught anything, it’s that all people, no matter their sexual orientation, deserve to be treated equally and with respect. They will be taught that diversity is a benefit. Anyone who is threatened by that doesn’t need to speak to the school board- they need to have a long, honest conversation with themselves.

I am so proud of Will Philips for taking a stand (by sitting down) for what’s right. I hope that his actions and his passion for justice will inspire other students to get involved in the fight for equality. I think I speak for all of us at Amplify and Advocates for Youth when I say: Way to go, Will!!

Check out this interview with Will and his father on CNN: