When we were younger, adults warned us that our carefree attitudes and seemingly trivial concerns would lead to the downfall of society. Fast forward to today, and now the younger generation is facing the same criticism from us, even though their concerns are profoundly significant.
At West High School in Madison, Wisconsin, students recently organized to advocate for a gender-neutral homecoming court for this year’s dance. Initiated by the school’s LGBTQ Alliance, over 1,000 students signed a petition to eliminate the traditional titles of King and Queen. Their argument? These conventional titles exclude individuals and force them to identify with a specific gender to participate.
Instead of dividing students into groups of ten boys and ten girls, the new system allows teens to vote for 20 nominees who embody the values of their school. From this group, two winners will be crowned as “Regent Royalty,” a title chosen by the students themselves. Principal Sarah Johnson stated that this change stemmed from thoughtful discussions about “the purpose of identifying individuals for court” and various conversations with student leaders. “My hope is that those students who feel marginalized now truly sense that they have a seat at the table,” she shared with Today Parents.
While the student body has largely embraced this change, adults have often responded with skepticism and criticism, lamenting the supposed rise of the “PC police” promoting acceptance at school events. How shocking!
It’s essential to recognize that suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-24. According to the American Society for Suicide Prevention, 41% of transgender or gender non-conforming individuals contemplate suicide at some point in their lives. This isn’t due to being “too sensitive”; it reflects the relentless discrimination they face in a world that refuses to acknowledge their experiences and identities.
Yes, today’s youth may be viewed as more “sensitive” and “politically correct.” And you know what? That’s a positive development. They’re doing what far too many adults hesitate to do: consider the needs and feelings of those who are different from them. When faced with traditions that are exclusionary or rooted in outdated notions of gender, race, and identity, they strive for change—and they deserve our praise for that.
Traditions should not be immune to scrutiny or change simply because they have been around for a while. In fact, evolving our traditions to reflect our growing understanding is how we keep them meaningful. There’s no justification for excluding someone from the homecoming court based on gender or requiring conformity to a title that doesn’t resonate with their identity. We have the capacity to create inclusive spaces for everyone.
Embracing acceptance and compassion isn’t a weakness; it’s something we all could benefit from in our everyday lives. Hats off to these young individuals for recognizing this truth and for making strides to improve the experiences of their peers.
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In summary, it’s time we listen to the younger generation’s call for inclusivity and acceptance. Their efforts to reshape traditional norms are not just admirable; they are necessary for fostering a more compassionate society.
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