Jarvis JargOnline 2005: News

Laramie, Wyoming Murder Comes to J.C.I.

Kelley Baldwin

In 1998, Matthew Sheppard, a 21-year-old gay college student, was savagely beaten to death in Laramie, Wyoming. Aaron McKinney, one of the young men sentenced to life-imprisonment for Matthew's brutal murder, explained his actions by stating that Matthew looked "like a fag, you know."

You know? Well, do Jarvis students know and understand this type of violent homophobia? And if so, is it something we should talk about?

Matthew's story is dramatized in the play The Laramie Project, which was performed this March by Jarvis's Drama Department.The play examines Laramie residents' reaction to the senseless killing, dealing with the issues of hate and homophobia -- topics that are highly relevant and present in Jarvis's hallways.

Although the cases are not as extreme as Matthew Sheppard's murder, the more subtle expressions of gay bashing are evident in slurs like "that's so gay," or "what a queer," and the more offensive "faggot".

Sarah Marinoff, a Grade 12 student, says that she does not notice hateful attitudes towards homosexuals but, instead, more fear."I hear a lot of people telling me, 'It's okay to be gay, just don't come near me.' That in itself is homophobic." The backlash against gays in our schools became a flashpoint a year and a half ago when a social worker hired by the Toronto District School Board conducted lessons about homosexuality at Market Lane P.S. This simple discussion, however, caused an uproar among parents who wanted to pull their children out of the program and were appalled by the idea of respect for gays.

Experiences like these cause schools to be reluctant in dealing with the issues surrounding homosexuality. Our schools may have become so cautious that they have caused the subject to become taboo.

This is why The Laramie Project is a crucial and bold piece to perform.

Ms. Burak, Head of the Drama Department and director of The Laramie Project, explained why she and the drama students chose this particular piece. "We wanted people to really think how hurtful any kind of hate is and°≠ we wanted to throw the play's ideas out to the students."

So how did Jarvis students react?

"Jarvis students rose to the occasion and really responded to the piece," said Ms. Burak. Bob Graham, the assistant director, agrees. "I thought there would be a lot of restlessness, a lot of chattering and a lot of back talk.I was really heartened by the quiet."

Though Bob adds that the silence displayed by Jarvis students does not necessarily mean they agreed with the premises of the play.He relates an incident when a girl was sitting quietly at the back during the entire performance, seemingly engrossed with the production.After the play finished she turned to her friend and said that it was a waste of time and she wished they had done a comedy like last year.

Stewart Jackson, a Grade 11 student, said that many people in the audience were offended by the play. One time he even heard a girl sitting next to him say, "What? Are they trying to make us all gay?"

There were also Jarvis students who were moved by the piece. Bhavna Sharma, a Grade 11 student, said she loved the play and its message; she also feels it is important to "spread the word out that hate can't be tolerated."

Sam Wright, a Grade 9 student, thought it is important for Jarvis to confront homophobia, especially since our school is located next to Church and Wellesley, one of North America's largest gay communities. Wright says, "The more the subject of homophobia gets out into the open, the faster we can deal with it."

That is exactly the point of The Laramie Project: to generate discussion and get the issues out in the open -- whether you agree with the play's message or not.

Mr. Bartha, a guidance counsellor and the staff sponsor of the stage crew, thinks that the play can only elicit a mature reaction due to its subtle content. He says the play is not sensational; it realistically explores the subject without getting preachy.

"The message was much more about hate than any particular kind of hate. That's what made it more powerful," said Mr. Bartha. "Regardless of your personal, emotional or religious beliefs...hate is indisputably unacceptable."

It is naive to assume that Jarvis students will, after enlightening conversations and thought-provoking theatre, all agree to accept homosexuality.Many factors depend on an acceptance: religious beliefs, culture, personal experiences and opinions. The Laramie Project is not trying to "make everyone gay" but just trying to illustrate a time when hate consumed a community and its murderous effects.

What happened in rural Laramie has happened in urban Toronto too.

The Laramie Project was entered in the Sears Drama Festival, competing against the 30 schools in its region. It was selected as one of four plays to continue on to Regional Finals. The performance will take place in April at Hart House Theatre. Congratulations and good luck to the entire cast and crew