Longmont valedictorian silenced over speech disclosing he was gay

[BmorePat87]

I guess they should have done what those who were "silenced" for religion did and lied. Say you won't and then do it at the time of the speech.

A lot of people don't get why the gay community is very vocal about their orientation. It's because they went many years having to be ashamed of it because society told them to be or said that they would face discrimination or violence if they were open. Openness and awareness helps to make it easier for those who come after them. Also, the discrimination caused the gay community to form their community and culture separate of mainstream culture. It's now part of their everyday life in more ways than just sexual attraction.

From a speech point of view, the valedictorian speech should be both about the speaker's journey and the journey of the graduating class. It's not selfish to mention a part of that journey that was hard when it shows the ability to overcome difficulties.