My daughter, who is a 7th grader, came home two weeks ago with a homework assignment.  She was to write and deliver a speech that highlighted a problem she and her peers are facing.  She said that most of her classmates were preparing speeches on bullying or alcohol, but she wanted to do a speech titled “Gay is Okay.”  Her teacher approved the subject of her speech and she was excited.

She did her research, prepared her speech, and even made a special rainbow outfit to wear the day of the speech.  Her father and I were nervous that she would face rejection or bullying, after all, we live in a small, conservative town, in a conservative state.  When we picked her up after school, she came bouncing out with a smile on her face.  She said that she got a standing ovation after her speech!

The children really are leading us!