Gay Worries Countered (Press, 18 December 1985)
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Summary: Gay Worries Countered (Press, 18 December 1985)
On 18 December 1985, Dr Max Abbott, director of the Mental Health Foundation, addressed concerns raised by the Auckland federation of the Parent-Teacher Association (P.T.A.) regarding openly homosexual teachers discussing their lifestyles in the classroom. The P.T.A. had proposed a ban on such discussions, believing it might influence children’s sexual orientation. In response, Dr Abbott asserted that sexual orientation is largely established during early childhood and that contact with openly gay teachers would not cause children to become homosexual. He emphasised the importance of having openly gay teachers as positive role models for homosexual youth who might be struggling with their identities. Dr Abbott pointed out that many young homosexuals may feel isolated or stigmatized, often falling into negative stereotypes about their identities. He urged the P.T.A. to examine the significant number of complaints they had received, suggesting that the high level of concern might stem from a small group with extreme views rather than the broader membership of the association. However, Amy Slack, a former national president and life member of the P.T.A., responded by expressing her belief that the complaints were authentic and widespread among the association’s members. This dialogue highlighted the tension between advocates for representation and acceptance of diverse sexual orientations in educational settings and those concerned about the influence of such representations on children. The discussions also reflected broader societal attitudes towards homosexuality during the mid-1980s in New Zealand.
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