Once we’ve reviewed and signed the charter form for our new club, Mr. Miller turns them into the ASB office. After that, Jean and I prepare the flyer announcing our first informational club meeting for the following Tuesday. We post them throughout campus and by the end of the week, the word is out about the Gay Straight Alliance Club. When we find some of the flyers crumpled up on the floor, Jean simply shrugs her shoulders, saying, “You watch—this is only the beginning.” She then carefully puts up several new flyers where the old ones hung.
I’m coming out of CAD class when I spot Albert at the water fountain. Moving to his side, I say hello, holding out a flyer for him. “Our first meeting is next week. Think you can make it?”
His eyes darting around to see if anyone is listening, Albert says, “Are you crazy? Why would I want to do that?”
He immediately turns around, leaving me alone with angry thoughts of how I’d like to shake him fiercely, make him take back his sarcastic words. It’s been weeks since the incident at the beach and Albert’s still in denial. Frustrated, I hurry on to the Chemistry labs where I meet up with Marsea Grant. Pausing, she says, “Tommy, I heard about the GSA Club. I think it’s great—I’ll be there.”
“Thanks, Marsea,” I tell her, as she rushes off to her class.
As I make my way out of the building and head for my car, I think about Marsea’s words of support. Maya was right. There are some good people at Roosevelt, and Marsea’s one of them. I remember how she stood up for Ankiza that year when someone made a racist comment. At the school assembly, Marsea let the entire student body know that she was Jewish American, reminding students that Jewish Americans also faced discrimination in the United States. Yeah, screw Albert. GSA doesn’t need him.
At the Rialto, I try to erase Albert from my thoughts as I prepare for tonight’s movies. We’re short-handed, so I end up doing everything from running the popcorn machine to collecting tickets at the door. When I finally take my break I catch parts of the movie. It’s an intense love story set during World War II, only I don’t get to see the ending.
When I get home, Mom is half-asleep on the couch. I tap her lightly on the shoulder to let her know I’m home. Opening her droopy eyelids, Mom straightens out her shoulders, saying, “Hijo, I was dreaming about your abuelita. We were somewhere shopping together.”
“That’s nice,” I say, turning toward the stairway.
Mom’s words force me to pause. “Tomás, I saw the flyer in your room about the new club.”
“Oh, yeah?” I say, turning around to look at her.
“It’s a good thing what you’re doing.”
“I know, but someone’s already going around trashing our announcements, and then today I tried to invite a friend to the first meeting, and he was rude and obnoxious.”
“Hijo, don’t give up. Stand up for what you believe, no matter what—even your dad would agree with me.”
Grimacing, I watch Mom rise slowly from the couch. “You must be kidding, right?”
“Your dad loves you and he only wants the best for you. If you could see him—he goes around bragging to all his compadres about how his son is going to be the first one in the family to go to college.”
“He does?” Now I’m completely stunned by Mom’s startling revelation.
“Yes, hijo, so I know he would want you to stand up for what you believe.”
Every inch of me wants to believe that Dad understands who I am, only I’m filled with doubts, so I don’t say anything. Instead, I tell Mom goodnight, then head upstairs to my room. That night, I lie awake in bed for the longest time thinking about what Mom said. Why can’t Dad tell me instead of his idiot compadres that he’s proud of me? Can’t Dad see how his silence hurts me?
On Tuesday, Jean and I join Mr. Miller in the Art room where our first GSA meeting is going to be held. While we anxiously await to see who will show up, Mr. Miller reminds us that we need to stick closely to our agenda since we only have thirty minutes. He then adds, “I received a call from my friend, Mike Sims, who teaches third grade at César Chávez Elementary. They’re looking for volunteer math tutors to help some of their students who are from México.”
“Don’t look at me, Mr. Miller,” Jean protests. “I’m barely passing Algebra.”
“How about you, Tommy?”
“Maybe,” I answer, thinking back to all the times I’ve helped Amanda with her math homework. Mom says I’m patient, but sometimes Amanda’s attitude makes me want to slap her.
“Mike said even one hour a week would help.”
“I’ll find out if I can fit it in with Work Experience,” I finally agree.
Mr. Miller thanks me as Maya, Ankiza and Juanita enter the classroom. “Told you we’d be here,” Maya triumphantly states. Ankiza and Juanita, who are like Maya’s foot soldiers, happily agree with her.
“You’re just in time,” Mr. Miller says, before they can take a seat, instructing them to arrange the desks in a half-circle.
Marsea Grant is the next one to arrive. She introduces her two friends, Ricki and Kayleigh, whom I recognize from Chemistry last year. I smile at Tim Zimmerman when he arrives with another student that I vaguely recognize from campus. I think back to all the times I’ve heard male students using Tim as the butt of their homophobic jokes. I’m really glad he’s here.
When Mr. Miller signals me that it’s time to start, I glance nervously at Jean and she gives me an encouraging nod. After I introduce myself, I say, “My friend, Jean Ornelas, and I came up with the idea to start the first Gay/Straight Alliance at Roosevelt. I’m sure you all know Mr. Miller—he’s going to serve as our advisor.”
Now Mr. Miller addresses the group. “Thank you all for coming and I’m thrilled to be your advisor. First, I’d like to say something about our club mission. The mission of the newly formed GSA is not to promote homosexuality or any agenda, but to ensure that all students have equal access to a safe education regardless of their sexual orientation. Our club mission is not to attack anyone or to be divisive, but rather to work toward constructive goals of safety and equality. Having said that, why don’t we go around the circle and introduce ourselves. Feel free to share anything you want about why you joined the club.”
Jean, who’s known for being outspoken and direct, is the first one to talk. “I was really happy when Tommy approached me about forming the GSA. You all know me. I don’t much care what other people think or say about me, but I am sick and tired of all the homophobes at Roosevelt. It’s about time we did something to change that.”
Nodding profusely, Maya introduces herself, then she states, “I’m also excited about Tomas’ club. I’m here to offer all my solidarity and support.”
“Me too,” Ankiza adds, but before she can say anything else, Juanita interrupts.
“I’m Juanita, Tommy’s friend, and I also want to help in any way I can with the club.”
When Juanita gives me one of her classic dimpled smiles, I suddenly realize this is a moment I won’t ever forget. Not just because it’s my senior year, but because of the true friends I’ve made here at Roosevelt. Friends who have stuck by me all these years.
Marsea’s soft, poetic voice interrupts my nostalgic thoughts. “Most of you already know who I am from my work with student government on our campus. I want to reiterate my full support for the Gay Straight Alliance.” Marsea then turns to look at her two friends, who shyly introduce themselves as Ricki and Kayleigh. The room grows silent as we wait for them to say something more, only they don’t.
Tim Zimmerman breaks the silence with his clear, polished voice. “Almost every campus I know of has a Gay Straight Alliance Club—it’s about time we follow suit.”
Monte Parish is the last one to introduce himself. Now I remember where I’ve seen him. He’s always hanging out with the Christian group on campus. I never thought I’d see someone like him here.
Monte is about to explain why he’s interested in being a member of GSA when the bell rings. “Sorry, Monte,” Mr. Miller apologizes. “Looks like we’re out of time. For our next meeting, why don’t each of you bring some ideas for club activities. We’ll also need to elect some officers.”
“¡Órale!” Jean shouts out, as the meeting comes to an end. We all leave with a smile.