After listening to a LGBTQ+ panel present about their life experiences, senior Gregory Peterson felt intrigued to learn about what his classmates have gone through.  

“I think it was strange to hear it from classmates,” Peterson said. “I didn’t realize that they had gone through so much.”

According to health teacher Allison Luskey, in 2014 a group of students expressed their willingness to teach students about sexuality and gender identity.

“I had some students come into class just to give a message to promote the LGBTQ+ student support group and as some students were presenting it was very engaging and I thought we need more of this so I invited them to talk to health classes,” Luskey said.

Senior William Poulter, a member of the panel, said he hopes students understand there are more ways to identify than just gay, straight and bisexual.

“All we really want people to know is how deep and complex gender and sexuality are,” Poulter said.

Senior Bryn Feltl, another panel member, said she joined to contribute to the group’s goal of diversity.

“I joined the panel because they didn’t really have anyone that was bisexual on (the panel) and I felt like they needed someone who was,” Feltl said.

Peterson recognizes the importance of exposure to different points of view.

“I think it was important that it was in the health curriculum this year. I think the more viewpoints that we hear from the more open minded we’ll be,” Peterson said.

Luskey said she feels having a distinct group of students presenting adds to the diverse information being received.   

“What is so important about our education here is to hear multiple perspectives,” Luskey said.

According to Luskey, the panel members give their time to present to the health classes.

“I think it’s been overwhelmingly positive,” Luskey said. “I think it also has helped build connections with our students.”