Will Phillips Gives Me Hope

I usually do not pay much attention to children, but when I read about Will Phillips, I immediately took an interest in his story.

Phillips is a 10 yr old in West Fork, Arkansas who is making a statement against homophobia by refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance in his school.

When asked why he was not participating, the fifth grader explained, “I’ve always tried to analyze things because I want to be lawyer. I really don’t feel that there’s currently liberty and justice for all.”

His parents have several gay friends and Phillips contrasted his experience with gay people against legislation aimed at limiting their rights, such as bans on adoption and not recognizing same-sex relationships.

It did not take him long to conclude that in 2009, everyone does not enjoy equal treatment under the law.

Laura Phillips, Will’s mother, simply states “We raised him to be aware of what’s right, what’s wrong, and what’s fair.”

Will may only be one person in a middle school, but his actions demonstrate the kind of conviction and courage that adults would do well to emulate.

One of my frustrations with gay rights advocates, particularly heterosexual allies, is their silence. While homophobes are very vocal and public about their bigotry, supporters are often too quiet, allowing antigay remarks and behavior to go unchallenged. It can be rationalized away by saying they want to avoid controversy or maintain a certain reputation, but the end result is strengthening antigay bigots, who feel more secure in their beliefs because nobody close to them expresses disapproval.

That a child grasps the inequality gay people face, and is willing to make a stand despite being ridiculed (Phillips reports being called a “gaywad” by his classmates) gives me hope that rising generations will finally make government-sanctioned inequality a relic of the past.

Will’s story has been picked up by outlets across the nation, including CNN. You can see an interview with Will and his family here.