The Prowler <![CDATA[The Prowler]]> en-us Copyright 2008 - All Rights Reserved. Mon, 23 Nov 2009 19:54:18 GMT 15 <![CDATA[Let’s talk about same-sex couples]]> By ALICE ZIC


VALENTINE’S DAY: Senior Michelle Nyugen and junior Britney Alilio hang out together in the hallways at school.

Valentines’ Day is not just a day of heart-shaped chocolate boxes, secret admirers, flowers, corny movies, and pink cards. It is also a special day to spend with the ones you care about the most. For many gay students at Quince Orchard High School, this day is no different. “I see it as a day to spend with a loved one, as a day of commitment,” said senior Michelle Nguyen. Her girlfriend, junior Brittney Alilio, agrees that it is a “day where couples and non-couples show their love and affection” for each other. Last year, the two spent the entire day together playing the Wii. This year, their Valentines’ Day “will be a surprise,” said Nguyen. Regardless of how enraptured couples like Alilio and Nguyen are, there are individuals who are deeply against such a concept. “Gay couples need to be a bit more careful about their public displays of affection because it grosses some people out,” said an anonymous source. Dealing with negative remarks from peers can be a struggle for many gay students, but former QOHS student Robby Carmack remains strong and confident. “I mean, people are going to say what they think is right and what they want to hear, but like straight guys and girls, people are going to want to know who you’re interested in.” Jeering assumptions can also be irritating to gay students, but both Carmack and Nguyen contend that Valentines’ Day is the same, regardless of one’s sexual orientation. Carmack said that even though “people get this stupid picture of gays or lesbians doing things weird or different from everyday life,” it is still the same holiday on which he does “normal” activities, such as going over to a friend’s house. Despite sexual orientation, Valentines’ Day is the same love-filled holiday for everyone. According to Nguyen, “It’s still Valentines’ Day, you know, it’s not Gay Valentines’ Day.” ]]> Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:52:00 GMT