Arts and Activism - San Antonio

[Suzy]

San Antonio Express-News
by Valentino Lucio

Two students stood in front of the class, shouting angrily at each other.

One wailed accusations of immorality at the other, a transsexual. The other student fought back ferociously, saying her personal life was no one's business except her own.

The two pointed fingers, rolled their eyes and invaded each other's personal space. Disturbed by what they were witnessing, the class sat in an uncomfortable silence. And just as the situation was about to get out of control, someone from the crowd yelled, "Stop!"

A nervous laugh came from each of the girls as they ended the improvised performance and listened as their peers critiqued the scene. A diverse group of teenagers began to exchange ideas about how to deal with the issue of discrimination — on the stage and in real life.