Chapter 10.5| Queer eye

During the Monday morning meeting, the school leaders were notably absent from the platform, and instead, Wu Xiao, who had briefly appeared in the principal's office last Monday before disappearing without a trace, was holding a microphone with both hands, raised it to her chest, gazing at the densely packed crowd below the stage. The attentive eyes and patient waiting responses from the audience gathered in front of her.

The bustling sound of shoulders brushing against each other broke the tranquillity of the autumn day, as Wu Xiao's voice pierced through the speakers and reached everyone's ears. "Hi, everyone, I am Wu Xiao from Class 6 of the senior year. Also known as Xiao Tian, the person involved in last week's incident. First of all, I would like to reflect and apologize for my parent's biased and misplaced love, which led them to obtain irrelevant personal information through inappropriate and unethical means, tarnishing the school's reputation unjustly." she clasped both hands, bowed apologetically to all the teachers and students, before finally straightening up after a while. Tears welled up in her eyes as she struggled to control her emotions, her voice choked with emotion, "FHS is, without a doubt, the best school I have ever encountered."

"I came out last week, involuntarily. Although this completely deviated from my coming out plan, I have no regrets." Xiao paused for a few seconds, glanced in a certain direction, caught someone's gaze, and continued, "Before entering FHS, my growth had been quite ordinary and I had never delved deep into the feeling that I might be different from other girls. It wasn't until I came to FHS that I realized, more important than excelling academically, is continually expanding one's boundaries and understanding who you are. It was here that, for the first time, I had a clear concept of my own identity, not just physically but also mentally."

This time, Wu Xiao voluntarily came out in front of the entire school. Her voice was less tense at the beginning and more genuinely firm. "I like Yu Tang, and we have been together for 128 days. Over the past week, we have further solidified this affection. I don't want to say 'We will definitely be together forever,' instead, we want everyone to see how we are steadily moving forward. Not too far ahead, I hope that everyone at school can witness our first peak together in June next year."

The applause and cheers on the playground were continuous. Xiao's words were within the expectations of some and beyond the expectations of many, but everyone unanimously felt that "these are the words only a student from FHS would say." Unlike other high schools, there were quite a few openly gay students. The crucial point was that when most people had nothing, they dared to open the closet, FHS provided a sense of irreplaceable identity, not identifying with the school or teachers, but with oneself.

Understanding yourself, exploring yourself, accepting yourself, and then knowing how to take the next step.

When Wu Xiao walked down to the stage, Xing Xiuze approached with another microphone in hand and they nodded at each other as they passed by. 

Xiuze, with his noble head held high, one hand in his pocket, cleared his throat into the microphone, indicating he was about to start his speech. 

In a less formal manner compared to Xiao, Xiuze jokingly asked the audience below, "Among the top ten in the science and liberal arts sections from grades ten to twelve, are there any students with two fathers? If so, please raise your hand." After about a minute of silence, with no response, he picked up the microphone again, "Then I am the one and only student mentioned in last week's popular article about a student from a certain school." 

Xingze scanned the audience below before continuing, "Honestly, I never thought my family situation would be exposed in this way. After all, in my student records, under the parents' section, there has always been only one father listed. But as fate would have it, this gives me a chance to speak my mind." 

He may be insignificant, his words may carry little weight, but he should not be overlooked.

In a serious tone, devoid of the earlier playful demeanour, Xiuze said, "I, Xing Xiuze, ranked first in the second year of the liberal arts section, born in the United States, have one dad, one father, and I carry my father's surname." 

Growing up, he had heard many people envy him for having a foreign mother and received special treatment from teachers because he was considered to come from a single-parent family, yet he never argued or refuted. He knew better than anyone the hardships his father endured in sustaining that relationship in an era devoid of rules and protections, and over the past decade, they had made the utmost effort to fulfil the roles of both father and mother. The two men in his family, both nearing fifty, were his bottom line, and he would not tolerate anyone defaming them in any way, intentional or not. 

Not even a bit.

"Since my father had me, in our family, creating a healthy and safe living environment and experiencing an inclusive family atmosphere have been taken very seriously. 'Health and safety,' 'inclusivity' - these words require a control group to achieve. Fortunately, for over a decade, our neighbours next door, the Xu Zhiyi family, have provided a point of comparison. Bro Yi, do you mind? "

In the crowd, Xu Zhiyi raised his hand and made an 'OK' gesture in mid-air.

 Following his gesture, Xiuze subtly hooked the corner of his lips and said, 'Before the age of 8, in order to take care of me well, my father and dad often sought advice from Uncle and Aunt Xu. When I was young, their main concerns were my health - whether I had eaten enough, overeaten, fallen ill, or needed medication. As I grew older, they instilled in me a broad-minded value system, and told me that my existence is meant for becoming myself, not merely continuing a certain gene. Of course, my father and dad patiently taught me over decades that regardless of any action, it must not harm others, society, or oneself, as any malicious remark, no matter how individual, could affect an entire group behind it."

The continuous voices in the air suddenly ceased, only to resume more forcefully in the next instant. 'Therefore, I can tell everyone here today that I have grown up enveloped in love. My upbringing and family environment have been very healthy and safe, with a quality of life that even surpasses that of a considerable number of people." Xiuze freed his hand from his pocket and took the microphone from the other hand, casually smiling before adding, 'I've heard many are interested in my sexual orientation. But you might be disappointed as the top student in liberal arts has not yet encountered someone special. If there is good news one day, I'll be sure to inform everyone first." 

"That's all I have to say about me and my family. Any remaining curiosity can be put away and delved into the ocean of knowledge." He shrugged, glanced at his wristwatch, and continued his performance, 'If you don't work harder, being the top student in liberal arts like myself won't hold much weight."

Below: "..."

"Lastly, a few words about me and FHS. I really like FHS - studying, living, friends, teachers - I cherish everything I've experienced here. It gives most people a sense of identity, which is extremely important at our age and something other schools can't provide. Thank you all."

After a gentlemanly bow, Xiuze stepped down from the stage, causing thunderous applause on the playground. Someone started shouting, 'Xing Xiuze, I love you!' and everyone joined in. Xing Xiuze almost twisted his ankle on the last step.

The morning assembly was not just a routine event. 

The school recorded the assembly and live-streamed it on their official social media account. Following the live stream, the school's official account on Weibo posted a message. 

In the post, the school motto of FHS was emphasized: "Speak with loyalty and trustworthiness, act with sincerity and respect." 

Accompanying the text were three images that, when viewed together, formed a complete message. The messages left were not only from openly LGBTQ+ students (alumni) but also from faculty and students expressing their attitudes and opinions on LGBTQ+ issues. In the middle of the messages were the bold and vigorous strokes of Principal Chen's handwriting, not only scribing the school motto but also adding three words at the end: "Love Above All." 

"Speak with loyalty and trustworthiness, act with sincerity and respect, love above all" - these words encapsulated the attitudes of everyone at FHS. 

Simultaneously, the A City Daily released a video titled "Conversation with Principal Chen of FHS: Our World, Our Judgment." 

In the interview lasting over twenty minutes, Principal Chen explained the truth behind several incidents, addressed why the school did not respond immediately, and clarified why FHS has always adhered to its unique educational philosophy. Facing the camera, Principal Chen remained calm and patient, resembling a sturdy tree trunk wrapped in the gentle breeze of passing years, exuding elegance and clarity. 

The most memorable moment came towards the end of the interview when Principal Chen said, "FHS indeed needs to reflect on its own issues, but many fundamental things, we will not give up. In FHS, the most important are not the teachers or parents, but the students. Every year, we engage in dialogues with students to listen to their feedback and suggestions on the teaching and management practices of teachers and the school, to understand their confusion in this era. Let me give you an example, 20 years ago, we introduced a high school sex education course based on students' proposals, and it still exists today. As far as I know, only FHS has been doing this and continues to do so." With his hands clasped, Principal Chen gazed into the distance before focusing on the present, "Why do we insist on offering this course? It's quite simple, it aligns with the school motto of FHS, 'Speak with loyalty and trustworthiness, act with sincerity and respect.' Adolescents experience emotions, and schools and teachers should not suppress these thoughts in collaboration with parents, but rather guide them sensibly. We want them to perceive their emotions on their own because this pure feeling is unique to their age. At the same time, we empower them to understand boundaries, what they can or cannot do, and the consequences they must bear if they choose to act. All these aspects are encompassed in our sex education curriculum. FHS advocates for students to be themselves, not just in a physical sense but also at a spiritual level; they should have their own reflections, choices, judgments, and attitudes towards society. Without these thoughts, it's absurd and laughable that heterosexuals can decide if two people of the same sex can like each other, men can determine if women can receive education, and white people can dictate the fate of black people. It's all equally deplorable and ridiculous."

Live streaming, official Weibo posts, and interviews have helped to unravel the mysteries of FHS. This has sparked discussions on relevant topics that have captured everyone's attention, such as whether high schools should introduce sex education courses, what defines authenticity for Generation Z, and the lack of love, death, and sex education in contemporary educational systems.

Under a Weibo post from the school official, the top comment remains pinned even over a year later, with netizens still leaving likes and comments. The user behind the top comment, identified as "X&L," stated: "I am Xing Xiuze's father. His dad doesn't use Weibo, so I am conveying his message. After careful consideration and discussion, we have decided not to hold any party accountable for the incident and hope that it ends here. Witnessing Xiuze growing up to this day fills both his dad and me with pride. We are just an ordinary family that believes in love above all, and my partner and I are just two ordinary men in love."