GSA Network News archives

GSA Network News Email Archive - 2004

back to GSA Network News



Sign Up for GSA Network News! Email:

December 1

In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:

GSA Network Highlight
World AIDS Day Reflection at West High School

GSA Network Announcements
1. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
2. Last Call for Break the Silence!! (Southern California)
3. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
4. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
5. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
6. GSA Leadership Trainings (San Diego, Santa Cruz)

Other Announcements
7. Laramie Project Performance and Benefit - December 3rd (Mid-Peninsula)
8. Apoyo para familia Latinas/Support for Latino families (San Francisco)
9. LYRIC Wellness Workshops (San Francisco)
10. GLSEN 2005 Students of Color Organizers (SOCO) Retreat during MLK Weekend
11. Speaker's Bureau Training at CUAV (San Francisco)
12. Calling all Creative Writer Students in the Los Angeles Area
13. Youth Opportunities in Orange County
14. Human Rights 101 for Service Providers (San Francisco)
15. Post-Election Forum on the Youth Vote
16. ANNOUNCING... Young Gay American Magazine
17. Racial Justice Training Program for White Youth
18. 2005 eQUALITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
19. NEWS: Transgender youth gaining acceptance
20. NEWS: Election brings conservative issues to fore (Ventura)

+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++

World AIDS Day Reflection at West High School

AIDS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, has reached mind-blowing proportions on the world stage.
38 million people are living with HIV/AIDS and this number is continuing to grow among people of color and young people.

The GSA at West High School, located in Bakersfield, California has gone above and beyond in the planning for the World AIDS Day event at their high school.

In the days leading up to World AIDS Day, the GSA and the Health Club have provided AIDS-related information to the student body. To create an atmosphere of respect for this powerful event, they posted flyers and distributed red ribbons which have become symbolic of the never-ending fight to find a cure for this deadly virus. At GSA Network, we take this time to remember and definitely encourage other young people to raise awareness of this and other critical issues affecting all of us as human beings.

For more information about World AIDS Day, please visit:
http://www.worldaidsday.org/about2.asp

back to top

+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++

*********************************************
1. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice

GSA Network is honored to introduce a new program, Educating for Transgender Student Safety, which brings Sylvia Guerrero to speak with students, teachers, and staff at schools throughout the Bay Area about the experiences she and her family have endured over the last two years after the death of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. In the fall of 2002, Sylvia Guerrero was forced into the Bay Area's media spotlight by the murder of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. Even though it had only been a short time since Ms. Guerrero began accepting Gwen as her daughter, instead of the son she had thought she was raising, she suddenly found herself labeled a spokeswoman for respect and dignity for transgender people.

Coupled with Beyond the Binary: A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools, we hope that these opportunities offered through GSA Network will increase your gender-based organizing efforts in schools as well as contribute to the overall safety of all students.

If you would like to bring Ms. Guerrero to your school or want more information about the Beyond the Binary tool kit, please visit http://www.gsanetwork.org.

Sylvia Guerrero's speaking tour is done in collaboration with GLSEN-San Francisco/East Bay and CUAV.

back to top

*********************************************
2. Last Call for Break the Silence!! (Southern California)

***Last Chance to Register***

Collaborate to create plays promoting understanding and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) youth in high schools!!Are you interested in collaborating to create performance pieces promoting understanding and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) youth in high schools?

Break the Silence!
A Theatre Activism Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQQI Issues in Schools
A 4-day Intensive Workshop
Nov. 20 & 21 and Dec. 4 & 11Sponsored by:
Fringe Benefits Theatre, the Gay Straight Alliance Network and Cornerstone Theater Company
Please RSVP to: mailto:info@gsanetwork.org and mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net.

WHAT: In this intensive 4-day Theatre Activism Think Tank, we will collaborate to create several short scripts tackling homophobia and transphobia in high schools. These short plays will then be performed by GSAs at school assemblies in conjunction with The Day of Silence or Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, etc, or to add spice to talent shows or pep rallies. Some of the plays will also be presented in Health, History or English classes, incorporated in televised school announcements, or done as guerrilla theatre during lunch or passing periods! No theatre knowledge is necessary: we will be using brainstorming, discussion, freewriting and improvisation to create the plays.
WHO: This Theatre Activism Think Tank is designed primarily for Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) members from any/all California high schools. We also welcome allies, including youth, GSA sponsors, educators, parents, theatre artists and activists.
WHEN: The Theatre Activism Think Tank will meet from 11am to 5pm for 4 weekend dates only: November 20 & 21 and December 4 & 11.
(Yes, we will have lunch breaks!)
WHERE: Los Angeles. Specifics to be announced.
HOW: Please e-mail us - Bev Tang, GSA Network Southern California Public Ally, and Norma Bowles, Fringe Benefits Artistic Director - with your brief answers to the following questions. E-mail us by November 5, and we'll confirm with you by November 12. Please don't stress about writing the perfect answers! The GSANetwork and Fringe Benefits just want to do our best to ensure that the group is committed and diverse (in LOTS of ways!). AAAAND if there's a question you would rather not answer, just say so!

1. Name
2. School &/or Organization
3. GSA affiliation
4. Age &/or grade level
5. gender
6. race/ethnicity
7. sexual orientation
8. religion, if any
9. What LGBTQQI issues would you like to address? (What's happening in your school?)
10. What are you into - Theatre? Science? Debate? Writing? Activism? Band? Or???
11. Are you available for and can you commit to all 4 Theatre Think days, 11am-to-5pm?
12. Contact information (e-mail, phone, mailing address, etc.) Please note if confidentiality is desired.
13. Is there anything else you would like to let us know or to ask us?

So, again, please e-mail: mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net.

Fringe Benefits: Setting the Stage for Social Justice Fringe Benefits is a groundbreaking theatre company with a 13-year track record of collaborating with youth to create plays that promote constructive dialogue about diversity and discrimination issues. Fringe Benfits' theatre activism workshops and residencies, the two published anthologies of our plays, Friendly Fire and Cootie Shots, and the award-winning documentary film about our work, Surviving Friendly Fire, narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, have all received critical acclaim, support from educators & parents and RAVE REVIEWS from youth! www.cootieshots.org

The Gay Straight Alliance Network: Empowering Youth Activists to Fight Homophobia and Transphobia in schools Gay-Straight Alliance Network is a youth-led organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each other and community resources. Through peer support, leadership development, and training, GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSAs and builds the capacity of GSAs to: 1. create safe environments in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia and other oppressions, 2. educate the school community about homophobia, gender identity, and sexual orientation issues, and 3. fight discrimination, harassment, and violence in schools. http://www.gsanetwork.org

back to top

*********************************************
3. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!

A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.

"I think it was powerful and provocative and sparked good conversations." - GSA Advisor
"There were at least 400 students that interacted with the exhibit. The whole week while High Contrast was there, the GSA and other groups on campus did workshops on hate crimes and ways to deal with it-letting students know that it is an issue that needs to be addressed." - GSA student president
"Many students responded well to the universality of human issues and emotions. The emotions weren't just linked to being gay, they were feelings we all have." - GSA Advisor

In this exhibit we bring you our voices with hopes that you will hear us, see us... and identify. We use art as a means for change -- to show people what they might not choose to see, to incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation. We want to make schools free from harassment, discrimination, and violence. We don't want anyone to leave thinking, "this isn't my issue." Because all kinds of people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Because there are so many shades to our identities. Because we all deserve to be safe enough to learn.
High Contrast is available for circulation as of October 1. If you are a GSA in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast photo exhibit to your school, email mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

back to top

*********************************************
4. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

Seven poster designs are available for GSAs, organizations, and individuals to make change by building a presence of youth voices for justice, peace, and youth empowerment and against hatred, harassment, and discrimination of all kinds. Every GSA in California can receive 30 FREE posters to use at your school. You can order more than 30 for $1 each. From community organizations and individuals we request a donation of $5 each for 1-10 posters, $4 each for 11-30 posters, and large quantity discounts are available.

You can view the designs and order posters on the Liberation Ink website: http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone/liberation.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO USE LIBERATION INK TO MAKE CHANGE AT YOUR SCHOOL!
* Attach information about your GSA to the posters to advertise and recruit members.
* Encourage teachers to hang the posters in their classrooms.
* Have GSA members lead discussions and activities related to the posters.
* Use the posters as part of an anti-slur campaign.
* Put the posters up in the courtyard with easels and/or use while you're tabling.
* Get the posters printed in your school or community newspaper with an article or announcement about your GSA.
* Create an agreement for teachers to sign and give them posters to symbolize their support.
* Display the whole Liberation Ink series in one place or fill a whole wall with posters in a grid.
* Use the posters in conjunction with Day of Silence, Transgender Day of Remembrance, LGBT History Month (October), LGBT Pride Month (June), Coming Out Day (October 11), or Diversity Day or Week at your school.
Liberation Ink was a collaborative project of GSA Network, LYRIC, and Mission Grafica at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco. It was supported by the Youth Initiatives Program of the Open Society Institute, the San Francisco Arts Commission, and the Walter and Elise Haas Fund.

back to top

*********************************************
5. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
The new school year has begun! Welcome back!
Before you plan any more events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register your group with the GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student activism manuals, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future GSA Network or LGBT related events. (Mailings will go out only to California GSAs in middle and high schools.)
Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php
If you have any questions or concerns,
Sean Saifa M. Wall
mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229 (phone)

back to top

*********************************************
6. GSA Leadership Trainings (San Diego, Santa Cruz)

San Diego GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 2004, 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Contact Dana Toppel 619.497.2920 x.113 or dtoppel@thecentersd.org for directions to the location in San Diego
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: Hillcrest Youth Center and GLSEN-San Diego
For more information or to RSVP, please email mailto:info@gsanetwork.org or call 213.534.7162.
--
Santa Cruz GSA Leadership Training
STRANGE, The Santa Cruz County Queer Youth & Allies Network Organization & GSA Network

Present...

On Saturday, December 4th, 2004

from 10 am - 4 pm

at The Resource Center for Non-Violence
515 Broadway Santa Cruz, California 95060

Gay-Straight Alliance Leadership Training & FREE FOOD!!!

This IS An Amazing Opportunity for Your Enlightenment, Empowerment, & Enjoyment!!!

Please be kind and RSVP by December 1st (so we know how much food to get)...but you could still just show up the day of the training.

DON'T MISS OUT...WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!

For more information or if you need a ride...contact Jorge Bru at (831) 295-6969 cell or mailto:sccstrange@yahoo.com or Sean Saifa Wall at 415.552.4229 or mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org

back to top

++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events, resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of GSA Network.

*********************************************
7. Laramie Project Performance and Benefit - December 3rd (Mid-Peninsula)
Please join Los Altos High School performing the "Laramie Project" and hosting a benefit for Billy DeFrank Center on December 3rd at 7pm. Special tickets for the Billy DeFrank Center are available at $12 with $2 of proceeds going to the Center.
Los Altos High School is located at 201 Almond Ave in Los Altos.

Please contact James Gibbs to reserve your will-call tickets for pick up the night of the event at mailto:James.Gibbs@mvla.net or 650-960-8480.

back to top

*********************************************
8. Apoyo para familia Latinas/Support for Latino families (San Francisco)

The Richmond Village Beacon and George Washington H.S. are having its second Latino Families Support Meeting on December 2nd, 2004 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Boys and Girls Club located at 450 Guerrero Street (near 17th) in the Mission. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a space for Latino families to learn about what resources are available for them at Washington H.S. and in the community as a whole. Currently, we are seeking individuals and/or community organizations interested in giving brief presentations about their services and/or hosting an information table during the meeting.

If you are interested please call Yaromil at 415.750.8554 or email mailto:yaromilf@aol.com no later than November 19th with the following information: name, organization, email, phone number and whether you are interested in giving a presentation and/or hosting a table. Each person will have 3-5 minutes to speak.
Thank you.
Paz y Fuerza,
Yaromil

back to top

*********************************************
9. LYRIC Wellness Workshops (San Francisco)

Mark your calendars, day planners and PDAs! It's Wellness Workshop time!
FREE FOOD for those who attend!
December 1
It's Not Cheating If You Have Permission: The Many Faces of Relationships
December 8
What I Hear You Saying Is...: How To Be a Good Listener
December 15
Can I Just Stick the Head In?: Negotiating For What You Want or Don't Want
December 22
Can't We All Just Get Along?: Resolving Conflicts
Wellness Workshops are every Wednesday from 4-6 pm on the 2nd floor of LYRIC. They are open to LGBQQ youth 23 and under and Transgender youth 25 and under, free of charge and food will be served for those who attend.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Jaedon
mailto:Jaedon@lyric.org
415.703.6150 x13
or
Kristin
mailto: Kristin@lyric.org
415.703.6150 x 12

back to top

*********************************************
10. GLSEN 2005 Students of Color Organizers (SOCO) Retreat during MLK Weekend

Originally conceived by GLSEN staff and student organizers in the summer of 2002, the first GLSEN Student of Color Organizers (SOCO) Retreat took place in New Mexico in January 2003 and the second took place in Durham, NC in January 2004. Past organizational allies have been the American Friends Services Committee, GLAAD, The Gill Foundation and SOBG-Southerners on a New Ground. The GLSEN 2005 SOCO Retreat will gather student of color organizers for the 3rd annual national retreat on safe schools organizing in communities of color from January 14-17, 2005 in Minneapolis, MN.

The goals of the retreat are:
1. To network students of color organizers, GLSEN staff and organizational allies;
2. To build skills of student of color organizers (in particular in organizing as students of color and/or in communities of color); and
3. To develop action plans for student of color organizers to implement projects which address issues of communities or students of color in safe schools organizing.
Approximately twenty student of color organizers from across the United States will be selected to participate in the GLSEN 2005 Student of Color Organizers (SOCO) Retreat representing a diverse spectrum of students from many different communities and backgrounds. LGBT students and straight allies, students from various ethnic and racial backgrounds who identify as people of color and students with diverse gender identities and expressions will be chosen -- all with one common identity, wanting to implement a project in their community that will serve communities or students of color and safe schools issues.

APPLY ONLINE TODAY - http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/student/library/record/1264.html
GLSEN strongly encourages transgender students and straight ally students to apply.
No one will be turned away for lack of funds!

DEADLINE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 6TH, 2004 AT 5:00 PM EDT

back to top

*********************************************
11. Speaker's Bureau Training at CUAV (San Francisco)

Be a Speaker
CHANGE THE WORLD!!!!!!

CUAV speakers go into schools and community groups
and speak out on the issues--
You can, too!
Meet cool people, have fun & make a difference.
Help stamp out homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and all oppressions!!!!
Folks of color, youth, trans/gender queer/2 Spirit folks, and women strongly encouraged!!!!!

Community United Against Violence (CUAV) Needs You!!!!!
CUAV is hosting our LGBTQ
All Ages--Speakers Bureau Training
Sat/Sun December 4th & 5th 10 am-6 pm
160 14th Street SF (@ S Van Ness)
This training is fun, informative and free!!!!
To sign up,
call (415) 777-5500 ext 303
or email mailto:connie@cuav.org to sign up today!

back to top

*********************************************
12. Calling all Creative Writer Students in the Los Angeles Area

Creative writing students from Campbell Hall under the supervision of author Glen Hirshberg (The Snowman's Children) are currently in the process of putting together the first copy of what we hope is going to be an annual literary magazine showcasing the nonfiction work of high school students in the Los Angeles region. We hope to publish it in the spring of 2005 and make it available to the community at large through independent bookstores, newsstands, and the internet.

We are requesting submissions from members of the GSA contingents across Los Angeles would be another way of ensuring inclusivity.

To find out more about the publication or to submit a piece of work, please contact:
Yoanna Torres
Campbell Hall Episcopal School
4533 Laurel Cyn. Blvd.
North Hollywood, CA 91607
Attention: Glen Hirshberg
or call (818) 624-1186

back to top

*********************************************
13. Youth Opportunities in Orange County

Announcing Rainbow Nights! for Orange County LGBTQQ Youth. Every Wednesday night at The Center OC in Garden Grove, people aged 13-17 meet for the chance to Chat, Create, Laugh, Meet, and Belong! Come join us from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to become a part of the fun. We are located at 12800 Garden Grove Blvd, Suite F, just east of the Emergency Pet Clinic. For more information, call Vanessa or Michael at 714-534-0862, email us at: mailto:mfouquette@thecenteroc.org, join our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/occenteryouth, or just stop by. Hope to c'ya there!
--
Sing your heart out and start something new for younger people to do in the O.C.!
Men Alive, the gay men's chorus in Orange County and The Center OC, the Gay and Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County, are looking for high-school-aged people to form Orange County's first gay/straight alliance youth chorus. If you can carry a tune, attend scheduled rehearsals, and make it all look and sound good, then you can learn how the "pros" sing and perform before large, live audiences with Men Alive - and make some great friends! Curious? Psyched? Contact us for the 411. By phone: 714-534-0862, X 206. By email: mailto:mfouquette@thecenteroc.org. By website:http://www.thecenteroc.org. By car/foot: 12800 Garden Grove Blvd, Suite F, Garden Grove, CA 92843, just east of the Emergency Pet Clinic.

back to top

*********************************************
14. Human Rights 101 for Service Providers (San Francisco)

Women's Institute for Leadership Development for Human Rights presents...
Human Rights 101 for Service Providers

Friday, December 10 (International Human Rights Day)
* Do you provide direct services for Bay Area communities?
* Does it get hard to stay grounded in a vision for social change under the weight of meeting day-to-day needs?
* Do you want some pro-active tools for working within such reactionary times?
Take part in this free 2 1/2 hour interactive training about the role of service providers in creating long-term social change. Learn how to use a human rights framework and international law to demand services for our communities. A valuable opportunity to network with other local service
providers and think outside the box. This is the first in a series of human rights trainings for communities.

Please RSVP by email or phone by Monday, Dec. 6.
Training is limited to 15 participants. All genders are welcome.
When? Friday, December 10, 2004
What time? 10:00am -12:30pm
Where? The Women's Building, 3543 18th St, 4th floor (btwn Valencia St & Guerrero St)
Mission District, San Francisco
FREE! Light snacks provided
Wheelchair accessible

For more info/RSVP: (415) 355-4744 x402/mailto:youmna@wildforhumanrights.org

Who is WILD for Human Rights? Women's Institute for Leadership Development for Human Rights seeks to advance human rights in the United States to protect the dignity of all people
regardless of their identity. We aim to end identity-based discrimination through training and education, public advocacy, and partnering with communities and individuals on the implementation and monitoring of human rights standards in the United States.

back to top

*********************************************
15. Post-Election Forum on the Youth Vote

Voting Counts, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization, and The New College will be co-sponsoring a post-election forum and art exhibit on the much-hyped "Youth Vote" at the Cultural Center at the New College, 766 Valencia Street, SF, on Thursday, December 2, 2004, 7:00-9:00pm.
What accounts for the difference in the prediction and the reality:

The youth vote was supposed to swing the election for Kerry and it
didn't: What happened?
? What can we do now to hold elected officials accountable?
? Do politicians ignore young voters because that's not where the $ is?
? What do we do now to keep the energy of the youth vote alive post election?
? Who didn't vote - and why not?
? Does celebrity involvement influence young voters: Vote or Die, Rock
the Vote, Eminem, the Daily Show, etc…?

The event will also feature an exhibit of student social commentary art from the Bay Area, provided by youThink, a statewide education program that uses the power of art to foster critical thinking, engage diverse learners, and serve as a tool for social change.
Now that we've had time to digest the results, join members of Voting Counts, Democracy Matters, The San Francisco Bay Guardian, The Activism and Social Change Department at New College, and youThink for an evening of discussion and art with politically active young people from the Bay Area.
The forum is free and open to the public.

Contact: Sara Ris, Voting Counts Project Coordinator, (415) 775-7720

back to top

*********************************************
16. ANNOUNCING... Young Gay American MagazineANNOUNCING... YGA MAGAZINE!

YGA Magazine (http://www.YGAmag.com) launches December 1st on newsstands across the
US and Canada!

Young Gay America announces this new glossy publication for gay, lesbian, bi, queer, and straight-allied youth, ages 14-27. YGA Magazine features typical teen/youth content like profiles, reviews, games, essays, photos,
fashion, and tons of goofy fun!

Subscribe online at http://www.YGAmag.com before December 15th to receive YGA
Magazine Issue #1 in your subscription. Preview images are available on the
web.

Young Gay America (http://www.younggayamerica.com) has been a voice for LGBTQ youth
since 2001, when it first launched its ground-breaking road trip interview
media project. Young Gay America grew to include the Exuberance! traveling
gallery exhibition and the award-winning documentary film JIM IN BOLD
(http://www.jiminbold.com.) In 2003, an investor approached Young Gay America
hoping to bring the project's vision to the mainstream newsstand. The
result: YGA Magazine.

For more information, please contact YGA editor and founder Mike Glatze at mailto:mike@ygamag.com or (902) 430-6069.

back to top

*********************************************
17. Racial Justice Training Program for White Youth

Y-Step: Youth Step Towards Addressing Racism presents...
STEPPIN IT UP: 101

A racial justice training program for white youth
Come participate in a FREE racial justice training program with 15-20 other young white folks from all over the Bay, from all different experiences and backgrounds! The program is open to white youth 14-19 years old, and will include workshops like:
* The History of Race and Racism
* Whiteness on the Daily
* Resistance and Healing

THE BASICS:
Y-STEP is a Bay Area-based racial justice education and training program for white youth.
Our mission is to build the collective responsibility of white people to confront racism and white supremacy by working primarily with white youth through workshops and trainings.

Our vision is that Y-STEP will ignite inspiration and courage in other white youth and adults to stand up for racial justice, and continue to build a legacy of accountable white people planting seeds of hope, healing, and resistance.

THE WORKS:
* Participate in six interactive workshops!
* Attend political and cultural events in the racial justice community!
* Be a part of a mentor program, pairing up Y-Step youth with adult active members!
* Build knowledge, skills and leadership to work towards challenging racism in our personal lives, families and larger communities!
* Create an inspiring and committed multi-generational movement of white folks working for racial justice!
* Have fun!

THE LOGISTICS:
* Program begins January 29, 2005, through the end of March 2005
* Interactive workshops will take place every other Saturday for 5 hours
* Program is based in San Francisco, location to be announced

THE HOW:
* fill out the application below and email to mailto:ystepsf@yahoo.com or send by mail to 1827 Alabama St. San Francisco, CA 94110
* to get an application or if you have any questions, call 415-821-6966 or email mailto:ystepsf@yahoo.com
application deadline: December 18, 2004

back to top

*********************************************
18. 2005 eQUALITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

The eQuality Scholarship Collaborative is proud to announce the 15th Annual Joint Scholarship Program. This event is currently sponsored by PG&E's Pride Network, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network/San Francisco-East Bay (GLSEN SF-EB), Kaiser Permanente's KP Pride, GLOBES@Schwab, and Genentech Out and Equal. Please refer to the enclosed scholarship application for eligibility requirements.

Our 2004 program awarded 13 scholarships totaling more than $20,500 to graduating high school students. We hope to be able to award the same amount or even a greater number of scholarships this year.
We ask your assistance in publicizing the availability of the scholarships by prominently posting the enclosed announcement and distributing the application to interested students. We also encourage you to post this announcement in your school newspaper, as it would be the best method of communicating this program to the entire student body. Applications must be received no later than February 21, 2005.

If you have any questions, please contact the Committee at:
Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box #191311
San Francisco, CA. 94119-1311You can also email us mailto:equality@planetoutcast.net. If you need additional applications, you are free to copy the one that we have sent, go to our website: http://www.glsen-sfeb.org/scholarship/, or contact us and we will be happy to send more. Thank you for your cooperation.

back to top

*********************************************
19. NEWS: Transgender youth gaining acceptance

Transgender youth gaining acceptance
More schools are honoring students' gender identity
by Rona Marech
San Francisco Chronicle

Friday, November 26, 2004A few days before classes started last fall, Caleb Ryen walked into the main office of his high school on a mission. He told a surprised administrator that though they had known him for the past three years
as a girl, he identified as a boy, and he had a new name.

"I'm transgender. You probably have no idea what I'm talking about. I guess I'm going to have to explain it to everyone in the school," Caleb, 17, recounted. "I'm going to use the men's bathroom this year, so we need to figure something out."

A growing number of young people are openly questioning their gender in high school and even middle school, and as they do, educators are increasingly facing questions about rudimentary but sensitive matters such as bathroom usage and name changes. Transgender advocates say that all too often, administrators are either grudgingly making accommodations or altogether failing youth who say their internal sense of gender and their biological gender don't match.

In the universe of high school, where tolerance for being different can run thin, transgender youth are often vulnerable to harassment or physical violence. In extreme cases -- such as that of Gwen Araujo, a transgender teenager from Newark who was beaten and strangled at a party in 2002 -- the outcome can be fatal.

But at several schools, particularly in the Bay Area, educators are readily adapting to the presence of transgender teenagers. They're calling experts, organizing trainings, supporting student activists and enforcing guidelines that call for honoring students' chosen gender identity.

To read the full article, visit:
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/11/26/BAG60A1QLB1.DTL

back to top

*********************************************
20. NEWS: Election brings conservative issues to fore (Ventura)

Election brings conservative issues to fore
Some officials eager to bridge church-state divide
By Tom Kisken
Ventura County Star
November 28, 2004

Four years ago, school board member Ron Matthews tried to catapult a biblical explanation for the world's origins over legal barriers and into science classes.

Creationism vs. evolution flared into a countywide debate, drawing both enraged critics and conservatives who piled onto a faith-fueled bandwagon.

The battle faded when Matthews' colleagues on the Ventura County Board of Education wouldn't place his proposal on their agenda.

Now the issue may be born again.

New bombs are detonating in age-old wars as conservatives and faith activists try to ride the momentum of a national election they contend hinged on morality. They work to derail a same-sex marriage proposal set to be
introduced to by a state assemblyman next week. A newly elected member of the Conejo Valley Unified School District board complains about state mandates on how schools address sexual orientation. He said students who are gay should keep it to themselves.

To read the full article, visit:
http://www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/county_news/article/0,1375,VCS_226_3359907,00.html--

December 8, 2004

In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:

GSA Network Highlight
GSA Check In

GSA Network Announcements
1. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
2. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
3. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
4. School Survey for LGBT Parents

Other Announcements
5. Outlet Winter Talent Showcase!! (Mid-Peninsula)
6. Queer Movie Night at the Crossroads School! (Santa Monica)
7. Celebrate the YEC, Say Goodbye to our Warehouse (Oakland)
8. AQUA Events (San Francisco)
9. GLSEN 2005 Students of Color Organizers (SOCO) Retreat during MLK Weekend
10. Save the Dates for Upcoming Bike Out Tours - January 2005 (Southern California)
11. BAVC YOUTH MEDIA SHOWCASE (San Francisco)
12. SMAAC Events (Oakland)
13. Human Rights 101 for Service Providers (San Francisco)
14. Congressional Internships for Students of Color
15. Call for Submissions from Queer Youth of Color
16. Part-Time PRYSM Intern Position (Oakland)
17. Membership Coordinator at COLAGE (San Francisco)

+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++

GSA Check In

As the school year takes a break for the Christmas season, we at GSA Network want to know, what have you been doing as a GSA so far?

There have been amazing stories that have come into the network from schools doing the Transgender Day of Remembrance or taking the time to recognize World AIDS Day.

Do you have any events or campaigns that you feel should be highlighted in GSA Network News? Well then, drop us an email anytime in the next couple of weeks so that we can showcase your GSA.

To submit a story or tell us about what you have been doing at your school, please email Sean Saifa Wall at mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org.

back to top

+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++

*********************************************
1. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice

If you would like to bring Ms. Guerrero to your school or want more information about the Beyond the Binary tool kit, please visit http://www.gsanetwork.org.

Sylvia Guerrero's speaking tour is done in collaboration with GLSEN-San Francisco/East Bay and CUAV.

back to top

*********************************************
2. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.

"I think it was powerful and provocative and sparked good conversations." - GSA Advisor

"There were at least 400 students that interacted with the exhibit. The whole week while High Contrast was there, the GSA and other groups on campus did workshops on hate crimes and ways to deal with it-letting students know that it is an issue that needs to be addressed." - GSA student president

"Many students responded well to the universality of human issues and emotions. The emotions weren't just linked to being gay, they were feelings we all have." - GSA Advisor

If you are a GSA in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast photo exhibit to your school, email mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

back to top

*********************************************
3. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!
Seven poster designs are available for GSAs, organizations, and individuals to make change by building a presence of youth voices for justice, peace, and youth empowerment and against hatred, harassment, and discrimination of all kinds. Every GSA in California can receive 30 FREE posters to use at your school. You can order more than 30 for $1 each. From community organizations and individuals we request a donation of $5 each for 1-10 posters, $4 each for 11-30 posters, and large quantity discounts are available.

You can view the designs and order posters on the Liberation Ink website: http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone/liberation.

back to top

*********************************************
4. School Survey for LGBT Parents

To make this resource most useful to parents, families and schools, we need your input! Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions (or as many as you can) with your personal experiences and anecdotes to help us develop a more successful, thorough and pertinent resource.

Please return your answers via email to mailto:meredith@colage.org by December 15, 2004. Thanks!
1. Who is in your family?
2. What age/s are your child/ren? What grade/s are they in?
3. What type/s of school/s do they attend? (public, private, independent, etc.)
4. Where do you live? (please provide your specific county and city)
5. How would you define your community? (e.g., urban, suburban, coastal, etc.)
6. What challenges have you, as an LGBT parent, or your child/ren faced in school?
7. What type of resources do you wish were available to you and to the teachers/administrators at your child/ren's school/s?
8. Have there been any teachers/administrators who have been really helpful to or supportive of you and/or your child/ren? How were they helpful or supportive?
9. What advice would you give to teachers/administrators about how to make schools more welcoming to your family?
10. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experience with schools?

back to top

Inching to perform in front of people lately? Do you like to sing, dance, or act? Are you funny and love telling jokes? Can you flow poetry and spoken word on an open microphone? Think you and your friends share a unique talent
worth sharing?

Well, we think you and your friends have that "special something" to become the next Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Downe, Transgender, Queer and Questioning Youth OUTLET IDOL 2004! Sign-up group or solo acts NOW. Show your school spirit -create GSA teams!

When: Monday, December 20th from 6-9pm
Where: Mountain View Recreation Center
201 South Rengstorff Avenue
Mountain View

For more information or to sign up for the talent showcase, contact: Eileen, Manny or Juan at mailto:outlet@chacmv.org, or call 650-965-2020 ext. 22

*this is a drug and alcohol free event. A supportive environment for
self-expression*

back to top

*********************************************
6. Queer Movie Night at the Crossroads!

As part of the queer film series at Crossroads, sponsored by FLAG (our gay/straight alliance), we will be having our next movie screening on Tuesday, December 14th, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. We invite you to join us!
We'll be screening the hilarious film Iron Ladies, about a genderbending Thai volleyball team that makes it to the National Male Championships--it's based on an (incredible, but) true story.
All students and faculty from Gay/Straight alliances and their friends are welcome. It's a great way to meet new friends, or see old ones.
The movie is free and free pizza and drinks will be provided! But please e-mail us and let us know if you might come, so we have an idea of how much pizza to get. You can reach us at mailto:flag@xrds.org

**************
About Iron Ladies:
You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll delight in the antics of the little volleyball squad that could. The macho world of Thai male national sports competitions can't quite fathom that butch coach Bee has assembled her "dream team" from this unlikely assortment of characters: Mon, the lovelorn transvestite; Jun, the raucous drag queen with wildly over-supportive parents; Nong, the muscle-bound make-up artist; Pia, the transsexual stage star with a fickle boyfriend; Wit, the "straight" player; and Chai, the reluctant mediator of his teammates' frequent outbursts.
When April, May, and June, the transvestite triplets join the team, the fun really begins! Facing parental shame, homophobic violence, and public discrimination, this lovable crew struggles to become a cohesive unit. The improbable story of this misfit team who against all odds make it to the Thai male national championships in 1996 is made even more fantastic by the fact that it is based on a true story. From the wacky animated gender-bending main titles to footage of the real "Iron Ladies" in the end credits, you'll find yourself cheering from your seat.

***********
Directions:
Crossroads is at 1714 21st St. in Santa Monica, at the corner of 21st St. and Olympic Blvd.
The screening room we're meeting in is on the 2nd floor of the Arts Building.

Here's what you do--when you turn onto 21st from Olympic, take an immediate right onto a driveway-looking street and find a place to park. You'll see our "quad" which looks like a parking lot or an alley, and which we call (of course) the alley.

Walk to the end of the alley to the tall building on the left, enter and climb the stairs to the 2nd floor. You should see people..
Hope the directions aren't too confusing. It's not really that hard once you see it, and you can always ask people.

back to top

*********************************************
7. Celebrate the YEC, Say Goodbye to our Warehouse (Oakland)

Come and Celebrate With Us!!!The Youth Empowerment Center is closing down after 5 years of amazing work. We feel like celebrating because not only did we help some important youth organizations, our closing allows SOUL (The School of Unity and Liberation) and Underground RailRoad/Mandela Arts/Raparations Records to flourish. Join us for food, entertainment, and to hear about what we are doing next.
Celebrate the YEC, Say Goodbye to our Warehouse
Give Blessings to SOUL and Raparations Records

December 14th
6:30p - 9p
1357A 5th Street (across from West Oakland Bart)
childcare available on request, please call (510) 451-5466 x 304 for more info
ps - we will also have office items for giveaway or sale.

back to top

*********************************************
8. AQUA Events (San Francisco)

1) AQUA's Homemade Love Party
[When?] Saturday, Dec. 11, 2-5pm [Where?] A&PI Wellness Center (730 Polk Street, 4th Floor, SF)
You know you're too broke to be buying all those Holiday cards from Hallmark. You know you don't got two cents to spend on a festive Holiday stocking, much less put anything in it. Come get crafty and say it's from the heart. We'll supply the paper and the glitter you just bring your beautiful self.

2) Extreme Makeover: AQUA Addition: Calling All Artists and Designers!
[When?] Sunday, Dec. 12, 1-4PM [Where?] A&PI Wellness Center (730 Polk Street, 4th Floor, SF)
Want to help AQU25A design a "hang out room." Want to create a space where you can show art, speak your mind and just chill? We're redecorating and creating a space for queer Asian and Pacific Islander youth to come together and we need your creative juices. Come join the redecorating crew or shoot your ideas to mailto:bryant@apiwellness.org.

3) KNIT and BITCH about SEX
[When?] Tuesday, Dec. 14, 6-8pm [Where?] A&PI Wellness Center (730 Polk Street, 4th Floor, SF)
Come join AQU25A for it's first ever knit and bitch circle. We'll learn how to knit a scarf. A great holiday present by the way. And best of all we'll be talking about SEX POSITIVITY. Don't know how to knit? KNIT and BITCH is perfect for you! Don't know what sex positivity is? KNIT and BITCH about SEX is perfect for you too!

Stay tuned for more events going on this December. We've got a lot planned including Boba Making, Ice-Skating, and even a Mini Film Fest!!!... So clear your calendars and make this December a very AQUA one!

To RSVP for any events or if you have any questions, please contact:
Bryant Tan, AQUA Program Coordinator
415-292-3420 x315
mailto:bryant@apiwellness.org

back to top

*********************************************
9. GLSEN 2005 Students of Color Organizers (SOCO) Retreat during MLK Weekend

*********************************************
10. Save the Dates for Upcoming Bike Out Tours - January 2005 (Southern California)

Name of trip: The Second Environmental Justice Tour. This trip is a collaboration with Q-Team.
Type of trip: Overnight / 2 day trip
Location: East L.A, Long Beach areas
Date/Time: All day both days, Saturday, Jan.15th - Sunday, Jan. 16th
Constituency: Open to all youth ages 14 - 25
Cost: sliding scale $5 - $85 No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but we need you to do your best to raise the full amount to ensure the future of the Bike Out program.
Food and board: All meals will be provided along with lodging (we may be "urban camping" or staying in a hostel.) Bikes and gear will also be provided. If you would like to bring your own bike you are welcome.
You must call and fill out all needed application before Jan.1st 2005. Youth are accepted on first come first served basses.

We will ride from L.A to Long Beach along the L.A River and discuss issues such as what is environmental Justice? Where do youth and especially queer youth fit in this? And much more. We will have a workshop on sexual discrimination at school and work place. Lots of fun will be happening as well. If you have any questions at all please feel free to contact Surafel Tesfaye at 310-453-5040 or via e-mail mailto:Surafel@bikeout.org or Becca Louisell at 310-453-5040 or via e-mail mailto:Becca@bikeout.org

*********

Name of trip: The First Ever Transgender Bike Trip
Type of trip: Overnight / 2 day trip
Location: Sycamore Canyon
Date/Time: All day Saturday Jan.22- Sunday Jan.23. (This is an overnight where you will camp out with the group).
Cost: Sliding Scale $20 - $85 No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but we need you to do your best to raise the full amount to ensure the future of the Bike Out program.
Constituency: Transgender and gender questioning youth ages 14-23
Food and board: All meals will be provided. Bikes and gear will also be provided.
We will be mountain biking in Sycamore Canyon. We will have campfire and discussion, activities and fun games.

For more Information contact Becca Louisell at 310-453- 5040 or via e-mail mailto:Becca@bikeout.org or Näleé Romero at 323-993-7540

back to top

*********************************************
11. BAVC YOUTH MEDIA SHOWCASE (San Francisco)

Wednesday, December 15, YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 7:30 PM FREE ADMISSION!
A dynamic group of young mediamakers and innovative storytellers dissect society, interpret culture and explore intensely personal themes in this exciting evening of work by Bay Area youth. Includes projects by graduates of BAVC's YouthLink program and the LYRIC Queer Young Women's Video Project.
***
YouthLink is a multimedia-training program at Bay Area Video Coalition that employs young people to realize their creative voices, explore career options, and contribute to their communities. In an arts-based training after school and during the summer, students create web or video projects, and move on to paid internships after graduation. Participants develop important skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, goal setting, effective communication, resume building and interviewing. The Queer Young Women's Video Project is a new collaboration between Bay Area Video Coalition and Lyric, a community organization dedicated to social change and leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning youth. The 10-week program provides access to media literacy skills such as digital storytelling, video production, and nonlinear editing, focusing on issues of violence in the queer young women's community.

For more information, please contact:
Kristin Wygal
Wellness Program Co-Coordinator
LYRIC
127 Collingwood Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
(415) 703-6150 x12
fax (415) 703-6153
mailto:kristin@lyric.org

back to top

*********************************************
12. SMAAC Events (Oakland)

Wednesday, December 8th
Study Hall 4-6p.m.
Real Read
Support Group
6-8p.m.

Thursday, December 9th
Self Defense
5-6p.m.
Young Men, Womyn, TYA
Support Group
6-8p.m.

Friday, December 10th
Study Hall 4-6p.m.
Youth Advisory Council 5p.m.
Art Klash 6:30-8p.m.

Saturday, December 11th
The Dam Show
7-9p.m.
Free 4 members
$3 general admission

All events take place at the SMAAC Youth Center located at 1608 Webster Street in Oakland. For more information, please call, (510) 834-9578

back to top

*********************************************
13. Human Rights 101 for Service Providers (San Francisco)

Women's Institute for Leadership Development for Human Rights presents...
Human Rights 101 for Service Providers
Friday, December 10 (International Human Rights Day)
* Do you provide direct services for Bay Area communities?
* Does it get hard to stay grounded in a vision for social change under the weight of meeting day-to-day needs?
* Do you want some pro-active tools for working within such reactionary times?
Take part in this free 2 1/2 hour interactive training about the role of service providers in creating long-term social change. Learn how to use a human rights framework and international law to demand services for our communities. A valuable opportunity to network with other local service
providers and think outside the box. This is the first in a series of human rights trainings for communities.
Please RSVP by email or phone by Monday, Dec. 6.

Training is limited to 15 participants. All genders are welcome.
When? Friday, December 10, 2004
What time? 10:00am -12:30pm
Where? The Women's Building, 3543 18th St, 4th floor (btwn Valencia St & Guerrero St)
Mission District, San Francisco
FREE! Light snacks provided
Wheelchair accessible

For more info/RSVP: (415) 355-4744 x402/mailto:youmna@wildforhumanrights.org

Who is WILD for Human Rights? Women's Institute for Leadership Development for Human Rights seeks to advance human rights in the United States to protect the dignity of all people
regardless of their identity. We aim to end identity-based discrimination through training and education, public advocacy, and partnering with communities and individuals on the
implementation and monitoring of human rights standards in the
United States.

back to top

*********************************************
14. Congressional Internships for Students of Color

Barbara Jordan Health Policy Congressional Internships for Students of
Color

PROGRAM: The Barbara Jordan Health Policy Scholars Program brings
talented African American, Latino, Asian/Pacific Islander and American
Indian/Alaska Native college seniors and recent graduates to Washington,
D.C., where they work in congressional offices and learn about health
policy. The application deadline is January 7, 2005.

PURPOSE: The Kaiser Family Foundation established the Scholars Program
to honor the legacy of late U.S. Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, who was a
Foundation Trustee, and to expand the pool of students of color
interested in the field of health policy.

STRUCTURE: Through the nine-week program (May 24 - July 29, 2005),
Scholars gain knowledge about federal legislative procedure and health
policy issues, while further developing their critical thinking and
leadership skills. In addition to an internship in a congressional
office, Scholars participate in seminars and site visits to augment
their knowledge of health care issues, and write and present a health
policy research paper. The program is based at Howard University.

ELIGIBILITY: Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens who are members
of a racial/ethnic minority group and will be seniors or recent
graduates of an accredited U.S. college or university in the fall of
2004. Candidates are selected based on academic performance,
demonstrated leadership potential and interest in health policy.
COMPENSATION: Scholars receive approximately $5,000 in support, which
includes a stipend, daily expense allowance, airfare and lodging.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Application forms and additional information
about the Program are available online at
http://www.kff.org/docs/topics/jordanscholars.html

All application materials are due by January 7, 2005.

For further information, contact program manager Jomo Kassaye at 202.238.2385 or mailto:bjscholars@howard.edu.

back to top

*********************************************
15. Call for Submission from Queer Youth of Color

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS
______
WHAT IS IT?
A collection of works and personal accounts by and for Queer Youth of Color and experiences with and/or in the military. From being recruited to serving in the military, this zine hopes to cover the breadth of the relationship between our community and this institution. It will include essays, poetry, artwork, and other forms of storytelling and _expression to create a document that will be both the first of its kind and historical.
______
WHAT IS IT ABOUT?
In this age of what seems like endless war and fear-mongering, images of anti-war and counter-military sentiment have sprung up--- with young people taking the lead, as we have with most popular movements.
Attention has been given to the affect of the war (from recruitment and service to the staggering amount of dead soldiers) on young people, non-whites, and queer folks. But, all too often, this approach forces people who may have any combination of the three to choose between identities, and does not truly inform us of what the military experience may be like. What are the myths? What are the harsh realities?
Queer Youth of Color and the Military is a zine that is very self-explanatory; It will be about Queer Youth of Color and the Military. It will open the floodgates and begin to address our community's very fractured relationship with the military.

**This zine seeks to expand the dialogue beyond "Don't Ask/Don't Tell" and the legislative draft.**
Even with "Don't Ask/Don't Tell", Queer Youth are serving and being asked to serve by the military, especially with so many casualties in the "War on Terrorism". And with the larger movement for official Queer inclusion into the military, what does this mean for folks who may not want to serve?
Hopefully, it will begin to draw a picture of the situation as it actually exists: there are a growing number of Queer Youth being **targeted** by the military, and young people of color are effectively being "drafted" into the military, since it is so often presented as the only option available to us.
All of this, combined with other circumstances, has given us a large amount of Queer Youth of Color in military service and being actively recruited; sometimes at local Pride events. This zine will bridge the gap in information available to our community and the community at large about this issue. It will give a voice to a voice that has been unheard and silenced.
______
**SUBMISSIONS**
- This project will mostly be works BY Queer Youth of Color. HOWEVER, works by allies and family members will be considered, but may not make it into the final copy. The zine seeks to give space to those actually having direct experience with this issue.
- Please submit all work to: mailto:zinesubmit@gmail.com
- Essays and written work should be submitted in Word (.doc) format.
- Artwork can be submitted in JPG, GIF, or PDF format and files should be no larger than 10MB
- If you are submitting and would like to be credited and/or would like to be more involved in the project, please include preferred contact information. HOWEVER, IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS, THAT WILL BE RESPECTED.
______
**BEHIND THE ZINE**

ABOUT THE EDITOR: Mervyn Marcano is a self-identified BlackFag, working and making art in Brooklyn, New York. At 19 years old, he has organized with other Queer Youth of Color around issues of gentrification, police brutality, public space, war, and other things that bother him in this
country of STANKonia. He is a co-founder of Firefly Communications, a network/firm of communications and campaign consultants for small businesses, community-based organizations, non-profits, artists, and art institutions. But, above all, he is a writer, filmmaker, and artist. He
has worked with luminaries such as Isaac Julien, Jack Waters, Derek Jackson, and Dieter Hall to create art that, among other things, examines the Diasporic experience for Queer Men of Color. He is also the co-founder of collectives such as LoveLife, nevernever, blackster, and rhythmMasters-- all of which have provided event-based platforms across the country to elevate art by folks of color and create community around cutting-edge music. He is currently working on his first film feature about the L.A. riots.

OTHER GROUPS BEHIND THE ZINE: This zine is sponsored by the Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors and the National Youth and Militarism Program of the AFSC as part of a multimedia project entitled "Everywhere is War, Everywhere is Resistance".
1030 N. Columbia Ave. #999
Claremont, CA 91711
AIM: politikyin
http://www.exoticizemyfist.com
http://www.asianequality.org

back to top

*********************************************
16. Part-Time PRYSM Intern Position (Oakland)

JOB DESCRIPTION: Under the direction of the Department of Student, Family and Community Services, provides assistance and support for PRYSM (Programs and Resources for Young Sexual Minorities) to ensure that every OUSD student is safe while at school and not denied equal access to educational opportunities because of any individual characteristic, including sexual orientation and gender identity. Works to create and maintain a positive school climate for all students and works to educate the entire OUSD community about the principles of anti-discrimination, violence prevention and inclusion.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
1. Collaborating with existing OUSD programs that address the District's goal of creating and maintaining a positive school climate for all OUSD students, staff, and the broader school community. Such programs include but are not limited to, conflict management programs, TRIBES,
Second Step, diversity, safety, and Peer Education programs.
2. Implementing professional development activities for school staff members including administrators, teachers, counselors, librarians and other personnel at the elementary, middle and high school levels.
3. Being available to self-identified gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students as necessary.
4. Supporting student advocacy and empowerment efforts, such as Gay-Straight Alliance student clubs.
5. Developing and reviewing developmentally appropriate curriculum in alignment with the state framework and District goals.
6. Referring students and their families to culturally-appropriate and language-specific community resources.
7. In cooperation with school staff and family members, addressing barriers to school attendance and academic achievement that may be related to sexual orientation/gender identity.
8. Providing crisis intervention training, when needed, and responding to school site crises when appropriate.
9. Assisting appropriate school site personnel in enforcing existing anti-slur and anti-discrimination policies for students and staff.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor's degree in Education, Public Health, Community Health Education, Social Work, or Social Services. Experience working with in a large, urban school environment a plus. Experience working with LGBT youth and in communities of color a plus.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written; ability to use Windows and Macintosh computer applications to manage databases, compose narrative guidelines, policies and correspondence, and to prepare financial reports; ability to interpret and communicate guidelines and policies; ability to work as a team member; ability to organize, plan and follow through on work tasks; ability to think critically; ability to meet deadlines; ability to interact effectively with the public, fellow employees, and other district employees; is skilled at working with people diverse in terms of culture, race and class.

SALARY: Salary commensurate with experience

DUE DATE: Open Until Filled
Application Procedure: (1)Submit resume and (2)Two letters of recommendation to mailto:janine.saunders@secmail.ousd.k12.ca.us.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of age, creed, sex, race, ethnic background, marital or veteran status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

back to top

*********************************************
17. Membership Coordinator at COLAGE (San Francisco)

Closes January 7, 2005
Membership Coordinator
COLAGE (Children Of Lesbians And Gays Everywhere)

Position Overview
The Membership Coordinator is a newly created position responsible for
developing and managing a comprehensive membership fundraising program that
will grow, support, and mobilize COLAGE's membership and donor base for
COLAGE's long-term success and sustainability. The range of tasks is varied
and must be completed in a fast-paced, supportive and fun environment. This
is a position for an energetic, motivated and highly-organized candidate and
is an outstanding opportunity to help grow a leading youth, LGBT, family
organization working for social justice. This position is based in San
Francisco, CA.

Organization
COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere) engages, connects, and
empowers people to make the world a better place for children of lesbian,
gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) parents and families. As a national
youth-driven and community-based organization with nearly 10,000 member
contacts, 40 chapters in 28 states, and 15 years of expertise in youth
empowerment and LGBT family matters, COLAGE provides peer networks,
leadership development, grassroots organizing, public education and policy
advocacy by and for the millions of people in the U.S. who have one or more
LGBT parents and families. COLAGE works as part of larger movements creating
a safe, just, joyous and sustainable world for all. For more information
about COLAGE, please visit http://www.colage.org.

Duties
Responsibilities of the Membership Coordinator will consist of membership
development, program support and administrative and communication tasks to
support the mission and diverse members of COLAGE. The primary duties of
the Membership Coordinator are to develop and coordinate all systems that
involve donor and member solicitation, acknowledgement and correspondence
including: identifying and implementing opportunities for constituents to
join and support COLAGE; communicating with current and prospective members;
maintaining current and correct member records, writing and producing donor
appeals, membership renewals and coordinating house parties and special
events. In addition, the Membership Coordinator will administer, develop,
distribute and/or promote aspects of COLAGE's educational programming such
as our publications, information and referral service, online resources &
programs, and scholarship/internship programs.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience with grassroots
fundraising, donor solicitation, membership development, and program
coordination, administration and promotion. Candidates will have a high
level of attention to detail; handle multiple tasks with enthusiasm; have a
high level of personal investment in creating an organized, streamlined,
high-functioning, collaborative membership program and in contributing to
the work of organization as a whole. Candidates must also work well under
minimal supervision by taking initiative, ensuring successful project
management and timely completion. Experience with youth and families, LGBT
issues, social justice field and building or working in anti-racist,
anti-oppression organizations. Bilingual Ingles/Espanol a plus and should be
noted in cover letter or on resume. Some travel may be required.

Skills
Strong writing and database program management (FileMaker Pro/Ebase) skills
a must. Demonstrated computer literacy in Word, spreadsheets, desktop
publishing.. Internet savvy. Familiar w/standard office equipment.
Intermediate web skills a plus. Outreach, community building, marketing,
promotion.
Salary: $30,000+ (commensurate with experience), plus health benefits

To Apply
Applications are due by 6 pm Friday, January 7.
Include a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how your experience qualifies you for the position; a resume and 2-3 references
(contact info only) to:
COLAGE - Hiring Committee
3543 18th St #1, SF, CA 94110
COLAGE is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. People of
color and people with LGBT parents are strongly encouraged to apply.

December 15, 2004

In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:

GSA Network Highlight
GSA Highlight: CA School for the Deaf

GSA Network Announcements
1. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
2. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
3. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
4. School Survey for LGBT Parents

Other Announcements
5. Outlet Winter Talent Showcase!! (Mid-Peninsula)
6. Candle light vigil at Tamalpais High School (Mill Valley)
7. A Very AQUA December [Part Two] (San Francisco)
8. TRANSLATE Friday December 17th (San Francisco)
9. March for Respect 2004 (Southern California)
10. Save the Dates for Upcoming Bike Out Tours - January 2005 (Southern California)
11. "FREEDOM SMACKDOWN" (San Francisco)
12. DeFrank events for this week (South Bay)
13. Seeking Queer API Young Women To Assist In API Family Project
14. Gates Millennium Scholars Program for low-income students of color
15. Police Probe Hate Crimes Against Lesbian Student

+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++

GSA Highlight: CA School for the Deaf

Hello!
The GSA at the CA School for the Deaf has been busy this fall. We joined San Domenico School in San Anselmo to see the play, "Out of the Closet". Our students were so inspired by the play that we used that concept to create our own play in American Sign Language. Just one week after seeing the play, 8 students performed their version of the play and held a short discussion with all of our high school students. We received many positive and supportive comments after the play.

We also got together one night to bake cookies for a fundraiser. One of our high school students is going to the Deaflympics in Australia in January of 2005. We decided to support this student and her quest for gold by selling cookies and raising money at our school's annual open house. Selling yummy cookies was an easy way to raise a bunch of money for our Deaflympiat.

We are planning a busy spring semester to include trips to other high schools' GSAs and we would love to have other local high schools come visit us. We're also hoping to have a Day of Silence in April with activities and educational information.

We can be reached via Amy Toth, CA School for the Deaf, mailto:atoth@csdf-cde.ca.gov or 510-794-3745 (v/tty).

back to top

+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++

*********************************************
1. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice

If you would like to bring Ms. Guerrero to your school or want more information about the Beyond the Binary tool kit, please visit http://www.gsanetwork.org.

Sylvia Guerrero's speaking tour is done in collaboration with GLSEN-San Francisco/East Bay and CUAV.

back to top

*********************************************
2. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!

A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.
"I think it was powerful and provocative and sparked good conversations." - GSA Advisor
"There were at least 400 students that interacted with the exhibit. The whole week while High Contrast was there, the GSA and other groups on campus did workshops on hate crimes and ways to deal with it-letting students know that it is an issue that needs to be addressed." - GSA student president

"Many students responded well to the universality of human issues and emotions. The emotions weren't just linked to being gay, they were feelings we all have." - GSA Advisor

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to: http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

back to top

*********************************************
3. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

You can view the designs and order posters on the Liberation Ink website: http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone/liberation.

back to top

*********************************************
4. School Survey for LGBT Parents

Dear LGBT parents:
The California Safe Schools Coalition, a statewide partnership of organizations and individuals dedicated to eliminating discrimination and harassment on the basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity in California schools, is currently developing a new resource about students with LGBT parents to be used in schools throughout the state of California.
To make this resource most useful to parents, families and schools, we need your input! Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions (or as many as you can) with your personal experiences and anecdotes to help us develop a more successful, thorough and pertinent resource.
Please return your answers via email to mailto:meredith@colage.org by December 15, 2004. Thanks!
1. Who is in your family?
2. What age/s are your child/ren? What grade/s are they in?
3. What type/s of school/s do they attend? (public, private, independent, etc.)
4. Where do you live? (please provide your specific county and city)
5. How would you define your community? (e.g., urban, suburban, coastal, etc.)
6. What challenges have you, as an LGBT parent, or your child/ren faced in school?
7. What type of resources do you wish were available to you and to the teachers/administrators at your child/ren's school/s?
8. Have there been any teachers/administrators who have been really helpful to or supportive of you and/or your child/ren? How were they helpful or supportive?
9. What advice would you give to teachers/administrators about how to make schools more welcoming to your family?
10. Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experience with schools?

back to top

Inching to perform in front of people lately? Do you like to sing, dance, or
act? Are you funny and love telling jokes? Can you flow poetry and spoken
word on an open microphone? Think you and your friends share a unique talent
worth sharing?

Well, we think you and your friends have that "special something" to become
the next Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Downe, Transgender, Queer and Questioning
Youth OUTLET IDOL 2004! Sign-up group or solo acts NOW. Show your school
spirit -create GSA teams!

When: Monday, December 20th from 6-9pm
Where: Mountain View Recreation Center
201 South Rengstorff Avenue
Mountain View

For more information or to sign up for the talent showcase, contact: Eileen,
Manny or Juan at mailto:outlet@chacmv.org, or call 650-965-2020 ext. 22
*this is a drug and alcohol free event. A supportive environment for self-expression*

back to top

*********************************************
6. Candle light vigil at Tamalpais High School (Mill Valley)

There will be a vigil held this Thursday (12/16) at 5:30pm to speak out against the hate crimes/gay bashing that has been happening to a student at Tam High School over the past month. The vigil will take place under the main arch in front of Tam in Mill Valley.
Please try to be there--this is an important opportunity for our community to stand up against homophobia and hate crimes directed at people based on actual/perceived sexual orientation.
Thank you,
Cristin
Cristin Brew
Speakers Bureau & Youth Programs Coordinator
(415)457-1115 x 203

back to top

*********************************************
7. A Very AQUA December [Part Two] (San Francisco)

Finals over? Need some thing to keep you occupied during winter break? Want to meet queer Asian & Pacific Islander youth? Well, it's your lucky month cuz it's *A VERY AQUA DECEMBER* and we've got some exciting jam-packed days of fun for you that will titillate all your senses.

1) Or-ee-gah-mee

[When?] Saturday, Dec. 18, 1-4pm [Where?] A&PI Wellness Center (730 Polk Street, 4th Floor, SF)
Are your fingers tired from writing papers and filling out scantrons? Well come in and put them to some creative use as we learn the traditional craft of Japanese paper folding. Walk away with ornaments or stocking stuffers that will make your season brighter. Whether you want to make a crane, a monkey, or a nifty way to stash away your condoms, this workshop's for you! Free food will also be provided.

2) Buh-buh-buh... Boba!
[When?] Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2-4PM [Where?] A&PI Wellness Center (730 Polk Street, 4th Floor, SF)
So you love going for Boba runs, chilling with your friends, popping that plastic lid with your phat straw. School's out, the drinks are free, and you want to check out all the hype about AQUA.Well run over to AQUA, bring your friends, and meet other young queer folks for some delicious tapioca drinks. We'll be playing some fun games and exercises, and we'll guarantee that you'll walk away with a new friend.

3) Meet Kristi Yamaguchi
[When?] Thursday, Dec. 23, 12-2PM [Where?] A&PI Wellness Center (730 Polk Street, 4th Floor, SF)
Just kidding! Well you can't meet the ice-skating queen, but you can skate in her rink at Justin Herman Plaza by the Ferry Building. Show off your triple axels or how well you can hold the side railings of the rink. Meet us by the Cable Car turnaround at California/Market and look for Bryant who will be wearing a bright yellow shirt and holding a clipboard. Please be sure to RSVP if you plan on attending so B can look out for you. See RSVP info below.

4) The BIGGEST mini-film festival EVER
[Where] All screenings will be held at the A&PI Wellness Center (730 Polk Street, 4th Floor, SF)
Oh, the weather outside is frightful... so come in from the cold and check out our Biggest Mini Film Fest ever!!! If you want to kick back and watch some good queer and Asian films, this is the place to be. Free popcorn and refreshments provided.

"SUGAR SWEET" Monday, Dec. 27, 5-7pm
In this sexy and sassy story, Naomi pays the bills by directing lesbian porn. Her male bosses think her work is too gay; her friends think she's a sell out. For comfort Naomi confides in a secret online soul mate called Sugar. Then Naomi gets a chance to direct a popular and daring girl-meets-girl matchmaking show. Hailed by the Village Voice as "a funny look at lesbian porn, sex toys, and online dating," Sugar Sweet was also described by Asian Week as a "sex positive, lesbian love triangle."

"NICO & DANI" Tuesday, Dec. 28, 5-7pm
In America, two boys at the beach with no parental supervision leads to dumb, artificial sex comedies; in Europe, the same material can turn into something genuine and sweet. In a small seaside town near Barcelona, Nico comes to visit his best friend Dani, whose parents are away for the summer. They have the typical male teenager obsessions with masturbation and girls - but Dani is just beginning to realize that he's more interested in Nico than the local girls they've benn flirting with.

"HOUSE OF FLYING DAGGERS" Wednesday, Dec. 29, 5-7pm
"House of Flying Daggers" is set in the year is 859AD as China's once flourishing Tang Dynasty is in decline. Unrest is raging throughout the land, and the corrupt government is locked in battle with rebel armies that are forming in protest. The largest, and most prestigious of these is the "House of Flying Daggers", which is growing ever more powerful under a mysterious new leader. Two local captains, Leo and Jin are ordered to capture the new leader and the two hatch an elaborate plan.

Please RSVP for any events you'd like to attend. It helps us figure out how much food to buy.
Bryant Tan, AQUA Program Coordinator
415-292-3420 x315
mailto:bryant@apiwellness.org

back to top

*********************************************
8. TRANSLATE Friday December 17th (San Francisco)

Spread the word like a house on fire...
Tell your friends!
Tell your friend's friends!
Tell your grandma!
While your at it tell your grandma's friends!

Back for it's third month and growing fast...

Youth Gender Project Presents:
TRANSLATE: A trans youth open mic

A space for trans/qenderqueer youth (25 and under) to express themselves through poetry, spoken word, music or other similar performances. All Allies are welcome to attend.

FREE COFFEE!!

December 17th, 2004
Sign up starts at 6:45pm/show is 7-9pm
Threedollarbill Cafe @ The LGBT Center
1800 Market St. San Francisco

For more information contact Brooklynne or Courtney at 415-865-5625 or email: mailto:Brooklynne@youthgenderproject.org

Our mission: Youth Gender Project is a youth-led organization working to empower and advocate for trans, gender-variant and questioning (TGQ) youth. We address the challenges facing TGQ youth primarily in the San Francisco Bay area by creating, implementing and collaborating on programs to meet the needs of our community, and by educating those who work with us.

back to top

*********************************************
9. March for Respect 2004 (Southern California)

MARCH FOR RESPECT, 2004
December 7, 2004
To Members, Allies and Supporters of the

Youth Justice Coalition/Free LA:
On behalf of all the members and organizers (LOBOS) of the Youth Justice Coalition, we are writing to ask for your participation in our second annual, 50-mile cross-county MARCH FOR RESPECT which will take place Thursday, December 16th through Monday, December 20th.
We are all fighting for a new direction in LA -whether educational justice, prison abolition,
condition changes in jails, juvenile halls and CYA, an end to Three Strikes, jobs, housing, peace in the streets or peace in the world. All our struggles are connected. The louder we speak - the more powerful we will be. Together we can create a massive echo that can crack the walls of the system.

The YJC would not exist without all of you. You are our strength, our wisdom and our heart. So once again, we are asking all LA to unite, to put down our set tripping, hood banging and organization-hating to fight the mechanisms that keep all of us divided and scrapping for crumbs - whether for crumbs of crack on a corner, for bread crumbs starving on lock down, or for County contract crumbs in a Board room, it's all the same.
We are reaching out to all youth who have been harassed unfairly by a cop; to all students kicked out of school for a minor fight or argument; to all people who have been locked up in one of LA County's 8 jails or 3 juvenile halls; to everyone who has done a bid in CYA or state prison; to everyone who hides from La Migra or ducks from Probation or Parole; to all the youth who are growing up with parents behind bars - orphans to the system; to all the community-based programs that struggle to keep the peace in our neighborhoods without adequate resources or
recognition; to every parent that's buried a child or who has tried to "touch" their child through
plexi-glass or bars; to everyone in LA suffering without adequate education, housing or health care
because too much of our tax dollars are invested in prisons. MARCH WITH US!
A lot of this year's march will be about listening to people, building with them on their concerns and ideas. If you want us to meet with your group along the way, indicate that on your registration form. Any time you can give would be appreciated.

Thank you for your attention to this letter. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to hit us back by e-mail at mailto:freelanow@yahoo.com or call us at 323-240-1449.

Peace,
The YJC L.O.B.O.S. (Leading Our Brothers and sisters Out of the System) Frank Alvarez, Cassandra Gonzalez, Juan Cuevas, Sergio Rodriguez, Oscar Rodriguez, Brandon Jackson, Noe Orgaz, Rodrigo Vazquez, German Guerrero, Hugo Muratalla, Jimmy Brown, Thomas Jefferson, Sheila Hillier and Sylvester Tellez

back to top

*********************************************
10. Save the Dates for Upcoming Bike Out Tours - January 2005 (Southern California)

*********
Name of trip: The First Ever Transgender Bike Trip
Type of trip: Overnight / 2 day trip
Location: Sycamore Canyon
Date/Time: All day Saturday Jan.22- Sunday Jan.23. (This is an overnight where you will camp out with the group).
Cost: Sliding Scale $20 - $85 No one will be turned away for lack of funds, but we need you to do your best to raise the full amount to ensure the future of the Bike Out program.
Constituency: Transgender and gender questioning youth ages 14-23
Food and board: All meals will be provided. Bikes and gear will also be provided.
We will be mountain biking in Sycamore Canyon. We will have campfire and discussion, activities and fun games.

For more Information contact Becca Louisell at 310-453- 5040 or via e-mail mailto:Becca@bikeout.org or Näleé Romero at 323-993-7540

back to top

*********************************************
11. "FREEDOM SMACKDOWN" (San Francisco)

ODC Theater presents...
"FREEDOM SMACKDOWN"
A CODE RED EXTRAVAGANZA OF HAND-WRINGING, GENDER-BENDING, LAUGH-OUT-LOUD PERFORMANCE ART
MARY ARMENTROUT, TINA D'ELIA AND JoANN SELISKER
Conceived and curated by ODC Theater Director, Rob Bailis.

PERFORMANCES:
Thurs. - Sat., Dec. 16 - 18 @ 8pm

TICKETS:
$15 General Admission
- Was your freedom just SMACKED? We don't have the answer but we've got the antidote. ODC Theater has joined together three of its favorite local mavericks for a dangerous, subversive, code red extravaganza of hand-wringing, gender-bending, laugh-out-loud performance art. Want to be reminded you still live in the land of the free where you can say what you believe and not get arrested for it? Watch and believe as JoAnn Selisker whacks holy books with a hammer, Mary Armentrout takes off her clothes (again), and Tina D'Elia rips up the concept of "team" so hard that you'll wonder which one you play for. Sure to be an instant Holiday Classic. This never before seen event is three days only so ditch the Nutcracker and SMACK it with ODC.
Do you need:
(check one)
-personal freedoms?
-liberty of self expression?
-an unconventional sexual identification?
-edgy, challenging artwork about all of the above?

back to top

*********************************************
12. DeFrank events for this week (South Bay)

Heya,
Just wanted everyone to know what events are happening this week at the DeFrank Center.

Monday- Minds in Motion (Hip-Hop Dance Class), 5pm-6pm
Tuesday- Smile for the Camera (Photography Class), 4:30pm-5:30pm
Wednesday- Youth Support Group, 4pm-5pm and shOUT Group, 5:30-7pm
Thursday- Defend Yourself (Judo/Self Defense Class), 6pm-7pm
Friday- Youth Holiday Party, 6pm-9pm, Come join us for an evening of
holiday fun. Bring snacks to share and meet new friends.

If you have any questions on any of the events, contact Erika at 408-293-3040 x111 or Yogi at 408-293-3040 x109.
Happy Holidays from the DeFrank Youth Programs staff and volunteers!!!

back to top

*********************************************
13. Seeking Queer API Young Women To Assist In API Family Project

We at Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center (LYRIC) and Asian & Pacific Islander (API) Family Pride, a nine-year old volunteer organization that offers support and information to lesbian, gay, bi, trans, intersex, queer and questioning (LGBTQQ) APIs and their families, would like to inform you of a unique opportunity for queer API young women.

We are now recruiting queer Asian and Pacific Islander female-identified youth 25 and under to become members of a team of API Youth Peer Leaders. This team is providing leadership in the development, planning and implementation of a program that will address the needs of queer API youth in their coming out process through one-on-one work, workshops, social events and a website.

If you or someone you know is interested in this opportunity, please fill out the application and return it via email. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me ASAP. My contact information is below.

back to top

*********************************************
14. Gates Millennium Scholars Program for low-income students of color

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation seeks nominations for the Gates Millennium Scholars Program for low-income students of color.

Eligibility:
Students are eligible for GMS scholarship consideration if they are:

--African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American

--A citizen/legal permanent resident or national of the United States

--Have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.00 scale (unweighted) at the time of nomination

--Will be entering a U.S. accredited college or university as full-time, degree seeking freshmen in the Fall of 2005

--Have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities

--Meet the Federal Pell Grant eligibility criteria

The deadline for submission of nomination materials is January 14, 2005, 12:00 midnight (EST).

For more info: 877-690-4677 (toll free) or http://www.gmsp.org

Please pass this info on to those who may be eligible for this opportunity.

back to top

*********************************************
15. Police Probe Hate Crimes Against Lesbian Student

by http://www.365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: December 10, 2004 5:01 pm ET

(Mill Valley, California) Police are investigating a series of attacks targeting a 17-year old high school student who is a member of the Tamalpais High School Gay Straight Alliance.
The girl, whose name is not being released, has been pelted with eggs, had her locker and car vandalized, and has been flooded with handmade hate messages. Earlier this week the words "Die Fag" were spray painted in 212-foot letters on the school's wall.

Students at the school say they are disgusted by the attacks. This week many of the students, teachers and administrators wore ribbons to show solidarity with the girl.
"We consider it extremely serious," Bob Ferguson, superintendent of the Tamalpais Union High School District told the Marlin Independent Journal.

"Our two major concerns are: one, the impact and stress on this young student and her family; and, two, that this never happens again."

One hate message was left at her home. The egg throwing attack also occurred outside her home.
Police say so far they have determined if the attacks came from another student or from someone outside the school. They also say it is unclear why the girl in particular has been targeted, as opposed to other members of the Gay Straight Club.

Police say they may ask the FBI for help in the investigation.

back to top

back to GSA Network News

HOME