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Happy Holidays! There will be no issue of GSA Network News next week. The next issue will be sent out on Thursday, January 2nd - after that, we'll be back on our regular Wednesday schedule. If you have news items or event announcements that you would like us to consider posting in GSA Network News, send them to Emilie at mailto:emilie@gsanetwork.org by the weekly deadline (6:00pm on Tuesday).
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Gender Identity Workshop A Success
GSA Network Announcements
1. Fresno LGBT Youth Alliance Holiday Celebration
2. National Survey of Teens Shows Anti-Gay Bullying Common in
Schools
3. NEWS: Peer Education Presentations in Visalia
Other Announcements
4. C*I*T*Y* Project Youth Discussion Group (So Cal)
5. Know Your Rights Workshop for Youth With LGBT Parents (Bay
Area)
6. NCCJ Information Sessions (Nor Cal)
7. Zine by and for Girls Seeking Submissions (Bay Area)
8. Scholarship: Anne Ford Scholarship
9. Job Announcement: Male Support Group Facilitator (SF)
10. Job Announcement: Community Building Team Internship (Orange
County)
11. NEWS: Gays Hassled At Schools, Study Shows
12. NEWS: 8th Grader Barred From Gym Class
13: NEWS: Community Forum in Newark
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Gender Identity Workshop A Success
On Saturday, December 14th, the GSA Network Northern CA Youth Council, OHMY Steering Committee, and other GSA members from the around the Bay Area participated in a kick-ass gender identity workshop sponsored by GSA Network and led by Mateo Cruz and Andy Duran from the Pacific Center for Human Growth (in Berkeley). The workshop was conducted in response to requests from Bay Area GSA leaders for more information about gender issues and how GSAs can fight gender oppression.
The gender training covered terms and definitions, slurs and stereotypes,
personal stories from transgender and genderqueer young folks, and the
relationship between gender and other identities. To contact Mateo,
Youth Activities Coordinator at the Pacific Center, about getting a gender
workshop at your school, call or e-mail him at 510-548-8283 x216 or mailto:mateo@pacificcenter.org.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Fresno LGBT Youth Alliance Holiday Celebration
Members and friends of the Central California GSA Network are invited to celebrate the holidays with the Fresno LGBT Youth Alliance!
The party begins at 7:30pm at the Center for Non-Violence (the GSA Network
office), this Friday, December 20th. Everyone is asked to bring a potluck
dish to share and a gift to exchange. This is a great opportunity to
meet a big group of LGBT youth and to build friendships and important networking
relationships! Hope to see you there! Call or e-mail Diana in the Fresno
office if you have questions! 442-4777, mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org.
*********************************************
2. National Survey of Teens Shows Anti-Gay Bullying Common in Schools
The National Mental Health Association recently released a study showing that bullying and other harassment towards gay teens and teens who are perceived to be gay is widespread in America's schools and communities.
Visit GSA Network's Press Center (http://www.gsanetwork.org/press/nmha.html)
to:
* download the NMHA study
* read articles about the study
* find out how to send Letters to the Editor to newspapers that have
covered the story
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3. NEWS: Peer Education Presentations in Visalia
GSA Network recently completed training 35 peer educators who have been conducting anti-harassment presentations to 9th graders in Visalia high schools. Read below to learn more!
The Fresno Bee, December 8, 2002
Respect focus of Visalia lessons Freshmen learn anti-harassment policies
toward gays.
by Valerie Avalos-Lavimodiere
Gay and lesbian anti-discrimination lessons for Visalia Unified freshmen went smoothly last week, administrators said.
The lessons -- a result of a settlement agreement between the school district, a former gay high school student who alleged he was harassed and The Gay-Straight Alliance Network -- were presented to El Diamante, Redwood and Mt. Whitney high school students.
Golden West High freshmen will see the 50-minute presentation Dec. 17.
The student-led presentations are being done in health classes. Students who presented the anti-discrimination lessons defined harassment to pupils, told them about the district's anti-harassment policies and defined the words "gay," "lesbian," "bisexual" and "heterosexual."
Lessons will begin in January for students who attend health class during the spring semester.
Reporters were not allowed to sit in on the classroom presentations.
"It went pretty good. They [students] responded to questions given by me. They were open to the discussion, and they handled the discussion maturely," said Reuben Duarte, a Redwood junior who led some of the lessons. Duarte is one of about 35 student presenters districtwide.
All presenters were trained by the GSA Network and given a guideline to prevent the discussions from straying into religious or moral debates.
"I do believe strongly in this issue -- that you should not discriminate against people based on what you know or don't know about them," said Duarte.
Redwood Principal Dan Leppek said the lessons were mostly about how students can "better treat each other as people."
"The lesson was about common decency and civility. That was the theme of the presentation," Leppek said. "The presenters were quite positive about it and stuck straight to the lesson itself. No particular agenda pushed."
Mt. Whitney Principal Henry Pasquini also was pleased with the presentations: "The kids were attentive and polite. The presenters were well-prepared and followed the script that had been given to them."
Pasquini and junior Meagan Munson did note that students weren't very responsive and some seemed a bit uncomfortable with the subject.
"But they really listened and took it in," said Munson, one of the student presenters. "They seemed a little shy because this is not something that's really talked about at school.
"I felt it needed to be addressed. I think everyone knows what it's like to be discriminated against or harassed. I think kids should have a safe school environment where they are not harassed."
Only a handful of students at the schools chose to do a written assignment on the topic instead of sitting in on the presentations. Also, no unusual increases in absences were noted at any of the sites on the days of the presentations, school officials said.
The GSA Network and former Golden West student George Loomis sued Visalia Unified for allegedly failing to act on his complaints of harassment.
Loomis, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, alleged that Spanish teacher Juan Garcia and classmates harassed him in the fall of 1999 because he is gay. Loomis was awarded $130,000 in the settlement.
According to the ACLU, the settlement agreement is a model for California school districts because it complies with the state anti-discrimination law, the California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000 and with federal laws against harassment in schools.
The ACLU describes gay harassment as a nationwide epidemic in nonurban schools.
The issue caught the attention of the National Mental Health Association.
The NMHA recently conducted a survey of children's attitudes on bullying and prejudice and will release its findings Thursday.
The NMHA also will start distributing its brochure "What Does Gay Mean?" in its campaign to protect kids from anti-gay prejudice.
The brochure and public-education campaign are designed to help parents discuss prejudice and discrimination with their children, NMHA officials said.
The survey of students found that gay teenagers and teens who are perceived to be gay are bullied more often than disabled teens or teens of other races. The survey also found that four out of five teens disapprove of the taunting.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
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4. C*I*T*Y* Project Youth Discussion Group (So Cal)
C*I*T*Y* Project's weekly Friday night Youth Group is up and running at Pro-Care (next to West Hollywood City Hall). The new spot is 8272 Santa Monica Blvd. We are meeting from 7pm-midnight.
This month we will be having open discussion forum, having our uual Monopoly tournament and watching the movies Gia, Moulin Rouge, and The 5th Element. We will also be raffling off CD's. Don't Miss out!
For more info, contact:
Brigitte Tolson, mailto:brigittetolson@yahoo.com
Co-Chair, C*I*T*Y* Project Youth Board of Directors
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5. Know Your Rights Workshop for Youth With LGBT Parents (Bay Area)
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
Workshops for LGBT Families: Tuesday, January 14th, 2003
6:30-8 PM at the SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street in San Francisco
(part of the Second Tuesday Family Series co-sponsored by COLAGE and Our Family Coalition)
*Did you know that its the legal right of all youth under the age of 18 to be provided shelter, food, and parental care?
*Did you know its illegal for you to be harassed at school because you have LGBT parents?
*Do you know what to do if you are stopped by a policeperson?
Come and hear about YOUR legal rights as youth!
For youth ages 10-14 with LGBT parents and our allies.
FREE SNACKS & LOTS OF FUN!
For more information contact Meredith at COLAGE - 415-861-5437, ext. 102 or mailto:meredith@colage.org
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6. NCCJ Information Sessions (Nor Cal)
Save the dates for... "An Introduction to NCCJ"
The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) Northern California Region is holding a series of INFORMATION SESSIONS for you to learn about WHO we are, WHAT we do, what we can do FOR YOU, and how YOU can get involved.
Who should attend?
- Anyone in Northern California interested in human relations and social
justice work
- Anyone interested in NCCJ's Anytown Youth Leadership Institute
- Anyone interested in participating in and facilitating dialogue on
issues of stereotypes, prejudice, discrimination and oppression
- Anyone interested in exploring their own role and responsibility
in perpetuating and combating the "isms"
Please RSVP for a session that fits your schedule in the next few months:
Thursday, January 23, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. (3rd Floor Conference Room)
Tuesday, February 18, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. (4th Floor Conference Room)
Wednesday, March 19, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. (4th Floor Conference Room)
Sessions will be held at the San Francisco Public Library, Main Library.
Use the 30 Grove Street Entrance. For directions by BART, MUNI, car
or bike, visit http://sfpl4.sfpl.org/INFDIR/IS_directions.htm or call the
library at
415-557-4400.
Contact Traci Lato at 415.561.2283 or mailto:tlato@nccj.org for more information & RSVPs.
The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), founded in 1927 as The National Conference of Christians and Jews, is a nonprofit human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in the United States. NCCJ promotes understanding and respect among all people regardless of race, religion, culture, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic class, age or ability status through advocacy, conflict resolution and education.
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7. Zine by and for Girls Seeking Submissions (Bay Area)
Creative, Powerful Girls.......... YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!
"Armed With Words" is a zine produced by and for girls of diverse backgrounds, ages 12-18.
We want your art, poetry, essays & opinions .
Anonymous submissions, hand-written pieces, and work in any language
accepted!
You can talk about identity, culture, sexual orientation violence against
girls and women, or whatever matters most to you!
Contact Belia Mayeno @ SF Women Against Rape, 3543 - 18th Street, Suite
7,
San Francisco, CA, 94110, (415) 861-2024.
MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD!!!
http://www.sfwar.org
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8. Scholarship: Anne Ford Scholarship
ANNE FORD SCHOLARSHIP: $10,000 to a high school senior (US citizens only) with an identified learning disability (LD) pursuing an undergraduate degree. Financial need strongly considered. Minorities & women encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate is a person who has faced the challenges of having a learning disability & who, through perseverance & academic endeavor, has created a life of purpose & achievement.
http://www.ld.org/awards/afscholar.cfm
Application deadline: Dec 31, 2002.
*********************************************
9. Job Announcement: Male Support Group Facilitator (SF)
Job Announcement: Male Support Group Facilitator
Temporary, Part-time, Contractor Position
February-May 2003
Agency Summary: San Francisco Women Against Rape (SFWAR) is a community-based, anti-sexual assault, social justice organization. We provide support to survivors, their families, and communities, and use education and community organizing as tools of prevention. We believe that ending all forms of oppression is integral to ending sexual assault and challenge oppression within our organization and communities. We are a majority woman of color organization and prioritize working with and for women of color and women from communities facing multiple forms of violence and oppression.
Teen Education Program: San Francisco Women Against Rape's Teen Education Program uses multi-faceted approaches to raise awareness about violence against women, specifically sexual assault and sexual harassment, teach self-defense and prevention strategies, and promote violence-free relationships among middle school and high school students in San Francisco. The program reaches youth through programs in middle school and high school classrooms, school health fairs, after-school programs, community-based organizations, and community groups, with a focus on reaching youth of color, immigrant youth, low-income youth, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning youth.
Position Summary: The Male Support Group Facilitator works as part of a team with the Teen Education Specialist and the Director of Teen Education to implement the Teen Education Program. The position's primary focus is on facilitating boys support groups. The boys support groups are discussion/support groups for middle and high school students that address a range of topics relevant to the participants, with a focus on sexual assault and dating violence prevention. The Teen Education program must complete 6 eight-session boys support groups between February and May 2003. We are looking for one facilitator to complete all 6 boys support groups. However, if the time commitment is too much for one facilitator, we are open to splitting the workload between two facilitators.
Specific Duties:
1. Develop, coordinate, and facilitate six discussion/support/rap groups
for young men
2. Develop and document appropriate curricula,
3. Provide resources and referrals,
4. Provide one-on-one counseling as needed,
5. Act as a mandated reporter,
6. Work with the Teen Education Specialist,
7. Meet the schedule requirements,
8. Work under the supervision of the Director of Teen Education,
9. Organize and maintain statistical data for grant reporting requirements,
10. Perform program administrative support as needed,
11. Maintain client confidentiality,
12. Responsible for own typing, filing and administrative work.
Qualifications
1. Knowledge/expertise and initiative in learning and sharing the male
experience of: witnessing violence against women; male/gender role socialization;
perpetration of violence against women; healthy relationship building;
pressure and stress management; anger management; males as victims of male
violence; and, male leadership on the issue of creating alternatives to
violence against women,
2. Knowledge/expertise in the politics and dynamics of violence against
women and girls.
3. Ability to work successfully in collaboration with and follow the
leadership of women.
4. Support group and/or discussion group facilitation experience,
5. Ability to work well under pressure and with youth,
6. A minimum of 2 years experience in public speaking or teaching,
7. Ability to work independently under limited supervision,
8. Ability to effectively organize and work with various community
and collaborative members,
9. Commitment to anti-oppression work and to SFWAR's Mission Statement
(see Agency Summary above),
10. Knowledge of and sensitivity to communities to be served and demonstrated
commitment to develop cultural competence,
11. Flexible schedule and transportation is a plus,
12. Bilingual preferred in Spanish or Cantonese.
Compensation: This is a temporary, part-time, contracted position without benefits. The total contract amount for completing 6 groups is $6,000. This amount will be broken down into periodic increments and paid as the work is performed.
To Apply: The deadline for applying for this position is January 6, 2003; however, if necessary the position will remain open until filled. Interviews will begin the week of January 13, 2003. Please indicate whether you are applying to facilitate all 6 groups, or if you are looking to split the workload with another facilitator. Please send your resume and cover letter to: Tyna Hector, Director of Teen Education, San Francisco Women Against Rape, 3543 - 18th Street, #7, San Francisco, CA 94110; or email mailto:tynahector@sfwar.org; fax (415) 861-2092.
*********************************************
10. Job Announcement: Community Building Team Internship (Orange
County)
Agency Description:
The Orange County Human Relations Commission and Council provide programs to foster mutual understanding and respect among residents in order to make Orange County a better place for ALL people to live, work and do business. We strive to create a future where our county's diversity is realized as a source of our strength and build bridges of understanding to make our community a place where all people are valued and included.
Hours: Flexible schedule, mornings, afternoons and/or evenings, depending upon focus projects. A total of at least 120 hours per semester. Summer internships and two-semester internships also available.
Application Deadline: This is an on-going opportunity.
Benefits: Interns will receive a Certificate of Completion verifying that they have completed a 120-hour internship with Orange County Human Relations.
Description of Projects:
* Opportunities for involvement include providing team support in one
or more of the following areas:
* Annual Hate Crime Report - collecting, compiling and writing up data.
* Living Room Dialogs - assisting in coordinating dialogs, facilitating
dialogs, outreach, etc.
* GWC Public Affairs Program - assisting with program coordination,
scheduling, content development, etc.
* Scriptwriting Contest - assisting with project coordination, selection
panel, entrant notification, etc.
* Understanding Disabilities Symposium - participate in all aspects
of program including attending planning meetings, scheduling speakers,
materials, etc.
* Human Relations Fund - assisting with project coordination, meetings,
reports, etc.
* Organizing Team Resource Materials - assisting team with compiling,
organizing and categorizing training and resource materials.
* HRC Newsletter - assisting in all aspects with the production of
agency's quarterly newsletter.
* Awards Banquet - assisting in all aspects of organizing agency's
annual awards banquet.
* Community Oriented Policing Awards - assisting in organizing annual
awards breakfast.
* Special Issues Projects (Transgender, Housing, Interfaith, Etc.)
- assisting assigned team members with special issues projects as needed.
* Graphic Design - assist with the development of brochures, fliers,
materials, etc.
* Community Building Team - general involvement with CB team including
attending meetings, follow up on team actions, reports, etc.
Qualifications:
Ability to work with diverse individuals/cultures in a diplomatic and non-biased manner. Deal respectfully with sensitive issues involving divergent viewpoints. Good oral and written communication skills. An interest in human relations issues. Bilingual skills are a definite asset.
Application Procedures:
Please mail, fax or e-mail your resume with a cover letter to the contact listed below:
Orange County Human Relations
Attention: Barbara Hunt
1300 South Grand, Building #B
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: (714) 834-6849
Fax: (714) 567-7474
e-mail: mailto:barbara@ochumanrelations.org
After reviewing the applicant's resume, staff will call to set up an interview. For more information, contact Barbara Hunt.
*********************************************
11. NEWS: Gays Hassled At Schools, Study Shows
The Fresno Bee, December 13, 2002
Gays Hassled At Schools, Study Shows
By Valerie Avalos-Lavimodiere
Anti-gay bullying is a serious and prevalent problem in schools, according to results from a nationwide survey released Thursday by the National Mental Health Association.
Seventy-eight percent of the 760 children surveyed in July said that students who are gay or perceived as gay are teased or bullied in school. Only 5% of those students say they try to stick up for the kids who are targets.
The issue is a focal point for Visalia Unified, where schools have begun presenting anti-discrimination lessons to freshmen.
"It's in the culture to make fun of gay people," said child psychiatrist Lynn Ponton. "It's spread to our kids in this very negative way. So it has become a maximum insult."
Ponton wrote a 14-page brochure, "What Does Gay Mean?" as a centerpiece for the NMHA's campaign to protect kids from anti-gay prejudice, said Michael Faenza, president of the Alexandria, Va.-based organization.
Ponton's brochure advises parents on how to talk to children of various ages about people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender.
"We want to encourage parents to teach tolerance and respect toward other children," Faenza said. "Parents need to know that gay or straight, their teens may face anti-gay bullying. Talking to your kids about bullying, and its consequences can protect them and other kids from this."
The survey, of children between the ages of 12 and 17, found that gay teens or teens perceived to be gay are bullied in schools more than disabled teens or teens of other races.
Visalia Unified addressed the issue this month in 50-minute presentations in high-school health classes. Students learned what harassment is and reviewed the district's anti-discrimination policies.
The presentations were part of a no-fault settlement reached in August between Visalia Unified, former Golden West High School student George Loomis and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network.
Loomis sued the district, alleging he was harassed by a teacher and fellow students.
Loomis was given $130,000 in the settlement. GSA Network requested the anti-discrimination presentations for three years as a proactive approach to stopping harassment.
Ponton and other experts say bullying goes beyond gay students and more often affects students who are straight but are perceived as gay.
Former Bullard High School student Jordan Schmidt said he witnessed several students call straight students gay when he was in high school.
"Most of the people who are harassed are those who don't follow the gender formula that we have in society -- men that are more feminine, women who are more masculine," said Schmidt, 18.
Schmidt started a Gay-Straight Alliance Club on his Fresno campus in 1998, after another student who was perceived as gay committed suicide.
"No one really knew if he was gay or not. He was a loner and dressed Gothic. He didn't fit in. That's why he was picked on. And one of the things commonly used to pick on someone is homosexuality," Schmidt said. "I can't say the harassment made him do it, but I'm sure it didn't help. It's sad that they feel like there is no where else to go and that the only option is [suicide]."
According to the survey, nine out of 10 teens hear other kids at school or in their neighborhood use words at least once in a while that are derogatory to homosexuals. About 51% of them hear the words every day. Four out of five teens surveyed said they disapprove of the taunting.
The bullying, Faenza said, increases the risk for depression, anxiety disorders, school failure and suicide.
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12. NEWS: 8th Grader Barred From Gym Class
ACLU of Southern California and National Center for Lesbian Rights File Suit On Behalf of Rural California Girl
LOS ANGELES - The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and the National Center for Lesbian Rights today filed suit on behalf of Ashly Massey, an eighth grader in Banning, California who was forced to sit in the principal's office during physical education class after the gym teacher heard that she was a lesbian.
The lawsuit states that the school's actions violated Ashly's constitutional right to equal protection, and her rights under the Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000, a new California law that prohibits discrimination against public school students on the basis of sexual orientation.
"This is a clear case of discrimination," said Martha Matthews, ACLU/SC Bohnett Attorney. "Ashly did nothing wrong, but she was denied access to a public school class, and forced to sit in the office day after day."
Courtney Joslin, staff attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights, added that "even if students are uncomfortable sharing gym class with someone of a different sexual orientation, the school does not have a right to discriminate. Instead, the school should educate students on getting along with others in an increasingly diverse society."
Soon after the gym teacher heard that Ashly was a lesbian, she called Ashly's mother to inform her that there was a problem with Ashley being in the girl's locker room because of Ashley's sexual orientation. Ashly's mother asked the gym teacher if her daughter had misbehaved. The teacher reported that Ashly had not acted improperly, or made any inappropriate comments to other students. Ashly's mother asked the teacher to call her again if there were any future problems.
Ashley's mother never received another call from the gym teacher. When Ashly showed up for gym class the next day, she was told that she would no longer be allowed in gym class and to go to the principal's office instead. For the next week and a half, Ashly sat in the principal's office during the time she was supposed to be in gym class. During this time, no school official ever met with Ashly or her mother to discuss the situation. Ashly's humiliating ordeal ended only when her class schedule was changed for unrelated reasons.
"It wasn't right for the school to discriminate against me because of my sexual orientation," said Ashly Massey, plaintiff in the lawsuit and student at the time of the incident. "I'm hoping this inspires other people to take a stand when they feel they haven't been treated right or when they see someone treated unfairly."
"It's not right for anybody to have to go through this," she added.
Ashly's complaint, filed in federal court in Riverside, asks for damages and for an injunction requiring the school to develop policies, teacher training and other measures to ensure that students do not suffer similar discrimination in the future.
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13. NEWS: Community Forum in Newark
The Argus, December 11, 2002
Opinions clash at inclusion forum
Newark residents talk about acceptance in wake of Araujo slaying
By Rob Kuznia
NEWARK -- Two months after the slaying of a transgender teen, some residents say gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual students still don't feel safe in the community.
Others say slaying victim Eddie "Gwen" Araujo should not have "deceived" those who may have thought he was biologically female and that outside "pro-gay" groups should stop pressuring city officials into making the decisions that will affect the people of Newark.
Opinions clashed, but tempers didn't, at a forum on acceptance in the wake of Araujo's death.
Most of the roughly 100 who attended the discussion, co-sponsored by the city and schools Monday night, agreed it was civil and therapeutic.
"It is delightful we can all get together and share our opinions," said Karen Fokken, co-president of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, speaking at the end of the forum. "I beseech you not to end it with this meeting."
City Councilman Al Nagy, who sits on the city-schools committee that organized the forum, said it is just the beginning.
"We got a wealth of information," he said Tuesday. "The committee now must get together and figure out what we're going to do next."
The group will reconvene in January, he said.
Newark Memorial High School teacher Paul DeWitt told the forum he has not heard slurs used toward certain ethnicities, religions or the disabled, but "I hear a lot of gay slurs..."
"There should be workshops," he continued. "This kind of language and behavior needs to stop."
Some in the audience offered such educational services.
Jill Tregor, a consultant with Intergroup Clearinghouse, said her organization provided sensitivity training for teachers in the Visalia school district, which settled a case in August brought by a former high school student who was teased for being gay.
In addition to paying the plaintiffs $130,000, the district was forced to offer three years of training for teachers and students about anti-harassment and tolerance policies.
"You can't expect to change hearts overnight," she said. "But you can tell them what they are legally mandated to do."
Local educators say workshops are on the way.
Newark Junior High School has started a project in which educational consultants will work with students to write an action plan for creating an environment in which all children feel accepted, welcomed and safe to express themselves.
And Newark Teachers Association President Phyllis Grenier announced that the association has offered to provide a diversity training program for teachers developed by the California Teachers Association.
Superintendent Ken Sherer said the program is being considered.
Public officials -- criticized earlier because the fliers advertising the forum made no mention of either Araujo or gay, lesbian and transgender issues -- addressed some of those topics in their speeches.
Mayor Dave Smith described Newark as a community "where we can hear concerns relating to the gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual community."
"By openly discussing these issues, we hope that we can strengthen the spirit of our community and move beyond mere understanding to inclusion of all groups," he said.
But at least one person in the audience said city leaders have been unduly pressured by "outside groups with political agendas."
"The city and school leaders should not feel pressure by outside groups to make decisions that are best for our Newark community," resident John Guzman said. "Newark leaders should not promote the homosexual lifestyle, but neither should they condemn it."
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
School Board News Publishes Article on GSAs
GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Network Meeting and Holiday Celebration (Central Valley)
2. Gender Mini-Training This Weekend (SF)
3. Upcoming GSA Leadership/Make It Real Training (Central Valley)
4. Central Valley Conference Planning Meeting (Fresno)
5. Looking For Straight Youth Media Contacts
Other Announcements
6. qteam Discussion About Trans Justice (So Cal)
7. Holiday Rainbow Lollapalooza (Palo Alto)
8. Holiday Reading at the ONE Institute and Archives (So Cal)
9. Bike-Aid Now Accepting Applications
10. A Call To All Visual Artists - Park Sessions Logo Needed
11. NEWS: San Jose adopts gender-identity protection
12. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Coordinator, California Safe Schools Coalition
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
School Board News Publishes Article on GSAs
A Guest Viewpoint article by GSA Network Executive Director Carolyn Laub was published in the Dec 10 issue of School Board News, a publication of the National School Boards Association.
An excerpt:
"Gay-Straight Alliances are here to stay. After years of local controversy
and struggle, most school administrators and school boards now recognize
that these student-led clubs have an equal access right to exist. But it's
time for school administrators and school boards to move beyond grudging
acceptance. GSAs provide significant opportunities for youth leadership
development and can be valuable partners in supporting schools' commitment-and
legal obligation-to provide a safe and nondiscriminatory school experience."
Read the full article, "View Gay-Straight Alliances as Partners" at http://www.nsba.org/sbn/02-dec/121002-7.htm
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
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1. GSA Network Meeting and Holiday Celebration (Central Valley)
HAPPY HOLIDAY HAPPENING IN THE CENTRAL VALLEY!
Come and join in a brief GSA Network meeting followed by holiday fun and games!!!
Saturday, December 14th, 2:30 - 5pm
at the Fresno office (4403 E. Tulare Ave. between Olive and Belmont in
the Tower neighborhood)
Join us for holiday merriment and a gift exchange ($5 limit)! Please bring a wrapped gift and something to eat or drink. E-mail or call ahead to let Diana know how many to plan for - mailto:Diana@gsanetwork.org, 559-442-4777. See you there.
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2. Gender Mini-Training This Weekend (SF)
Join the GSA Network Northern California Youth Council, the OHMY Steering Committee, and reps from Bay Area GSAs for a mini-training on gender identity!
Learn more about what gender is, how it affects everyone, the experiences of trans and genderqueer youth, and what you can do to make schools safer for gender-nonconforming students.
Saturday, December 14th, 1:00-3:00pm
at LYRIC, second floor (127 Collingwood St. in the Castro)
RSVP to Emilie at GSA Network - mailto:emilie@gsanetwork.org
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3. Upcoming GSA Leadership/Make It Real Training (Central Valley)
Wanna learn about your legal rights as a youth activist?
Wanna meet other people fighting homophobia?
Wanna learn how to start/improve a GSA?
Wanna become a leader?
Then attend our upcoming GSA Leadership Training!
This year, we've combined our Leadership and Make It Real (AB 537) materials to make our regional trainings better than ever!
Fresno:
Saturday, January 11th, 10am - 4pm
GSA Network Central Valley office: 4403 E. Tulare Ave. between Olive and
Belmont (in the Tower neighborhood)
For more information call Diana Bohn at GSA Network at 323.662.3160.
All GSA leaders and those hoping to start GSAs are strongly encouraged to attend to learn about running a GSA, strategizing for making change in your school, and how to use the law as a tool.
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4. Central Valley Conference Planning Meeting (Fresno)
Sunday, January 12th, 2pm
GSA Network Central Valley office - 4403 E. Tulare Ave. between Olive and
Belmont in the Tower neighborhood
This is our next meeting to continue planning the EXPRESSION NOT SUPPRESSION! LGBTQQI and ally conference, scheduled for March 29th. We need you! Come and join us!
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5. Looking For Straight Youth Media Contacts
Are you a straight youth who has been bullied or harassed for being perceived to be gay?
Would you be willing to talk with reporters about it?
The National Mental Health Association is releasing a new poll on kids attitudes about bullying and prejudice. It found that anti-gay bullying is the most common form of bullying, and that 4 of 5 kids are upset by it. Another report has found that three out of four victims of anti-gay bullying are actually straight.
In response to this data, The National Mental Health Association will be holding a conference call with reporters on Thursday, December 12th. GSA Network is helping them to find youth spokespersons.
If you're interested, contact Michael Shellenberger ASAP - mailto:michael@luminastrategies.com
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
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6. qteam Discussion About Trans Justice (So Cal)
Please join the qteamers for a political discussion on trans JUSTICE! We will be focusing on the case of Gwen Araujo, 17-year old trans woman of color from Newark, CA, brutally murdered at a house party on October 3, 2002.
Plus, join us for discussions about gender identity and politics, the media's butchering of transfolk, violence against trans people and much more! This is not an event for transfolk only- we must ALL come together in solidarity to seek justice for trans people. (that means YOU- gays and lesbians, men and women, straights, bisexuals, intersex people, queer people, etc.!!)
December 12, 2002
6:30-8:30PM
Lafayette Park Recreation Center
625 S. Lafayette Park Place
Los Angeles, CA 90057
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7. Holiday Rainbow Lollapalooza (Palo Alto)
A party for LGBTQQ youth and their straight-ally friends!
Talent Show & Open Mic
Music
Food & Beverages
Fun People
Monday, December 16th
6-9pm
Outlet @ YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula
4161 Alma St., Palo Alto
(between San Antonio & Charleston Rd.)
Need more info?
mailto:juan@ywcamid.org
(650) 494-0972 ext. 301
http://www.ywcamid.org
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8. Holiday Reading at the ONE Institute and Archives (So Cal)
Contact:
ONE Institute and Archives
909 W. Adams Blvd.,
Los Angeles, CA 90007
(213) 741-0094
mailto:oneigla@usc.edu
mailto:oneigla@usc.edu mailto:oneigla@usc.edu
On Sunday, December 15, at 2:00p.m., the ONE Institute and Archives Literary Series will present a holiday reading celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and Christmas in the LGBT community with Zsa Zsa Gershick, Mark Haile, and Mark Cirillo. This event is free to the public, and refreshments will be provided.
The ONE Institute and Archives house the world's largest research library on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender heritage and concerns.
The ONE Institute and Archives is located at 909 West Adams Blvd., between Hoover and Figueroa, on the northwest corner of Scarff Street. There is secure off-street parking available from the Scarff Street entrance. MTA access is available via line 37 on Adams Blvd., line 200 on Hoover St, or line 603 from the Metro Red Line Westlake/MacArthur Park Station to 23rd and Scarff Streets.
For more information, call (213) 741-0094, or send an e-mail to mailto:oneigla@usc.edu
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9. Bike-Aid Now Accepting Applications
Ride for a CHANGE!
Bike-Aid, a hands-on learning program of Global Exchange, is now accepting applications for summer 2003!
This year Bike-Aid will be offering long distance bicycle tours throughout the US. Our educational rides give participants a chance to learn about the struggles for justice taking place here at home while at the same time learning more about themselves. It works like this: riders get pledges from friends, family and other supporters to fundraise for the program*. Riders then embark on a journey during which they become a "community on wheels" as they share meals, stories, and experiences. Absolute beginners to price-winning racers have participated in Bike-Aid, and bikers as young as 16 and as old as 60 have met the challenge.
Along the way riders meet with a diverse array of people who are working to make their communities more livable. In Utah the riders visit a town situated near a nuclear waste incinerator and learn about the residents' struggle for environmental justice. Riders engage with the Northern Cheyenne Indians in Montana and learn about their history and struggles to preserve their culture. Our two-week California tour gives participants a first hand look at immigration, trade and militarization issues as they ride along the coast from San Francisco down across the US-Mexican border. Throughout the summer riders can get involved in service learning projects as well as participate in political education workshops.
This year's dates for Bike-Aid are:
San Francisco-Washington DC: June 14 - August 17
Seattle-Washington DC: June 15 - August 17
California Ride: July 28 - August 10
For more information please visit http://www.globalexchange.org
or contact Brooke at 1-800-RIDE-808 x.351 or mailto:brooke@globalexchange.org
*This trip will be as diverse as possible in terms of race, age and life experiences. We strongly urge people of color to apply. In some cases, we can offer a limited number of partial to full scholarships.
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10. A Call To All Visual Artists - Park Sessions Logo Needed
Park Sessions needs a new logo! We need something for for letterheads, t-shirts, banners, flyers, etc. We are sending out a call to all family, old and new, to contribute! Here is what we're looking for:
A logo that fits our mission - revolutionary, youth, urban, unity, understanding, peace, art, music, and creative expression. It doesn't have to incorporate them all, but if it does, great!
What do you get if your logo is chosen? Endless props from your peers, mad love from the universe, and maybe a surprise prize!
So here is what you do: send this out to ALL the visual/graff artists you know. Tell them to email or send it to the address below with their name and contact information, on or before DECEMBER 20.
If you don't know what Park Sessions is but you want to help, read this: Park Sessions is dedicated to working with young artists, organizers, and community activists to develop creative recreation and leadership opportunities for youth. We work with a diverse group of young people between the ages of 15-20 to create artistic community events on Friday evenings. All events are free and on each occasion provide about 400 young people with a safe environment to explore their creative expression, acquire an appreciation for multicultural environments and develop their leadership skills.
Park Sessions
C/O Logo Creations
29 Carr St.
San Francisco, Ca. 94124
or email it to: mailto:Mario@youthspace.org
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11. NEWS: San Jose adopts gender-identity protection
San Jose adopts gender-identity protection
Advocate.com
11/28/02-12/02/02
Prompted by the recent slaying of transgendered teen Gwen Araujo in nearby Newark, Calif., the San Jose city council voted unanimously Tuesday to add transgendered people to the list of groups protected under the city's antidiscrimination policy, reports The [San Jose] Mercury News.
Councilman Ken Yeager proposed changing San Jose's harassment policy after learning about the beating death of Araujo last month. Araujo was murdered when some men with whom she'd had sexual relations discovered she was biologically male. Members of the Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee, a gay and lesbian political advocacy group that Yeager cofounded in 1984, approached Yeager and Mayor Ron Gonzales about amending the city's antidiscrimination policy to add protections for gender identity. Current classes covered include race, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, and religion.
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12. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Coordinator, California Safe Schools Coalition
Coordinator, California Safe Schools Coalition (CSSC)
The California Safe Schools Coalition is seeking a coordinator to support its efforts to build a statewide campaign to advance the implementation of California's Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in California schools.
Founded in November 2001, CSSC is a statewide coalition with more than 15 organizational members including Gay-Straight Alliance Network, Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network, ACLU of Southern California, the California Alliance for Pride and Equality (CAPE), California Teachers Association (CTA), Human Rights Watch (HRW), L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) and Parents, Friends, and Family of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG).
The coalition seeks to hire its first staff person to start in 2003. The coordinator will provide support to CSSC committees, will assist the Steering Committee in carrying out its activities, which include developing and implementing the coalition's advocacy, evaluation, training, and model local tools programs; will work with the Executive Committee to secure funding, complete grant reports, and conduct coalition communications work, and will attend to the day-to-day administrative and financial operations of the coalition.
This position is funded, in part, by a grant from the Haas, Jr. Fund.
Responsibilities will include:
- Scheduling, setting up, and taking notes for coalition conference
calls
- Developing both internal and external communications materials for
the coalition
- Maintaining a web site with regular updates
- Writing grants and completing grant reports
- Developing and carrying out action plans in furtherance of CSSC's
objectives
- Enlisting the assistance and support of coalition members in advancing
the coalition's work
- Cultivating relationships with administrative and legislative staff
in Sacramento
- Broadening the coalition's membership by reaching out to key potential
allies and constituencies
- Connecting a broader community of local groups and activists to the
coalition through regular e-mail and web communications
- Carrying out the everyday tasks of administering the coalition's
business, such as tracking expenses, handling calls and questions, keeping
a roster of members and contacts, etc.
Desired skills and experience:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Detail-oriented
- Community organizing, policy, and/or communications (3-5 years experience)
- Track record of securing foundation funding
- Ability to work with diverse constituencies and interests
- Solid knowledge of basic office technology
- Capacity to work independently but remain responsive to direction
- Web skills a plus
- Spanish-English bilingual proficiency a plus
Reporting:
The coordinator will report directly to the three members of CSSC's
Executive Committee and will work in one of the Executive Committee members'
offices, in either San Francisco or Los Angeles.
Salary:
$35,000 - $40,000 + medical, dental, and vision benefits package
Equal Opportunity Statement:
CSSC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of color,
LGBT people, older or younger people, women, and people with disabilities
to apply.
To Apply:
Send resume and cover letter to mailto:csscjobsearch@yahoo.com
- questions about the job may be directed to the same e-mail address.
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Liberation Ink Posters Have Been Mailed
GSA Network Announcements
1. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Show Will Benefit GSA Network
2. You Can Still Join the OHMY Steering Committee!
Other Announcements
3. Orange County Transgender Task Force Meeting
4. BayPrism Movie Night (Bay Area)
5. Rap Group - Being Out During the Holidays
6. Get Fierce! Workshop (LA)
7. Newark Community Forum (Bay Area)
8. PFLAG Fremont/Newark Holiday Party (Bay Area)
9. LGBT Latino/a Institute (SF)
10. Harry Hay Memorial (LA)
11. Fundraiser - Jeff Griffith Youth Center (LA)
12. National Gay & Lesbian Athletics Conference (Massachusetts)
13. Fight The Right Training/Organizing Session (Michigan)
14. Solidarity: Report Back From Palestine (SF)
15. SCHOLARSHIP: eQuality Scholarship Collaborative (Northern
and Central CA)
16. NEWS: Petaluma School District Uses Double Standard
17. NEWS: New Kentucky GSA Survives Anti-Gay Appeal
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Liberation Ink Posters Have Been Mailed
Last week we sent posters to 150 GSA throughout California. If you haven't already received the posters you ordered, keep an eye out in the mail this week. We are looking forward to hearing about the impact of these incredible posters at your school-- be in touch and let us know what you think.
You can still order posters and view the designs on the Liberation Ink website: http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone/liberation.
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.Ý 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. Subject to availability.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
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1. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Show Will Benefit GSA Network
The 10th Annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Show will benefit GSA Network!
Come see Jewish Comedy on Christmas in a Chinese Restaurant. Attend a dinner show for $50 or a later cocktail show for $35, Dec. 23 - Dec. 26 at New Asia Restaurant, 772 Pacific Ave., San Francisco.
Visit http://www.koshercomedy.com or call 415-522-3737 for more information or to purchase tickets.
You can also help out by volunteering at the Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Show! Volunteers get free dinner and will be able to see the show. To find out more info about volunteering, contact mailto:barbra_schwartz@hotmail.com
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2. You Can Still Join the OHMY Steering Committee!
Are you interested in planning a youth-led conference?
Do you want to fight homophobia and other oppressions in schools?
Would you like to meet other youth activists and improve your organizing
skills?
Then join the team that will plan OHMY 2003, LGBTQQ and straight-ally youth conference!
OHMY (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth) is an entirely youth-produced conference that brings youth from around CA together to address homophobia and other oppressions in the school environment.
The OHMY Steering Committee is the group of youth responsible for planning and leading the conference. All interested youth are encouraged to join!
The next OHMY planning meeting will be:
Saturday, December 7th
11:00 - 3:00 pm
at LYRIC (127 Collingwood St. in San Francisco)
Save the date! The tentative date for OHMY 2003 is February 15th.
The OHMY conference is co-sponsored by GSA Network and LYRIC.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
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3. Orange County Transgender Task Force Meeting
To: Orange County Transgenders and allies
Subject: Orange County Transgender Task Force Meeting
When: First Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm
Next: Wednesday, December 4, 2002
Where: Orange County Gay & Lesbian Center, Garden Grove Boulevard,
Garden Grove, Conference Room
Wednesday's meeting will discuss our goals and plans for implementation.
Among the items for discussion are a Resource Manual, emergency housing, and municipal anti-discrimination statutes based upon gender identity and expression.
Please come and be a part of our future. If you cannot attend this meeting, please place our future meetings on your calendar.
Contact:
Roslyn Manley (714) 734-9402 or Roni Zerrer (714) 534-0862 x120
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4. BayPrism Movie Night (Bay Area)
MOVIE NIGHT!
Friday December 6, 2002
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm
SF LGBT Center - Youth Space, 1800 Market St @ Octavia, SF
This is our first official event! Come one come all!
We will have movie, food, and music!
BayPrism is a collaboration of Bay Area GSAs
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5. Rap Group - Being Out During the Holidays (So Cal)
Being Out During the Holidays...
Come join us at C*I*T*Y* Project Friday, December 6th from 6 pm-12am. We will be discussing being out to your family during the holidays. We will also be watching a movie and playing some games.
Take advantage of this exclusive free rap group for GLBTQ youth, where it is safe to discuss these issues.
We will also be raffling off several CD's throughout the night!
Our post-Thanksgiving Dinner will be served at 6, so get there early.
8272 Santa Monica Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(310) 710-2434
at the Pro-Care Center by WeHo City Hall
For more information, contact Brigitte @ mailto:brigittetolson@yahoo.com
C*I*T*Y* Project, Co-Chair of Board
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6. Get Fierce! Workshop (LA)
Get Fierce!
How do we thrive in a world where we may be targets of violence for being who we are: transgender, gay, lesbian, queer, bisexual, same gender loving, questioning...?
We thrive because we are FIERCE: CONFIDENT, STRONG, ASSERTIVE and HEALTHY!ÝJoin us for this interactive workshop and learn how to be safe, how to respond to hate and violence, and how to be there for ourselves and our community.
WHEN: 7-9:30pm
December 9, 2002 (presented in English)
December 16, 2002 (presented in Spanish)
WHERE: L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Village at Ed Gould Plaza, 1125 N. McCadden Pl., Los Angeles, CA 90038
Please call 323-467-2626 to reserve a space.
An event by the Gay & Lesbian Center's Man2Man Program, funded by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the County of Los Angeles, Department of Health Services, Office of AIDS Programs and Policy.
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7. Newark Community Forum (Bay Area)
Newark Community Forum, Monday December 9,
Newark Memorial High School, 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria
In light of the recent murder in Newark of Gwen Araujo, a transgender youth, and the controversy over the Newark High School play, "The Laramie Project", the city and school district are sponsoring a community forum where everyone can express any concerns they may have about the safety of gay, lesbian and transgender youth.
Gwen (Eddie) Araujo lived in Newark, but she did not attend the town's only high school. Instead she bounced from school to school and eventually stopped attending altogether. Did persistent taunting by classmates and anti-gay slurs make Gwen so uncomfortable at school that she stopped making an effort to attend, as her friends contend?
While Gwen didn't attend Newark HS, the young adults charged with her murder did, and are remembered as good students. How is it that good students could do such a thing?
Are there efforts we can all take to prevent such tragedies in the future? What can we do to help sexual minority youth feel safer in our community?
If you have answers to these questions, or even if you just have more questions, you are invited to the community forum to be held on Monday evening, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m. (as reported in the Argus) or 7:30 p.m. (as reported on the city's website).
The following invitation is from the city's website:
"You are invited to a community forum to be held at the Newark Memorial High School on Monday, December 9, 2002 starting at 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. The City of Newark and the Newark Unified School District Joint Task Force on Youth Issues will host this forum to identify obstacles to acceptance, valuing, and respect in our community; identify opportunities to promote respect, understanding and inclusion; and identify long-term strategies to promote understanding, respect, and the inclusion of others.
Your input is important. The intent of the forum is to provide the community with a positive opportunity to make suggestions on how the City and School District can promote a positive environment for the entire community."
The high school is on Cedar Blvd., just across from NewPark Mall.
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8. PFLAG Fremont/Newark Holiday Party (Bay Area)
PFLAG Fremont/Newark Holiday Party, December 10, 7-9:30 p.m.
PFLAG Fremont/Newark/East Bay invites you to join the cast and crew
of Newark Memorial High School's "Laramie Project," members of local high
school Gay/Straight Alliances (GSA), their teachers, friends, and especially
their parents at our 7th Annual Holiday Cookie Party at our December Support
Group Meeting. Join us for an evening of food and fun. Meet
other supportive, loving parents. Mingle with GSA members from other
high schools. Gather with them in small discussion/support groups,
and gorge yourself on a multitude of holiday
cookies.
At our celebration we'll honor the cast and crew of Newark High School's production of "The Laramie Project." Despite the controversy surrounding the play and the emotional difficulty of rehearsing and performing in the shadow of the brutal murder of local transgender youth Gwen Araujo, the cast and crew put on a fabulous production. It was a production that touched the hearts of many in our community. At our party we'll celebrate their achievement, and give them and their parents and teachers a heartfelt thanks!
We'll have holiday music, and live entertainment will be provided by the local band "The Essex."
The party will be held at the Holy Redeemer Lutheran Church, at 35660 Cedar Blvd. between Thornton Ave. and Newark Blvd., in Newark. For directions or carpool info contact PFLAG Fremont/East Bay Helpline at 510-226-6816, or mailto:pflagnewark@yahoo.com
And don't forget to bring your best baked holiday cookies for our cookie contest; we'll all be the judges!
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9. LGBT Latino/a Institute (SF)
One day Institute for LGBT LATINO/A.
We plan to talk about Homophobia, immigration, HIV/stds, self esteem and coming out in the latino community.
BREAKFAST AND LUNCH WILL BE PROVIDED
EVERYTHING IS FREE
There is also a dance afterward at Projecto Contra Sida Por Vida.
When: DEC.14, 2002 FROM 9:00 AM TO 4:00 PM.
Where: the SF LGBT Center - 1800 Market Street, Rainbow Room.
The event is sponsored by the LGBT Community Center, SF Public Library, Queer Youth Training Collaborative (LYRIC), Projecto Contra Sida Por Vida, and Marin Aids Project.
For more info, contact:
Juan Carlos Gil, QYTC Program Assistant, (415) 865-5612
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10. Harry Hay Memorial (LA)
Please join in honoring and celebrating the life and spirit of
Harry Hay
Sunday, December 8, 2002, 2:30 pm sharp.
ONE Institute & Archives
909 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90007
(Located at Scarff Street, between Figueroa and Hoover; street
parking available. For directions, please visit http://www.oneinstitute.org
Reception immediately to follow. RSVP: (323)665-9365
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11. Fundraiser - Jeff Griffith Youth Center (LA)
"A Special Tradition Continues" - Charles H. Whitebread and the Board of Directors at the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Cordially Invite You to a Holiday Reception at the Jeff Griffith Youth Center
WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 8, 2002, 1:00 to 3:00 pm
WHERE: 7051 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90038
Cocktails and hors d'oeuvre
RSVP 323-993-7681
Help the homeless street youth of Hollywood. $100 contribution per person suggested. Please make checks payable to "Friends of the Center."
Located in the heart of the population most in need of its services, the Jeff Griffith Youth Center is a thriving drop-in center, where thousands of young people seek refuge from a tough life on the streets. The Youth Center provides three hot meals a day, support groups, clothing, counseling, HIV-prevention, computer lab, lockers, showers, and arts programming.
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12. National Gay & Lesbian Athletics Conference (Massachusetts)
Announcing PRE-REGISTRATION: Role models and heroes: National Gay & Lesbian Athletics Conference, MIT
Our cause is to effect societal change through sports and creating positive role models and heroes. Our latest press release is included at the bottom. We also seek your VOTE in our survey.
The conference that will change the way the world of mainstream sports views LGBT athletes has just opened up for PRE-REGISTRATION (closing Jan 25, 2003). No payment information is collected at this time, but you will be given first priority when full registration opens up. Seats are limited, so reserve your space now. March 28-30, 2003, held in Cambridge and Boston, MA -- a full weekend to meet well-known athletes and other sports enthusiasts, to engage in discussion and debate, and enjoy some great food and entertainment. The conference is about community and integration, thus everyone is invited, straight/gay/lesbian/trans/bi. Hundreds of attendees are expected from around the world. And optionally, bring your gear to workout in MIT's newly opened world-class athletics facility.
For more info or to apply, visit http://www.gayconference.org
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13. Fight The Right Training/Organizing Session (Michigan)
INCITE! WOMEN OF COLOR AGAINST VIOLENCE
Presents FIGHT THE RIGHT!
A Training/Organizing Session by and for women of color
April 11-13, 2003
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor Michigan
Right-wing organizations and individuals have developed a multitude of strategies to oppress women of color. However, most of the groups that monitor the Right are not led by women of color. As a result, much of the research and organizing against the Right does not always have sufficient race/gender perspective that is necessary to organize around the interests of women of color.
This training/organizing session will provide women of color the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge base so that they can monitor the Right as it affects their communities. This session will also provide an opportunity for women of color to develop national campaigns to both monitor and organize against the Right.
In addition, we will have special representatives from India to help develop a campaign to defund the Hindu Right in the U.S. Other areas of focus include: white supremacist groups, anti-immigration organizing, anti-American Indian/treaty rights movement, and the Christian Right.
This workshop will be the beginning of Incite's national campaign to stop the Right.
This workshop is limited to 25 participants. No prior experience or skills are required.
For more information and to apply, visit http://www.incite-national.org/
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14. Solidarity: Report Back From Palestine (SF)
SOLIDARITY
Thursday, December 5, 7-9:30 pm
SF Women's Building, Audre Lorde Room
(18th between Valencia and Guerrero)
Jews For a Free Palestine sponsors - A Report Back From Palestine
With International Solidarity Movement (ISM) Volunteers:
Marisol Arriola went to Palestine with the Middle East Children's
Alliance in August. She works with the Bay Area chapter of SUSTAIN.
Harmony Goldberg was in Nablus, Bethlehem, Ramallah, and Gaza
in August. She is a member of JFFP and works with the School for Unity
and Liberation in Oakland.
Stefan Goldstone went to Palestine in November and works with
Local 1200 DJ Collective and JFFP
Samantha Liapes was in Palestine in November and spent most
of her time in Yanoon, near Nablus. She works with the Ella Baker Center
for HumanÝRights, JFFP, and Freedom Fighter Music.
Requested donation $5-$20, no one turned away for lack of funds.
Food available from caterers Oriana Ides and Maria Sanchez
Childcare available with 48 hours advance reservation. For information or childcare reservations call (415)-789-8592. This event is wheelchair accessible.
Co-Sponsors: Arab-American Anti Discrimination Committee of San Francisco (ADC-SF), Queers United Against Israeli Terrorism (QUIT!), Stop U.S. Tax Aid to Israel Now (SUSTAIN), Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP), Justice in Palestine Coalition, Free Palestine Alliance, LAGAI -- Queer Insurrection, Glocal Exchange, Left Turn.
For more info, email: mailto:j4fp@yahoo.com
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15. SCHOLARSHIP: eQuality Scholarship Collaborative (Northern and
Central CA)
The eQuality Scholarship Collaborative awards scholarships to graduating high-school seniors in northern and central California who have promoted understanding of and equality for the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender community. In 2002, the Collaborative awarded $18,000 to 12 courageous youths.
The Collaborative is the joint effort of a group of organizations based in the San Francisco Bay Area. It began in 1989 as a scholarship program by PG&E's lesbian and gay employee association, now PG&E PrideNetwork. The following year, the Bay Area Network of Gay and Lesbian (BANGLE) - now the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, San Francisco-East Bay - joined the effort. Additional sponsors have joined the Collaborative in recent years, and more are always welcome. The Collaborative is an all-volunteer effort with representatives from each of the sponsoring organizations.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
* be graduating from a high school in northern or central California
(see website for specific counties)
* be in good academic standing
* have applied to a two- or four-year post-secondary institution, including
trade schools
* have promoted understanding of and equality for the lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender
community
Selection Criteria
The criteria by which recipients will be selected include:
* Service to the LGBTQ community
* Leadership
* Academic achievement
* Hardship or special circumstances
Deadline
Completed applications, including transcripts and letter of recommendation, must be postmarked no later than March 10, 2003. Applicants will be notified of their application status by April 25.
For more information or to apply, visit http://www.glsen-sfeb.org/eindex.htm or e-mail mailto:eQualityScholarship@planetoutcast.net
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16. NEWS: Petaluma School District Uses Double Standard
Press Release
November 28, 2002
For Further Information, Contact Petaluma High School Students:
Patrick Sullivan 707-763-0386
Steven Cozza 707-778-8505
Petaluma School District Treats Protesting Students With A Double Standard
In response to a call from the national organization Not In Our Name for a National Day of Resistance on November 20, students at several high schools in Sonoma County, California walked out of class in protest of Pres. Bush's push to go to war against Iraq. In Santa Rosa, 300 students from santa Rosa High School walked out, and according to Santa Rosa high School officials, were given unexcused absences and no disciplinary action was taken. however, the response in the Petaluma School District was handled quite differently and students and parents claim it reveals a double standard.
In the Petaluma School District, students at the district's main high schools, Petaluma and Casa Grande, participated in the walkout, but each school responded with very different disciplinary action. Casa Grande treated the protest as an unexcused absence for each participating student and assigned each to four hours of Saturday school. Petaluma high suspended the 50-60 students who participated.
According to the students, the consequence for cutting class in the Petaluma School district is Saturday school, not suspension. Students question why Petaluma High chose to escalate the violation from a class cut to willful defiance of authority when no other high school did. Several parents of the suspended PHS students are asking for equal treatment for their children with students at Casa Grande, and want the suspension dropped from their children's records. both students and parents question that what is essentially a cut at one district school can result in a suspension while it results in only Saturday school at the other. They claim it is inconsistent and unfair for a school district to allow the disparity, and identify it as a double standard.
Scott Cozza, a parent says,"Today there is a climate in America that if you speak out against the Bush administration's policies you are acting "un-American". This type of thinking is reinforced by the Bush administration. I'm afraid those officials at Petaluma High School who voted to suspend its' students, viewed them as acting "un-American". I'll bet if those students who had walked out of class held a rally to support the Bush administration, they would not have been suspended."
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17. NEWS: New Kentucky GSA Survives Anti-Gay Appeal
Kentucky school's gay club wins appeal
Wednesday, November 27
PlanetOut.com Network
Despite protests, the superintendent of schools in Boyd County, Ky.,
upheld on Tuesday a decision to allow a high school's gay-straight alliance
to meet
on campus.
Critics of the gay-straight alliance (GSA) appealed to Superintendent
Bill Capehart earlier this month to ban the group, saying it will foster
homosexuality among students. But Capehart said on Tuesday that the
school's governing council had made the right decision, based on state
and federal
law.
"Therefore, there is no option but to reaffirm and uphold the decision," he wrote in a letter to two ministers who oppose the student club.
Last month the parent-teacher council voted 3-2 to let the student group meet at Boyd County High School in Cannonsburg, Ky.
The GSA was allowed to meet in part because the American Civil Liberties
Union (news - web sites) sent a letter to the school's council reminding
them
that the federal Equal Access Act compels them to allow the GSA to
use school facilities if other non-curricular groups have access.
Capehart's affirmation of the group's right to meet follows several
student and community protests. On Nov. 4, nearly 40 percent of the student
body
protested the GSA by boycotting classes.
Capehart emphasized in an interview that the GSA is not "recruiting" members, and meetings are not discussions of sexual practices.