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December 3, 2003
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
GSA Network Gives Thanks!
GSA Network Announcements
1. LGBT and Straight Ally Winter Formal (Fresno)
2. OHMY Conference: Save The Date, Join the Steering Committee
3. Celebrate the Difference: a GSA Network Fundraiser! (So Cal)
4. Sign-up for the High Contrast Exhibit at your school (Bay
Area)
Other Announcements
5. Orange County GSA Youth Meeting (Orange County)
6. Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools
(LA)
7. Spoken Word & Music on Intersections of Race, Gender,
and Sexuality (So Cal)
8. COLAGE announcements: LA event and Bay Area Bowl-a-thon
9. Q Action Event: Guy Watch "Winter Heat" (San Francisco)
10. Kickboxing's Bad Girl at Outlet (Mountain View)
11. NEWS: Teacher reprimanded 7-year-old for talking about lesbian
mom
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
GSA Network Gives Thanks!
GSA Network would like to offer a HUGE thank you and heartfelt gratitude to the hundreds of individuals and numerous foundations that have supported GSA Network in the past year. We hope that you will also think of us in your year-end gifts. To make a donation and support GSA Network in empowering youth to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools, please visit http://www.gsanetwork.org/donationform.pdf
A special thanks to all of the foundations that gave us grants in 2003!
Abelard Foundation
Ashoka
California Fund for Youth Organizing
East Bay Community Foundation
Echoing Green Foundation
Fresno Wesley Foundation
Funding Exchange - OUT Fund
Gill Foundation
Haas, Jr. Fund
Horizons Foundation
Kicking Assets Fund, Tides Foundation
Laine Family Foundation
Langendorf Foundation
Liberty Hill Foundation
Open Society Institute
Peninsula Community Foundation
Philanthropic Ventures Foundation
Pomegranate Fund
Queer Youth Fund, Tides Foundation
San Francisco Foundation
Small Change Foundation
Vanguard Public Foundation
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. LGBT and Straight Ally Winter Formal (Fresno)
The Central California Region of GSA Network along with the Imperial Dove Court de Fresno/Madera presents Winter Formal, an LGBT and Straight Ally dance and show.
Saturday, December 13 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Fresno (4144 N. Millbrook just south of Ashlan) Doors open at 6pm. Tickets are $10. Scholarships are available.
Contact Diana at (559)453-9040 or diana@gsanetwork.org
*********************************************
2. OHMY Conference: Save The Date, Join the Steering Committee
!!SAVE THE DATE!!
The OHMY Conference (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth Conference)
will take place on February 14 at Horace Mann Middle School in San Francisco!!
!!JOIN THE STEERING COMMITTEE!!
Get involved in one of the best LGBT & ally youth conferences in
the Bay Area!
GSA Network and LYRIC are organizing youth, 23 years old and under, to be part of the Steering Committee for Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY).
OHMY 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!
To join, call or email Denny David at LYRIC or Andy Duran at GSA Network.
Denny David
mailto:denny@lyric.org
(415) 703-6150 x28
Andy Duran
mailto:andy@gsanetwork.org
(415) 552-4229
All Steering Committee meetings are at LYRIC
127 Collingwood St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
December 6, 11-3p
December 13, 11-3p
December 20, 11-3p
January 10, 11-3p
January 17, 11-3p
January 24, 11-3p
January 31, 11-3p
February 7, 11-3p
February 13, 5-7p
February 14, CONFERENCE -- ALL DAY
*********************************************
3. Celebrate the Difference: a GSA Network Fundraiser! (So Cal)
Date: Sunday, December 14th, 2003
Time: 11:00 am- 1:00 pm
Place: ACLU of Southern California
1616 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026-5752
Come to a brunch reception to celebrate and support the difference Gay-Straight Alliances are making on middle and high school campuses across California. Speakers will include members of the GSA Network Southern California Youth Council and Carolyn Laub, GSA Network's Executive Director.
Suggested Donation
Youth: $10
Adult Allies: $25
If you are unable to attend but wish to contribute and support the great
work youth in GSA Network are doing, you can send make a donation
by visiting:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/donationform.pdf
*********************************************
4. Sign-up for the High Contrast 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.
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 will be available for circulation beginning November 17, 2003. If you are a GSA in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast 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
++++++++++++++++ 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.
*********************************************
5. Orange County GSA Youth Meeting (Orange County)
Orange County GSA Youth Meeting
- network with others
- gain visibility
- learn about resources in your community
December 11, 2003
7-9 p.m.
Neutral Groundz Youth Center
12800 Garden Grove Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92843
714-590-3140
Sponsored by: The Center Orange County
*********************************************
6. Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools (LA)
Please join us
on Saturday, December 13, from 2 to 5pm
at our Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools
We will lead FUN theatre games and improvisations,
and brainstorm ideas for creative ways
to address LGBT issues in schools -
through plays, assembly presentations, video PSAs
and perhaps even Pep Rally skits.
The Think Tank is open to all youth (14 and older),
parents, educators, theatre artists, therapists, activists, thinkers
and allies
interested in creating &/or collaborating on performance pieces
dealing with LGBTQ issues.
Bring in issues you're dealing with at your school!
Bring ideas or even drafts of scripts, poems or speeches!
Bring your sense of humor, your outrage, your passion!
Or just come as you are!
The Think Tank will continue to meet throughout the year
on the following dates from 2-to-5pm at GLASS, 735 S. La Brea Blvd.,
Los Angeles.
(1/2 block south of Wilshire Blvd.. Metered street parking and some residential parking are available.)
Jan. 10 * Feb. 14 * Mar. 13 * Apr. 17 * May 15 * June 6
Join us whenever and as often as you can!
Please contact Natalya Brusilovsky at natalya2k@earthlink.net or call (213) 252-8112 for more information and to RSVP as space is limited.
**Contact Norma Bowles at normabowles@earthlink.net or call (323) 953-9036 if you would like Fringe Benefits to go to your school or community center and work with a group there to develop an original play about LGBT or other discrimination issues.**
Fringe Benefits is a groundbreaking theatre company with a 12-year track record of collaborating with youth to fight discrimination. 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!
*********************************************
7. Spoken Word & Music on Intersections of Race, Gender, and
Sexuality (So Cal)
Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights (APIHR) Youth Program presents:
'Ohana Xposed: A Night of Spoken Word and Music on the Intersections
of Race,
Gender, and Sexuality
When?
Friday, December 12th, 2003 from 8-11pm
Where?
Motley Coffeehouse, Scripps College
1030 Columbia Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711
Dark lighting, cool music, and rare, hard-to-find performances by queer
people
of color. What more could you ask for on a Friday night?
APIHR's Youth Program is hosting 'Ohana Xposed: A Night of Spoken Word
and
Music on the Intersections of Race, Gender, and Sexuality at Scripps
College's
Motley Coffeehouse located in Claremont. Scheduled performers include
Eric
Wat, Ryka Aoki, Cris Hernandez, Micah Carvalho, Sage Chung, and Reese
Ortiz.
After these performers, the mic will be open to all queer API youth.
Admission
is free and drinks and snacks will be available.
No boundaries, no restrictions, no judges. It is a night to take the
possibilities of freedom of expression to its max.
Don't miss this awesome opportunity to enjoy a free show. And for all
you
hidden performance artists, now is the chance to tell other people
your story,
your way of letting off steam.
Contact: ---------------------------------------
Sumiko Braun
Youth Program Coordinator
Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights
'Ohana House
6115 Selma Ave., Suite 207
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Ph: (323) 860-0876
Fax: (323) 860-0929
E-mail: sbraun@apihr.org
Website: www.apihr.org
Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights (APIHR) has established 'Ohana
House,
the nation's first API LGBTIQ center. APIHR works to advance the human
rights
of the Pan Asian/Pacific Islander lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
intersexual, queer and questioning (LGBTIQ) community.
*********************************************
8. COLAGE announcements: LA event and Bay Area Bowl-a-thon
LA Event
Come to the next COLAGE /LA event for middle school and high
schoolers with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parents.
COLAGE/LA Tree Trimming Party
Saturday, December 6
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Miya Llanusa Family Home
2627 San Andres Way
Claremont, CA 91711
COLAGE/LA will be having a Festive Tree Trimming Dinner Party
the home of
Eric (10), Alex (13) and Aaron (13). Santa will be arriving at 6:30
to hear
wishes and distribute trinkets. Catered dinner will be served
at 7:00. Tree
trimming will begin once dessert is served.
This is a family event - parents and kids welcome. There will
be special
COLAGE rooms with activities and space to hang out, eat and chill.
Games and videos will occur throughout the evening for COLAGErs while their
parents socialize.
To RSVP or for more information call 909-625-8558
____________________
Bay Area Bowl-a-thon
8th ANNUAL COLAGE BOWL-A-THON
BAY AREA FAMILY EVENT & FUNDRAISER
Organized by and for people with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
parents
and our loved ones
Looking for a fun and easy way to support people with lesbian, gay,
bisexual
and transgender parents? Here is your chance!
COLAGE's 8th Annual Bowl-a-Thon
Sunday, December 7, 2003
1pm to 3pm
Yerba Buena Bowling Center, 750 Folsom St. (btw. 3rd & 4th Streets)
in San
Francisco
Bring out your inner children and your inner bowler for an afternoon
of fun
that‰s perfect for kids of all ages and the whole family! Unlike many
non-profit fundraisers, which center on speeches and pitches, the
Bowl-a-Thon is a fun-filled community event that allows people from
all
walks of life to contribute to the cause of COLAGE (Children of Lesbians
and
Gays Everywhere). Each year this event brings together hundreds
of
children, youth and adults with LGBT parents, our friends, families
and
supporters for games, prizes, food, fun and of course, bowling!
Proceeds from this year‰s event will help us fund COLAGE‰s diverse Bay
Area
Programming which include social, support and leadership groups for
youth
ages 8-22, special events for the whole family, email news lists, and
much
more.
For a flyer & pledge form or more information about the COLAGE Bowl-A-Thon,
please call Meredith Fenton at (415) 861-5437 x.102 or email her at
Meredith@colage.org
*********************************************
9. Q Action Event: Guy Watch "Winter Heat" (San Francisco)
Q Action Event
Guy Watch: "Winter Heat"
Thursday, December 4 @ 8:00pm
Q-Crib, 539 Castro St. @ 18th St.
As jack frost nips at your nose, will frustration bring you to blows?
How do you get through the holiday time of year without catching more than
a cold?
Come chat about how to celebrate safely.
Q Action is for guys of all colors & flavors 25 & under who dig other guys.
*Want the 411? www.qaction.org OR 415.865.0790 x304
*********************************************
10. Kickboxing's Bad Girl at Outlet (Mountain View)
The Outlet Program would like to present:
RAMONA GATTO
"KICKBOXING'S BAD GIRL"
Monday, December 8th, 7-9pm
Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC)
711 Church Street
Mountain View, Ca 94041
Ramona will come to group and share her knowledge, videos, stories
and skills with you! You don't want to miss it!
Check out her accomplishments below!
Tell your friends! It is open for all GLBTQQ youth and Allies!
We'll see you Monday!
Ramona Eagle Gatto
9 Time World Kickboxing Champion
Ring name- "Kickboxing's Bad Girl"
48-1-1, with 44 knock outs
Holds 3 world titles in 3 separate weight divisions- Flyweight, Bantamweight,
Featherweight
Holds more world titles than any other woman in history
Only woman in history to hold world titles in 3 separate weight divisions
Won 5 World titles within a period of one year, a feat no other woman
in history has accomplished.
First kickboxer in history to win a world title in Moscow, Russia.
Beat the 3 time National Russian Champion in front of a crowd of 35,000
people to win her second world title.
Black belt in TaeKwonDo and TangSooDo.
Has appeared and fought on such televison stations as ESPN, Sportschannel,
Showtime, and local stations.
Accomplished LGBT civil rights activist
Does frequent work educating about LGBT people and families. Has appeared
on such shows as "The Today Show" with Katie Couric, The Montel Williams
Show, Mornings on Two, and countless news programs and specials. This past
summer Ramona and her family were the first LGBT family ever used in the
ABC family show "Switched."
*********************************************
11. NEWS: Teacher reprimanded 7-year-old for talking about lesbian
mom
ACLU defends student's use of word 'gay'
Teacher reprimanded 7-year-old for discussing mother's lifestyle
Sebreana Domingue
sdomingue@theadvertiser.com
December 2, 2003
LAFAYETTE - The American Civil Liberties Union demanded an apology Monday from the Lafayette Parish School District for disciplining a child who described his mother as gay.
The second-grader at Ernest Gallet Elementary School was sent to the principal's office Nov. 11 and forced to attend a "behavioral clinic" a week later, where he repeatedly had to write "I will never use the word 'gay' in school again," the ACLU said in its complaint to the district.
School officials said that the child, whose name is being withheld by The Daily Advertiser, used inappropriate sexual language.
Parent Sharon Huff said that she was contacted by Assistant Principal Nicholas Thomas, who told her that her child had used inappropriate language in school.
"He introduced himself to me and said (name deleted) got into a lot of trouble because he was using inappropriate foul language to another child," Huff said.
Huff said that Thomas also told her he didn't feel comfortable repeating it over the telephone.
"He said it would be in the paperwork he sent home ..." Huff said.
That paperwork states: "(name withheld) decided to explain to another child in his group that his mom is gay. He told the other child that gay is when a girl likes a girl.
"This kind of discussion is not acceptable in my room. I feel that parents should explain things of this nature to their own children in their own way."
The child was also made to sign a "Student Behavior Contract," where he wrote, "I sed bad wurds."
Superintendent James Easton said that the child wasn't disciplined for using the word "gay." Ernest Gallet Principal Virginia Bonvillian and Thomas, the assistant principal, could not be reached for comment Monday.
"It was an inappropriate description of personal activity," Easton said. "I don't know exactly what was said, but that is what was reported to me."
Easton said that the issue will be investigated seriously before the district responds to the ACLU's complaint.
"It would surprise me if that accusation is accurate," he said. "A child can't be disciplined for using the term 'gay.' If one were, it would be a violation of their rights."
Huff contends that's exactly what happened.
"I was almost in tears when (name deleted) got home," she said. "I had no idea what he had picked up from somewhere. I am very meticulous about what he watches on TV. I knew he must have said something really bad."
After reading the report, Huff said that she was shocked.
"I was floored," she said. "I think I sat at the table for a couple of hours."
Then, she said that she got mad.
Ken Choe, ACLU staff attorney for the Lesbian and Gay Rights Project based in Washington, D.C., said his office wants to send a clear message that getting disciplined for describing a gay relationship violates the constitutional right to free speech.
"We reached out to the school in this case to try to work with it to resolve the problem without litigation," he said.
Choe called this case was one of the most "egregious" he has ever seen.
"I have to say here the law is secondary," he said. "What is of the greatest concern to us is that the school is sending a message to a 7-year-old boy that he can't talk about his own mother."
The ACLU's complaint asks the School Board to ensure that:
· Ernest Gallet will refrain from taking further disciplinary action against the child for using the word gay to describe his mother;
· Give assurances that the school will not engage in censorship or discrimination in the future.
· Offer apologies to the child and his mother.
Huff said that all she wants is for her son to avoid punishment because she is gay.
"I don't want any other child going to elementary school and being taught
prejudice of any sort," Huff said. "This is one thing I hate most in the
world."
©The Lafayette Daily Advertiser
December 2, 2003
For more information, see the press release from ACLU:
http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRights.cfm?ID=14481&c=104
The heartbreaking "Behavior Contract" Marcus was required to fill out:
http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRights.cfm?ID=14478&c=104
The behavioral incident report:
http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRights.cfm?ID=14480&c=104
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
GSA Spotlight: Art Activism in Orange County!
GSA Network Announcements
1. LGBT and Straight Ally Winter Formal (Fresno)
2. OHMY Conference: Save The Date, Join the Steering Committee
3. Celebrate the Difference: a GSA Network Fundraiser! (So Cal)
4. Holiday Party With the Fresno LGBT Youth Alliance (Fresno)
5. Pics from Transgender Day of Remembrance event
Other Announcements
6. Orange County GSA Youth Meeting (Orange County)
7. GLSEN Sacramento hosts GSA Pizza Party (Sacramento)
8. Outlet Holiday Party (Peninsula/South Bay)
9. "Love in Action" performance by Destiny Arts (Bay Area)
10. Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools
(LA)
11. HIFY seeks artists for Young Man's Survival Guide
12. DiversityWorks social justice workshops (Bay Area)
13. GLSEN offers new resource on marriage
14. Online survey about gender variant people's experiences
15. Model Safe Schools Bill & technical assistance available
16. NEWS: Harassed gay students get lower grades
17. JOB: Legal Organizer with ACLU of Northern California
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
GSA Spotlight: Art Activism in Orange County!
Written by Vanessa Coe, president of the GSA at Troy High School, Fullerton, CA
When planning events for our GSA this year, we gave activism in our school a precedence over anything else. In the hierarchy of urgency for work to be done, our GSA found true importance in educating and bringing about awareness to the entire student body rather than just the GSA. We decided upon doing a poster series tackling different forms of homophobia, and also confronting topics surrounding gender. Posters hanging in hallways, on walls, on pillars, and classroom doors cannot be ignored by the population no matter how hard they try. Images capture curiosity and spread awareness. We have found it to be a rewarding part of our role as a club on campus to make a positive change, even if it is deemed unnecessary.
Creating a poster series is an act of artistic achievement, social justice, and a bold voice heard around school without a face. It is a great way to not only declare presence, but also to unite the members of the GSA to come together and create something as a group.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. LGBT and Straight Ally Winter Formal (Fresno)
The Central California Region of GSA Network along with the Imperial Dove Court de Fresno/Madera presents Winter Formal, an LGBT and Straight Ally dance and show.
Saturday, December 13 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Fresno (4144 N. Millbrook just south of Ashlan) Doors open at 6pm. Tickets are $10. Scholarships are available.
Contact Diana at (559)453-9040 or diana@gsanetwork.org
*********************************************
2. OHMY Conference: Save The Date, Join the Steering Committee
!!SAVE THE DATE!!
The OHMY Conference (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth Conference)
will take place on February 14 at Horace Mann Middle School in San Francisco!!
!!JOIN THE STEERING COMMITTEE!!
Get involved in one of the best LGBT & ally youth conferences in
the Bay Area!
GSA Network and LYRIC are organizing youth, 23 years old and under, to be part of the Steering Committee for Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY).
OHMY 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!
To join, call or email Denny David at LYRIC or Andy Duran at GSA Network.
Denny David
denny@lyric.org
(415) 703-6150 x28
Andy Duran
andy@gsanetwork.org
(415) 552-4229
All Steering Committee meetings are at LYRIC
127 Collingwood St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
December 13, 11-3p
December 20, 11-3p
January 10, 11-3p
January 17, 11-3p
January 24, 11-3p
January 31, 11-3p
February 7, 11-3p
February 13, 5-7p
February 14, CONFERENCE -- ALL DAY
*********************************************
3. Celebrate the Difference: a GSA Network Fundraiser! (So Cal)
Date: Sunday, December 14th, 2003
Time: 11:00 am- 1:00 pm
Place: ACLU of Southern California
1616 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026-5752
Come to a brunch reception to celebrate and support the difference Gay-Straight Alliances are making on middle and high school campuses across California. Speakers will include members of the GSA Network Southern California Youth Council and Carolyn Laub, GSA Network's Executive Director.
Suggested Donation
Youth: $10
Adult Allies: $25
If you are unable to attend but wish to contribute and support the great
work youth in GSA Network are doing, you can send make a donation
by visiting:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/donationform.pdf
*********************************************
4. Holiday Party With the Fresno LGBT Youth Alliance (Fresno)
Holiday Party With the Fresno LGBT Youth Alliance
Central Valley GSAers are invited to join the LGBT Youth Alliance for their annual holiday party and gift exchange at the Center for Non-Violence (985 N. Van Ness between Olive and Belmont) on Friday, December 19th at 7:30 pm. Please bring food to share and a gift (under $10) to exchange. Lots of food and fun! Contact Diana for details (559)453-9040 or diana@gsanetwork.org
*********************************************
5. Pics from Transgender Day of Remembrance event
Check out photos from the Transgender Day of Remembrance at Scripps Ranch High School! They put on an awesome event...
http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=14921070414611350/l=21057041
++++++++++++++++ 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.
*********************************************
6. Orange County GSA Youth Meeting (Orange County)
Orange County GSA Youth Meeting
- network with others
- gain visibility
- learn about resources in your community
December 11, 2003
7-9 p.m.
Neutral Groundz Youth Center
12800 Garden Grove Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92843
714-590-3140
Sponsored by: The Center Orange County
*********************************************
7. GLSEN Sacramento hosts GSA Pizza Party (Sacramento)
GSA Pizza Party, Friday, December 12
Students are invited to join GLSEN Greater Sacramento as we host a GSA
Pizza
Party on Friday, December 12 at 7 pm at the Lambda Community Center,
1927 L
Street, right before the regularly scheduled Youth Group meeting. (GLSEN
will NOT be having a regular Saturday meeting in December.) We'd especially
like to see those who attended our October GSA Leadership Workshop
drop by
for the party, but all students are welcome. Hope to see you there,
and
spread the word!
*********************************************
8. Outlet Holiday Party (Peninsula/South Bay)
Outlet Holiday Party!
Monday, December 15th
6:30-9pm
At CHAC - Community Health Awareness Council
711 Church Street, Mountain View, Ca. 94041
Games! Food! Karaoke! Music! Friends!
Come join us and celebrate the Holidays!
All youth 13-18, glbtqq and straight allies are welcome!
For information contact Eileen Ross at eross@chacmv.org,
or 650-965-2020
ext. 22
Outlet Program and HIV Prevention Project Coordinator
Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC)
711 Church Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 965-2020 ext. 22
(650) 965-7286 - Fax
eross@chacmv.org
**The Outlet Program - Empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered
and
queer youth and cultivating leaders to eradicate homophobia**
*********************************************
9. "Love in Action" performance by Destiny Arts (Bay Area)
Come and celebrate Destiny Arts Center's 15th Anniversary
with
"Love in Action"
a performance of dance, martial arts and spoken word
by Destiny students ages 3-30!
WHEN: Saturday, December 13th 7pm
WHERE: McClymonds High School Auditorium,
2607 Myrtle (at 26th Street near Market) Oakland, CA
ADMISSION IS FREE!
Special guests include members of ArtEsteem, LoveLife Foundation and the M. Robinson Baker YMCA. PLUS a multimedia presentation chronicling 15 years at Destiny.
For more information call Destiny Arts Center at 510-597-1619.
Love in Action celebrates the fifteen years that Destiny (De-Escalation Skills Inspiring Nonviolence in Youth) Arts Center has been offering accessible martial arts, dance, youth leadership, and violence prevention programs to East Bay youth. Destiny is also home to the acclaimed Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company, the DREAM Performance Company, and the Destiny Tournament Team with national and international champions. "This event is an opportunity to celebrate the amazing group of youth, families and community members who have supported us in our first 15 years, as well as people seeing us for the first time," says Sarah Crowell, Destiny's Executive Director. "We want to welcome past, present and future Destiny supporters, and prepare for another 15 years of providing alternatives to violence and empowering young people."
*********************************************
10. Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools (LA)
Please join us
on Saturday, December 13, from 2 to 5pm
at our Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools
We will lead FUN theatre games and improvisations,
and brainstorm ideas for creative ways
to address‡LGBT issues‡in schools -
through plays, assembly presentations, video PSAs
and perhaps even Pep Rally skits.
The Think Tank is open to all youth (14 and older),
parents, educators, theatre artists, therapists, activists, thinkers
and allies
interested in creating &/or collaborating on performance pieces
dealing with LGBTQ issues.
Bring in issues you're dealing with at your school!
Bring ideas or even drafts of scripts, poems or speeches!
Bring your sense of humor, your outrage, your passion!
Or just come as you are!
The Think Tank will continue to meet throughout the year
on the following dates from 2-to-5pm at GLASS, 735 S. La Brea Blvd.,
Los Angeles.
(1/2 block south of Wilshire Blvd.. Metered street parking and some residential parking are available.)
Jan. 10 * Feb. 14 * Mar. 13 * Apr. 17 * May 15 * June 6
Join us whenever and as often as you can!
Please contact Natalya Brusilovsky at natalya2k@earthlink.net or call (213) 252-8112 for more information and to RSVP as space is limited.
**Contact Norma Bowles at normabowles@earthlink.net or call (323) 953-9036 if you would like Fringe Benefits to go to your school or community center and work with a group there to develop an original play about LGBT or other discrimination issues.**
Fringe Benefits is a groundbreaking theatre company with a 12-year track record of collaborating with youth to fight discrimination. 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!
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11. HIFY seeks artists for Young Man's Survival Guide
ATTENTION YOUNG ARTISTS!!!
HIFY (Health Initiatives For Youth) is looking for artists, preferably YOUNG MEN, to contribute their work for our upcoming book:
"A YOUNG MAN'S SURVIVAL GUIDE"
and... YOU CAN GET PAID FOR YOUR ART!!!
We are especially looking for artists who can offer several drawings/pieces based on various articles & topics. Examples of subjects include:
- Communication in relationships
- How to use a condom
- Dealing with depression
- Safety w/ tattoos & piercings
- and more!!!
Not to mention we need someone to do the artwork for the COVER!!!
and again... YOU CAN GET PAID!!!
If you have questions or would like to set up a time for us to check out your artwork, hit up Jack at 415-271-1970 ext 33 or dejesus@hify.org
You can also mail or drop off samples of your artwork to:
Jack DeJesus
HIFY
235 Montgomery St Suite 430
San Francisco, CA 94104
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12. DiversityWorks social justice workshops (Bay Area)
DiversityWorks, an Oakland based social justice youth organization, is currently scheduling social justice/anti-oppression workshops for youth in the Bay Area - designed and facilitated by young people. Our peer education initiative, DiverseCITY (Challenging, Inspiring and Teaching Youth - DCITY), trains young people to develop and lead workshops concentrating on raising awareness and fostering change around social justice issues that impact youth on three levels: internal, interpersonal, and institutional.
DCITY youth go through a three month process of training prior to facilitating workshops in the community. During the training process the youth explore issues such as race, ethnicity, gender, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, nationality, religion, class, globalization and ally work.
DCITY youth are available to lead workshops at youth organizations beginning this February until the end of May. Workshops can be tailored to meet the needs of the youth you work with and can address one topic or many topics. In general, workshops are six hours total - divided into two-hour blocks scheduled for three consecutive weeks. Workshops are free for folks in Alameda, San Leandro, Oakland and Berkeley and have a small fee for youth serving organizations outside of those areas.
If you have any interest in scheduling a workshop for your school or organization please call Chris or Sandra at DiversityWorks - (510) 763-9303 or email sandraw@diversityworks.org.
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13. GLSEN offers new resource on marriage
As the Nation Awaits the Full Impact of the Massachusetts Supreme Court
Decision on Same-Sex Marriage, Educators are Presented with an Opportunity
to Facilitate Discussions with Students About One of the Most Talked
About
Civil and Human Rights Issues of Our Time. GLSEN is pleased to
highlight
our resource, "At Issue: Marriage, Exploring the Debate Over
Marriage
Rights for Same-Sex Couples".
http://www.glsen.org/templates/resources/record.html?section=16&record=1633
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14. Online survey about gender variant people's experiences
Online survey to collect experiences of gender variant persons for
study
http://www.trans-academics.org/
[click on the "research projects" button].
We all know there is very little reliable statistical data about trans
and gender variant identified persons - here is a great opportunity
to help change that! Sponsored by the NTAC (National
Transgender Advocacy Coalition) and under the supervision of
Claremont Graduate University, Elizabeth Green is running an
online survey to collect statistical data about gender variant
persons and their experiences. This study is available to anyone
residing in the United States, with a particular focus on collecting
demographic and experiential information about gender variant
identified persons living in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and
San
Bernardino, CA counties. We are looking to have at least 200-300
respondents from the SoCal area and over 1500 responses
from the greater US.
In order to participate you must be at least eighteen years old and
self identify as a part of the gender variant community (including
but not limited to transgender, transsexual, intersex, genderqueer,
cross-dresser, etc.) The survey is comprised of 75 questions and
should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Surveys
are 100% confidential and your participation is most appreciated.
Also, if you would be so kind as to forward this message to anyone you
think might be interested, including list-serves and organizations
-
that would be extraordinarily helpful to our cause. We are more
than
willing to arrange for on-site paper surveys for individuals or groups
in SoCal if that is more convenient. Any questions, please contact
Elizabeth Green [elizabeth@trans-academics.org].
Thank You!!!
Elizabeth R. Green
elizabeth@trans-academics.org
MAWS - Claremont Graduate University
Program Coordinator, UCR - LGBTRC
NTAC Research Committee
http://www.trans-academics.org
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15. Model Safe Schools Bill & technical assistance available
Model Safe Schools Bill
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) have developed a model bill that aims to prohibit discrimination and harassment of students based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. Along with the model bill, we also have an annotated version available that highlights and clarifies some of the key elements of the bill.
The model bill was produced with several fundamental elements in mind. A model safe schools bill should protect students, teachers, employees and staff from both harassment and discrimination by explicitly listing the categories of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression for protection. Additionally, a model bill should protect individuals based on their "actual or perceived" sexual orientation and gender identity and expression as well as protect individuals from discrimination based on their association with any person who falls into one of the protected categories. This component would protect students with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parents, siblings or friends.
Other critical components of a model safe schools bill include a requirement that all school districts within the given state adopt anti-harassment and non-discrimination policies with suitable enforcement mechanisms, while also providing appropriate notice of the policy to the school community. Furthermore, a model bill should include employee training programs and the requirement that schools collect data concerning the problem of harassment and discrimination. It is also important for a model safe schools bill to apply both to private and public schools, especially since more and more students in the U.S. are attending private schools. The most recent government statistics state that there are approximately 5.3 million students attending private schools in the United States, which means that nearly 10% of the entire student population in the U.S. is attending private schools.
While the elements outlined above are significant to an effective safe schools bill, the available bill should only serve as a model. There are state-specific laws that may impact how the bill is modified for a specific jurisdiction. We encourage state and local activists and elected and appointed officials to contact one of us to receive copies of the model bill and for any further assistance.
Eric Manke, Legislative & Policy Analyst, GLSEN (202- 347-7780, mailto:emanke@glsen.org)
Carrie Evans, State Legislative Lawyer, HRC (202-572-8953, mailto:carrie.evans@hrc.org)
Courtney Joslin, Staff Attorney, NCLR (415 392-6257, mailto:joslin@nclrights.org)
************
"Guidance for Drafting State Safe Schools Legislation"
The National Center for Lesbian Rights offers this publication free on the web: http://www.nclrights.org/publications/schoolguidance.htm . It is 8 pages long and rich with examples.
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16. NEWS: Harassed gay students get lower grades
A new survey indicates gay students reporting significant harassment
in school are twice as likely to have lower grades and do not intend to
go to college.
http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20031208-021553-9430r.htm
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17. JOB: Legal Organizer with ACLU of Northern California
JOB ANNOUNCMENT
One-year Legal Organizer Position
Deadline for Application
January 3, 2004
(Inquiries welcome after this date.)
Description: The ACLU of Northern California has an immediate opening for a temporary (one-year) Legal Organizer to work in the Legal Department on a class action lawsuit aimed at ensuring equal educational opportunity for all public schools students in the state. The ACLU and other organizations represent plaintiff-schoolchildren in Williams v. State of California, a large-scale lawsuit against the State of California that addresses the state's failure to provide students, particularly those in low-income communities and communities of color, with qualified teachers, adequate instructional materials, and safe facilities. The primary focus of the legal organizer position is (1) to educate community members about the lawsuit (2) to investigate conditions at schools throughout Northern California (3) to identify and build relationships with public school students, parents and teachers interested in becoming involved in the lawsuit and (4) to build relationships with other civil rights and progressive activist organizations and coalitions throughout the Northern California area. (For more information on the case, please visit www.decentschools.org.) The Legal Organizer will work directly under the supervision of a staff attorney.
Responsibilities: Responsibilities include identifying potential plaintiffs and witnesses in Northern California for the lawsuit, creating and fostering ties with community organizations that are dedicated to educational equity issues, assisting staff attorneys in preparing for the trial in the case, preparing regular written reports concerning findings from the field, preparing and maintaining a regular organizing plan, communicating with Spanish-speaking clients and translating some attorney interviews with Spanish-speaking clients.
Qualifications: Experience in community organizing (particularly with youth), a commitment to civil rights and civil liberties, excellent oral and written communication skills in Spanish and English, and experience working in diverse communities required. Also required: public speaking and people skills, ability to work independently with flexibility for travel, including many evenings and weekends. Must have transportation. Prior experience in legal office highly preferred. Also preferred: prior experience teaching or tutoring and/or familiarity with California public schools.
Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience. Generous benefits,
including four weeks paid vacation; medical, vision and dental coverage;
and life and long term disability insurance.
Application: Please submit cover letter, resume, and list of
references to:
Katayoon Majd
Staff Attorney
ACLU of Northern California
1663 Mission Street, Suite 460
San Francisco, CA 94103
The ACLU-NC is proud to be an affirmative action employer. All interested individuals, including women, people of color, persons with disabilities, persons who are lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgendered or intersex are particularly urged to apply.
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
GSAs Explore Blending or Partnering Middle School and High School
Clubs
GSA Network Announcements
1. Central Valley GSA Network Events and Announcements (Fresno)
2. OHMY Conference: Save The Date, Join the Steering Committee
Other Announcements
3. LYRIC After School Program Events (San Francisco)
4. Paid Job Training Opportunity for Youth (Bay Area)
5. JOB: Southern Californians for Youth Training/Internship Coordinator
Note: GSA Network News will be taking a vacation over winter break. Our next issue will be January 7, 2004. Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all our readers!
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
GSAs Explore Blending or Partnering Middle School and High School Clubs
There are currently 7 middle or junior high school GSAs registered with GSA Network. Most of them are located in Northern California. At the recent formation meeting of the Edison High School GSA in Fresno, members discussed the idea of making their club accessible to the students of Computech Junior High School. Edison and Computech share a campus, and student activists at Computech have been trying to start a GSA on their own. Edison high school students' openness to considering partnership with junior high students is an innovative way to empower junior high activists and may have potential on other school sites where facilities are shared.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
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1. Central Valley GSA Network Events and Announcements (Fresno)
Holiday Party With the Fresno LGBT Youth Alliance
Central Valley GSAers are invited to join the LGBT Youth Alliance for
their annual holiday party and gift exchange at the Center for Non-Violence
(985 N. Van Ness between Olive and Belmont) on Friday, December 19th at
7:30 pm. Please bring food to share and a gift (under $10) to exchange.
Lots of food and fun! Contact Diana for details (559)453-9040 or diana@gsanetwork.org
Expression Not Suppression Planning Committee
The Expression Not Suppression Planning Committee will meet at the
Pace Academy inside Manchester Mall at Sheilds and Blackstone in Fresno
on Sunday, January 4th at 4pm. Call Diana for details (559) 453-9040 or
Diana@gsanetwork.org
Thank You to Winter Formal Supporters
December 13th's Winter Formal, sponsored GSA Network and the Imperial
Dove Court de Fresno/Madera Inc. was great fun and a huge success. About
100 students ans adult allies from throughout the valley attended. The
Central Valley Youth Council would like to thank the Imperial Dove Court,
Westcare, the Unitarian Universalist Church, all performers and the students
who made the evening possible.
*********************************************
2. OHMY Conference: Save The Date, Join the Steering Committee
!!SAVE THE DATE!!
The OHMY Conference (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth Conference)
will take place on February 14 at Horace Mann Middle School in San Francisco!!
!!JOIN THE STEERING COMMITTEE!!
Get involved in one of the best LGBT & ally youth conferences in
the Bay Area!
GSA Network and LYRIC are organizing youth, 23 years old and under, to be part of the Steering Committee for Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY).
OHMY 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!
To join, call or email Denny David at LYRIC or Andy Duran at GSA Network.
Denny David
mailto:denny@lyric.org
(415) 703-6150 x28
Andy Duran
mailto:andy@gsanetwork.org
(415) 552-4229
All Steering Committee meetings are at LYRIC
127 Collingwood St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
December 20, 11-3p
January 10, 11-3p
January 17, 11-3p
January 24, 11-3p
January 31, 11-3p
February 7, 11-3p
February 13, 5-7p
February 14, CONFERENCE -- ALL DAY
++++++++++++++++ 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.
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3. LYRIC After School Program Events (San Francisco)
Come Celebrate with the After School Program here at LYRIC!!
We've got events planned all season!
Dec. 16th - Candle Making
Dec. 17th - Art Workshop (23/25 & under)
Dec. 18th - Holiday Decorations
Dec. 19th - Learn about Hannukah with Sierra
*Movie Day - Trembling before G_d -- Documentary
about Gay Hassidic Jews
*7 Fingers Circus Event -- call to sign up
now! (23/25 & under) <SEE BELOW for more details>
Dec. 22nd - Games and Solstice Celebration/Information
Dec. 23rd - Cookie Decorating
Dec. 24th - Movie Day!
Dec. 29th - Learn about Kwanzaa with Erica // Games
Dec. 30th - New Years Art Projects
Dec. 31st - New Years Celebration from 3-6pm (23/25 & under)
Lyric's After School Program is open from 3-6pm M-F
We are located at 127 Collingwood Ave. 94114
Questions? Call Rob @ 415.703.6150, ext. 20 or the Talkline 1.800.246.PRIDE
LYRIC is a LGBTQ safe place. We like straight allies too!
LYRIC's After School & Young Men's Programs Event
What: 7 Fingers Circus
When: Friday, December 19 from 6-10 pm
Where: LYRIC, 127 Collingwood St. @ 18th St.
Join LYRIC as we attend 7 Fingers, the Circus Event of the season! We will head over to the Palace of Fine Arts to preview The Circus Center San Francisco's new show.... Join us in a joyously surrealistic universe, filled with the balletic beauty of awe-inspiring aerialists, the startling precision of amazing jugglers, the breathtaking exploits of graceful acrobats, and the wit and humor of seven young international circus performersƒ
LIMITED SPACE!!!!
This special event is open for youth 23 & under, 25 & under trans-identified.
More info / reserve a spot? http://www.lyric.org // rob @ 415.703.6150 x 20 or 1-800-246-PRIDE !
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4. Paid Job Training Opportunity for Youth (Bay Area)
PAID Job Training Opportunity for Youth Ages 14-19!
The MIYO Teen Center has openings for the Cafe Oasis Training (C.O.T.) session that begins on Monday, January 12th. C.O.T. is a job training program that teaches youth skills necessary to run a cafe including:
the process for opening & closing a cafe
employer expectations
customer service skills
cash handling & counting
selling/marketing techniques
merchandise inventory/stocking
conflict mediation between customers and co-workers
time management skills
Attendance of 3 workshops: Resume, Job Search, Job Interview
Youth will receive a $100 stipend for the completion of 35 hours of training over the course of 3 months.
Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, January 7th. For more information or an application, contact Isabel Guajardo, B.E.S.T. Program Coordinator at: (415) 453-8645
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5. JOB: Southern Californians for Youth Training/Internship Coordinator
Southern Californians for Youth
Job Announcement: Training/Internship Coordinator (Part Time)
Accepting applications through January 15, 2004
About Us: Southern Californians for Youth is a network of organizations
committed to social justice that works to build power of youth-focused
and
youth-led, low-income youth of color organizing in the Greater Los
Angeles
region. We seek to transform conditions in our communities through
support
and assistance to existing and emerging youth organizing groups.
Job Description: The Training/Internship Coordinator will help
expand Southern Californians for Youth's training component and develop
our
summer internship program.
Training component:
Collect member organization's current curriculum
Assessment of member organizational training needs
Development of new curriculum identified by members
Assist member organizations to develop and revise their curriculum
Coordinate and facilitate trainings (issues, -isms, skills,
political education, staff development, etc.)
Attend conferences and meetings
Attend staff meetings, retreats, Youth Board/Advisory Board joint
meetings
Internship Program:
Lead staff discussions regarding the development of the internship
program
Organize orientation, trainings/weekly meetings, and discussion
sessions for the internship program
Revise training manual
Supervise interns
Coordinate submission of intern timesheets and workplans
Create materials to explain and promote internship program
Conduct midsummer and final evaluations with sponsors and mentors
Ensure documentation of internship activities
Create and implement evaluation
Qualifications:
Experience working with youth of color from under-resourced communities
Experience or strong interest in coalition building and networks
Experience supervising young people
Progressive community, labor, or student organizing experience and
knowledge
of local youth movement
Passion for social justice
Independent worker, initiative-taker, good problem-solver, and detail
oriented
Ability to work in a team setting and provide/receive constructive
feedback
Excellent writing and communication skills
Experience coordinating an internship program preferred
CA drivers license and access to an automobile helpful
Training/Internship Coordinator is a part time position from $10-$14 hr DOE.
Please send Resume and Cover Letter to:
Kei Nagao, Network Coordinator.
Southern Californians for Youth, 2811 Whittier Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90023
Phone: (323) 993-8516 Fax: (323) 780-7608
Email: mailto:socal4youth@hotmail.com
You will receive a confirmation that we received your application.
Southern Californians for Youth is an equal opportunity employer and
values
diversity based on citizenship status, race, creed, color, religion,
national
origin,sex, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, or martial
status.