GSA Network News archives

GSA Network News Email Archive - December 2006

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Sign Up for GSA Network News! Email:

December 20, 2006

Note: GSA Network News will resume on January 3rd. Happy Holidays!

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

GSA Network Highlight
2006-What a Year for Activism!
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. Legally Blonde Benefit in January! (Bay Area)
2. Save the Date - GSA Network Leadership Training! (Orange County)
3. Save the Date - GSA Network Leadership Training! (Concord)
4. GSA Network is Seeking a Winter Intern! (San Francisco)
5. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!
6. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)
7. Coming Soon - Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 Outreach Cards! (Statewide)
8. Welcome to Estella, our New Administrative Assistant!
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Southern California
9. Donate Clothes to Homeless LGBT Youth (Los Angeles)
Go directly to Southern California listings

Northern California
10. Free Money for LGBT Youth! (Bay Area)
Go directly to Northern California listings

Statewide
11. COLAGE Speak Out and OUTspoken Families Trainings in San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles!
Go directly to Statewide listings

Scholarships
12. Dwight Brydie Scholarship Fund
13. PFLAG National Scholarships Available
Go directly to Scholarships listings

News
14. NEWS: California Student Seeks $1.3 Million in Outing Case
15. NEWS: Bills Pose New Threats To Utah Gay Students
Go directly to News listings

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

2006-What a Year for Activism!

2006 has been a busy and awesome year for California GSAs and youth activism! Activists all over the state have been organizing campaigns, planning events, and speaking out against homophobia and transphobia in dozens of different ways. Nearly 100 new or newly active GSAs registered with GSA Network this year, bringing the total number to nearly 600 clubs. Several of the groups started only after determined, young leaders in typically hostile communities in Shasta County and Madera County spoke out against harassment and stood up to uncooperative school administrators.

Among other things, in 2006 GSA members fought slurs, planned queer proms, educated their teachers on the need to teach about the achievements of LGBTQ Americans, lobbied lawmakers for safer schools laws, combined arts and activism into powerful awareness campaigns, and educated, educated, EDUCATED. This year saw so many accomplishments that it's impossible to list them all. So, here are just a few:

1. Five hundred LGBTQ and ally youth activists converged on the Capitol in March for Queer Youth Advocacy Day, where they lobbied for AB 606 and SB 1437. Due to the continued advocacy efforts of students all over California, both bills were passed by both houses of the California legislative, a huge achievement.

2. Even when they were confronted by council rooms packed with anti-LGBTQ protestors, Sacramento and Davis-area GSA members spoke up at tension-charged council meetings where they convinced their local governments and/or schools boards to pass Day of Silence resolutions.

3. GSAs at several schools including Ida B Wells High School in San Francisco and Culver City High in Los Angeles convinced their schools to open up gender-neutral bathrooms to all students in their schools.

As we look back at the past year, we should take time to not only begin planning future efforts, but to also celebrate all of the many victories, small and large. GSA Network salutes all of this year's awesome activists, and we'll be here for you again in 2007.

Happy New Year!

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

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1. Legally Blonde Benefit in January! (Bay Area)

Last year, we brought you a private screening of RENT - The Movie...

This year, get ready for the WORLD PREMIERE of Legally Blonde - The Musical as it hits the stage of the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco!

The GSA Network would be honored to have you attend a very special evening with memorable music and dazzling dance as we celebrate the importance of being true to yourself.

Click here to buy a ticket now: http://www.gsanetwork.org/legallyblonde

Join us on January 25, 2007 at 8pm at the Golden Gate Theatre for the world premiere of Legally Blonde - The Musical and help us raise money for Gay-Straight Alliance Network, a non-profit organization devoted to empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and straight ally youth to organize and advocate for safer schools.

Legally Blonde - The Musical, based on the hit film, tells the story of sorority girl Elle Woods who doesn't take "no" for an answer. As she tackles Harvard Law with perky aplomb, she proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style.

To learn more about Legally Blonde - The Musical visit: http://www.shnsf.com/shows/show.asp?key=18&subkey=513

Your attendance helps support stronger youth-led Gay-Straight Alliance clubs in nearly 600 schools across California. And with multiple ticket prices, there is a level of contribution to suit almost any budget. Just click on the Buy a Ticket link to make your contribution and secure a ticket today.

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2. Save the Date - GSA Network Leadership Training! (Orange County)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on January 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

So what is a GSA Network Leadership training?
Youth from various GSAs come together for a FUN, interactive, peer-to-peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. Led by other GSA leaders from California, the training will show students how to start and run a kick-ass GSA.

Topics include
* How to run a GSA meeting
* Outreach, membership building, and diversity
* Understanding gender and sexual orientation
* Understanding laws that protect LGBTQ youth in schools
* How to take action against slurs, harassment, and discrimination in your school.

Young people become activists because they respect themselves and other people too much to let anyone be treated like a second-class citizen. They believe in the basic worth of all human beings, including themselves. That's why so many students, including straight allies, are coming together to fight sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination at their schools. The goals of a student activism group include winning concrete improvements in people's lives, making students aware of their own power, and altering the relations of power. GSAs in California are leading the fight on social change and justice.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.

WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, January 13, 2007, 10am-4pm
WHERE: The Center Orange County
12752 Garden Grove Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92843
COST: Free!

GSA Network values the participation of adult allies in our fight against oppression and injustice in schools, and thus welcomes GSA Advisors and other adult allies to the leadership training. That being said, we ask that they help us to maintain the youth focus of this training.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact
*Carlos Cabrera, GSA Network Southern California Program Coordinator, at 213-534-7162 or mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org
*Adrienne Santellan, Youth Program Coordinator, The Center OC, at 714-534-0862 x206

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3. Save the Date - GSA Network Leadership Training! (Concord)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on January 20 from 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

So what is a GSA Network Leadership training?
Youth from various GSAs come together for a FUN, interactive, peer-to-peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. Led by other GSA leaders from around Northern California, the training will show students how to start and run a kick-ass GSA.

Topics include
* How to run a GSA meeting
* Outreach, membership building, and diversity
* Understanding gender and sexual orientation
* Understanding laws that protect LGBTQ youth in schools
* How to take action against slurs, harassment, and discrimination in your school.

Young people become activists because they respect themselves and other people too much to let anyone be treated like a second-class citizen. They believe in the basic worth of all human beings, including themselves. That's why so many students, including straight allies, are coming together to fight sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination at their schools. The goals of a student activism group include winning concrete improvements in people's lives, making students aware of their own power, and altering the relations of power. GSAs in California are leading the fight on social change and justice.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.

WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, January 20, 2007, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
WHERE: Rainbow Community Center
3024 Willow Pass Rd. Suite. 200
Concord, CA 94519
COST: Free!

GSA Network values the participation of adult allies in our fight against oppression and injustice in schools, and thus welcomes GSA Advisors and other adult allies to the leadership training. That being said, we ask that they help us to maintain the youth focus of this training.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact
* Marco Castro-Bojorquez, GSA Network Northern California Program Coordinator, at 415-552-4229 or mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org
* Michelle D. Herrera, Youth Director, Rainbow Community Center, at 925-692-0090 or mailto:youthdirector@rainbowcc.org

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4. GSA Network is Seeking a Winter Intern! (San Francisco)

Intern call outs!

What's in it for you?
As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience working for California's most dynamic LGBTQ youth-led organization. You will gain invaluable insight about a mid-sized non-profit and GSA Network's particular organizational and organizing models. You will also learn a broad range of skills while providing program and/or administrative support.

Duties May Include
*Outreach and technical assistance to high school and middle school GSAs
*Curriculum, resource sheet, and program material development
*Media or press work
*Lobbying and policy
*Event planning
*Individual donor fundraising
*Organizational spin-off
*Database systems.

Interns also have the option of participating in staff meetings, thus ensuring that their voices will be heard and that their opinions are valued. Each intern will have a supervisor who will be responsible for providing support, an evaluation, and a letter of recommendation upon the conclusion of the internship.

Please note that this is a non-paid position and that the internship is for our San Francisco office.

Your Responsibilities
*If you are student, your school must take responsibility for setting the number of credits for the internship
*If you are coming from a considerable distance, you are responsible for your own housing, living expenses, and any other costs.

How to Apply
Please contact Kiely for an application. Thank you for applying!

Kiely Hosmon
Program Assistant
Phone - 415-552-4229
Fax - 415-552-4729
mailto:kiely@gsanetwork.org

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5. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!

Before you plan any events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register your group with GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student resource sheets, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future GSA Network or LGBT-related events. Please note that mailings will go out only to California GSAs in middle and high schools.

Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php

For more info, email Tanya Mayo at mailto:tanya@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229

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6. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)

GSA Network is accepting applications for new Youth Council members.
Go to the website and apply: http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html

The GSA Network Youth Council is a diverse group of youth leaders from GSAs all over California. As a member of the Youth Council, you will learn skills to become a stronger activist and work toward creating a safer climate at your school for LGBTQ youth and straight allies. You will get support around mounting a campaign, planning events, and starting a GSA club on your campus. In addition, Youth Council members are responsible for giving input to GSA Network and helping to guide our programs. Youth Council members will represent the needs of GSAs and youth activists from their geographic region, as well as plan events and lead peer-to-peer workshops, leadership trainings, advocacy trainings, and activist camps.

As a member of the Youth Council, you will have monthly opportunities to
* Network with youth from throughout your region
* Get peer and staff support and feedback on your ongoing campaign, action, or event
* Give input on GSA Network's programs, policies, and curriculum development.

In addition, you may have an opportunity to
* Help plan and run a youth-led conference
* Present workshops at local conferences
* Plan and participate in GSA Network social activities, like Pride
* Apply to become a paid peer-to-peer youth trainer
* Discuss emerging trends in the LGBTQ and greater social justice movements
* Provide occasional technical assistance to other GSAs.

Requirements
* Willingness to commit to serving on Youth Council for one year
* Commitment to creating change for LGBTQ youth and fighting homophobia and transphobia in schools
* Interest in developing GSA Network and suggesting ideas to strengthen it
* Must be a student in a public or private middle or high school in California.

Southern California
For more info, email mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org or call 213-534-7162.

Central Valley
For more info, email mailto:robin@gsanetwork.org or call 559-268-2780.

Northern California
For more info, email mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

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7. Coming Soon - Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 Outreach Cards! (Statewide)

This week, your GSA should receive a mailing containing Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 outreach cards. Use these cards to tell your friends and classmates all about the only youth-led annual lobby day in Sacramento for the rights of LGBTQ youth in school.

QUEER YOUTH ADVOCACY DAY!!!

On March 26, 2007, hundreds of youth activists will come together to educate lawmakers about the need for statewide policy that will make schools safer and more supportive.

In addition to the outreach cards, we also included a copy of GSA Network's fundraising resource sheet as part of the mailing. QYAD is free to attend, and GSA Network will provide free meals and some subsidized transportation. Nonetheless, we encourage your club to start raising money NOW to help ensure that many of your members can make it to Sacramento.

WHO: LGBTQ youth & their allies
WHERE: Crest Theater & the Capitol (Sacramento)
WHEN: Monday, March 26, 2007
WHY: To network with other youth activists, learn important advocacy skills, and help make change for schools all over California

For more info, email mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

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8. Welcome to Estella, our New Administrative Assistant!

Estella was born and raised in Oakland, California. While growing up in the halls of Oakland's public school system, the foundation for her passion in social change was being laid, understanding first hand the issues of socio-economic and racial inequality. Not too long afterward, she picked up gender and sexual inequality to add to the collection. Estella attended UCLA, majoring in Sociology with a minor in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies.

She was deeply involved with the UCLA Queer Alliance, and was an active member in other progressive groups on campus such as Samahang Pilipino and the Students' Coalition for Marriage Equality. Estella hopes to work with LGBTQ youth in the future. During her free time, she enjoys developing new art projects and discovering remarkable restaurants.

The GSA Network is excited to work with Estella and we think she'll fit right in!

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Northern California
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10. Free Money for LGBT Youth! (Bay Area)

CALLING ALL BAY AREA LGBT YOUTH

-- Are you interested in making $25?

-- Do you want to help other lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and their families?

WE NEED YOUR HELP to reach parents, foster parents, guardians and caregivers!!
Contact us to find out more and how you can get involved.

Call 415-522-8537 or 1-888-354-4222 or e-mail us at mailto:fap@sfsu.edu

The Family Acceptance Project is a research and education project of the Cesar E. Chavez Institute at San Francisco State University developed in 2002 to help increase family support for LGBT young people.

http://familyproject.sfsu.edu

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Statewide
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11. COLAGE Speak Out and OUTspoken Families Trainings in San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles!

Do you want to impact change for youth and families? Become OUTSPOKEN!

Join over 650 LGBTQ parents, youth and adult children of LGBTQ people, extended family members and caring allies who have already committed to
making a commitment to speak about the need for full family equality. Parents will become a part of Family Pride's national speakers bureau for family equality, OUTSpoken Families while youth and adults with LGBT parents will join the COLAGE national network of activists, Speak OUT.

Get comfortable talking about our families: this could be to their extended family over dinner, in your schools or preschools, in your faith community, on the weekend or a town hall forum full of seniors. When we share the true experiences and lives of our families, we impact change- learn how to use public speaking, informal conversations or the media to make a difference in the lives of children, youth, adults and parents in LGBT families. We are committed to taking every opportunity possible to make our families visible and our needs understood!

Trina Olson Program & Education Manager for Family Pride and Meredith Fenton, COLAGE Program Director will lead this exciting training with specific breakouts for parents, allies and youth and adults with LGBT parents.

COME TO THE TRAINING NEAREST YOU!

Northern California Training
January 27, 2006
10 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

Co-Presented by: Our Family Coalition, Family Pride and COLAGE.
Location: SF LGBT Community Center, 1800 Market Street.
Co-sponsored by PFLAG, the LGBT Early Childhood Education Initiative and others.
Childcare provided. Please R.S.V.P. for childcare to Yensing at 415-981-1960, or email her at mailto:yensing@ourfamily.org.

San Diego Training
February 3, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.

Location: San Diego LGBT Community Center, 3909 Centre Street, San Diego, CA
Sponsored by San Diego Family Matters, COLAGE, and Family Pride. Organized by the California Family Unity Network (CalFUN).

Los Angeles Training
February 4, 2007
Time: 1:00 pm-5:00 pm

Location: the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Village at Ed Gould Plaza 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles, CA
Sponsored by the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Family Services Program, COLAGE, and Family Pride. Organized by the California Family Unity Network (CalFUN).

Scholarships
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12. Dwight Brydie Scholarship Fund

Dwight Brydie, a longstanding employee of EDD, was a committed & passionate advocate for youth, prior to his untimely death last January. Dwight understood the need to and value of reaching youth on the youth level. To honor his memory, CWA and the Youth Development Research Fund (YDRF) have established a scholarship program in his name. Two scholarships will be awarded at the upcoming CWA Youth Conference on January 17, 2007. The criteria and instructions to apply for the scholarship are indicated below. We encourage and invite applications from all eligible youth.

Scholarship Criteria
Applicants of the Dwight Brydie Scholarship Fund must be a youth currently participating in a youth employment program, between the ages of 16 and 21 and a resident of California.

Applications will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. Serious candidates are responsible youth who want to make a better life for themselves, demonstrate leadership potential and/or provide positive role models for other youth, show the ability to make good choices, and who desire to improve their skills and abilities to succeed in the workplace. Foster youth transitioning to independence and youth with disabilities will be given special consideration, although all youth will be considered.

Each individual should submit a completed application which includes:

(1) Contact information for both the applicant and the sponsor;
(2) One or two paragraphs containing a biographical/ personal sketch;
(3) A statement about their dreams, goals and/or intentions regarding future employment and how the scholarship will
assist them in these goals;
(4) A sponsor statement (a youth counselor, case worker or staff of a youth serving agency) detailing their recent participation in a local youth employment related program; and,
(5) Two recommendations from either school or community organizations.

Scholarships are up to $1,000/ person and can offset the costs for tuition, books, fees, transportation costs and other related and relevant training expenses.

Notification of the applicant and the sponsor will be made one week before the Youth Conference, and the award will be presented at the Conference on January 17th. Winning applicants are expected to attend the conference.

Applications should be submitted electronically to either Virginia Hamilton, Executive Director of CWA, at:
mailto:hamilton@tomatoweb.com or Eugene Bell, YDRF staff person, at: mailto:EBell@kingsview.org

Contact John Baker at 512-302-0436 if you have any questions regarding your application.

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13. PFLAG National Scholarships Available

2007 scholarship materials now available!!

Application materials can be downloaded by students and financial aid administrators from our website,
http://www.pflag.org/scholarships.html

While parental support of, or consent to, the submission of an application to the PFLAG National Scholarships Program is desirable, it is not a requirement of the program. Special consideration is given to students in need, and to students who are living independently of their parents. Furthermore, in many cases students that are ineligible for federal funding may apply to the Program for support.

The National Scholarships are restricted to graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who will be attending 2 or 4 year colleges for the first time in fall 2007. Other requirements are set out in the enclosed materials. Application packets should be mailed to the following address postmarked no later than February 14, 2007:

PFLAG National Scholarships Program
1726 M Street, NW, #400
Washington, DC 20036

Students awarded a scholarship by a local PFLAG scholarship program are still eligible for a national award. Consequently, there should not be any conflict of interest between the National Scholarships Program and local PFLAG scholarship programs. Students who are related to your chapter members or who have been closely involved with your chapter are welcome to apply for one of the National Scholarships.

If you have questions about the Program, please contact the scholarships administrator at (202) 467-8180 extension 219, or mailto:schools@pflag.org.

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NEWS
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14. NEWS: California Student Seeks $1.3 Million in Outing Case

by 365Gay.com
December 13, 2006

(Los Angeles, California) A former Southern California high school student who alleges her principal outed her to her family should be compensated with as much as $1.3 million her lawyer told a Santa Ana court.

Charlene Nguon is suing Santiago High School principal Ben Wolf and the Garden Grove Unified School District for violating her constitutional privacy rights and for engaging in an alleged terror campaign against her.

She is represented by the American Civil Liberties Union.

"It is a significant impact in one's life to be punished for who you are," attorney Dan Stormer told U.S. District Judge James Selna, who is hearing the case without a jury. "That stigma never goes away."

Stormer said Nguon should receive between $300,000 to $1.3 million.

School district lawyer Dennis Walsh disputed the claim that Nguon, now a community college student, had been outed. Walsh said that Nguon's mother, Crystal Chhun, was only told that her daughter was being disciplined for "kissing another girl."

Walsh said that alone did not constitute disclosing her sexuality, using as an example the much publicized Madonna - Britney Spears kiss during the MTV Video awards in 2003.

The lawsuit alleges that Nguon was singled out for discipline a number of times for displaying affection with her girlfriend, that she was outed to her parents, was forced to transfer and that her grades suffered as a result of the harassment.

In addition to Nguon, the ACLU is representing her mother and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network in the case.

Nguon was an 'A' student, ranked in the top 5 percent of her class, but when she kissed her girlfriend on campus she was disciplined and told either she or the girlfriend would have to transfer to another school.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/12/121306calStudent.htm

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15. NEWS: Bills Pose New Threats To Utah Gay Students

by 365Gay.com
December 13, 2006

(Salt Lake City, Utah) Two Republican state lawmakers who proposed bills aimed at curtailing gay-straight alliances in Utah schools in the last session only to seek them rejected say they will reintroduce the measures in the new session of the Legislature.

But Chris Buttars and Rep. Aaron Tilton said their bills will be much the same as the previous ones.

Buttars' last bill would have imposed an outright ban on GSAs. On the Senate floor he said GSAs are a recruiting tool for gays and are "tearing down the moral pillars of society." The measure died in the legislature.

A longtime opponent of LGBT civil rights he has put forward in the past a long list of bills including one last session that would have barred cities and the state government from offering domestic partner benefits.

Tilton's last bill was gutted in committee. It would have prohibited "self-labeling in terms of sexual orientation." It also would have required parental approval for students to join any club that would "expose" students to LGBT topics.

There are approximately 14 GSAs in the state.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.365gay.com/Newscon06/12/121206school.htm

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December 13, 2006

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

GSA Network Highlight
What GSAs Are Doing Half-Way Through The Year
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. Save the Date - GSA Network Leadership Training! (Orange County)
2. Save the Date! GSA Network Benefit in January! (Bay Area)
3. GSA Network is Seeking a Winter Intern! (San Francisco)
4. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!
5. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)
6. Coming Soon - Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 Outreach Cards! (Statewide)
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Central Valley
7. Stanislaus PRIDE Center Now Open! (Modesto)
Go directly to Central Valley listings

Northern California
8. DeFrank White Hot Winter Dance (San Jose)
9. Asian and Pacific Islander Queer and Questioning, 25 and Under All Together December Events! (San Francisco)
10. CUAV LGBTQ Speakers Bureau Needs You! (San Francisco)
11. YouthAware Educational Theatre Presents The Inner Circle (San Francisco)
12. Free Money for LGBT Youth! (Bay Area)
13. Generations Filmmaker Workshop (San Francisco)
Go directly to Northern California listings

Statewide
14. FREE AIDS Lifecycle DVD for GSA's!
Go directly to Statewide listings

National
15. Register for the GenderYOUTH Leadership Summit in Washington D.C.!
16. Submissions Needed for BEYOND MASCULINITY: Essays by Queer Men on Gender and Politics
Go directly to National listings

Scholarships
17. Dwight Brydie Scholarship Fund
18. PFLAG National Scholarships Available

Go directly to Scholarships listings

Jobs
19. Jobs for Youth (San Francisco)
Go directly to Jobs listings

News
20. NEWS: Harassment Sparks Legal Action
21. NEWS: Family Diversity Required in SF Schools
22. NEWS: East High's Student Journalists Show Serious Side
23. NEWS: Passion Fills O.C. Court in Trial Over Student Rights
Go directly to News listings

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

What GSAs Are Doing Half-Way Through The Year

In the state of California, there are almost 10 million young people under the age of 18. Also, California is the most racially and ethnically diverse state in the nation.

A lot of these young people have become activists.

Young people become activists because they respect themselves and other people too much to let anyone be treated like a second-class citizen. They believe in the basic worth of all human beings, including themselves. That’s why so many students, including straight allies, are coming together to fight sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination at their schools. The goals of a student activism group include winning concrete improvements in people’s lives, making students aware of their own power, and altering the relations of power. GSAs in California are leading the fight on social change and justice.

Students are motivated and working hard at their schools; here are some examples of such work:

"After an outbreak of derogatory slurs being spoken on campus at our school club fair, the Milken Community High School GSA has been mobilizing in order to plan a campus wide effort to tackle the silence of our community. Additionally, within the coming month our club will have it’s first ever officer elections. We hope to branch out in terms of leadership and also hope that we can collaborate with other clubs with similar goals of promoting tolerance." -Lisa Hurwitz, Milken Community High School in West LA

“The Bullard High School GSA celebrated the closing of Gay and Lesbian History Month with a carnival at lunch. In the weeks leading up to the carnival, the club had posted fliers displaying famous gay and lesbian history figures such as Alexander the Great and Oscar Wilde, drawing attention to the accomplishments gays and lesbians have made. Also a hot issue around the school was the morning announcements the club made specifically about Gay and Lesbian History Month. But the main focus of the month's celebrations was the Gay and Lesbian History Carnival. The BHS GSA managed to draw a large crowd around their booths by having a Queer People of Color Jeopardy game where winners could receive cool prizes or something from the Bake Sale also put on by the GSA. They took pride in knowing that they were educating people about Queer History that would never intentionally be taught about such issues, just by simply making huge rainbow posters declaring "FREE PRIZES!” -Clint, Bullard High School in Fresno, CA

“We are currently taking some time to bond between our current members with activities such as our upcoming movie night (we will be screening Get Real and But I'm a Cheerleader). We are also planning for our return after the holidays, which will begin with a Martin Luther King Jr. Remembrance Day special meeting." -Phillip Knight, El Segundo High School in El Segundo, CA

Even though the school year is half-way done, you can still plan activities and create change on your campus!

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

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1. Save the Date-GSA Network Leadership Training! (Orange County)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on January 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

So what is a GSA Network Leadership training?
Youth from various GSAs come together for a FUN, interactive, peer-to-peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. Led by other GSA leaders from California, the training will show students how to start and run a kick-ass GSA.

Topics include
* How to run a GSA meeting
* Outreach, membership building, and diversity
* Understanding gender and sexual orientation
* Understanding laws that protect LGBTQ youth in schools
* How to take action against slurs, harassment, and discrimination in your school.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.

WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, January 13, 2007, 10am-4pm
WHERE: The Center Orange County
12752 Garden Grove Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92843
COST: Free!

GSA Network values the participation of adult allies in our fight against oppression and injustice in schools, and thus welcomes GSA Advisors and other adult allies to the leadership training. That being said, we ask that they help us to maintain the youth focus of this training.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact
*Carlos Cabrera, GSA Network Southern California Program Coordinator, at 213-534-7162 or mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org
*Adrienne Santellan, Youth Program Coordinator, The Center OC, at 714-534-0862 x206

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2. Save the Date! GSA Network Benefit in January! (Bay Area)

*****SAVE THE DATE*****

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Last year, we brought you a private screening of RENT - The Movie...

This year, get ready for the WORLD PREMIERE of Legally Blonde - The Musical as it hits the stage of the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco!

Tickets will be available as a benefit for GSA Network!

More info coming soon about ticket prices, VIP tickets, and corporate sponsorship packages!

Thanks to a tiered-ticket structure, everyone from students to VIP underwriters will be able to enjoy an exclusive theatrical event together, all while helping raise much-needed funds for the only student-led organization that connects GSA clubs across California.

To learn more about Legally Blonde - The Musical visit: http://www.shnsf.com/shows/show.asp?key=18&subkey=513

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3. GSA Network is Seeking a Winter Intern! (San Francisco)

Intern call outs!

What's in it for you?
As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience working for California's most dynamic LGBTQ youth-led organization. You will gain invaluable insight about a mid-sized non-profit and GSA Network's particular organizational and organizing models. You will also learn a broad range of skills while providing program and/or administrative support.

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4. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!

Before you plan any events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register your group with GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student resource sheets, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future GSA Network or LGBT-related events. Please note that mailings will go out only to California GSAs in middle and high schools.

Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php

For more info, email Tanya Mayo at mailto:tanya@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229

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5. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)

GSA Network is accepting applications for new Youth Council members.
Go to the website and apply: http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html

Southern California
For more info, email mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org or call 213-534-7162.

Central Valley
For more info, email mailto:robin@gsanetwork.org or call 559-268-2780.

Northern California
For more info, email mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

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6. Coming Soon - Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 Outreach Cards! (Statewide)

This week, your GSA should receive a mailing containing Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 outreach cards. Use these cards to tell your friends and classmates all about the only youth-led annual lobby day in Sacramento for the rights of LGBTQ youth in school.

QUEER YOUTH ADVOCACY DAY!!!

On March 26, 2007, hundreds of youth activists will come together to educate lawmakers about the need for statewide policy that will make schools safer and more supportive.

In addition to the outreach cards, we also included a copy of GSA Network's fundraising resource sheet as part of the mailing. QYAD is free to attend, and GSA Network will provide free meals and some subsidized transportation. Nonetheless, we encourage your club to start raising money NOW to help ensure that many of your members can make it to Sacramento.

WHO: LGBTQ youth & their allies
WHERE: Crest Theater & the Capitol (Sacramento)
WHEN: Monday, March 26, 2007
WHY: To network with other youth activists, learn important advocacy skills, and help make change for schools all over California

For more info, email mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

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Central Valley
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7. Stanislaus PRIDE Center Now Open! (Modesto)

The Stanislaus PRIDE Center, Modesto's first GLBT community center, is open!

Come see our new facility at 823 15th Street in downtown Modesto, across from the Stanislaus County Library.

Drop in during our hours of 3- 7 pm, Wednesday through Saturday, and browse through our extensive library and chat with our volunteer staff!

Meeting space is available for allied groups. Please contact the SPC at 567-3121 and leave a voicemail if you are interested.

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Northern California
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8. DeFrank White Hot Winter Dance (San Jose)

Join us for dancing, food, hot cocoa and cider under sparkling snowflakes. Meet new people, hang out with your friends, and even send a candy cane gram to someone you don't yet know. We have great prizes so be ready for a fabulous fashion show and dance off. See you there!

This event is exclusively for youth ages 13-20. Semi-formal attire is optional.

All coats, bags and purses must be checked at the door, and a school or California state ID is required to enter. No in and out privileges.

This is a drug, alcohol and smoke free event.

Contact Cassie with questions or to get involved:
(408) 293-3040 x111 or mailto:cassieb@defrank.org

WHEN: Friday, December 15
TIME: 7:00 p.m. ˆ Midnight
WHERE: Billy DeFrank Center
Grand Ballroom
938 The Alameda, San Jose
http://defrank.org/about/directions.html
COST: $5 Admission

Donate food to Second Harvest and receive $1 off for each item (up to 3 nonperishable food items)

PRESENTED BY:
Billy DeFrank
Youth Programs
http://defrank.org/services/youth/index.html

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9. Asian and Pacific Islander Queer and Questioning, 25 and Under All Together December Events! (San Francisco)

Museum Visit
On Thursday, Dec. 14, we'll be visiting the Asian Art Museum to check out the "Pioneers of Philippine Art" exhibit. This exhibit consists of three major artists' work imported from the Philippines and will only be here until January! If you can't join us I strongly encourage you all to check it out before it leaves.

We'll be meeting in front of the Asian Art Museum at 5, and head out to see the exhibit around 5:15. RSVP preferred so that we can know to look out for you before we head in, but if you can't then feel free to give us a call on our mobile at 415.573.9230.

If you can't make it to the museum, afterwards we'll head out to the APIWC office to partake in the agency volunteer party! There'll be food, entertainment and maybe even a magic mic!

Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin St.
SF,CA

AQU25A Holiday Party
On Thursday, Dec. 28 we'll be having a get together at the APIWC office. Come by for food, games, karaoke and a White Elephant gift exchange!

We'll be providing some wrapped gifts for everyone to play in this traditional wholesome game of giving and stealing.

Crib Time
As always, come by and visit us at the Crib! We'll be there Dec. 21.

Hope to see you all soon!

For more information on any of these events, please contact:
Lance Dwyer
AQU25A Health Educator
Asian and Pacific-Islander Wellness Center
730 Polk St.
San Francisco, CA
mailto:LDwyer@apiwellness.org
415.292.3420 ext.315

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10. CUAV LGBTQ Speakers Bureau Needs You! (San Francisco)

Community United Against Violence (CUAV) is currently accepting applications for our LGBTQ Speakers Bureau Training

2007 Training Dates-
SAT/SUN January 20th & 21st 10 am- 6 pm

CUAV speakers go into schools and community groups to speak out on queer issues--you can, too.

To register call (415) 777-5500 ext 303 or email mailto:connie@cuav.org

This is training fun, informative and free! Meet cool people, have fun and make a difference. Help stamp out homophobia, transphobia, and all oppressions!!!

Community United Against Violence
170 A Capp Street, San Francisco CA 94110

Queer youth, folks of color, transgender folks, women, and interns strongly encouraged to apply. Stipends offered for bilingual speakers.

Join our LGBTQ Speakers Bureau!

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11. YouthAware Educational Theatre Presents The Inner Circle (San Francisco)

YouthAware Educational Theatre at the New Conservatory Theatre Center Proudly Presents …

HIV Prevention & AIDS Education
Drama for 7th - 12th Graders
The Inner Circle
By Patricia Loughrey
Directed by Sara Staley

Touring Northern California for Three Weeks ONLY!
February 13th - March 1st 2007

The Inner Circle by Patricia Loughry tells the story of Mark, Danny, Kat and their friend Sarah who contracts and is forced to learn to live with the HIV virus. This compelling drama for teens not only educates about HIV & AIDS prevention, it also gives students a better understanding of how their choices can have life-changing consequences. Now 20 plus years into the AIDS epidemic, education of this nature is still vital. The Inner Circle explores the use and side effects of new HIV drugs, but stresses the fact that there still is no know cure for the disease. Each performance includes a discussion and Q&A with the cast, and handouts are provided for teachers for use in the classroom. This program gives young people the information they need in this complicated day and age to lead safer, healthier lives. The Inner Circle is a production of the award-winning New Conservatory Theatre Center's YouthAware Educational Theatre program based in San Francisco. Updated yearly, The Inner Circle has been presented to Northern California Middle and High School students since 1986 to fulfill health program curriculum for HIV education.

- YouthAware Educational Theatre programs may be performed in any theatre, gymnasium, cafeteria or other multi-purpose room. We travel with our own set and sound equipment, and do not require any special lighting.
- We prefer to see between 100 and 300 students per performance, and we can present a YouthAware program up to two times a day at your school or community site. The program runs about 70 minutes including the Q&A.

For more information, for a preview copy of the script, or to book a tour date, call (415) 694-6149 or email mailto:sara@nctcsf.org.

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12. Free Money for LGBT Youth! (Bay Area)

CALLING ALL BAY AREA LGBT YOUTH

-- Are you interested in making $25?

-- Do you want to help other lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and their families?

WE NEED YOUR HELP to reach parents, foster parents, guardians and caregivers!!
Contact us to find out more and how you can get involved.

Call 415-522-8537 or 1-888-354-4222 or e-mail us at mailto:fap@sfsu.edu

The Family Acceptance Project is a research and education project of the Cesar E. Chavez Institute at San Francisco State University developed in 2002 to help increase family support for LGBT young people.

http://familyproject.sfsu.edu

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13. Generations Filmmaker Workshop (San Francisco)

Frameline, presenter of THE SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL LGBT FILM FESTIVAL, and Teaching Intermedia Literacy Tools (TILT), have a fantastic upcoming opportunity for LGBT youth.

Entering its third year, the Generations Filmmaker Workshop is a FREE seven-week project, where LGBT youth, aged 15-20, work with experienced filmmakers as a group to write, script, cast, storyboard, shoot, and edit a short movie that will screen in the 31st San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival June 14-24, 2007. Youth also receive a small stipend and passes to the festival for their participation.

What is it?
A FREE seven-week project working with other Bay Area youth and experienced filmmakers as a group to write, script, cast, storyboard, shoot, and edit a short movie that will screen in the 31st San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival June 14-24, 2007. Through hands-on exercises, you will learn how to make a movie from beginning to end – from using a digital video camera to directing actors to editing your footage. You will also get a stipend for your full participation. It doesn’t get better than this!

Who is it for?
Twelve Bay Area youth ages 15-20 who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning or queer. No prior video experience is necessary to participate. Young women and people of color are encouraged to apply.

When is it?
Workshops run January 20-March 10, 2007. Class is held on five consecutive Saturdays from 1-4 pm and on five, full weekend days from 10am - 6pm. There will be additional times required for editing and homework outside of class. You must be able to attend all classes to participate.

Saturday class dates: 1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17
Full Weekend class dates: 2/23, 2/24, 3/3, 3/4, 3/10

Where is it?
Workshops will take place at Film Arts Foundation. 145 Ninth Street #101, San Francisco, CA 94103. (between Mission & Howard Sts.) Near bus lines: 14 Mission, 26 Valencia, 19 Polk, 21 Hayes, F Market. BART: Civic Center

What else do I get?
You will receive a stipend and a DVD copy of your movie for your full participation in the project. You will also receive a guest filmmaker pass to attend all screenings and events at the 31st San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival June 14-24, 2007. You will also be eligible to apply for an advanced workshop offered in Fall 2007 to make your own individual short movie with the help of a professional filmmaker/mentor, in collaboration with LGBT elders who have already completed their own group project.

How can I apply?
Email Jennifer for the application and submit by mail, email or in person Monday, January 8, 2007. We will notify you by January 12, 2007.

By mail or drop off in person:
Frameline
145 Ninth Street #300
San Francisco, CA 94103
By email: mailto:Jennifer@frameline.org

Questions?
Contact Jennifer Morris, Frameline Festival Co-Director.
415-703-8650 x310

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Statewide
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14. FREE AIDS Lifecycle DVD for GSA's!

The AIDS Lifecycle (ALC) is a fundraiser bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles every June (http://www.aidslifecycle.org). Last year more than 1800 riders met the challenge, and raised in excess of $8 million to fight AIDS.

ALC has produced two inspirational videos about the ride--one 18 and another 46 minutes long--both contained on one DVD which they will gladly send to any GSA. The videos are fun, funny, inspiring, informational, thought-provoking…perfect for a GSA lunchtime or after-school meeting. (Who knows? Maybe your GSA could one day end up sponsoring one of its members on the Ride!)

For your GSA's free DVD, contact ALC's Dave Ellison: mailto:dellison@aidslifecycle.org or (415) 581-7087.

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National
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15. Register for the GenderYOUTH Leadership Summit in Washington D.C.!

Mark your calendars, GenderYOUTH activists and supporters! Bridge the Gap: Gender Rights / Human Rights, the 2007 GenderYOUTH Leadership Summit is fast approaching. The Summit is an action-oriented, three-day educational gathering of youth and students working to get gender recognized as a fundamental right.

We will be featuring a Gender Theory Institute where you can actively engage your favorite theorists and activists in discussions about gender stereotypes. Panels will address gender and race in hip-hop, the emerging US human rights movements, and the love - hate relationship between American feminism and queer theory.

Attendees can preview ground-breaking new documentaries from Academy Award-winner Debra Chasnoff and Byron Hurt, director of Beyond Beats and Rhymes!

Register for the 2007 GenderYOUTH Leadership Summit and connect with other youth to share ideas, pool resources, and take action!

Please visit this website to register: http://www.gpac.org/youth/summit/summitregister.html

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16. Submissions Needed for BEYOND MASCULINITY: Essays by Queer Men on Gender and Politics

Gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer men's gender identities often exist somewhere outside the traditional categories of "masculine" and "feminine." Sissies, drag queens, and leather daddies alike play with gender in a way that cannot be accounted for in traditional understandings of maleness. This collection -- part blog, part anthology, part audiobook -- aims to shatter traditional understandings of maleness and point towards a new understanding of how queerness and gender intersect.

***DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS MARCH 31, 2007***

BEYOND MASCULINITY is looking for contributions in four areas. Contributors should not feel bound by these categories - they should rather be seen as potential prompts:

I. Intersections of Identity: How do race, ability, class, and other kinds of identities and experiences intersect with gender and queerness -- and how do these intersections complicate our relationship to traditional understandings of "maleness?"

II. Feminism / Gender / Politics: How can feminism inform our understanding of queer male gender? Can queer men be feminists? How can we use our queerness as a political tool? What does male privilege look like for queer men?

III. Bodies, Desire, and Pleasure: What kinds of male bodies are desired? Fetishized? Where does sexual desire intersect with queer gender and how are these politics mapped out on our bodies?

IV. Queer Male Communities: How are our identities produced through our communities? How do the gender norms and politics of gay/bi/trans/queer male communities both liberate and constrain us?

We're looking for queer male writers to step up and contribute their thoughts to this online project. We're looking for personal / political essays. No academic papers, fiction, or poetry will be accepted. ***This is not your typical bookstore anthology.*** It will be only available online - and it will be completely free of charge to the public. With its unique implementation of media, this anthology aims to change the way queer non-fiction is done.

About the Editor: Trevor Hoppe is a Masters of Arts Student in Human Sexuality Studies at San Francisco State University. He has a long history of LGBTQ campus organizing as an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he helped found the GLBT-Straight Alliance. While at UNC, he also helped found the Southeastern Unity Conference, which was focused on investigating the intersections of queerness with other kinds of identities. His essays and editorials have been published in several publications, including The Advocate, Boston's Bay Windows, San Francisco's Bay Area Reporter, The East Bay Alternative, and American Sexuality Magazine.

For more information on the project or to submit your work, please see our website: http://www.beyondmasculinity.com

Questions? Contact Editor Trevor Hoppe at mailto:editor@beyondmasculinity.com.

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Scholarships
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17. Dwight Brydie Scholarship Fund

Dwight Brydie, a longstanding employee of EDD, was a committed & passionate advocate for youth, prior to his untimely death last January. Dwight understood the need to and value of reaching youth on the youth level. To honor his memory, CWA and the Youth Development Research Fund (YDRF) have established a scholarship program in his name. Two
scholarships will be awarded at the upcoming CWA Youth Conference on January 17, 2007. The criteria and instructions to
apply for the scholarship are indicated below. We encourage and invite applications from all eligible youth.

Scholarship Criteria
Applicants of the Dwight Brydie Scholarship Fund must be a youth currently participating in a youth employment program, between the ages of 16 and 21 and a resident of California.

Applications will be reviewed by the Scholarship Committee. Serious candidates are responsible youth who want to make a
better life for themselves, demonstrate leadership potential and/or provide positive role models for other youth, show the ability to make good choices, and who desire to improve their skills and abilities to succeed in the workplace. Foster youth transitioning to independence and youth with disabilities will be given special consideration, although all youth will be considered.

Each individual should submit a completed application which includes:

(1) Contact information for both the applicant and the sponsor;
(2) One or two paragraphs containing a biographical/ personal sketch;
(3) A statement about their dreams, goals and/or intentions regarding future employment and how the scholarship will
assist them in these goals;
(4) A sponsor statement (a youth counselor, case worker or staff of a youth serving agency) detailing their recent participation in a local youth employment related program; and,
(5) Two recommendations from either school or community organizations.

Scholarships are up to $1,000/ person and can offset the costs for tuition, books, fees, transportation costs and other
related and relevant training expenses.

Notification of the applicant and the sponsor will be made one week before the Youth Conference, and the award will be
presented at the Conference on January 17th. Winning applicants are expected to attend the conference.

Applications should be submitted electronically to either Virginia Hamilton, Executive Director of CWA, at:
mailto:hamilton@tomatoweb.com or Eugene Bell, YDRF staff person, at: mailto:EBell@kingsview.org

Contact John Baker at 512-302-0436 if you have any questions regarding your application.

Applications must be submitted by or before January 5, 2007.

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18. PFLAG National Scholarships Available!

2007 scholarship materials now available!!

Application materials can be downloaded by students and financial aid administrators from our website,
http://www.pflag.org/scholarships.html

While parental support of, or consent to, the submission of an application to the PFLAG National Scholarships Program is desirable, it is not a requirement of the program. Special consideration is given to students in need, and to students who are living independently of their parents. Furthermore, in many cases students that are ineligible for federal funding may apply to the Program for support.

The National Scholarships are restricted to graduating high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 who will be attending 2 or 4 year colleges for the first time in fall 2007. Other requirements are set out in the enclosed materials. Application packets
should be mailed to the following address postmarked no later than February 14, 2007:

PFLAG National Scholarships Program
1726 M Street, NW, #400
Washington, DC 20036

Students awarded a scholarship by a local PFLAG scholarship program are still eligible for a national award. Consequently, there should not be any conflict of interest between the National Scholarships Program and local PFLAG scholarship programs. Students who are related to your chapter members or who have been closely involved with your chapter are welcome to apply for one of the National Scholarships.

If you have questions about the Program, please contact the scholarships administrator at (202) 467-8180 extension 219, or mailto:schools@pflag.org.

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Jobs
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19. Jobs for Youth (San Francisco)

There are lots of jobs for youth available this holiday season!

For more information please- CALL 861-JOBS or contact Yuri at mailto:ydew@uwba.org

Questions? Contact:
Yuri C. Dew
Director
Jobs for Youth
221 Main Street, Suite 300
San Francisco, CA 94105
d: 415.808.4313
f: 415.817.4633
c: 213.952.6270

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NEWS
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20. NEWS: Harassment Sparks Legal Action

By Jeff Hudson
Davis-Enterprise
December 5, 2006

The family of a Harper Junior High School student who was harassed by other students because his father is gay is pursuing legal action against the Davis Joint Unified School District. Among the demands is a $100,000 payment for damages.

The case - centering on eighth-grade student Zachary Fischer, 13, - was the topic of three hours of comment and discussion at a Davis school board meeting on Nov. 16. At that meeting, Zachary Fischer and his father Guy said Zachary had been harassed by other students for more than a year, and severely criticized the school district's handling of the case.

Attorney Bruce Nickerson, who represents the elder Fischer and his partner, Richard Carrillo, also spoke, asserting that "laws have been violated."

On Nov. 20, Nickerson sent a follow-up letter to the school district, "in keeping with my promise to write you first, before filing a lawsuit."

In his eight-page letter, Nickerson gave an account of several incidents of harassment, and reasserted that the school district had mishandled the aftermath. The attorney wrapped up his letter with four points, demanding that the Davis school district:

- Immediately provide Zachary with home tutoring;

- Institute a policy of mandatory suspension of all students who make homophobic comments "until the entire school is rid of homophobic comments";

- Appoint a nondistrict neutral third party, other than Harper Principal David Inns, "to monitor and instate a zero-tolerance program in regards to homophobia"; and

- "Pay my client the sum of $100,000 damages for the past and ongoing failure to follow California law."

Nickerson concluded that "As Zachary is still not in school, the damages are accumulating," and said that if he did not receive a response, "I will surely file suit in U.S. District Court. I assure you my demand there will be much higher."

Guy Fischer pulled his son out of Harper Junior High on Oct. 31, alleging fresh incidents of harassment at school, including alleged bullying by one of the same students involved in an earlier incident - an allegation that student reportedly denied. Fischer said his son no longer felt safe at Harper. Zachary Fischer has not been in class since.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.davisenterprise.com/articles/2006/12/05/news/026new1.txt

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21. NEWS: Family Diversity Required in SF Schools

12/07/2006
by Heather Cassell
Bay Area Reporter

Families that don't fit into the June and Ward Cleaver mold soon will begin to hear their children mention reflections of their friends and their families in classrooms now that family diversity curriculum will be required in San Francisco public schools.

"We don't believe that just teaching curriculum as a separate curriculum is effective," said outgoing Board of Education Commissioner Dan Kelly who co-authored updating the 1992 diversity curriculum with Commissioner Mark Sanchez.

"We believe it's something that has to be implemented into the curriculum throughout the school in every class. Part of doing family diversity curriculum includes lessons a math teacher can incorporate in his class or her class."

"San Francisco is not as part of the mainstream and it shows our commitment," said Sanchez about the resolution, which the board adopted earlier this year.

"The fact is that we had this in 1992 and the state has yet do anything [to] render positive images of the LGBT community to students at the state level," he said referring to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's veto in September of state Senator Sheila Kuehl's (D-Santa Monica) SB1437, that would have added sexual orientation to the already existing list of characteristics that may not be negatively portrayed in educational materials, joining race, religion, and gender. Originally, Kuehl's bill would have required social science instruction to include the contributions in early California of various racial and ethnic populations as well as LGBT individuals.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=1378

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22. NEWS: East High's Student Journalists Show Serious Side

BY SHELLIE BRANCO
Bakersfield Californian
Dec 10 2006

Like other papers, East Bakersfield High School's monthly publication has a serious side. Dead serious -- and that's what makes it stand out.

Newspaper staff members fought East High Principal John Gibson and the Kern High School District last year to publish stories on the lives of homosexual students at the school.

The writers and gay teens featured in the stories sued with help from the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. A Kern County Superior Court judge approved the parties' settlement on Nov. 16.

The five stories were slated to run in April 2005. Gibson pulled the stories, citing concerns that hostile teens would harm the students featured in the articles. The school relented and the stories ran that November.

Last month the newspaper won the Pacemaker award, a top honor for student newspapers across the nation. It recognized The Kernal's work over the 2005-06 school year, including the controversial stories.

The journalism students spent Friday morning's first period stuffing formal wear advertising inserts into the December issue, which hit campus that day.

The newspaper students involved in the suit have graduated. Nina Krauter, sister of plaintiff Maria Krauter, is this year's editor of the Focus section, which featured the controversial stories.

Nina said her sister's fight proved how strong she was. Maria, a former editor, maintained a good relationship with the administration, she added. "She (had) a lot of late nights with a lot of big decisions for her, but it really made her into a strong person and that has hopefully rubbed off on me a little bit," Nina said.

Nina, who was a reporter during the controversy, edited and wrote two of the December issue's five Focus stories on the school's program for the mentally and physically challenged.

"I really want to do more Focuses that give voices to students who don't get to speak for themselves," she said.

The staff was also proud of the December issue's look at the district's boundary proposals, which, they wrote, would move middle-class students from the school and increase the school's poverty level.

To read the full article, visit:
http://www.bakersfield.com/102/story/88746.html

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23. NEWS: Passion Fills O.C. Court in Trial Over Student Rights

Closing arguments are made in a suit over an O.C. principal's actions against two girls who went steady. The one suing says she was outed.

By Kelly-Anne Suarez
LA Times Staff Writer
December 13, 2006

Two high schoolers are caught kissing on campus.

Ordinarily, such an incident would garner little attention. But for Charlene Nguon, a smattering of kisses and hugs stolen after school and in between classes led to detention, suspensions, a transfer and a lawsuit.

The reason? That's what a federal judge in Santa Ana will soon decide.

Nguon says it's because she was kissing a girl. Ben Wolf, who was then principal of Garden Grove's Santiago High School, says that's not the case at all. He insists the problem was that, regardless of whether it was a girl or boy, Nguon continued the kissing despite repeated warnings to knock it off.

For two weeks, a stream of recent high school grads and administrators have filed into U.S. District Judge James V. Selna's courtroom. Students told of couples making out around the clock, but their elders said "the children" minded their manners and their superiors. At times, the testimony seemed straight out of sixth period: a football player and cheerleader spied kissing in the quad; Nguon's salacious blog entry denouncing a classmate for an "annoying" voice and crybaby ways; a messy breakup, documented in an expletive-laden instant message chat.

The teenage dramas were unfurled as hard evidence.

In her civil rights suit, Nguon is seeking $300,000 to $1.3 million in damages from Wolf and several Garden Grove Unified School District officials. She alleges that their actions caused her nearly straight-A grades to plummet and drove her into a depression so deep she began cutting herself and contemplated suicide.

The suit also seeks district policy changes that would prohibit administrators from revealing a student's sexual orientation or selectively enforcing discipline on that basis. Nguon also wants all disciplinary measures expunged from her academic record.

Both sides wrapped up their closing arguments Tuesday. Attorneys have a week to file any motions, and Selna will make his ruling sometime after that.

Dan Stormer, one of Nguon's attorneys, said in an interview that discrimination against gay students in schools was "rampant" nationwide. He said few cases had gone to court because it's difficult to prove.

Both sides in the case agree that the problems began one day after school in December 2004, during Nguon's junior year, when Wolf called her into his office after someone spotted her kissing her then-girlfriend, Trang Nguyen. A parent had previously seen the couple kissing and complained, Wolf testified. Throughout the following months, the principal and others repeatedly disciplined the girls for public displays of affection.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gay13dec13,0,7436479.story?coll=la-home-headlines

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December 6, 2006

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

GSA Network Highlight
Students Educate Their Campuses on Transgender Day of Remembrance
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. This Weekend - GSA Network Leadership Training! (Oakland)
2. Save the Date! GSA Network Benefit in January! (Bay Area)
3. GSA Network is Seeking a Winter Intern! (San Francisco)
4. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!
5. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)
6. GSA Network Advocacy Committee Wants You More! (Statewide)
7. Save the Date! Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007! (Sacramento)
8. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs! (Statewide)
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Southern California
9. Free Movie Screening at Crossroads High School! (Santa Monica)
Go directly to Southern California listings

Northern California
10. Free Money for LGBT Youth! (Bay Area)
11. Input Needed from LGBT Families with Children, Caregivers, and Prospective Parents (San Francisco)
12. Join the COLAGE Speak OUT Program (San Francisco)
13. Come Intern at COLAGE! (San Francisco)
Go directly to Northern California listings

News
14. NEWS: La Costa Canyon Students Raise Awareness
15. NEWS: Supporting Boys or Girls When the Line Isn't Clear
Go directly to News listings

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

Students Educate Their Campuses on Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance was held on November 20, 2006. According to the Remembering Our Dead website (http://www.rememberingourdead.org), this day commemorates all those who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. Initially started in 1998 as a memorial for the slain Rita Hester, many activists and organizers have used this day to commemorate victims (and survivors) of gender-based brutality.

Many students held candlelight vigils or mock memorial services in honor of those who were murdered. Students also use this day as a concrete reminder of the need for transgender inclusivity within their GSAs, as well as the need to fight for transgender rights on their campuses.

Norris Mei, a student from San Leandro High School, ordered 250 Gender Subversion Poster Kits (http://www.crimethinc.com/a/gender) and passed them out to teachers on her campus. Following the distribution of the posters, the San Leandro GSA used their weekly meeting for discussion regarding the questions that came on the back of the posters. Norris stated, "It made me so happy to know that I've helped people to reach a deeper level of knowledge. With the gender topic especially, our members enjoyed listening and sharing their experiences and opinions. There's a lot of talk of sexism in the world, but genderism is at the core of the problem."

In other parts of California, students used Transgender Day of Remembrance as a way to educate their GSAs regarding specific transgender issues and identities. Michelle Kim, from Rancho Bernardo High School, invited a guest speaker from the San Diego LGBT Center to come talk with her GSA about being an FTM, (a Female to Male Transgender individual). Michelle said, "He shared a lot of useful information regarding his own story of becoming transgender, defined some trans related terms (transgender, transvestite, transsexual, etc.) and the actual procedure of becoming transgender."

Although there are different ways to educate one's GSA or school staff, some students took an individual approach to commemorating Transgender Day of Remembrance. Kei Lopez, a student at Culver City High School, notes, "On that Monday, I had a little remembrance writing on my arms in red ink to symbolize the hate;" ze talked about the day in hir multicultural literature class. Kei has also recently been an integral part in campaigning for a gender-neutral bathroom at hir school.

Originally, the Transgender Day of Remembrance was a day of mourning and commemoration of those who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred. Currently, students across California are also using this day as a way to educate their GSAs and their schools about transgender violence, inclusivity, and identities.

Kei sums it up best when ze states, "I created awareness in my teachers and my peers, so I'm glad I made some kind of difference."

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

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1. This Weekend - GSA Network Leadership Training! (Oakland)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on December 9 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

So what is a GSA Network Leadership training?
Youth from various GSAs come together for a FUN, interactive, peer-to-peer training that provides students with the skills to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools. Led by other GSA leaders from around Northern California, the training will show students how to start and run a kick-ass GSA.

Topics include
* How to run a GSA meeting
* Outreach, membership building, and diversity
* Understanding gender and sexual orientation
* Understanding laws that protect LGBTQ youth in schools
* How to take action against slurs, harassment, and discrimination in your school.

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.

WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, December 9, 2006, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Oakland Public Library
125 14th Street
Oakland, CA 94612
COST: Free!

GSA Network values the participation of adult allies in our fight against oppression and injustice in schools, and thus welcomes GSA Advisors and other adult allies to the leadership training. That being said, we ask that they help us to maintain the youth focus of this training.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact
*Marco Castro-Bojorquez, GSA Network Northern California Program Coordinator, at 415-552-4229 or mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org
*Jessi Snow, Teen Outreach Librarian, Oakland Public Library, at 510-238-7233 or mailto:jsnow@oaklandlibrary.org

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2. Save the Date! GSA Network Benefit in January! (Bay Area)

*****SAVE THE DATE*****

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Last year, we brought you a private screening of RENT - The Movie...

This year, get ready for the WORLD PREMIERE of Legally Blonde - The Musical as it hits the stage of the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco!

Tickets will be available as a benefit for GSA Network!

More info coming soon about ticket prices, VIP tickets, and corporate sponsorship packages!

Thanks to a tiered-ticket structure, everyone from students to VIP underwriters will be able to enjoy an exclusive theatrical event together, all while helping raise much-needed funds for the only student-led organization that connects GSA clubs across California.

To learn more about Legally Blonde - The Musical visit: http://www.shnsf.com/shows/show.asp?key=18&subkey=513

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3. GSA Network is Seeking a Winter Intern! (San Francisco)

Intern call out!

What's in it for you?
As an intern, you will gain hands-on experience working for California's most dynamic LGBTQ youth-led organization. You will gain invaluable insight about a mid-sized non-profit and GSA Network's particular organizational and organizing models. You will also learn a broad range of skills while providing program and/or administrative support.

Interns also have the option to participate in staff meetings, thus ensuring that their voices will be heard and that their opinions are valued. Each intern will have a supervisor who will be responsible for providing support, an evaluation, and a letter of recommendation upon the conclusion of the internship.

For more info, email Tanya Mayo at mailto:tanya@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229

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5. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)

GSA Network is accepting applications for new Youth Council members.
Go to the website and apply: http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html

The GSA Network Youth Council is a diverse group of youth leaders from GSAs all over California. As a member of the Youth Council, you will learn skills to become a stronger activist and work toward creating a safer climate at your school for LGBTQ youth and straight allies. You will get support around mounting a campaign, planning events, and starting a GSA club on your campus. In addition, Youth Council members are responsible for giving input to GSA Network and helping to guide our programs. Youth Council members will represent the needs of GSAs and youth activists from their geographic region, as well as plan events and lead peer-to-peer workshops, leadership trainings, advocacy trainings, and activist camps.

As a member of the Youth Council, you will have monthly opportunities to
* Network with youth from throughout your region
* Get peer and staff support and feedback on your ongoing campaign, action, or event
* Give input on GSA Network's programs, policies, and curriculum development.

In addition, you may have an opportunity to
* Help plan and run a youth-led conference
* Present workshops at local conferences
* Plan and participate in GSA Network social activities, like Pride
* Apply to become a paid peer-to-peer youth trainer
* Discuss emerging trends in the LGBTQ and greater social justice movement
* Provide occasional technical assistance to other GSAs.

Requirements
* Willingness to commit to serving on Youth Council for one year
* Commitment to creating change for LGBTQ youth and fighting homophobia and transphobia in schools
* Interest in developing GSA Network and suggesting ideas to strengthen it
* Must be a student in a public or private middle or high school in California.

Southern California
For more info, email mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org or call 213-534-7162.

Central Valley
For more info, email mailto:robin@gsanetwork.org or call 559-268-2780.

Northern California
For more info, email mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

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6. GSA Network Advocacy Committee Wants You More! (Statewide)

As a member of the Advocacy Committee, you will learn skills to become a stronger advocate to create statewide change and safer, more supportive schools for all students. Members are also responsible for providing input towards the planning of Queer Youth Advocacy Day (QYAD). QYAD is an annual, all-youth lobbying day held at the Capitol in Sacramento that brings hundreds of youth together to speak to lawmakers about the needs of LGBTQ students. In addition, members are responsible for giving input that will guide GSA Network's advocacy program and for providing feedback and recommendations on legislation being considered by GSA Network for future support, endorsement, or other kinds of action.

The Advocacy Committee generally meets once per month with GSA Network's Advocacy Coordinator via a toll-free telephone conference line.

As a member of the Advocacy Committee, you will have monthly opportunities to
* Network with youth from throughout California
* Get peer and staff support and feedback on your GSA's advocacy efforts
* Give input on GSA Network's statewide advocacy program
* Learn about and discuss legislation and policies affecting LGBTQ youth in schools
* Help plan Queer Youth Advocacy Day and recruit youth in your area to participate.

In addition, you may have an opportunity to
* Become an Advocacy Day Leader and train youth in your assigned district in advocacy skills
* Lead lobbying visits to lawmakers' offices
* Lobby lawmakers during visits to their district offices in your area
* Become a youth media spokesperson on advocacy issues for GSA Network.

Requirements
* Willingness to commit to serving on the Advocacy Committee for one year
* Commitment to creating statewide and local change for LGBTQ youth and to fighting homophobia and transphobia in schools all over California, specifically with a focus on legislative advocacy and policy change
* Interest in developing and suggesting ideas on how to strengthen the GSA Network's advocacy program
* Must be a student in a public or private middle school or high school in California.

For more info or to apply, email mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

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7. Save the Date! Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007! (Sacramento)

Mark your calendars for March 26, the date of Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007!

Queer Youth Advocacy Day (QYAD) is a youth-led lobby day at the Capitol in Sacramento where hundreds of youth activists come together and educate lawmakers about the need for statewide policy that will make schools safer and more supportive for LGBTQ youth.

QYAD 2006 was huge success that brought 500 people to the Capitol, showed California legislators the power of youth activism, and opened a lot of people's eyes to the kind of harassment and discrimination still faced by many students. Now, it's time to go back to the Capitol and show them that we're still fighting for safer schools!

WHO: LGBTQ youth & their allies
WHERE: Crest Theater & the Capitol (Sacramento)
WHEN: Monday, March 26, 2007
WHY: To network with other youth activists, learn important advocacy skills, and help make change for schools all over California

Informational packets with additional details will be mailed out later this fall to all GSAs registered with GSA Network. Keep an eye on your mailboxes!

For more info, email mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

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8. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs! (Statewide)

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!

Five poster designs (and two new ones expected by the end of the year) are available for GSAs, organizations, and individuals who are building a presence of youth voices for justice, peace, and youth empowerment while fighting against hatred, harassment, and discrimination of all kinds. Every GSA in California can receive 30 FREE posters to use at their school (each poster after 30 costs $1). From community organizations and individuals, we request a donation of $5 each for 1-10 posters and $4 each for 11-30 posters. Large quantity discounts are available.

You can view the designs and order posters on the Liberation Ink website: http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone/liberation
Please note that we are currently out of POSTER #6.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO USE LIBERATION INK TO MAKE CHANGE AT YOUR SCHOOL:

* Attach information about your GSA to the posters to advertise and recruit members
* Encourage teachers to hang the posters in their classrooms
* Have GSA members lead discussions and activities related to the posters
* Use the posters as part of an anti-slur campaign
* Put the posters up in the courtyard with easels and/or use them while you're tabling
* Get the posters printed in your school or community newspaper with an article or announcement about your GSA
* Create an agreement for teachers to sign, and give them posters to symbolize their support
* Display the whole Liberation Ink series in one place, or fill a whole wall with posters in a grid
* Use the posters in conjunction with GLSEN'S Day of Silence (April), Transgender Day of Remembrance (November), LGBT History Month (October), LGBT Pride Month (June), National Coming Out Day (October 11), and/or Diversity Day or Week at your school.

Liberation Ink is a collaborative project of GSA Network, LYRIC, and Mission Grafica at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco. It is supported by Youth Initiatives Program of the Open Society Institute, San Francisco Arts Commission, and Walter and Elise Haas Fund.

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++++++++++++++++ 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.

Southern California
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9. Free Movie Screening at Crossroads High School! (Santa Monica)

As part of the queer film series at Crossroads, sponsored by FLAG (our gay/straight alliance), we will be having our next movie screening of the year on Thursday, Dec. 14th , from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. We invite you to join us for a great event, and our last movie of 2006!

We'll be screening the wonderful movie, The Incredibly True Adventures of 2 Girls in Love. (See description below). We'll also be screening a great short gay boy film (not a short boy, a short film. . .well, you get the idea). More info on the boy short to come.

All students and faculty from Gay/Straight alliances and their friends are welcome. It's a great way to meet new friends, or see old ones. We had students from many different GSA's at our last film and good times were had by all!

The movie is FREE and free pizza and drinks will be provided! But please reply and let us know if you might come, so we have an idea of how much pizza to get. Please email us at mailto:flag2@xrds.org

The Incredibly True Adventures of 2 Girls in Love
DIR: Maria Maggenti, USA, 1995

The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love is a touching and comic story of first love between two girls in their senior year of high school. Randy Dean, a rebellious tomboy who lives with her lesbian aunt and her aunt's lover in a working class neighborhood, falls in love with Evie Roy, who is smart and beautiful and one of the most popular girls at their high school.

This movie is one of the most well-loved coming out films ever made. It also was a huge audience favorite last time we showed it at a FLAG screening many years ago, so come and enjoy the fun!

Directions:
Crossroads is at 1714 21st St. in Santa Monica, at the corner of 21st St. and Olympic Blvd.
The screening room we're meeting in is on the 2nd floor of the Arts Building.
-When you turn onto 21st from Olympic, take an immediate right onto a driveway-looking street and find a place to park.
-You'll see our "quad" which looks like a parking lot or an alley, and which we call (of course) the alley. Walk to the end of the alley to the tall building on the left, enter and climb the stairs to the 2nd floor. You will see people.

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Northern California
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10. Free Money for LGBT Youth! (Bay Area)

CALLING ALL BAY AREA LGBT YOUTH

-- Are you interested in making $25?

-- Do you want to help other lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth and their families?

WE NEED YOUR HELP to reach parents, foster parents, guardians and caregivers!!
Contact us to find out more and how you can get involved.

Call 415-522-8537 or 1-888-354-4222 or e-mail us at mailto:fap@sfsu.edu

The Family Acceptance Project is a research and education project of the Cesar E. Chavez Institute at San Francisco State University developed in 2002 to help increase family support for LGBT young people.

http://familyproject.sfsu.edu

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11. Input Needed from LGBT Families with Children, Caregivers, and Prospective Parents (San Francisco)

Our Family Coalition, Supervisor Dufty, and the LGBT Community Center is conducting a survey to determine what services and programs LGBT families with children and prospective parents need and if there is a need for an LGBT focused Family Resource Center in our community.

The survey takes 10 minutes.

Go to: http://tinyurl.com/l8rpu

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12. Join the COLAGE Speak OUT Program (San Francisco)

In light of the recent elections when the grassroots organizing of folks all over the country proved successful, and as we approach the time of year where for many of us the celebration of family becomes even greater, I am thinking even more then usual about the need for youth and adults with LGBT parents to use their voices and their experiences to impact change at community as well as national levels. If you agree, then perhaps you want to join the COLAGE Speak Out Program.

Speak OUT is a network of youth and adults with LGBT parents from every type of family, ethnic, geographic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds who are committed to raising awareness and making change in the world. When COLAGE learns of opportunities for youth and adults to engage in public speaking, media activism, lobbying, and community education, we turn to the members of Speak OUT.

In 2006, COLAGE Speak OUT Members have already:
-Participated in a national Radio Tour highlighting the voices of youth and young adults with LGBT parents
-Appeared in newspaper, magazine, and online articles including The Los Angeles Times, Time Magazine, Associated Press, Boston Sunday Globe, CosmoGIRL, The Advocate, just to name a few.
-Gave interviews for local and regional radio and television stations.
-Testified in front of the Massachusetts Supreme Court about marriage equality.
-Spoken at Town Hall Panels about youth with LGBT parents and marriage equality in Maryland and New Jersey.
-Were featured in documentary movies and television shows such as Queerspawn, All Aboard! Rosie's Family Cruise, and MTV'S True Life: I Have Gay Parents.
-And much more!

We also have a brand new guide- Speak Up. Speak OUT! a brand new how-to primer for youth and adults with LGBT parents who want to make the world safer and more just for all families. This guide aims to reinforce as well as grow your skills to engage in many types of advocacy work as a person with LGBT parents. You can use it as a reference guide, as a source of inspiration for new ways to do activism, or as a tool to strengthen your skills. All new Speak OUT members will receive a copy!
Your voices and experiences are catalysts of change: by speaking about your true lives, you change the hearts and minds of individuals and communities who begin to recognize and validate our experiences and our families.

Think about joining COLAGE Speak OUT and commit to making a difference in 2007! If you have ideas for advocacy projects in your community, or if you would like any support, resources or anything else from COLAGE definitely get in touch. Together we will continue to make the world a better place for children of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender parents and families.

To check out the program, and fill out a Speak OUT application (and officially join our network of COLAGErs activists) go to--- http://colage.org/programs/youth/speakout.htm or for more information contact Meredith Fenton, COLAGE Program Director at mailto:meredith@colage.org.

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13. Come Intern at COLAGE! (San Francisco)

Want to make a different in the lives of people with LGBT parents? Want to learn about working in a grass-roots, non-profit organization?

Come intern at COLAGE!!

COLAGE Internship Program
We are looking for interns for Spring 2007 (Anytime between January and May) to support our ongoing work to engage, connect and empower people with LGBT parents. Internships are half-time (2o hours per week) positions for a period of 20 weeks at a time, OR can be full-time for a period of at least 10 weeks at a time and aim to promote development of young leadership, allow participants a hands-on look at the non-profit field, teach interns about LGBT families issues, and promise to be a lot of fun!

COLAGE is the only national organization serving people with LGBT parents, therefore presenting a unique perspective on LGBT issues, and providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for interns. This is a hands-on job: you won't just be filing, you'll get to use your creativity and initiative. We are looking for team players who are self-motivated and enjoy working hard. Interns will assist the staff on current or new projects that fit their interests and skills. COLAGE is in a small office staffed by a combination of full-time staff, part-time staff, and a bunch of volunteers where energy, enthusiasm and competence are abundant.

Preferred qualifications
·Computer literate (especially on PC's), knowledge of Office 97/2000, FileMaker Pro, HTML, and desktop publishing programs a plus.
·Experience and comfort with email and phone-based organizing and networking.
·Experience and comfort working with youth and families
·Self-motivated, flexible, and full of initiative.
·People with LGBT parent/s.

Requirements
Interns receive a $1,500-2000 (DOE) stipend for a twenty-week, half time internship including some evenings and weekends. We will try to help you find low-cost or free housing if you need it.
·Must make at least a twenty-week, half-time commitment. Or a ten plus, full-time commitment.
·Must be 18 or over if not from the Bay Area, 15 or over from the Bay Area.
·Must be LGBT-positive.
·People of color, people with disabilities, and people with LGBT parents especially encouraged to apply.

How to Apply
Please mail, email, or fax us the following information:
1. Your resume;
2. A cover letter sharing your interest in working for COLAGE and qualifications;
3. Contact information for two people who will serve as references and can attest to your experience and skills.

Interviews will be conducted with select applicants in mid-December or early January.

Need more info? Want to apply?
COLAGE, 3543 18th St, #1 SF CA 94110
phone: 415-861-5437
fax (415) 255-8345,
mailto:meredith@colage.org
http://www.colage.org

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NEWS
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14. NEWS: La Costa Canyon Students Raise Awareness

By Amanda Daniels
November 30, 2006

As a teen, Christopher Greenslate raised awareness for those in need.

Now he is a high school teacher who encourages teens in Carlsbad to do the same.

This year he initiated social justice, an elective at La Costa Canyon High School that explores environmentalism, cultural issues and human and animal rights.

The course fulfills the general-elective college admissions requirement for the University of California. It lasts a full semester and is the first of its kind in the San Dieguito Union High School District, Greenslate said.

Greenslate thought it would be a match for La Costa Canyon, where the student body has founded several extracurricular clubs that embrace social issues. The Gay-Straight Alliance works to promote tolerance; the Animal Rights Club successfully lobbied to create a vegan lunch line last year; STAND, a human rights club, probably has the largest membership on campus with 60 to 70 students, he said.

To read the full article, visit:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/education/20061130-9999-lz1mi30lacost.html

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15. NEWS: Supporting Boys or Girls When the Line Isn't Clear

The New York Times
By Patricia Leigh Brown
December 2, 2006

OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 1 - Until recently, many children who did not conform to gender norms in their clothing or behavior and identified intensely with the opposite sex were steered to psychoanalysis or behavior modification.

But as advocates gain ground for what they call gender-identity rights, evidenced most recently by New York City's decision to let people alter the sex listed on their birth certificates, a major change is taking place among schools and families. Children as young as 5 who display predispositions to dress like the opposite sex are being supported by a growing number of young parents, educators and mental health professionals.

Doctors, some of them from the top pediatric hospitals, have begun to advise families to let these children be "who they are" to foster a sense of security and self-esteem. They are motivated, in part, by the high incidence of depression, suicidal feelings and self-mutilation that has been common in past generations of transgender children. Legal trends suggest that schools are now required to respect parents' decisions.

"First we became sensitive to two mommies and two daddies," said Reynaldo Almeida, the director of the Aurora School, a progressive private school in Oakland. "Now it's kids who come to school who aren't gender typical."

To read the full article, visit:
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/12/02/us/02child.html?hp&ex=1165035600&en=38fd514163312170&ei=5094&partner=homepage

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