GSA Network News archives

GSA Network News Email Archive - 2005

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January 5

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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

GSA Network Highlight
SAVE THE DATE: GSA Network's Annual Conference - March 5, 2005

GSA Network Announcements
1. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
2. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
3. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
4. Upcoming GSA Leadership Trainings (Contra Costa County)
5. Central Coast GSA Consortium (Carpinteria)

Other Announcements
5. Be part of the Next Queer Anthology
6. January 2005 youth speaks queer youth class in S.F.
7. The Center for Young Women's Development says goodbye to Lateefah Simon (San Francisco)
8. Become a Youth Volunteer at Hillcrest Youth Center (San Diego)
9. DeFrank Trans Youth Support Group (South Bay)
10. Save the Dates for Upcoming Bike Out Tours - January 2005 (Southern California)
11. "Designing Equality" Conference (Los Angeles)
12. REVOLUTION 101 (Oakland)
13. Monthly Support Group for LGBT Families with Children with Disabilities (SF)
14. PAID YOUTH ARTS/ACTIVISM (San Francisco)
15. Scholarships Available for San Francisco seniors
16. SOUL Educational Alternatives Program Coordinator
17. NEWS: Enrollment of Gays' Sons Roils O.C. Catholic School
18. NEWS: T-Shirts on Gay Issues Spur Lawsuits

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

SAVE THE DATE: GSA Network's Annual Conference - March 5, 2005

Please save the date of Saturday, March 5, 2005 for GSA Network's annual conference that brings together GSA youth and advisors from all over the Bay Area and beyond!
The conference will take place at Horace Mann Middle School in San Francisco.
For this conference to be truly remarkable, we need the help of youth like you!

**STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING**
The first meeting of the Conference Steering Committee will take place on Saturday, January 8th, from 11am until 4pm at GSA Network. GSA Network is located at 160 14th Street between South Van Ness and Folsom in San Francisco. Our office is located near the 16th BART station.
For more information or to be apart of GSA Network, please call 415.552.4229 or contact Saifa at mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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3. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

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

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

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

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4. Upcoming GSA Leadership Trainings (Contra Costa County)

Contra Costa GSA Leadership Training

WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Saturday, January 29, 2005, 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Rivertown Resource Center, 301 W. 10th St, Antioch
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: GSA Network, Center for Human Development, and GLSEN SF-EB

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
GSA Network, 415-552-4229, mailto:info@gsanetwork.org
or
Center for Human Development, Renee Marshall, 925-687-8844 ext. 304

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5. Central Coast GSA Consortium (Carpinteria)

The newly formed Central Coast GSA Consortium cordially invites you to its first meeting.

This will be an opportunity for local groups and organizations to come together in order to:
Share resources
Discuss issues important to GSA/LGBT members
Help support one another, especially newly formed groups and those seeking to form new GSA/LGBT groups
Brainstorm solutions to obstacles
Plan future activities and meetings
Representatives from all GSA and LGBT groups in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties are welcomed, as are interested people who are not currently part of an organized group. The goals are simply to network, share experiences, and come together to show support for one another.
When: Sunday, January 9, 2005
Where: Cate School, 1960 Cate Mesa Road, Carpinteria, CA 93013
Time: 12:00 Noon to 4:00PM

Lunch will be served, followed by large and small group discussions and brainstorming sessions. The day will culminate with a guest speaker or video showing (to be announced). We hope to tailor this experience to the needs of the participants. Once you register, we shall send out a questionnaire to assess what discussion topics and format would be most beneficial for your group.

Please register by contacting:
Patti Wilczek, Ph.D.
Director of Counseling Services
Cate School
1960 Cate Mesa Road
Carpinteria, CA 93013
805.684.4127 ext 222
email: mailto:Patti_Wilczek@Cate.org

There is no cost for your participation in this meeting.
Please be a part of this exciting gathering!
GSA Network is proud to promote this meeting!

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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.

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6 . Be part of the Next Queer Anthology

Be part of the Next Queer Anthology - submit your words.
see them published. make a difference.

GLSEN is partnering with Knopf Books for Young Readers, an imprint of
Random House Children's Books, and authors Billy Merrell and David
Levithan to put together an anthology of personal nonfiction about
today's queer teen experience. This is your chance to be published and
be heard, with all royalties going to support GLSEN and its programs.

The anthology is open to all writers ages 13 to 23. Merrell and Levithan
say: "It used to be that queer teens were fighting to find a single
voice.Now we each have our own voices - and finally someone wants to
give us a place to tell our stories in order to show what GLBTQ life is
really like now. So that other people - both queer and straight - can
know. We're not looking for any one story. We're looking for every
story. If it's honest, if it's real, if it's sincere, we're waiting for
you to tell it."

The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2005. Check out
http://www.queerthology.com for information on
how to submit your work and for answers to any questions you might have.
Get published and add your voice!

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7 . January 2005 youth speaks queer youth class in S.F.

At YouthSpeaks
Tuesdays 4:00 - 6:00pm (Begins January 25th)
Facilitator: Khalil Anthony Peebles
Live Out Loud

This queer youth writing and performance workshop explores sexuality, youth and writing in a way that brings participants into a space where performance and activism meet head on. Participants are encouraged to be 100% honest and open, and to share stories that will be utilized in the construction.
http://www.youthspeaks.org/upcoming/workshops.html

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8 . The Center for Young Women's Development says goodbye to Lateefah Simon (San Francisco)

Mark your calendar for a very important evening. The Center for Young Women's Development is having a farewell celebration for Lateefah Simon and a passing of the baton. Please plan on joining us for this wonderful event.
Testimony to Perseverance and The Power of a Dream
A farewell celebration honoring Lateefah Simon and the young women of The Center for Young Women's Development.WHEN: February 17, 2005, 6:00 - 9:00PM

WHERE: West Bay Conference Center, 1290 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Suggested Donation: $25.00, no one turned away for lack of funds.The Center for Young Women's Development is an organization that provides gender specific, peer based opportunities for high-risk, low and no-income young women to build healthier lives and healthier communities. Please visit the website at http://www.CYWD.org.

For more information about the event and to become a sponsor please contact
Eleanor Palacios at 415-252-7239 or email, mailto:eleanor.palacios@sbcglobal.net.

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9 . Become a Youth Volunteer at Hillcrest Youth Center (San Diego)

COME AND BE PART OF THE CHANGE
BECOME A YOUTH VOLUNTEER
January 8, 2005
BOOSTER TRAINING
January 15, 2005
IN THE MIX
January 22, 2005
RUBBERBANZ

Every Thursday
YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL…(YLC)
Starting January 2005
Prom Committee

ALL EVENTS WILL BE HELD AT THE HILLCREST YOUTH CENTER

Booster training January 8, 2005 from 2pm-4pm. This training is for youth interested in becoming youth volunteer at the Hillcrest Youth Center. 2pm-3pm "Cutting the Ice", preparing ice breakers for any presentation. 3pm-4pm "Family of Origin", understanding how cultural background and family dynamics effect your choices and relationships.

In The MIX training January 15, 2005 from 9am-5pm. The goal is to provide a comprehensive training that will enable you to provide HIV/STD prevention education to your peers in San Diego County. Our focus for this training will be Young Men of Color Who Have Sex with Other Men.
Rubberbanz training January 22, 2005 from 10am-4pm. The goal is to provide a comprehensive training that will enable you to provide HIV/STD prevention education to your peers in San Diego County.

Youth Leadership Council meets every Thursday from 6pm-7pm.
COME BE A PART OF THE CHANGE!
HELP CREATE THE HILLCREST YOUTH CENTER'S MISSION STATEMENT
HAVE YOUR VOICE HEARD
MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT
COORDINATE PROM AND OTHER DANCES!

Prom Committee meeting dates are still being worked on.
WANTED
10 YOUTH WHO ARE CREATIVE, AMBITIOUS, AND ARE LOOKING TO HAVE FUN WHILE COORDINATING PROM.
MUST BE AVAILABLE TO ATTEND 3 OUT OF 4 YOUTH LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
MEETINGS A MONTH!!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Xavier Mejia
Program Manager of Health Education
Hillcrest Youth Center
mailto:xmejia@thecentersd.org
619-497-2920 Ext. 114

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10 . DeFrank Trans Youth Support Group (South Bay)

The DeFrank Center's Transgender Youth Support group has moved to every 2nd and 4th Fridays of every month from 5pm-6pm starting in January 2005. This is a free and confidential group.

For more information, please contact Erika at 408-293-3040 x111 or at
mailto:youthprog@defrank.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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12. "Designing Equality" Conference (Los Angeles)

Sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission, GLSEN presents the United Teachers of Los Angeles' Gay & Lesbian Issues Committee in an exciting weekend conference, "Designing Equality," Friday and Saturday, March 4/5, 2005.

Today's students are tomorrow's culture. This conference seeks to identify ways to build equality for everyone into our city's campus culture with presentations that feature: incorporating diversity into classroom curriculum, what it means to change a campus culture, teaching materials that are appropriate for any grade level, dealing with name-calling and harassment and much more.

The Conference includes a Friday Night Opening featuring a screening of LET'S GET REAL by Women's Educational Media. Food and materials included. Multicultural specific salary point class is pending. For early registration information, call (323) 460-GLSEN or email mailto:registration@glsenla.org.

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13. REVOLUTION 101 (Oakland)

AN INTRODUCTION TO REVOLUTIONARY POLITICS
11 week program / once a week

(dates will be decided according to participants? schedules)
FEBRUARY- APRIL 2005
APPLICATIONS DUE BY JANUARY 20!
(Application follows)

A PROJECT OF SOUL: THE SCHOOL OF UNITY AND LIBERATION
Revolution 101 is designed to introduce young working class, people of color, LGBTQQ and women organizers and activists to the basics of revolutionary theory and practice. Revolution 101 is designed to be relevant for the young generation of movement leaders - helping us learn the lessons and models developed by our revolutionary minded ancestors and giving us the space to apply those lessons models to our work today. Revolution 101 has three major components:STRUCTURES OF OPPRESSION To help our understanding of the oppressive structures that face our people. We discuss: intersections, origins, economic and community impacts as well as the role of the state and civil society. Studying some of the ?classics? ? Marx, Malcolm X and Mao as we look at the systems of White Supremacy, Capitalism, Male Supremacy, Sexism, Homophobia and Transphobia, Imperialism etc. We look at systems, ideas and theories to apply to our lives and work today. HISTORIES OF RESISTANCE we look at the histories of the struggles in working class communities of color in the U.S. and globally. We will focus on South Africa and the anti-apartheid struggle as we study all these histories to be inspired by their victories and critically analyze their mistakes. TOOLS FOR REVOLUTION Learn about tools that have been used to attack this system. Study theories and strategies developed by revolutionary movements around the world. Break down difficult theoretical concepts using accessible methods and learn to apply these theories to our daily work as weapons for our liberation struggle.

This is a free class. A class reader/manual will be sold sliding scale $10-20 dollars, to cover the cost of production. A rotating potluck will provide food for this class.

Get your application in before January 20th Here?s the deal: YOU NEED TO MAKE A REAL COMMITMENT TO THE CLASS! We are only accepting 20 people to the class so please do not commit, take space and not be able to fill it.
We encourage everyone to apply; we have a strong affirmative action program. Childcare and Spanish Translation available upon request.

  Name: ___________________________________________
  Organization (if any): ______________________________
  Home phone #: ___________________________________
  Cell phone #: _____________________________________
  Address:_________________________________________
             ___________________________________________
  Email: ___________________________________________
  Age: ______________   Race/Ethnicity: ________________
  Gender: ________________ Class: ___________________
  Sexuality: _________________
  What is your political background?
  Why do you want to participate to Revolution 101?
What impact will Revolution 101 have on your work?

What specifically do you want to learn in Revolution 101?What day/time CAN you attend:

_______Monday 6-9pm
_______Tuesday 6-9pm
_______Wednesday 6-9pm
_______Thursday 6-9pm
_______Sun 12-3pm
_______Sun 3-6pmWould you need:
_______Childcare
_______TranslationRev. 101 will be held in Oakland, location TBA.

FOR QUESTIONS OR TO RETURN COMPLETED APPLICATIONS CONTACT SOUL AT :
CALL US @ 510.451.5466 EX.307
EMAIL US @ mailto:malachi@youthec.org
FAX US @ 510.451.5866

Remember to get your applications in by JANUARY 20 at the latest!

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14. Monthly Support Group for LGBT Families with Children with Disabilities (San Francisco)
A group for LGBT parents to build a sense of community, share information and resources, hear from experts, network with other families like yours.
At Open Gate 2601 Mission Street #606, In the US Bank Building at the Corner of 22nd Street and Mission in San Francisco.
Child care and parking are available.

For more information or to register, please contact Support for Families of Children with Disabilities at Open Gate- 415-920-5040 or email mailto:info@supportforfamilies.org

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15. Scholarships Available for San Francisco seniors
The 2004 Maisin Scholarship is available to all San Francisco high school
seniors who are continuing their education. Last year, the funder was
not able to find enough youth to apply and money was given back! Please
share this news with any graduating SFUSD senior you can.

The 2005 Maisin Scholarship application is available at the web site for the Every Child Can Learn Foundation: http://www.ecclf.org

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16. PAID YOUTH ARTS/ACTIVISM (San Francisco)

If you are between 14-19 years old, enrolled in a SF public high school, and interested in being paid $200 a month to become an artist/activist, then Young Artists at Work is the program for you! Applications are being accepted now!
Young Artists at Work is a paid, multidisciplinary arts, activism, and job training after-school program for SF public high school teens that runs from January - June (Spring Session) and June - August (Summer Session) 2005 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in San Francisco.

From January-June 2005, you will develop artistic skills in bi-weekly workshops led by professional artists. Choose to explore either spoken word and performance art with Youth Speaks (MW 4-6 pm), or public art and sculpture with Kid Serve (TuTh 4-6 pm). In addition, you will experience how your art can make a change in your community through a weekly Friday seminar (4-6 pm) led by Health Initiatives for Youth, during which you will discuss key issues of personal health and social justice, and discover local examples of art as activism through performances, film, guest speakers, and readings. Put your art and activist skills to action from June to August 2005 through a summer internship at an arts organization, such as Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Youth Speaks, HIFY, or Kid Serve, and gain hands-on experience in arts leadership!

As an added bonus, all Young Artists will receive a FREE PC laptop computer upon program completion!
We are recruiting NOW for this exciting program. To download an application, visit http://www.ybca.org (education/programs/youth programs), or contact Alexandra Zsigmond, YAAW Coordinator at 415.978.2700 #111 or mailto:azsigmond@ybca.org. The first round of applications is due on December 29th, so apply NOW!

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17. SOUL Educational Alternatives Program Coordinator

SOUL Educational Alternatives Program Coordinator
Start date: February 2005 (flexible)
Our Mission:
Since 1996, SOUL, the School of Unity and Liberation, has been a training center whose goal it is to develop a new multi-racial generation of young organizers and leaders in our communities -
especially young women, young people of color, queer youth and working-class youth - who will have the skills and vision to fight for the liberation of all oppressed people. SOUL strives to support the growing youth sector of the broad social justice movement - designing political education, grassroots organizer skills training, and technical assistance programs to meet the distinct needs of our generation.
Educational Alternatives Program:
The Educational Alternative Program is a year-round program in which SOUL facilitates introductory-level political education workshops and organizer skills trainings to young people in high schools, youth organizations, and community youth groups all over the Bay Area.
Responsibilities for EAP Coordinator include:
* Coordinate and facilitate booking, preparation and facilitation of single workshops, as well as workshop series, for external schools and organizations
* Strengthen and maintain SOUL's volunteer-based Teaching Collective, its membership and structure
* Help to develop individual TC members, through co-facilitation, observation and evaluation
* Coordinate logistics and co-facilitate for SOUL's 3-day Training for Trainers program, 1-2 times a year
* Periodic curriculum development for SOUL workshops and manual/s
* Manage external calls for curriculum consultation and technical assistance
* Fulfill general staff responsibilities and tasks, as needed
Qualifications for EAP Coordinator include:
* At least 2 years of facilitation and training experience in either a classroom, or through a labor, community-based, or youth organization. Life experience considered.
* Must have radical political analysis, practice an anti-oppression framework, and have strong desire to help strengthen the youth sector
* Experience or strong interest in popular education methodology and curriculum development
* Bilingual Spanish/ English- or Asian language/ English-speaking a plus
* Must hold high level of discipline, accountability, and follow-through
* Must be self-motivated and employ a strong work ethic
Compensation

This position is full-time (40 hours a week) on SOUL's regular staff salary ($27,000-$30 000/year). Full Medical and Dental benefits are provided, paid vacation and self-care stipend.

How to apply
Email or mail a cover letter, resume and 2 references to: EAP Coordinator Search/ SOUL 1357a 5th Street, Oakland, CA 94607, or mailto:soul@youthec.org. Accepting applications until January 20th, 2005.SOUL is a strong affirmative action employer. People of color, low-income people, young people, queer and transgender people, and women are encouraged to apply. Applicants from outside the region are welcomed to apply.

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18. NEWS: Enrollment of Gays' Sons Roils O.C. Catholic School

January 2, 2005
LA Times

Enrollment of Gays' Sons Roils O.C. Catholic School

By Joel Rubin and William Lobdell, Times Staff Writers
In a clash that pits Catholic teachings against shifting values of American society, a group of parishioners and parents has accused Orange County church leaders of defying Pope John Paul II by allowing a gay couple to enroll their two boys in a diocese school.
Eighteen people signed a letter last month demanding that St. John the Baptist School in Costa Mesa accept only families that sign a pledge to live by Catholic doctrine - a move that effectively would kick the boys out of school. The church regards homosexual acts as sinful, and in 2003 the pontiff condemned marriage and adoption by same-sex couples.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-twodads2jan02,1,4131120.story

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19. NEWS: T-Shirts on Gay Issues Spur Lawsuits

By Caroline Hendrie
When Brad E. Mathewson enrolled in a Missouri high school last fall, he saw no reason to keep his sexual orientation in the closet. School officials, though, said that was just where his gay-pride T-shirts belonged.
Halfway across the country in Southern California, Tyler Chase Harper also got in trouble for wearing T-shirts about gays. An evangelical Christian who views homosexuality as a sin, he was told that his anti-gay T-shirts had no place at his public high school.

Despite their dueling viewpoints, Mr. Mathewson and Mr. Harper both thought they had every right to wear their T-shirts. And when administrators tried to censor them, both took their complaints to court.
Young people have long sported T-shirts that schools wish theyd leave at home. Legal fights have been waged in recent years, for example, over shirts about guns, abortion, the Confederate battle flag, and the war in Iraq.
But at a time when gay rights remains a divisive and unsettled issue nationally, a recent spate of disputes over T-shirts on the subject has presented educators with particularly vexing problems. Besides the Missouri and California cases, disputes over such shirts have cropped up in Minnesota, New York state, North Carolina, Ohio, and Utah, among other places.

"The messages on T-shirts are symbolic of the larger battle over how to treat homosexuality in a public school," said Charles C. Haynes, a senior scholar at the First Amendment Center in Arlington, Va. "Like so many other times in our history, the public school has become a battleground for an important culture-war fight."
The battle over gay rights including the increasingly high-profile issue of same-sex marriage has a strong religious component. That aspect further complicates matters for schools at a time when courts have sent conflicting messages on the extent of studentsí rights to free speech and religious expression. And the debate is playing out amid mounting concern about harassment of students because of their sexual orientation, injecting emotional issues of student safety into the mix.

Little wonder, then, that once schools get caught up in the fray over T-shirts about gays, many are finding it hard to emerge unscathed.

Schools Seen as "Trapped"
One of several recent skirmishes in the T-shirt wars erupted in November in a rural area of southwestern Missouri, where Mr. Mathewson attended high school until dropping out last month.
Represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Kansas and Western Missouri, he sued the Webb City school district after administrators ordered him to stop wearing T-shirts supporting gay rights, including one proclaiming, "I'm gay and I'm proud."

Webb City High School is trying to deny my rights by silencing me, Mr. Mathewson, 16, said at a Nov. 23 news conference announcing the federal suit. Contending that he was discriminated against because of his sexual orientation, he alleged that students came to school with bumper stickers denouncing gay marriage, and that his shirts weren't even really noticed until the school drew attention to them.
A lawyer for the 3,750-student Webb City district said school leaders took action against Mr. Mathewson only after other students complained about harassment from students wearing gay-pride shirts. And Superintendent Ronald L. Lankford said in an interview that high school students should not have to serve as a captive audience for societal arguments over homosexuality.
"If you have no governance of messages that a student might be wearing, then what happens when somebody comes in with a shirt saying I hate gays," he said.
Meanwhile, in Southern California, Mr. Harper sued the 33,000-student Poway district last June after administrators there barred him from wearing a shirt with such hand-lettered messages as "Homosexuality is shameful."
Mr. Harper, 16, wore his shirt to protest his schoolmates participation last April in the annual Day of Silence, a national event coordinated by the New York City-based Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network in which students mark their support for gay rights by not talking for a day. One of his shirts featured the message, "Be ashamed: Our school embraced what God has condemned"

"We have a school district that aggressively supported the pushing of the homosexual agenda within the public schools," said Robert H. Tyler, a lawyer with the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Alliance Defense Fund, who is representing Mr. Harper. "If theyíre going to open it up to allow the homosexual agenda to be pushed in schools, then they have to allow the mainstream view to be expressed as well."
In November, a judge in the U.S. District Court in San Diego denied Mr. Harpe's motion that the district be ordered to let him to wear his shirt. But the judge also held that the boy's contention that the district had violated his First Amendment rights deserved to go forward. Appeals of that ruling are pending.
Jack M. Sleeth Jr., a lawyer representing the Poway district, said the school system is also being sued in state court by gay students who maintain that officials have failed to protect them from harassment.
"The high school is pretty much trapped between the forces of what is essentially a political fight, Mr. Sleeth said. "They're trying to do the right thing, and they're not sure what the right thing is."

January 12

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

GSA Network Highlight
Organize for the Day of Silence!

GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Network is Hiring!
2. Register for the Youth Empowerment Summit - March 5, 2005!
3. Upcoming GSA Leadership Trainings (Contra Costa County, Los Angeles)
4. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
5. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs

Other Announcements
7. Outlet Launches New Website
8. Queer Movie Night (Santa Monica)
9. FREE Queer Girl Health Series (San Francisco)
10. "Designing Equality," Creating a Safer Campus Culture (Los Angeles)
11. YouthAware Educational Theatre - OutSpoken Online Teen Chat (San Francisco)
12. TRANSLATE: A trans youth open mic (San Francisco)
13. REVOLUTION 101 (Oakland)
14. Speaker Training-Reduce Homophobia! (Santa Cruz)
15. $50 for your LGBT opinion!
16. A World of Difference seeks facilitators (San Francisco)

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

Organize for the Day of Silence!

Every year, GSAs and other students recognize the blatant inequality that empowers some and disenfranchises others.

The Day of Silence, a project of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, in collaboration with the United States Student Association (USSA), is a student-led day of action where those who support making anti-LGBT bias unacceptable in schools take a day-long vow of silence to recognize and protest the discrimination and harassment endured by LGBT students.

This year, the Day of Silence takes place on April 13, 2005. To register, please visit the Day of Silence website at http://www.dayofsilence.org/register/register.php.

Also, check out GSA Network's organizing guide for Day of Silence at http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/dos.html
Let us know what you're doing for the Day of Silence and your GSA could get highlighted in an upcoming issue of GSA Network News!!

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

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1. GSA Network is Hiring!

* The Program Director is a statewide position based in San Francisco and is responsible for overall program management and development.
* The Operations Director position, a new position, is based in San Francisco and is responsible for administrative oversight and office management, fiscal management, and fund development projects.
* Three Program Coordinator positions are open -- full-time positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles and a part-time position in Fresno. Program Coordinators are responsible for grassroots community organizing, regional planning, and program implementation throughout their region. They work directly with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) and straight ally youth, along with adult advisors, who are involved with more than 450 Gay-Straight Alliance clubs throughout the state.
All of the job descriptions and instructions for applying can be found at http://www.gsanetwork.org
Please post widely!

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2. Register for the Youth Empowerment Summit - March 5, 2005!

It's official. GSA Network's annual conference in the Bay Area has a new name:
Youth Empowerment Summit (YES)
YES will be on March 5, 2005 in San Francisco

The conference brings together GSA youth and advisors from all over the Bay Area and beyond to focus on youth empowerment, youth activism, and creating safer schools for LGBTQQI and straight ally youth. YES is a FREE conference! The conference is open to all youth and allies, with a focus on middle school and high school. Adults and teachers are welcome.

The conference will take place at Horace Mann Middle School in San Francisco.
To register, visit http://www.gsanetwork.org/yes/index.html

For this conference to be truly remarkable, we need the help of youth like you!

**STEERING COMMITTEE MEETING**
The second meeting of the YES Steering Committee will take place on Saturday, January 15th, from 12 pm until 4pm at GSA Network. GSA Network is located at 160 14th Street between South Van Ness and Folsom in San Francisco. Our office is located near the 16th BART station.

For more information or to be apart of GSA Network, please call 415.552.4229 or contact mailto:yes@gsanetwork.org

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3. Upcoming GSA Leadership Trainings (Contra Costa County, Los Angeles)

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
GSA Network, 415-552-4229, mailto:info@gsanetwork.org
or
Center for Human Development, Renee Marshall, 925-687-8844 ext. 304

Los Angeles GSA Leadership Training

WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Sunday, February 6, 2005, 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Crossroads School, 1714 21st St., Santa Monica
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: GSA Network, GLSEN LA, and Crossroads School

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
GSA Network, 415-552-4229, mailto:info@gsanetwork.org

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

GSA Network is honored to introduce a new program, Educating for Transgender Student Safety, which brings Sylvia Guerrero to speak with students, teachers, and staff at schools throughout the Bay Area about the experiences she and her family have endured over the last two years after the death of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. In the fall of 2002, Sylvia Guerrero was forced into the Bay Area's media spotlight by the murder of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. Even though it had only been a short time since Ms. Guerrero began accepting Gwen as her daughter, instead of the son she had thought she was raising, she suddenly found herself labeled a spokeswoman for respect and dignity for transgender people.
Coupled with Beyond the Binary: A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools, we hope that these opportunities offered through GSA Network will increase your gender-based organizing efforts in schools as well as contribute to the overall safety of all students.

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

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

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

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

"Many students responded well to the universality of human issues and emotions. The emotions weren't just linked to being gay, they were feelings we all have." - GSA Advisor
In this exhibit we bring you our voices with hopes that you will hear us, see us... and identify. We use art as a means for change -- to show people what they might not choose to see, to incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation. We want to make schools free from harassment, discrimination, and violence. We don't want anyone to leave thinking, "this isn't my issue." Because all kinds of people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Because there are so many shades to our identities. Because we all deserve to be safe enough to learn.
High Contrast is available for circulation as of October 1.

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

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

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6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

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

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7. Outlet Launches New Website

New in 2005, the Outlet Program for LGBTQQ youth is launching a new web site offering upcoming event news, a full description of services, volunteer opportunities, and a more streamlined online donation process. Outlet hopes that with the new look of the site, the program will gain more exposure to youth, volunteers, and donors.
Please check out our site at http://www.projectoutlet.org for information and regular updates on program activities.

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8. Queer Movie Night (Santa Monica)

Queer Movie Night!
As part of the queer film series at Crossroads, sponsored by FLAG (our gay/straight alliance), we will be having our next movie screening on Thursday, January 20th, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. We invite you to join us!
This time we'll be showing Brother To Brother, a great new film that looks back on the Harlem Renaissance from the perspective of an elderly, black writer who meets a gay teenager in a New York homeless shelter. This film has been an audience favorite at queer film festivals this year and the director has lent us a special copy of the film, since it is not widely available yet.

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. Many students from different schools came to our last movie night and it was a blast!
The movie is free and free pizza and drinks will be provided! But please e-mail us and let us know if you might come, so we have an idea of how much pizza to get. You can reach us at flag@xrds.org
In the spirit of the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday, we are doing some coalition-building, and this film is being co-sponsored by some of the clubs on campus devoted to racial and ethnic issues.
Brother to Brother
DIR: Rodney Evans, USA, 2004

Using the powerful legacy of the Harlem Renaissance as its inspiration, BROTHER TO BROTHER is a stirring and captivating contemporary tale about a young, gay Black artist struggling to find his place in the world. Director Rodney Evans has artfully woven historical fiction throughout this present-day story to create a complex, ambitious and remarkable first feature...
Perry Williams is a talented teenaged painter attending school and working in New York City. He's estranged from his family, while his homophobic Black classmates and teacher perceive him as a troublemaker. An affair with a cute white classmate is short-lived after the lover makes a comment about Perry's skin. One afternoon, while listening to his friend Marcus perform a new poem, an old man approaches and recites a verse of his own. Perry recognizes the man as forgotten Harlem Renaissance poet Bruce Nugent and befriends him.
They visit the now-dilapidated house where Bruce lived in the 1930's with Langston Hughes, Wallace Thurman and Zora Neale Hurston. Through Bruce's vivid memories Perry is transported to a time of creative integrity, radical discourse, unabashed gay sex and great pride. Perry begins to recognize that this era is part of his personal history and is empowered with a stronger sense of identity and purpose. - Kirsten Schaffer, Director of Programming, OUTfest
Winner, 2004 Sundance Film Festival, Special Jury Prize
Winner, Outfest 2004 (L.A. Gay & Lesbian Film Festival)
* OUTstanding American Narrative Feature
* OUTstanding Actor in a Feature Film
* Audience Award-OUTstanding Narrative Feature
Winner, San Francisco International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, Audience Award for Best Feature
Winner, Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Best Fiction Film
Winner, Philadelphia International Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Best Feature Film
***********
Directions:
Crossroads is at 1714 21st St. in Santa Monica, at the corner of 21st St. and Olympic Blvd.
The room we're meeting in is called Roth Hall on the 1st floor of the Administration Building.
Here's what you do--when you turn onto 21st from Olympic, take an immediate right onto
a driveway-looking street and find a place to park. You'll see our "quad" which looks like a parking lot
or an alley, and which we call (of course) "the alley".
Walk halfway down the alley to the building on the left near a kiosk. Don't worry--you'll see signs. Follow the signs and enter into Roth Hall.
Hope the directions aren't too confusing. It's not really that hard once you see it, and you can always ask people.

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9. FREE Queer Girl Health Series (San Francisco)

Ever wanted to learn about sex and relationships with other queer young women?
Wondered about physical exams, complimentary medicine, and sexual response cycles?
Do you want to learn more about the sex positive community including topics such as pornography, sex toys, and BDSM?
Do you want to discuss with other women about violence, body image, and reproductive choices?
The Queer Girl Health Series begins FEBRUARY 1st!

FREE!
Where: Room B, The Women's Building (3543 18th Street)
When: Tuesdays, 5-7pm (February 1st-April 26th)
Who: Young Women ages 23 and under who are lesbian, bisexual, trans, gender fluid, queer, or questioning
FREE!
Registration before the first meeting is required. Remember, it's FREE!

Call Kristin at 415-703-6150 x12 or email mailto:kristin@lyric.org.
Women of color encouraged to participate.
Sponsored by LYRIC.
The Women's Building is accessible.

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10. "Designing Equality," Creating a Safer Campus Culture (Los Angeles)

GLSEN Los Angeles and the UTLA Gay & Lesbian Issues Committee are presenting an exciting and important weekend training conference opportunity.

"Designing Equality," Creating a Safer Campus Culture.
Friday and Saturday, March 4/5, 2005
Sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission
Today's students are tomorrow's culture. This conference seeks to identify ways to build equality for everyone into our city's campus culture with presentations that feature: incorporating diversity into classroom curriculum, what it means to change a campus culture, teaching materials that are appropriate for any grade level, dealing with name-calling and harassment and much more.

The Conference includes a Friday Night Opening featuring a screening of LET'S GET REAL (Women's Educational Media). Food and materials are included. Multicultural specific salary point class is pending. For more information can be obtained by calling (323) 460-GLSEN, email mailto:registration@glsenla.org or http://www.glsenla.jeffmo.com/assets/images/registration.pdf.

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11. YouthAware Educational Theatre - OutSpoken Online Teen Chat (San Francisco)

YouthAware Educational Theatre - OutSpoken Online Teen Chat
Monday January 31st 4pm

Everyone has a voice … it's time to listen. Is your school a safe place for every student regardless of their race, gender or sexual orientation? Have you ever experienced verbal or physical harassment at school or at home because of who you are? Have you ever stood up for a victim of discrimination? You are not alone. Now is your chance to speak out about what's happening in your school or community surrounding issues of discrimination and differences. The New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC) is looking for young people ages 13 - 18 to join playwright Prince Gomolvilas for an online chat on Monday January 31st at 4pm by visiting the link at http://www.nctcsf.org/YouthAware

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to lend your voice to OutSpoken, a new YouthAware Educational Theatre program about the every day experiences of young people like you, which will premiere in the fall of 2005. Call YouthAware Program Director, Sara Staley, at (415) 861-4914 or email mailto:sara@nctcsf.org with any questions.

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12. TRANSLATE: A trans youth open mic (San Francisco)

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

FREE COFFEE!!
January 21st, 2005
Sign up starts at 6:45pm/show is 7-9pm
Threedollarbill Café @ The LGBT Center
1800 Market St. San Francisco

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

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

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13. REVOLUTION 101 (Oakland)

AN INTRODUCTION TO REVOLUTIONARY POLITICS
11 week program / once a week
(dates will be decided according to participants? schedules)
FEBRUARY- APRIL 2005
APPLICATIONS DUE BY JANUARY 20!
(Application follows)

STRUCTURES OF OPPRESSION To help our understanding of the oppressive structures that face our people. We discuss: intersections, origins, economic and community impacts as well as the role of the state and civil society. Studying some of the ?classics? ? Marx, Malcolm X and Mao as we look at the systems of White Supremacy, Capitalism, Male Supremacy, Sexism, Homophobia and Transphobia, Imperialism etc. We look at systems, ideas and theories to apply to our lives and work today.HISTORIES OF RESISTANCE we look at the histories of the struggles in working class communities of color in the U.S. and globally. We will focus on South Africa and the anti-apartheid struggle as we study all these histories to be inspired by their victories and critically analyze their mistakes.TOOLS FOR REVOLUTION Learn about tools that have been used to attack this system. Study theories and strategies developed by revolutionary movements around the world. Break down difficult theoretical concepts using accessible methods and learn to apply these theories to our daily work as weapons for our liberation struggle.

This is a free class. A class reader/manual will be sold sliding scale $10-20 dollars, to cover the cost of production. A rotating potluck will provide food for this class.
Get your application in before January 20th Here?s the deal: YOU NEED TO MAKE A REAL COMMITMENT TO THE CLASS! We are only accepting 20 people to the class so please do not commit, take space and not be able to fill it.
We encourage everyone to apply; we have a strong affirmative action program. Childcare and Spanish Translation available upon request.

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14. Speaker Training-Reduce Homophobia! (Santa Cruz)

Educate youth and adults
Show the human face of being GLBT
Reduce homophobia
Become a Triangle Speaker

We are looking for gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, people who are transgender, and family members of GLBT people to speak on panels in school classrooms, community organizations, religious groups, government employees, conferences, and anywhere else we are invited.

Triangle Speakers is a Santa Cruz County educational speakers' bureau. Most panels are in Santa Cruz County, but we also do panels in Salinas/Monterey, and some in the San Jose area.

To become a volunteer speaker, you attend a one-day training. Once you are certified, we let you know when and where we are doing a panel, and you let us know if you are available or not. There are no minimums.

The next training will be held on Saturday, February 26.
The following training will be Sunday, July 17.

To enroll or get more information please call us at (831) 457-2934.
Check out our website at http://www.trianglespeakers.org

Please pass this along to others that may be interested. Thank you!

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15. $50 for your LGBT opinion!

Are you LGBT, between the ages of 21 & 25, Latino or Mixed Latino and Out?

The Family Acceptance Project wants to hear from you! Complete this survey on line and receive $50 for your participation! San Francisco State University is doing a study to understand how family reactions to an adolescent's sexual orientation affects their health and well being. Results will be used to develop quality care for LGBT youth and families.

Interested folks email mailto:cantuglbitcenter@ucsc.edu

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16. A World of Difference seeks facilitators (San Francisco)

The A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE(r) Institute is looking for prospective facilitators to join our training cadre. Our facilitators are crucial to our success in bringing successful anti-bias workshops to parents, teachers and administrators and students in California. We are looking for a diverse pool of talented facilitators, presenters and educators who have a passion for diversity education and a background in classroom teaching.
These are paid contract positions. All prospective facilitators will be trained and are required to attend a 5-day train-the-trainer program.

I hope you will take a few moments to consider any individuals who may be interested in this program. If you know of someone, please contact me as soon as possible or have interested persons forward a resume with current references directly to me at 720 Market Street, Suite 800 San Francisco, CA 94102 or e-mail me at mailto:ngrotch@adl.org

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January 19

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

GSA Network Highlight
Register for YES (Youth Empowerment Summit) - March 5, 2005

GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Network is Hiring!
2. Upcoming GSA Leadership Trainings (Contra Costa County, Los Angeles)
3. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
4. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
5. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs

Other Announcements
6. Harker School GSA's Dance (San Jose)
7. Point Foundation expands scholarships for GLBT youths
8. TAKE ACTION around health textbooks
9. Openly gay former NCAA coach available to speak to GSAs
10. Queer Open Mic Events in San Jose
11. Researcher looking for children of LGBT parents
12. Media Arts Workshops at REACH LA
13. Film Screening of "Toilet Training" (Oakland)
14. Drag Ball in Contra Costa County
15. "Hear It From Us: Perspectives of Youth with LGBT Parents" (San Francisco)

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

Register for YES (Youth Empowerment Summit) - March 5, 2005!
The Youth Empowerment Summit (YES), Gay-Straight Alliance Network's annual conference, will be held March 5th, 2005 from 9 am-5 pm at Horace Mann Middle School in San Francisco, with a dance afterwards from 8 pm to midnight.

YES is a FREE conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, and straight ally youth dedicated to fostering safe schools and youth activism. Formerly OHMY (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth), YES is newly restructured to focus more on giving youth organizers the tools to combat homophobia and transphobia in schools.

The aim of YES is to provide a safe space in which students may come together to explore the multiple oppressions faced by youth, help teachers become advocates and form partnerships with LGBTQQ youth, and become armed with the tools needed to change the world! As a YES participant, you will make new friends, be exposed to a wealth of valuable resources, feel empowered and supported, and have fun!
The conference is open to all youth and allies, with a focus on middle school and high school. Adults and teachers are welcome.

To register, visit http://www.gsanetwork.org/yes/index.html

For this conference to be truly remarkable, we need the help of youth like you!
**JOIN THE STEERING COMMITTEE**
The meetings of the YES Steering Committee take place every Saturday from 12 pm until 4pm at GSA Network.
GSA Network is located at 160 14th Street between South Van Ness and Folsom in San Francisco. Our office is located near the 16th BART station.
For more information or to be apart of GSA Network, please call 415.552.4229 or contact yes@gsanetwork.org

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

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1. GSA Network is Hiring!
GSA Network is hiring! In 2005, GSA Network is embarking on an exciting organizational development expansion that includes hiring for several positions. If you're interested in applying, or know someone who might be, check out the full job descriptions and let us know!
* The Program Director is a statewide position based in San Francisco and is responsible for overall program management and development.
* The Operations Director position, a new position, is based in San Francisco and is responsible for administrative oversight and office management, fiscal management, and fund development projects.
* Three Program Coordinator positions are open -- full-time positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles and a part-time position in Fresno. Program Coordinators are responsible for grassroots community organizing, regional planning, and program implementation throughout their region. They work directly with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) and straight ally youth, along with adult advisors, who are involved with more than 450 Gay-Straight Alliance clubs throughout the state.
All of the job descriptions and instructions for applying can be found at http://www.gsanetwork.org
Please post widely!

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2. Upcoming GSA Leadership Trainings (Contra Costa County, Los Angeles)

Contra Costa GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Saturday, January 29, 2005, 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Rivertown Resource Center, 301 W. 10th St, Antioch
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: GSA Network, Center for Human Development, and GLSEN SF-EB
For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
GSA Network, 415-552-4229, mailto:info@gsanetwork.org
or
Center for Human Development, Renee Marshall, 925-687-8844 ext. 304

Los Angeles GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Sunday, February 6, 2005, 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Crossroads School, 1714 21st St., Santa Monica
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: GSA Network, GLSEN LA, and Crossroads School
For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
GSA Network, 415-552-4229, mailto:info@gsanetwork.org

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

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

GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.
"I think it was powerful and provocative and sparked good conversations." - GSA Advisor
"There were at least 400 students that interacted with the exhibit. The whole week while High Contrast was there, the GSA and other groups on campus did workshops on hate crimes and ways to deal with it-letting students know that it is an issue that needs to be addressed." - GSA student president
"Many students responded well to the universality of human issues and emotions. The emotions weren't just linked to being gay, they were feelings we all have." - GSA Advisor
In this exhibit we bring you our voices with hopes that you will hear us, see us... and identify. We use art as a means for change -- to show people what they might not choose to see, to incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation. We want to make schools free from harassment, discrimination, and violence. We don't want anyone to leave thinking, "this isn't my issue." Because all kinds of people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Because there are so many shades to our identities. Because we all deserve to be safe enough to learn.
High Contrast is available for circulation as of October 1. If you are a GSA in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast photo exhibit to your school, email mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.
For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

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5. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs

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

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

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6. Harker School GSA's Dance (San Jose)

This is Jessica, Harker GSA's Secretary. Our GSA is hosting a dance
on February 5th at 500 Saratoga Ave, San Jose:
visit here

This is a GLBTTQ-friendly mixer, and we'd love a big turnout from
other GSAs. Tickets are 5$ at the door, and you need to bring your
student ID.
The normal rules apply: no middle-schoolers, no college students, no
drugs or alcohol. If you have any questions, please email me at mailto:jessica.dickinson.goodman@gmail.com.

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7. Point Foundation expands scholarships for GLBT youths

Point Foundation expands scholarships for GLBT youths
The Point Foundation, the first national foundation to support academic achievement in higher education by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youths, has opened its 2005 application season by announcing 10 new scholarships.
This year Point will offer three additional scholarships for undergraduates at American University in Washington, D.C., funded through the foundation's Carlos Enrique Cisneros Scholarship Fund; five new scholarships to San Diego-area students, funded by San Diego-area community leaders Norman Blachford and Peter Cooper; and two new scholarships, sponsored by MTV and mtvU, for students attending colleges or universities that broadcast the mtvU campus television network.
In addition, the foundation increased the total number of scholarships for 2005-2006. "Last year more than 1,000 deserving students opened applications with us," said Vance Lancaster, the Point Foundation's executive director. "We are thrilled to move a little closer to meeting the demand for support in the transition from high school to college and from college to career or graduate studies. So many young people get lost in these transitions. This is even more true for gay youth who have lost the support of their families and friends."
Point scholars are chosen for their demonstrated leadership, scholastic achievement, extracurricular activities, involvement in the gay and lesbian community, and financial or emotional need. Point scholars are currently attending many of the nation's most prestigious universities, including Princeton, Harvard, Stanford, UCLA, the University of North Carolina, and many others.
The application deadline for this year's scholarships is March 1. The application process is open to students nationwide for both undergraduate and graduate studies. For additional information visit http://www.thepointfoundation.org.

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8. TAKE ACTION around health textbooks

Dear Colleagues,
In November 2004, under pressure from members of the Texas
State Board of Education, Glencoe/McGraw-Hill publishers, together with
Holt, Rinehart and Winston publishers, changed language in health texts for
Texas middle and high school students. The revised texts now stipulate that
marriage is a union only between a man and woman, promote an abstinence
approach to sex education, and omit information related to contraceptive use
(see http://www.dfw.com/mld/dfw/news/state/10110083.htm?1c).

Children in Texas are now going to be provided with
inadequate and non-scientific information regarding birth control, STD
prevention and sexual health. In addition, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender youth will experience even greater isolation and stigmatization
from their schools and community and will have to endure prejudiced
information that has been shown to be harmful to their identity development
and health.
In response to this decision, educators have developed two
online petitions to forward to Glencoe/McGraw-Hill, one encouraging a
boycott of their products, and the other protesting the action. The first
petition - http://www.petitiononline.com/mh2004sm/petition.html - protests
their decision to change the texts and mentions the boycott. The second
petition - http://www.petitiononline.com/mh2005sm/petition.html - protests
their decision to change the texts.
If you know educators in a position to purchase textbooks,
please forward this information to them. The second petition is appropriate
for parents, families, friends and all other educators who are in agreement.
Forward widely.

Thanks!
Judy Hoff
Safe Schools Coordinator, PFLAG
1726 M Street, NW, Suite 400
Washington DC 20036
www.pflag.org
202-467-8180, ext. 219
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9. Openly gay former NCAA coach available to speak to GSAs
Would you like to have an openly gay former NCAA coach come speak to your high school's GSA? Sean Burns was the men's tennis coach at Santa Clara University from 1993-2002. A 4-time West Coast Conference Coach of the Year, Sean came out to his team and to the athletics administration at the university during his final season. He has spoken at numerous high schools and colleges around the country about his coming out experience. A product of an era when "gay" was an unspoken, dirty word, Sean enjoys sharing his story with students who may be struggling with their own sexuality just as he did in the 1980's and '90's. You can reach him by phone (650.678.5381) or by email (mailto:sean@burnscoaching.com).

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10. Open Mic Events in San Jose
1. FIERCE WORDS TENDER - Women's Open Mic - the second Saturday of each month, from 6:30 - 8:00 PM, at Sisterspirit Bookstore, 938 The Alameda, San Jose. Free of charge, audience open to all, any woman may perform; young women, transgender women, and first-time performers are welcome. FIERCE WORDS TENDER is singing, poetry, comedy, journalling, music, drumming, freestyle, and any other kind of performance or art. For more info, e-mail mailto:MiriGrrrl@yahoo.com, or call (408)580-1150.

2. FIYAH! Brand New Queer Open Mic for San José. FIYAH is a chance for people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, intersex, or supportive straight to share their music, poetry, drag show, creative writing, comedy, and more! Free of charge; (we'll pass the hat). FIYAH! is the fourth Friday of each month from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at the Billy DeFrank Center - 938 The Alameda, San Jose. Odd months are all-ages, even months, specially for Teens / Youth. There will be a feature performer each month. January's feature: Lea Arellano, aka Chola Priest. Co-hosted by FierceMiri of Fierce Words Tender, and Fred Salas of MACLA. For more information, e-mail mailto:MiriGrrrl@yahoo.com, or call (408)580-1150.

3. Call for performers! In affiliation with SJSU's first ever Transgender Awareness week, Miriam Sachs Martín of Fierce Words Tender is seeking folks who have written eloquent, powerful prose or poetry about issues relating to the transgender community to perform in a spoken word showcase. To be considered, please send two sample pieces, a short bio, and your contact information to mailto:MiriGrrrl@yahoo.com or, for an alternate address, mailto:TeacherMiri@hotmail.com.

4. MACLA (Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana, Inc.) presents The Delivery Room, Featuring Gabriela Erandi
Hosted by: Miriam Sachs Martín of Fierce Words Tender.
February 13, 2005, and the second Sunday of each month.
Doors open 6:30 p.m. - open mic at 7 p.m.
$3 General / Free for 18 + under, Students, and MACLA Members. Delivery Room is a monthly open-mic featuring top Bay Area spoken word poets. It's a new movement in spoken word, taking performance poetry in San Jose to the next level. 510 South First Street San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 998-2783
info@maclaarte.org

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11. Researcher looking for children of LGBT parents

Hello, my name is Heather French. I am a counseling psychology grad
student at Humboldt State University in Arcata, CA. I am doing outreach
for my thesis research. I am doing a comparison study on adult children of gay/lesbian parents and adult children of hetero parents. I am currently looking for participants that meet the following 3 criteria:
* Must be at least 18 years old
* Must currently be in a committed relationship of at least 6 mos. in length
* Must have at least 1 parent who identifies as lesbian or gay
Participation involves completing a very brief survey (10 minutes or less)
that can be administered via email and can be returned via email or
through postal service. (Returning surveys through postal service can
provide anonymity for participants.) I am also very willing to provide
participants with results of the study upon completion if they desire.
For more information, questions, or for a copy of my survey, please feel
free to contact me at haf6@humboldt.edu or leave a voice mail message with
your contact information at (707) 826-7736. Thank you very much for your
support.
Sincerely,
Heather French

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12. Media Arts Workshops at REACH LA

TWO NEW Spring 2005 Media Arts Workshops at REACH LA
FREE - Call soon - cuz space will fill up!
REEL GHETTO QUEER
Video Production for LGBTQ Youth & Straight Allies
Be part of a 12 week workshop to learn digital video and editing. Each participant will produce a 5-10 minute video of their own ideas based on
creative writing and experimental camera techniques. The workshop will meet on Saturdays starting in February 2005 and end with a final screening at REACH LA in May. Selected videos will be included in the next REACH LA Queer Youth Nation at OUTFEST in July 2005.
The workshop is FREE but enrollment is limited so call now to reserve a space.
Contact Gina Lamb @213-622-1650 ex 107 leave a message with your number
and best time to call you.
Workshop Meeting times will be:
SATURDAYS 12 noon - 4:00 pm
DATES: February - May 2005

VIDEO WEB EXCHANGE
www.2WAYSTREAM.com
Be part of a 12 week workshop to explore making short videos for web site distribution. Learn basic web design and video editing. The video web exchange project will hook up remote partners (video pen pals) from the Pitzer College Media Arts Department and the REACH LA Youth Media Arts Lab. Participants will partner up to produce a video web project that involves uploading video clips each week for an ongoing video internet "conversation". Each pair will design their own unique section of the 2WAYSTREAM project web site.
The workshop is FREE but enrollment is limited so call now to reserve a space.
Contact Gina Lamb @213-622-1650 ex 107 leave a message with your number and best time to call you.
Workshop Meeting times will be:
TUESDAYS 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
DATES: February - May 2005

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13. Film Screening of "Toilet Training" (Oakland)

Film Screening and Discussion- Toilet Training: Law and Order in the Bathroom
February 28, 2005 7-8:30pm
Change Makers Bookstore
6536 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
510.655.2405
Toilet Training: Law and Order in the Bathroom is a documentary video and
collaboration between transgender videomaker Tara Mateik and the Sylvia Rivera
Law Project, an organization dedicated to ending poverty and gender identity
discrimination. SRLP provides free legal services to low-income transgender,
intersex and gender non-conforming communities.
Toilet Training addresses the persistent discrimination, harassment, and
violence that people who transgress gender norms face in gender segregated
bathrooms. Using the stories of people who have been harassed, arrested or
beaten for trying to use bathrooms, Toilet Training focuses on bathroom access
in public space, in schools, and at work. It includes discussion of legal
questions of equal access; the health effects associated with "holding it"; and
the social consequences of experiencing pervasive discrimination in bathrooms
and other gendered spaces. Interviews with lawyers, social workers and
activists explore current law and policy, and highlight recent and future
policy changes necessary to enable equal bathroom access for all. Concluding
with examples of policy change, Toilet Training provides a necessary foundation
to public education and organizing to address this overlooked issue. For more
information about SRLP please visit www.srlp.org.

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14. Drag Ball in Contra Costa County
Center for Human Development's Empowerment Program and the Rainbow
Community Center announce:
The King and Queen Fiesta
It's a Drag Ball! Take your gender, or any other gender to the
extreme! Drag queens, drag kings, divas, bois, grrls, butches,
femmes..... Come dressed in your sequined or studly finest!"
DANCING!
FREE FOOD!
FREE DRINKS!
DJ!
FUN!
FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE
Date: Jan. 29th 2005
Time: 7:30PM-11PM
Location: United Methodist Church of Walnut Creek
Walking distance from Pleasant Hill BART!
Address: 1543 Sunnyvalle Ave., Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Attire: Gender Bending!
Contact: Ken (925) 692-0090 or Renee (925) 687-8844 x304 if you have
any questions.
This is a drug and alcohol free event.
FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE

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15. "Hear It From Us: Perspectives of Youth with LGBT Parents" (San Francisco)
Save the Date and Spread the Word-
Find out what its like to have a lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender
parent/s!

SAN FRANCISCO - On Tuesday, February 8th, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm, an
educational symposium for the public will be held at the San Francisco LGBT
Center at 1800 Market Street at Octavia. The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and
Transgender Family Collaborative is pleased to present a special panel of
youth and young adults with LGBT parents sharing their personal stories
about growing up with LGBT parents, addressing the challenges they have
faced, and suggesting ways that LGBT parents, the LGBT community, and the
community at large can support children from alternative families.
Childcare for young children will be available with advance registration.
Sign language interpretation is also available. Funded by the San Francisco
Department of Children Youth and Families and the San Francisco First Five
Commission, all Second Tuesday events are free, though donations are
welcome.
"Hear It From Us: Perspectives of Youth with LGBT Parents," is a unique
opportunity to hear the often invisible voices of the children of the LGBT
community. "The COLAGE Youth Leadership and Action Program participants are
proud to present this unique and valuable forum to the LGBT community and
general public." According to Meredith Fenton, COLAGE Program Director,
"Whether you have lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender (LGBT) parent/s,
are thinking about having kids, or are simply curious about what COLAGErs
think and feel about having LGBT parent/s, our stories will inspire,
surprise, and touch you."
Challenges and victories in school, experiences with peers, advice to
parents of younger children, perspective parents, teachers, and allies,
their views on LGBT political issues, and their place within our queer
communities, are some of the topics the panel will address. Attendees will
be encouraged to ask questions- this is your chance to hear a unique
perspective on LGBT families- from the kids that are in them
Panelists are members of the COLAGE Youth Leadership and Action Program, a
group of high school and college youth with diverse family backgrounds who
share the experience of having an LGBT parent(s). The YLAP program brings
together youth for skill building, leadership development, and peer support
and works on advocacy projects to raise awareness about their experiences
and their families in the Bay Area. Panelists include youth whose families
were created by adoption, donor-insemination, and previously heterosexual
unions and have dealt with divorce, mixed-race family issues, prejudice in
school and much more.
While the panel specifically invites an audience of LGBT parents with
children of all ages, prospective LGBT parents, LGBT family members, and
direct service workers who interface with children of LGBT parents, the
panel is open to all community members who are curious about the unique
experience of growing up in an LGBT family.
"If you wonder how kids with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents
react to homophobic judges, lawmakers, religious leaders, peers and school
administrators, this is your chance to find out," says Executive Director
Beth Teper. "COLAGE youth members speak truth to power every day, turning
personal experiences of rejection, harassment and discrimination into
political statements for social equity and justice for all."
Childcare provided in the fabulous KidSpace for young children. If children
are in diapers, please RSVP to (415) 865-5553.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Family Collaborative includes:
COLAGE, Our Family Coalition, the San Francisco LGBT Center, New Leaf
Services for Our Community and LYRIC.
Transportation Information:
Please use public transportation to access The Center. Limited street
parking available. The MUNI METRO LINES J,K,L,M,N, the F STREETCAR, or MUNI
BUS LINES 6,7,9, 10, 14, 21, 26, 47, 49, 66 and 71 all run within 5 blocks
of the Center, many run within 1 block. Also, take BART to SF Civic Center,
then transfer to Muni Metro or F lines.

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January 26

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

GSA Network Highlight
Fighting Slurs by Training Teachers in Fresno

GSA Network Announcements
1. Register for YES (Youth Empowerment Summit) - March 5, 2005
2. GSA Network is Hiring!
3. Upcoming GSA Leadership Trainings (Contra Costa County, Los Angeles)
4. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
5. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs

Other Announcements
6. Rally for our schools!!! Help us put the state to the test! (San Jose)
7. Intro to Grassroots Anti-Racist Organizing (Bay Area)
8. Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project Announces 2 Free Video Workshops
9. Queer Youth and Adults Needed for PAID Job Positions (San Francisco)
10. JOB: Triangle Speakers - Latino/a Outreach Coordinator
11. NEWS: High School Journalist Faces Firing for Profile of Gay Students (Orange County)
12. NEWS: Scotts Valley High controversy over LGBT posters, GSA club announcements, and curriculum

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

Fighting Slurs by Training Teachers in Fresno

Students in the GSA club at Edison High School in Fresno are currently working on a presentation that they will be giving to the teachers at the next faculty meeting in the beginning of February. The topic is on slurs that are used by students that are derogatory to LGBT people (e.g. saying "that's so gay" about things they dislike) and informing the staff what the impacts are of letting the use of these types of slurs continue.

"I'm very proud of these kids and their courage because they are really putting themselves out there by publicly identifying their membership in GSA to their teachers," shared Dorie Sexton, GSA advisor at Edison.

In fact, the GSA at Edison did a survey about slurs in the spring of 2004 and found some interesting results that underscore the need for a training of teachers. 8.7% of the 229 students that were surveyed identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning. 43% of students overall heard anti-LGBT slurs directed at specific teachers, staff, or students at least once a day. 78% of students reported hearing general anti-LGBT slurs at least once a day. And unfortunately, only 12% of students reported that teachers or staff always or often step in when anti-LGBT slurs are used. Only 21% of students reported knowing where to go for information or support about sexual orientation and gender identity -- something that will hopefully change after the GSA trains teachers in February.

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

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1. Register for YES (Youth Empowerment Summit) - March 5, 2005!
The Youth Empowerment Summit (YES), Gay-Straight Alliance Network's annual conference, will be held March 5th, 2005 from 9 am-5 pm at Horace Mann Middle School in San Francisco, with a dance afterwards from 8 pm to midnight.
YES is a FREE conference for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, questioning, and straight ally youth dedicated to fostering safe schools and youth activism. Formerly OHMY (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth), YES is newly restructured to focus more on giving youth organizers the tools to combat homophobia and transphobia in schools.
The aim of YES is to provide a safe space in which students may come together to explore the multiple oppressions faced by youth, help teachers become advocates and form partnerships with LGBTQQ youth, and become armed with the tools needed to change the world! As a YES participant, you will make new friends, be exposed to a wealth of valuable resources, feel empowered and supported, and have fun!
The conference is open to all youth and allies, with a focus on middle school and high school. Adults and teachers are welcome.
To register, visit www.gsanetwork.org/yes/index.html

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2. GSA Network is Hiring!

GSA Network is hiring! In 2005, GSA Network is embarking on an exciting organizational development expansion that includes hiring for several positions. If you're interested in applying, or know someone who might be, check out the full job descriptions and let us know!
* The Program Director is a statewide position based in San Francisco and is responsible for overall program management and development.
* The Operations Director position, a new position, is based in San Francisco and is responsible for administrative oversight and office management, fiscal management, and fund development projects.
* Three Program Coordinator positions are open -- full-time positions in San Francisco and Los Angeles and a part-time position in Fresno. Program Coordinators are responsible for grassroots community organizing, regional planning, and program implementation throughout their region. They work directly with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) and straight ally youth, along with adult advisors, who are involved with more than 450 Gay-Straight Alliance clubs throughout the state.
All of the job descriptions and instructions for applying can be found at www.gsanetwork.org
Please post widely!

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3. Upcoming GSA Leadership Trainings (Contra Costa County, Los Angeles)

Contra Costa GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Saturday, January 29, 2005, 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Rivertown Resource Center, 301 W. 10th St, Antioch
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: GSA Network, Center for Human Development, and GLSEN SF-EB
For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
GSA Network, 415-552-4229, mailto:info@gsanetwork.org
or
Center for Human Development, Renee Marshall, 925-687-8844 ext. 304

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

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

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

Sylvia Guerrero's speaking tour is done in collaboration with GLSEN-San Francisco/East Bay and CUAV, and is supported by a grant from the Horizons Foundation - Gwen Araujo Memorial Fund for Transgender Education.

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5. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs

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6. Rally for our schools!!! Help us put the state to the test! (San Jose)

when: Tuesday, February 8th, 2005
time: 5:00-6:00pm
Rides after school. Pizza + Poster Party 3-4:30 pm @ CFJ
where: state building in downtown Sj
100 paseo de san antonio - near 3rd and san carlos
What: Rally * March * Performances * Food

Stop the budget cuts!
Implement the Williams Settlement - for books, facilities, and teachers!

Tuesday, Feb. 8th will be the first day of the Exit Exam testing in 2005. The state wants to deny diplomas to students based on an unfair test. Yet the state fails to provide students with the basic resources we need to learn! We say - accountability starts at the TOP!

Help us put the state to the test!
Sponsored by the Campaign for Quality Education - a statewide effort supported by organizations across California dedicated to better schools and racial justice in education.

Contact Californians for Justice at 408.272.0236 email: sanjose@caljustice.org
1971 Las Plumas Ave (next to IHS) www.caljustice.org

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7. Intro to Grassroots Anti-Racist Organizing (Bay Area)

AN INTRODUCTION TO GRASSROOTS ANTI-RACIST ORGANIZING:
Sundays, March 6 to June 12, 2005 in San Francisco
(For an application, email cws@igc.org. Application Deadline Feb. 1, 2005.)
This is an anti-racist training workshop for grassroots social
justice activists who want to work for racial justice and challenge white
privilege in all their social justice work. It is a project of the
Challenging White Supremacy Workshops of San Francisco.GOALS: The workshop will introduce participants to:
* An historical analysis of the U.S. white supremacy system and the
legacies of resistance to white supremacy in communities of color;
* An historical, institutional analysis of white privilege, its
intersections with other systems of oppression, and its effects on social
justice movements;
* Analyses, strategies and practices of some Bay Area grassroots
racial justice work;
* Examples of some Bay Area anti-racist organizing in predominantly
white social justice movements; and
* Practicing and modeling respectful and accountable behavior in
all our anti-racist work.
WHEN AND WHERE: The workshop will meet on Sundays from 4pm to 7:30pm in
San Francisco. The location is near BART and bus stops.* Friday night, Sat/Sunday March 4,5 & 6: Orientation (participation in all
3 times are required for participation in the workshop):
Friday night: 7-9:30pm; Sat & Sun 3pm-8pm
* March 13: What is White Supremacy?
* March 20: How Mother Earth Became a Piece of Real Estate
* March 27: Legacies of Liberation
* April 3: Women of Color Feminism and Organizing
* April 10: Creating an Anti-Racist Agenda
* April 17: Challenging State Violence: The 'Heart of Whiteness'
* April 2: Grassroots Anti-Racist Fundraising
* May 1: Organizing for Racial and Economic Justice
* May 8: Shinin' the Lite on White Privilege in Social Justice Movements
* May 15: Organizing for Immigrant Rights
* May 22: Anti-racist organizing in mostly white social justice
movements
* June 5: Anti-Racism and Anti-Imperialism: Palestine Solidarity
* Sat June 11: Accountability and Solidarity:
* Sun June 12: Evaluation and Next Steps

RACIAL JUSTICE PLACEMENTS
Every participant will be expected to volunteer 6-8 hours per week
in a racial justice organization. cws will arrange placements for all
participants, unless you are already volunteering or working with a racial
justice organization. As of Jan. 1, 2005, the cws racial justice placements
for Spring 2005 are:
Attica to Abu Ghraib Conference, Books not Bars (a project of the
Ella Baker Center for Human Rights), California Coalition for Women
Prisoners, Californians for Justice, Childcare Collective, Critical
Resistance, cws workshop, Freedom Archives, Greenaction, Institute for
MultiRacial Justice, Jews for a Free Palestine, Just Cause Oakland, Legal
Services for Prisoners with Children, People's Grocery, POWER (People
Organized to Win Employment Rights), SF Day Labor Program & SUSTAIN (Stop
US Tax-Funded Aid to Israel Now).

'WORKSHOP AS A LABORATORY' PROGRAM
The workshop program is based on the concept that anti-racist
analysis and practice go hand in hand to create 'reflective action.'
As a workshop participant, you will have the opportunity to:
* Practice and Model Respectful Behavior' to challenge white privilege;
* Practice small group anti-racist facilitation skills;
* Practice 'Each One Teach One' anti-racist organizing;
* Practice grassroots anti-racist fundraising;
* Strengthen your practice of accountability and solidarity in your
racial justice work; and
* Strengthen your capacities to analyze and discuss different strategies of
grassroots organizing in Bay Area communities of color and in predominantly
white social justice movements.

COSTS: $10 with application, $125 registration; = $135 total.

FOR MORE INFO & APPLICATION:
Email 'cws@igc.org' for an application form.
www.cwsworkshop.org.
Applications must be received by Saturday Feb. 1, 2005. cws will
call you to arrange a phone discussion as soon as we get your application.
Early registrants will have priority in choosing their cws-arranged racial
justice placements. All applications received after Feb. 12, will be put on
the waiting list.
Questions???? Please call 415-647-0921!

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8. Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project Announces 2 Free Video Workshops (SF)

QUEER WOMEN OF COLOR MEDIA ARTS PROJECT
presents
TWO FREE VIDEO WORKSHOPS for Spring 2005

These FREE 15-week workshops in Digital Video Production
are offered to:
1) Queer Women of Color (Tuesdays)
2) Butch & FTM Spectrum/Trans folks of Color (Thursdays)

1) Queer Women of Color (Tuesdays)
Day:† Tuesdays, 6:30pm to 9pm
Begins:† February 15, 2005
Ends:† May 24, 2005
Duration:† 15 weeks
2) Butch & FTM Spectrum/Trans folks of Color* (Thursdays)
*Includes butch, trans, FTM, genderqueer and other
gender variant folks of color.
Day:† Thursdays, 6:30pm to 9pm
Begins:† February 17, 2005
Ends:† May 26, 2005
Duration:† 15 weeksDEADLINE for Registration:† 5pm Friday, February 4, 2005
Please call or email Jennifer Huey to register ASAP.
SUNSET NEIGHBORHOOD BEACON CENTER
Contact: Jennifer Huey, Office Manager
Phone: (415) 759-3690
Email: jhuey@snbc.orgIMPORTANT
Please indicate which workshop you are registering for.
First come, first served. Class size is limited to 8 participants.

Please provide the following information when you call:
1. Name
2. Age
3. Mailing Address
4. Day & Evening Phone
5. Email
6. Any previous film/video experience
Confirmation of your registration will be made to you
via email the week before the workshop begins.

WORKSHOP VENUE
Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center
3925 Noriega Street (by 46th Avenue)
San Francisco, CA 94122

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
This 15-week digital video workshop will cover major
aspects of screenwriting, film directing and video
production, from conception of project idea to movie
distribution.† Through hands-on exercises, you will
learn technical & creative filmmaking skills and
become proficient in digital video production
techniques in a supportive space.† The workshop will
culminate with short projects that are written, directed
and edited by workshop participants.† Access to
equipment would be helpful, but is not a requirement.
Topics covered include - development of idea,
writing a script, storyboards, cinematography, create
a shotlist, continuity, lighting, sound, direct actors,
manage crew, editing, film festivals & distribution.

INSTRUCTOR
Madeleine Lim, Artistic Director of QWOCMAP
is an Asian lesbian and an award-winning filmmaker
with over 15 years of film and video experience.
Her films have been featured at international film
festival circuits, universities, museums and broadcast
on PBS. She received the Bronze Apple Award
from the National Educational Media Network and
the Award of Excellence from the San Jose Film &
Video Commission.† Madeleine was awarded
California Arts Council's Artist-in-Residence from
2000-2003.† Her video training program was awarded
the 2003 Best Video Program by the SF Community
Media. She was awarded a Certificate of Honor
by the SF Board of Supervisors in 2004. Madeleine
works as a producer, director, cinematographer and
editor.

QWOCMAP workshops are funded by:
Astraea Foundation
Horizons Foundation
San Francisco Arts Commission
The Women's Foundation of California
QWOCMAP workshops are supported by:
Queer Cultural Center
Sunset Neighborhood Beacon Center

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9. Queer Youth and Adults Needed for PAID Job Positions (San Francisco)

LYRIC is a community center for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Gender Variant, Queer and Questioning youth.
There are two paid events coming up on the weekend of February 19th-21st, 2005 and March 26th-28th, 2005 for LGBTQQ youth and young adults, 14-21 years old, living in San Francisco.
The program is a weekend Job Readiness Training Program and Placement series. Young folks learn things like resume writing, interview skills and computer training over a weekend. After the weekend training, youth go on to participate in internships at LYRIC, which pay $8.50 an hour, include a $200.00 completion bonus and iPod Mini!
We really need young folks to participate who are interested in earning money, skills and potentially being placed in a 3-month internship (paid $8.50 an hour).
It's a chance for to learn job readiness skills in a safe, supportive environment, while building community.
I am forwarding you an application. The application includes an brief explanation of the program. Applications due February 9th, 2005. Please look on application for more information.
If you know a young person who wants to apply have them give me a call or e-mail at: Mercedes@lyric.org / 415.703.6150 x 21.
PLEASE announce this to any group of youth who are between the ages of 14-21 and are looking for a PAID WORK EXPERIENCE. We are especially looking for youth with little or no working experience, low-income and youth of color.
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10. JOB: Triangle Speakers - Latino/a Outreach Coordinator

** TRIANGLE SPEAKERS-LATINO/A OUTREACH COORDINATOR **
Job Description:
The Latino/a Outreach Coordinator will recruit and
coordinate Latino/a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered
and family member volunteers to work with Triangle
Speakers. In coordination with the Triangle Speakers
Program Manager, this person will implement the Board of
Directors Latino Outreach Plan, setting up bilingual
speaking engagements in the Watsonville community and
other areas of the county with a significant Latino
population.
We are looking for someone who has experience working with
bilingual/bicultural communities, has excellent oral and
written communication skills in both English and Spanish,
and has experience organizing community events. The ideal
candidate will have the ability to work independently,
meet deadlines, and use a computer to keep records and
generate reports. The ideal candidate will be committed to
learning about and educating others in Triangle Speakers
mission to eliminate homophobia through education.
Spanish bilingual skills and a valid California drivers
license are minimum qualifications. Bicultural candidates
are preferred.
The position will start as part time (30 hours per week)
and be located in Santa Cruz, with travel to Watsonville.
Starting pay: $14-15 per hour commensurate with
experience, plus medical benefits and reimbursement for
mileage.
To apply, submit cover letter and resume by 5 pm on
Monday, February 7, 2005. Application materials must be
submitted via email at triangle@trianglespeakers.org or
via fax at (831) 457- 2958.
For more information, please contact Marcia Stein at (831)
457-2934.
Funding for the Latino/a Outreach Program has been
supported by grants from the Community Foundation of Santa
Cruz County and by individual donors.TRIANGLE SPEAKERS
A Santa Cruz County Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered
Education Project
Proyecto Educativo Gay, Lesbico, Bisexual, Transgenero Del
Condado De Santa Cruz
Website http://www.trianglespeakers.org

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11. NEWS: High School Journalist Faces Firing for Profile of Gay Students (Orange County)

High School Journalist Faces Firing
Co-editor of a Fullerton campus paper profiled three gay students who decided to come out. Officials say she needed their parents' OK.

January 26, 2005
By Joel Rubin, Times Staff Writer

When high school journalist Ann Long sent a recent edition of her school's newspaper to the printer, she hoped her profile of three gay students would generate some discussion in the hallways.

But she didn't expect to be punished for writing the article.

According to Long and her mother, officials at Troy High School in Fullerton told the senior that by Thursday she must resign or face being fired from her shared post as editor in chief of the Oracle.

To read the full story visit:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-resign26jan26,1,7491810.story?coll=la-headlines-california

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12. NEWS: Scotts Valley High controversy over LGBT posters, GSA club announcements, and curriculum

Several articles have appeared recently about a controversy brewing at Scotts Valley High School in Santa Cruz County.
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Lifestyle Education Sparks Controversy
By Glenn Hines
January 19, 2005
From the Valley Press/Scotts Valley Banner

Scotts Valley High School students, teachers, and parents took time off preparing for their finals in order to argue against a group of parents who are attempting to remove from classrooms postings and announcements and clubs that address gay, lesbian and transgender issues at Scotts Valley High School.
Don D'Andrea, whose son attends Scotts Valley High School, explained his opposition to the classroom postings during a school board meeting on Jan. 10.
"I addressed this board in October before the election," he said. "I've worked closely with [Board member] Marshall [Wolfe]. We're trying to get a group of parents together to discuss this issue as a formal agenda item. The postings in the classrooms are inappropriate. The ones I've cited--and I won't go through the litany-- they are solicitous.
"The classrooms need to be homosexual or gay or lesbian neutral. Those postings that actually demand that my child respect all families: two gay parents and two lesbian parents, bisexual parents. Those postings are inappropriate and can be put outside of the classroom not in the captive audience.
"This is a major issue of the captive audience classroom that I have been dealing with for two-and-a-half years. I've worked with Marshall and I have come before you to get this addressed. I have made balanced, legitimate, alternative proposals. They have been fluffed off for two plus years. Enough is enough, and we have a large group here that doesn't seem to feel the way other parents, or I feel. So be it. There is a group equally as large or larger that feels the opposite way: that there should be neutrality in a classroom.
"It's a captive audience. People's religious, moral, and ethical values [that] they feel are infringed upon by what is in the classroom both spoken and written, have a right to be heard. They have a right to alternatives proposed, addressed, and decided upon. That has not happened in two-and-a-half years. This is fomenting. It is your job to address it.
"Again, I won't go through the whole issues proposal to create an all-inclusive, to have the posters now not in the classroom but elsewhere and deal with the queer youth solicitation. We don't need that action to occur in the classroom; it can occur outside of the classroom. So Marshall, I look forward to our follow up and to getting in before this board as soon as possible," D'Andrea concluded.
Tami Kittle, a Physical education and health teacher at Scotts Valley High School, spoke in defense of the classroom postings and curriculum.
"I'm one of the many teachers that are targeted at the high school [regarding] our teaching, our postings and my curriculum especially teaching 'family life', that the Scotts Valley School Board approved six years ago," she said.
"My main concern is that the concerns that were brought up by the concerned parent group not only came up for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender community, but also our journalism class as well as other things that were brought up as a concern.
"My greatest concern as a teacher is that we have nine ed-codes, three penal codes, and an assembly bill that protects our rights as teachers of what we're supposed to teach these students in public school.
"We are supposed to be teaching them about all of their rights and teach across the board, we do not have political agendas; we teach all areas. We don't say 'this is the only way'. This is what protects us and we need this to protect us.
" 'Protect' actually is not the right word because of the fact that we are supposed to be doing these things in a public school. The teachers of the school feel that if these laws are telling us what to do in public schools and the parents don't like it, take the kids out of the district and go to a private school where they can pay their money to dictate what they want to have done. This is a public school and we need to teach what the public school and the ed code state and we need to protect our students," she said.
Kittle related that one of her students has already attempted to commit suicide because of verbal harassment on the high school campus. She is also aware of two students who have left the district because of the "hectoring" that they faced while at the school.
"Until the district lets the ed-code, penal code and the assembly bill protect our kids and allow us to teach what we're supposed to teach by state law, this problem is going to get worse, teachers are going to continue to leave this district and students are going to die," Kittle concluded.
(Note: This article was emailed from The Valley Press/Scotts Valley Banner since they are not available on their website. Info: www.pressbanner.com)
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Debate stirs over whether Scotts Valley High promotes a 'gay agenda'

By NANCY PASTERNACK
Sentinel staff writer
January 13, 2005

SCOTTS VALLEY - Reverse intolerance. Silent propaganda. This is how a debate over the visibility of homosexuality at Scotts Valley High School has been framed.

Parent Don D'Andrea has been fighting for more than two years against what he calls a "single-focused gay and lesbian agenda" at the school.

To read the full article, visit:
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2005/January/13/local/stories/03local.htm

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