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In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
GSA Network's Governing Board Update
GSA Network Announcements
1. Not Down With the Lockdown II (Bay Area)
Other Announcements
2. Gender Blender Dance Party (Santa Cruz)
3. Fundraiser for The Diversity Center (Santa Cruz)
4. Q-Force (Bay Area)
5. 20 Something Group (Pleasant Hill)
6. Youth Needed to Fill Out Health Survey
7. Job Announcement: LYRIC Program Assistant (SF)
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
GSA Network's Governing Board Update
Congratulations to the new Board Co-Chairs!
GSA Network's Governing Board elects a youth co-chair and an adult
co-chair each year. At the Governing Board meeting this past weekend,
Viannah Duncan and Geoffrey Winder were elected to serve as co-chairs.
Congratulations!
Viannah Duncan is going to be a senior at La Cañada High School in the Los Angeles area, where she will be the GSA President this year. This is Viannah's first year serving on the GSA Network Governing Board.
Geoffrey Winder has served on GSA Network's Governing Board for one year and on the Northern California Youth Council for 2 years before that, while he attended Davis High School and served as the president of his school's GSA. Geoffrey currently attends New York University.
Thank you and goodbye to the outgoing Board Members!
We wanted to say a huge thank you to GSA Network's outgoing youth Board
Members, who have just completed their terms serving as representatives
of the Youth Councils:
Lauren/Charlie Bruton
Katelyn Dorrah
Vanessa "Andrew James Walker" Duran
Elizabeth Mefford
Brianna Pulskamp-Lockhart
Jordan Schmidt
And, last but not least, another huge thank you to outgoing adult Board Member, Radha Patel, who has volunteered as a board member over the last 3 years!
We will miss you all!
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Not Down With the Lockdown II (Bay Area)
Look for the GSA Network table at this kick-ass event!
This Saturday * August 3rd * 12 ? 4
Frank Ogawa Plaza * 14th and Broadway * OAKLAND
A rally against the proposed alameda county superjail and for youth action, leadership, and collective power.
NOT DOWN WITH THE LOCKDOWN IS AN AFTERNOON OF CULTURAL PROTEST AND RESISTANCE THROUGH MUSIC, ART AND POLITICAL EXPRESSION. áIT INCLUDES PERFORMANCES BY SAN QUINN, RENAISSANCE, DESTINY ARTS, KIWI, HANIFAH WALIDAH, SPOKEN WORD AND MORE. ALSO FEATURING SPINNING BY DJ HEN 10.
This event is wheelchair accessible.
Childcare is provided.
This event is brought to you by YOUTH FORCE COALITION, BOOKS NOT BARS AND MINDZ EYE.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
*********************************************
2. Gender Blender Dance Party (Santa Cruz)
Annual Summer dance party, Saturday August 10th from 7:00-10:00pm. Put on by STRANGE (a youth group for queer and queer friendly people) and held at Temple Beth El. The night will feature three DJs, a band and a drag show. People 23 and under are welcome to attend, sliding scale $5-10. The event is handicap accessible. To request a ride, or for more information, contact STRANGE at 425-3155 or sccstrange@yahoo.com. Temple Beth El is located at 3055 Porter Gulch Rd in Aptos, near Cabrillo College.
*********************************************
3. Fundraiser for The Diversity Center (Santa Cruz)
RUMMAGE SALE
Saturday, August 3rd * 9 am ? 2 pm
at the Live Oak Senior Center
1777 Capitola Road (off 17th Ave), Santa Cruz
Come and shop (great bargains!)
and/or bring merchandise to donate (between 8-9 am)
no clothes please
Proceeds benefit the Santa Cruz Diversity Center. For more info, visit http://www.diversitycenter.org
*********************************************
4. Q-Force (Bay Area)
Are you aging out? Are you a little too old to participate in most youth programs, bored with bars and clubs, or both? Come kick it with Q-Force, a group of urban queer kidz 18-28! We volunteer with community service organizations and at special events all over the Bay Area. Plus we hook up monthly go out to movies, dance, or just chill at the park. Send your contact info to mailto:qforcesf@yahoo.com or call 415-626-7075.
For more info, visit Q Force at http://www.geocities.com/qforcesf.
*********************************************
5. 20 Something Group (Pleasant Hill)
20 Something is a new discussion/support/social group for lgbtq folks in their twenties and thirties who want a supportive environment to talk, meet other lgbtq people and socialize.
1st and 3rd Mondays from 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Center for Human Development, 391 Taylor Blvd, Ste. 120, Pleasant Hill,
94523.
The first meeting will be this Monday, August 5, 2002. Please feel free to contact Rachel Floyd at the Empowerment Program at 925/687-8844x307.
*********************************************
6. Youth Needed to Fill Out Health Survey
*** Youth needed to complete 15-minute online survey - "Youth Speakout to [Health Care] Providers" ***
Youth Guardian Services is helping researchers conduct a health survey, and we are seeking participants between the ages of 13 and 21 years old to fill out an online survey.
The survey should take about 10-15 minutes, and there is a drawing for a $50 gift certificate at the end of the survey (if you want to enter the drawing, it is optional).
You can follow this link to do the survey: http://www.youth-guard.org/healthsurvey/339
The purpose of the YOUTH SPEAKOUT TO PROVIDERS study is to find out what youth ages 13 to 21 years old in the U.S. and Canada consider to be important qualities for health care providers and health care settings, and what concerns or problems youth consider to be important to discuss with health care providers. Information from this study will be used to inform and train health care providers on how to better serve youth.
If you have any questions or if you have technical problems with the survey, please email mailto:jason@youth-guard.org
*********************************************
7. Job Announcement: LYRIC Program Assistant (SF)
LYRIC is a non-profit youth community center that provides educational, recreational and peer leadership development activities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. The Youth Recreation Program provides safe, fun activities including an after school program, dances, field trips, camping and special Saturday.
TITLE: Youth Recreation Program Assistant (Full-time)
SALARY: $10-12 per hour plus generous benefits
REPORTS TO: Youth Recreation Program Coordinator
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBIILITIES:
- Assist with facilitation of recreational activities and daily drop-in
activities
- Facilitate Saturday program activities
- Work with Youth Recreation Program Coordinator and youth to initiate
new programs and activities
- Assist with maintenance of program records including intakes, sign-in
sheets and data entry
- Update and maintain program bulletin boards and resource materials
- Assist with maintaining cleanliness of program space on a daily basis
- Assist with program outreach and evaluation
- Assist with reporting
REQUIRED SKILLS
- Experience leading or facilitating activities with youth
- Commitment to working in a multicultural environment
- Ability to foster youth leadership and decision-making
- Ability to establish good communication with young people, familiarity
with contemporary youth culture and knowledge of youth issues, particularly
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth of color
- Interest in youth recreational programming and program development
- Ability to work independently, good organization and time management
- Reliable, friendly and out-going
- Fluency in Spanish a plus
Equal Opportunity
LYRIC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.
Applications are strongly encouraged from people of color, young people,
transgender and bisexual people, people with HIV/AIDS and people with disabilities.
Application Procedure
For consideration, submit cover letter and resume by August 9, 2002:
LYRIC ? Attn.: Personnel - YRP
127 Collingwood Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
FAX: (415) 703-6153
mailto:tracy@lyric.org
No phone calls, please.
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Congrats to new youth members of the GSA Network Governing Board!
GSA Network Announcements
1. Upcoming Central Valley Meetings
2. Apply for the GSA Network Youth Council!
Other Announcements
3. Ladyfest (SF)
4. q-team (LA)
5. Chico Chats (SF)
6. Teaching Respect for All 2002 - Student Scholarships
7. NYAC Pacific Regional Conference (Reno)
8. Bike Sale to Benefit Bike Out (LA)
9. Urban Youth Arts Festival (SF)
10. NGLTF Youth Advisory Council
11. Job Announcement: CFJ Intern (Fresno)
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Congrats to new youth members of the GSA Network Governing Board!
GSA Network's Governing Board is a youth-adult partnership board, with 50% of the members required to be youth involved in GSAs.
Congratulations to the youth representatives who will be serving on GSA Network's Governing Board this year!
Southern California:
Viannah Duncan, La Cañada High School
Kc Martin, La Jolla High School
Laura Vilchez, South Pasadena High School
Central California:
Kelly Klein, Lincoln High School (Stockton)
Jennifer Lopez, Redwood High School (Visalia)
Julie Silva, Clovis High School
Northern California:
Trent Rich, Burlingame High School
Emily Shine, Notre Dame High School
John Thompson, Mills High School
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Upcoming Central Valley Meetings
Attention Northern Cluster Meeting of Central Valley GSAs and all those interested in starting a GSA! Join us if you live in Stockton, Tracy, Modesto, Merced and other nearby towns. Saturday, July 27th 2pm at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Manteca (corner of Power and North streets) Call for more information or if you need a ride (559)442-4777
LGBTQ And Straight Ally Youth Conference Planning Meeting! Come and bring your ideas! Sunday, July 28th at 2pm at the Destination Out office in Fresno (633 N. Van Ness between Olive and Belmont) Call for more information (559)442-4777
*********************************************
2. Apply for the GSA Network Youth Council!
GSA Network is still taking applications for our regional Youth Councils. If you're interested in being on the Youth Council for the upcoming term (now through the end of the '02-'03 school year), apply now!! We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis.
Questions about the Youth Councils??
Northern CA - contact Emilie: 415-552-4229 or mailto:emilie@gsanetwork.org
Central CA - contact Diana: 559-442-4777 or mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org
Southern CA - contact CC: 323-662-3160 or mailto:cc@gsanetwork.org
You can also get a Youth Council application at http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/apply.html.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Youth Council Description: The GSA Network Youth Council is a diverse group of youth leaders who care about fighting homophobia in schools. There are 3 Youth Councils: Northern California, Central California, and Southern California. Each Youth Council is responsible for making decisions about and guiding the programs of the GSA Network in their region. Youth Council members will represent the needs of GSAs and youth activists from their geographic region as well as set goals and establish priorities for the entire GSA Network.
Schedule: The Youth Council meets once a month, generally on a Saturday. Meetings will take place in each office of the GSA Network, in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Typically, Youth Council members are also involved in planning and/or implementing other trainings and conferences, most of which happen on weekend days as well.
Job Responsibilities
Each Youth Council member is expected to:
1. Make a one-year commitment to serve on the Youth Council.
2. Represent your region as fully as possible.
3. Prepare for and attend monthly meetings of the Youth Council.
4. Participate in setting goals and making decisions about the
programs of the GSA Network.
5. Identify needs of GSAs and LGBTQ youth and straight allies
in schools and guide the direction of the GSA Network activities accordingly.
6. Help plan and/or conduct workshops at GSA Network trainings
and conferences.
7. Help coordinate youth involvement in events such as National Day
of Silence.
8. Be a resource to new and/or struggling GSAs in your region.
Skills/Requirements:
1. Willing to commit to serve on the Youth Council for one year.
2. Interested in developing and suggesting ideas to strengthen the
GSA Network.
3. Committed to creating change for LGBTQ youth and fighting homophobia
in schools.
4. Be able to work well in a group.
YOUTH COUNCIL APPLICATION FORM:
RETURN TO:
E-mail:
Northern CA: emilie@gsanetwork.org
Central CA: diana@gsanetwork.org
Southern CA: cc@gsanetwork.org
Other:
Northern CA: 160 14th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, fax: 415.552.4729
Central CA: 4403 E. Tulare Ave., Fresno, CA 93702, fax: 559.453.9060
Southern CA: 4477 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, fax: 323-662-3167
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone Number (home):
(alternate):
Email:
Do we need to be discreet when contacting you?
School Info:
School You Attend:
Name of GSA or LGBTQ-Related Group:
The GSA Network strives for diversity in all aspects of the organization. Please provide the following information about yourself:
What's your age?
What year in school are you?
Gender:
Sexual Orientation:
Race/Ethnicity:
Anything else you'd like us to know about you:
Reference:
Please provide contact info for a reference who knows about your work
with a GSA or LGBTQ youth group and/or can attest to your abilities as
a youth leader. It can be a peer, friend, teacher, or anyone else.
Name: ________________________________________
Relationship to You: _________________________
Phone: _______________________________________
Email: _______________________________________
Open-Ended Questions:
1. Please describe your involvement and experiences with the LGBTQ
movement and any other movements or anti-oppression work you have been
a part of.
2. Why are you interested in serving on the GSA Network Youth
Council?
3. What would you be able to contribute to the Youth Council?
4. In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges facing GSAs
and youth fighting homophobia in schools?
5. Share some ways that racism, classism, sexism, and other oppressions
have affected you and your activism.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
*********************************************
3. Ladyfest (SF)
Ladyfest Bay Area
July 24-28, 2002 * Mission District, San Francisco
bands * spoken word * dramatic and comedic artists * readings by local and visiting authors * visual art exhibits * film festival * educational and DIY forums * plenary discussions * workshop spaces
Ladyfest Bay Area is a nonprofit arts event organized by volunteers, both women and trans-identified.
Pro-woman people of all genders, ages, and abilities are encouraged to attend.
Special deal: buy 3 passes, get $10 each for a limited time.
See http://www.ladyfestbayarea.org for more info.
*********************************************
4. q-team (LA)
q-team is a collective of queer youth of color in los angeles examining and organizing around multiple social justice issues. q-team seeks to engage LA queer youth of color and our allies in political discussion groups which dissect issues/oppression on multiple levels.
in an attempt to de-colonize our minds and de-marginalize our bodies, the queer youth of color in q-team invite you to join the first of MANY...
q-team political discussion group:
7.30.02 * 6-8pm
Communities for a Better Environment
5610 Pacific Blvd., Ste. 203,
Huntington Park, 90255
RSVP and info: mailto:qteam@hotmail.com
OCCUPIED VIEQUES: a political discussion of the U.S. military occupation and colonization of Vieques, Puerto Rico
The U.S. Navy continues to use the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico to practice military maneuvers of war. Following the events of 911, Bush delayed the planned evacuation of the island and allowed bombing to continue to prepare for the "war on terrorism." Given the unforeseen future of this war and the years of destruction and decay on the island, we MUST STOP THE BOMBING, DEMAND U.S. MILITARY EVACUATION OF THE ISLAND and SUPPORT THE VIEQUENSE PEOPLE IN THEIR ATTEMPTS TO RESCUE AND REDEVELOP THEIR HOMELAND.
For q-team, it is also important to link the struggle to demilitarize Vieques to the legacy of U.S. imperialism and colonization globally. The land of Vieques is not the only occupied land... think of Afghanistan, the Philippines, Okinawa, etc. And in lands which have been physically conquered by euro and U.S. forces, we recognize the thick residue of oppressive laws and repressive ideas and values. In the case of Puerto Rico, we will also look at the anti-sodomy law prohibiting sexual activity between same gender people which was modeled after California's anti-sodomy law.
q-team also recognizes the need for queer youth of color to form coalition
with other people committed to comprehensive social justice. we will
look at the example of Vieques and coalition building between odd bedfellows:
the Catholic church and queers...all in the name of Vieques Libre.
what can we take from this lesson? how can we build our movements stronger
and avoid divisive tactics?
come chill, check q-team out and speak yo' mind about liberation.
***please do not bring or invite members of the government or press***
*********************************************
5. Chico Chats (SF)
CHICO CHATS!!
para latino guys 25 and under who dig other guys!!
Chat about our lives and take action to make San Francisco a better place for you and your hermanos! Spread the chismes, have some risas, learn some skills and make new friends.
Novios. Dating. Sex. Love. Familia. Machismo. Homophobia. Racism. Comunidad.
Para mas info and to sign up contact Roberto: 415.865.0790 x303 or mailto:ROrdenana@stopaids.org
Getaway: Sat August 3 & Sunday August 4, 2002. And Get2Gethers Wednesdays after that!!
CHICO APURATE! PUES SPACE IS TIGHT!!
brought to you by !Ya Basta!, Q Action's community organizing project for young Latino bi/queer/joto/questioning/gay men. at the STOP AIDS Project.
*********************************************
6. Teaching Respect for All 2002 - Student Scholarships
Teaching Respect for All 2002, GLSEN's sixth annual national conference, will be on October 4-6, 2002 in Los Angeles.
GLSEN's Student Organizing Department is offering scholarships for students who want to attend the conference. The deadline to apply is Friday, July 26th.
Learn more about Teaching Respect for All student scholarships at:
http://www.glsen.org/templates/student/record.html?section=45&record=1311
*********************************************
7. NYAC Pacific Regional Conference (Reno)
Get packed for Reno - the 2002 NYAC Pacific Regional Conference!
11-13 October 2002
University of Nevada, Reno
For more info or to register online, visit: http://www.nyacyouth.org
Co-sponsors:
A Rainbow Place, Nevada Young Activist Project, PFLAG Reno, University
of
Nevada (Reno) Queer Student Union (as of 7/17/02)
Scholarship Info:
Scholarships that cover registration only are available to youth ages
22 and under living in the Pacific region (Alaska, Washington State, Oregon,
California, Nevada, Hawaii and Guam). Deadline for applications is
Friday, August 23!
Contact:
Joseph Truong, Regional Field Assistant, NYAC, 1638 R Street, NW, Suite
300,
Washington, DC 20009. E-mail: mailto:joseph@nyacyouth.org
Phone: (202) 319-7596, ext 12. Fax: (202) 319-7365
*********************************************
8. Bike Sale to Benefit Bike Out (LA)
BIKE SALE BIKE SALE BIKE SALEááBIKE SALE
Saturday July 27, 2002 - 9:00 a.m. til 2:00 p.m.
Vera Davis Community Center - 610 California Avenue, in Venice (@ Electric
and California, one block east of Abbot Kinney)
call 310.452.7785 for more info
all types of bikes:
Vintage SCHWINN Beach Cruisers * Mountain * Classic roadies * Kids
* New and Used Bikes * HELMETS FOR SALE TOO
$25-$500
Proceeds benefit Bike Out
*********************************************
9. Urban Youth Arts Festival (SF)
Precita Eyes Muralists Presents
The 6th Annual Urban Youth Arts Festival
Saturday, July 27th 2002 * 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Precita Park, Precita Ave @ Folsom St. San Francisco
FREE
All youth are invited to come and be a part of positive and creative expression with San Francisco/ Bay Area artists at the Sixth Annual Urban Youth Arts Festival in Precita Park, San Francisco. Participate in traditional and aerosol mural painting and other hands-on community art activities. This event is sponsored by Precita Eyes Muralists, a San Francisco based non-profit community mural arts organization. All are welcome to spend the day enjoying mural performances, music, break dancing and spoken word
Music by: Peace * Depressor * Mr. Dragonfly * Rasta Q-Tip * Pitchblack * Sacrilicious
* 'The Legendary 80's' Slideshow by The Bay Area Aerosol Heritage Society
* The first ever GRAFFLE - Graffart Raffle
* A memorial honoring King Dream, Tie, Sope and all fallen writers
* State of the Bay Area Graffiti Art & Video Exhibit
Artist product displays by TDK, ICP, TMF, Culture Cache, No Pal Productions & more.
Also appearing: San Pancho Bike Club (low rider bike club) * Youth Speaks * Live * Performance Mural * Youth Mural Paint-In * Hip Hop Piñadas * Free Food
For more information call (415) 285-2287, email mailto:pem@precitaeyes.org, or visit http://www.precitaeyes.org.
*********************************************
10. NGLTF Youth Advisory Council
Are you a young woman or youth of color who might be willing to serve on the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Youth Advisory Council?
NGLTF's web site is http://www.ngltf.org. For more info about the Youth Advisory Council, contact Lorri L. Jean 202-332-6483 or mailto:owinet@ngltf.org.
*********************************************
11. Job Announcement: CFJ Intern (Fresno)
Californians for Justice is a statewide grassroots membership organization working to advance racial justice and human rights in California. We have launched a 5-year campaign to organize youth, parents, and allied organizations for racial justice in education, linked to prisons, poverty and power in California.
Fresno Intern: Fresno
We are looking for 1-2 energetic, community-minded people who would
like to help spread the word in Fresno about a statewide mobilization,
happening in June, at the Board of Education in Sacramento. The intern(s)
would distribute flyers, speak to organizations and activists, and participate
in the mobilization itself. This would be a part-time commitment that is
ideal for a college student or someone seeking a part-time project (anticipate
10-15 hours/week, $10/hour).
Qualifications: committed to social justice, energetic, well-organized, and a good communicator, with some Fresno community experience (could include volunteer, church or school experience). Bilingual in a relevant language (i.e. Spanish, Lao, etc.) and access to a car are preferable, but not required.
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Central Valley Students Raise Money And Get Soaking Wet!
GSA Network Announcements
1. Young, Loud and Proud Conference (SF)
2. Gender Identity Teach-In (Fresno)
Other Announcements
3. Queer Youth and Allies: Make Radio and Earn Money (Bay Area)
4. Ladyfest - Youth Digital Video Production Workshop (SF)
5. One Mic and Off the Wall Exhibit (Bay Area)
6. Conference Scholarships Available for Trans Youth (LA)
7. Resource about LGBTQ Youth
8. Upcoming Book on LGBT Families
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Central Valley Students Raise Money And Get Soaking Wet!
On Sunday, July 14th, students of the GSA Network and "Destination Out Of Harm's Way" in Fresno raised $400 by washing cars!
How did they do it?
They sold tickets up to two weeks in advance for $5 each. Lots of people
showed up on car wash day with their tickets in hand and their cars ready
to be washed. But even more people bought tickets as a donation and stayed
home! Either way, they got to contribute to a good cause.
All of the money raised will help to fund the first ever LGBTQ and
Straight Ally Youth Conference in Fresno in March of 2003. Mark your
calendars and stay tuned for more info!
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Young, Loud and Proud Conference (SF)
Come check out Young, Loud and Proud (YLP), a FREE national conference for LGBTQQ youth aged 25 and under.
Friday, July 19th
6:00-10:00pm - YLP Kick-Off
Saturday, July 20th
9am-5:30pm - Registration, Workshops, Performances
Sunday, July 21st
10am-3:30pm - Workshops, Closing
YLP brings youth from around the country together to:
- Learn about great projects, programs, groups, and actions
- Gain organizing and leadership skills
- Chill and build community with other LGBTQQ youth and allies
- Help advance the struggle for justice for LGBTQQ youth
GSA Network will be presenting workshops on the following topics: How to Start and Run and Kick-Ass GSA, Student Activism / AB 537, How to Be a Super-Rad Straight Ally, Youth/Advisor Relations, and As If It Matters (our youth-produced film).
For more info and to register, go to: http://www.lyric.org
Please note: YLP is free for all youth 25 and under. For adult participants over 25, there is a $50 registration fee to attend the conference.
YLP is sponsored by LYRIC.
*********************************************
2. Gender Identity Teach-In (Fresno)
GENDER IDENTITY TEACH-IN!
Workshops, water games, open mike, music,food, leaflet-ing and a Rainbow Flag Raising will all be part of the Saturday, July 20th Young, Loud and Proud Gender Identity Teach-In sponsored by the Student Action Front, Destination Out and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network.
The event is open to all high school students and young adults and is FREE!
Beginning at 11am at the Center for Non-Violence (4403 E. Tulare Ave. between
Olive and Belmont), the day-long event will feature workshops on gender
identity, security culture and mock-up episodes on how to deal with hostility
toward your right of self-expression. For more information contact the
Gay-Straight Alliance Network office 559-442-4777.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
*********************************************
3. Queer Youth and Allies: Make Radio and Earn Money (Bay Area)
outLoud Radio's Summer 2002 is getting off the ground and on the air!
We're looking for a small group of dedicated youth to report, comment,
spin music, engineer, read poetry and more.
WHERE? San Francisco and Oakland
WHEN? starting July 18 in San Francisco, July 22 in Oakland
WHAT's it to you? Get experience, have fun, and earn a stipend
WHO should you contact for an application?
info@outloudradio.org or (415) 703-6150 x37 or download it from http://outloudradio.org/outLoud_app.pdf
*********************************************
4. Ladyfest - Youth Digital Video Production Workshop (SF)
Youth Digital Video Production Workshop
Mission High School, Room 4
Sunday, July 28, 2002, 12-1:30 PM, $5 (or free with a Ladyfest pass)
Facilitator: Marla Leech of the Bay Area Video Coalition
High school students: get this overview of digital video making, then hit the streets and make your own movies! In this class you'll learn what it's all about and make a short video as a group. This workshop will be taught by Marla Leech and the Bay Area Video Coalition, who have been teaching video to budding filmmakers for years. Get in on the action!
Ladyfest Bay Area
http://www.ladyfestbayarea.org
Ladyfest Bay Area is a nonprofit arts event organized by volunteers,
both women and trans-identified. Ladyfest Bay Area will happen July
24-28, 2002 in San Francisco, California. It will feature performances
by bands, spoken word, dramatic and comedic artists, readings by local
and visiting authors, visual art exhibits, and a film festival. It will
also include educational and DIY forums, plenary discussions, as well as
workshop spaces. Ladyfest Bay Area will be a safe space that pro-woman
people of all genders, ages, and abilities are encouraged to attend. Special
deal: buy 3 passes, get $10 each for a limited time.
*********************************************
5. One Mic and Off the Wall Exhibit (Bay Area)
WHO?: QUEER YOUTH artists and performers, supporters, friends, family and lovers of everything beautiful!
WHAT?: ÒONE MIC & OFF THE WALL EXHIBITÓ --> Performances, spoken word, music, dance & visual art show~
WHEN?: Friday, July 26th 2002, 8pm to ??
WHERE?: THE PACIFIC CENTER at 2712 Telegraph Ave in Berkeley (at Derby, kitty-corner from AndronicoÕs). You can take Ashby or Downtown Berkeley BART and walk up or Bus Lines #40, 40L, & 64.
WHY?: BecauseÉ a) we have some kick-ass talent on board at the Center, b) it brings us all together, c) to raise donations for our drop-in space, after losing all our funding on July 1st, d) to show we still can rock this place with or without their money!!
~Tell friends, bring food, bring a small donation, PERFORM!!~
This event is drug & alcohol free, open to ALL until 10pm, then WE take over... youth 25 and under!!
Need more info?: contact Kari Kruse at 510-548-8283 ex. 216 or email
mailto:youth@pacificcenter.org
*********************************************
6. Conference Scholarships Available for Trans Youth (LA)
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY! NCCJ CONFERENCE SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE FOR AN FTM/GENDERQUEER YOUTH.
FTM Alliance of Los Angeles is offering a scholarship for one transgender youth (ages 16, 17 and 18) interested in applying for Brotherhood-Sister Camp in August. The organizers of this camp would really like to encourage trans youth to attend. In fact, the camp staff will bend over backwards to make whatever accommodations are needed to make transgender participants feel safe and welcome.
August 17-23, 2002 : Brotherhood-Sisterhood Camp
Brotherhood-Sisterhood Camp is a unique residential program which promotes
self-respect, mutual respect and the valuing of differences. Youth participate
in experiential learning activities and dialogue sessions designed to increase
their understanding of human relations issues and of their own responsibility
in creating a just and inclusive multicultural, interracial, interreligious
community. Brotherhood-Sisterhood Camp is an original program of the National
Conference for Community and Justice. (The National Conference for Community
and Justice (NCCJ) is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting
bias, bigotry and racism. NCCJ promotes understanding and respect among
all races, religions and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution,
and education.)
If you would like to apply for the FTM Alliance scholarship to the Brotherhood-Sisterhood
Camp, please email a personal statement (maximum of 1 page) with the following
information:
1. Name
2. Age
3. Location
4. Why you would like to attend the Camp.
ONLY YOUTH AGES 16, 17 OR 18 ARE ELIGIBLE. PARENTAL PERMISSION IS REQUIRED.
PLEASE EMAIL APPLICATIONS TO mailto:ftmalliance@aol.com
BY JULY 19, 2002.
*********************************************
7. Resource about LGBTQ Youth
Last month's issue of Advocates for Youth's journal Transitions (Vol. 14 June 2002) is titled: "Respecting the Rights of GLBTQ Youth, A Responsibility of Youth-Serving Professionals"
For the pdf version, go to:
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/transitions/transitions1404.pdf
Or, for html, go to:
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/publications/transitions/transitions1404.htm
The contents include:
3Rs & GLBTQ Youth
Latino YMSM
Stressors for GLBTQ Youth
Transgender Youth
Harassment in School
Serving HIV-Positive Youth
Youth Activism
Coming Out?
Creating Inclusive Programs
Emergency Contraception
Abstinence-Only Education
Bill of Rights
GLBTQ Youth of Color
*********************************************
8. Upcoming Book on LGBT Families
"FAMILIES LIKE MINE": seeking participants!
My name is Abigail Garner and I am the grown daughter from a family that includes my gay dad, his partner of 24 years, and my straight mom. I have been writing and speaking about the experiences of kids in LGBT families for seven years.
I am pleased to announce that my first book (working title: FAMILIES LIKE MINE) is anticipated for release in Fall 2003 by HarperCollins.
FAMILIES LIKE MINE will cover many issues and will include the experiences of families where the parents were out before having children and families in which parents came out after children were born. The book's style is anecdotal, not scientific. It is not an anthology, but rather, a weaving together of stories with practical information.
I am seeking people from LGBT families -- teen children and grown children, parents and extended families -- who would be willing to be interviewed (via email or phone) to possibly be included. Sons and daughters of all ages, including adults, are especially encouraged to participate. I respect your confidentiality and will work with you to make your story anonymous if that is your preference.
Below are some of the main themes covered in the book:
* Parents coming out to children -- (fears, hopes, realities, age-appropriate
strategies)
* School issues -- (being out, parent/teacher conferences, teasing)
* Co-parenting/custody -- (successful and not successful; same-sex
couples &
heterosexual marriages)
* Positive and negative experiences in the media spotlight
* Families affected and infected by HIV/AIDS
* Adult children of all sexual and gender identities who have LGBT
parent(s) -- their sense of (or lack of) connection to LGBT communities.
* Families who feel overlooked or invisible within "the LGBT family
movement" (families of color, single parents, low-income, polyamory, etc.)
* Acceptance/rejection by extended family
If you are willing to share your story about one or more of these themes, feel free to email me at: mailto:abigail@familieslikemine.com.
"Families Like Mine" is a registered trademark of Abigail Garner.
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
GSA Network Website - Updates and Improvements
GSA Network Announcements
1. Upcoming GSA Leadership Training: Central Valley
2. Apply for the GSA Network Youth Council!
Other Announcements
3. Youth Speakers Bureau Training (SF)
4. Rainbow's End Meetings This Summer (Marin County)
5. Locked Out: LGBT Folks Behind Bars (SF)
6. Bay Area Youth-Produced LGBTQQ Zine Seeking Submissions
7. Q-Zine Seeking Submissions
8. PFLAG Wants to Hear Your Story
9. Save the Date - Not Down With the LockDown II (Bay Area)
10. Job Announcement: Oakland Unified School District
11. NEWS: Novato Students Featured in Prom Article
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
GSA Network Website - Updates and Improvements
The GSA Network website (http://www.gsanetwork.org) has gone through a lot of updates and changes in the last several months. If you've never looked at our site, you should check it out! And if it's been awhile since you've visited, here are some improvements you may not have seen yet:
* RESOURCES http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources - Our resources section is new and improved, with several new resource sheets (including How to Plan an Event, Developing a Strategy, and Day of Silence) and PDF files available for downloading and printing. You can also access our RECURSOS EN ESPAÑOL at http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/recursos.html
* NEWS http://www.gsanetwork.org/news - Issues of our quarterly newsletter, Outright, are now available as PDF files, and GSA Network News is posted online every week. You can also sign up online to receive GSA Network News by e-mail.
* GSA DIRECTORY http://www.gsanetwork.org/directory - Look up California GSAs by school name or by county, and if you don't see your GSA listed you can REGISTER online atáhttp://www.gsanetwork.org/register.
* AB 537 http://www.gsanetwork.org/ab537 - Learn everything you need to know about The California Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act of 2000 (AB 537) and our Make It Real project. The AB 537 student organizing manual is now available to download as a PDF at http://www.gsanetwork.org/ab537/manual.html.
* ARTS ACTIVISM http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone - Look here to find out more information about Freezone, our arts activism program. Learn about how to use the High Contrast photo exhibit and the As If It Matters video in your school. You can also find out about other awesome arts activism projects on our extensive links page.
* YEAR END EVALUATION http://www.gsanetwork.org/yearendeval
- Please take a few minutes to give us some feedback about our programs
and services. Your comments are very important to us!
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Upcoming GSA Leadership Training: Central Valley
Wanna meet other people fighting homophobia?
Wanna learn how to improve your GSA?
Wanna become a leader?
*** Join us for our upcoming GSA Leadership Training! ***
Learn how to facilitate a meeting, make your GSA more inclusive, and build coalitions with other students.
All GSA Leadership Trainings are FREE. Lunch is provided.
Central Valley:
Saturday, July 13th, 11am - 4pm
at the GSA Network office in Fresno
4403 E. Tulare Ave. - Fresno, CA
Sponsored by GSA Network.
For more information about the Central Valley Leadership Training, contact Diana at 559.453.9040 or mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org.
*********************************************
2. Apply for the GSA Network Youth Council!
GSA Network is still taking applications for our regional Youth Councils. If you're interested in being on the Youth Council for the upcoming term (now through the end of the '02-'03 school year), apply now!! We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis.
Questions about the Youth Councils??
Northern CA - contact Emilie: 415-552-4229 or mailto:emilie@gsanetwork.org
Central CA - contact Diana: 559-442-4777 or mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org
Southern CA - contact CC: 323-662-3160 or mailto:cc@gsanetwork.org
You can also get a Youth Council application at http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/apply.html.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Youth Council Description: The GSA Network Youth Council is a diverse group of youth leaders who care about fighting homophobia in schools. There are 3 Youth Councils: Northern California, Central California, and Southern California. Each Youth Council is responsible for making decisions about and guiding the programs of the GSA Network in their region. Youth Council members will represent the needs of GSAs and youth activists from their geographic region as well as set goals and establish priorities for the entire GSA Network.
Schedule: The Youth Council meets once a month, generally on a Saturday. Meetings will take place in each office of the GSA Network, in Northern, Central, and Southern California. Typically, Youth Council members are also involved in planning and/or implementing other trainings and conferences, most of which happen on weekend days as well.
Job Responsibilities
Each Youth Council member is expected to:
1. Make a one-year commitment to serve on the Youth Council.
2. Represent your region as fully as possible.
3. Prepare for and attend monthly meetings of the Youth Council.
4. Participate in setting goals and making decisions about the
programs of the GSA Network.
5. Identify needs of GSAs and LGBTQ youth and straight allies
in schools and guide the direction of the GSA Network activities accordingly.
6. Help plan and/or conduct workshops at GSA Network trainings
and conferences.
7. Help coordinate youth involvement in events such as National Day
of Silence.
8. Be a resource to new and/or struggling GSAs in your region.
Skills/Requirements:
1. Willing to commit to serve on the Youth Council for one year.
2. Interested in developing and suggesting ideas to strengthen the
GSA Network.
3. Committed to creating change for LGBTQ youth and fighting homophobia
in schools.
4. Be able to work well in a group.
YOUTH COUNCIL APPLICATION FORM:
RETURN TO:
E-mail:
Northern CA: emilie@gsanetwork.org
Central CA: diana@gsanetwork.org
Southern CA: cc@gsanetwork.org
Other:
Northern CA: 160 14th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103, fax: 415.552.4729
Central CA: 4403 E. Tulare Ave., Fresno, CA 93702, fax: 559.453.9060
Southern CA: 4477 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90027, fax: 323-662-3167
Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip:
Phone Number (home):
(alternate):
Email:
Do we need to be discreet when contacting you?
School Info:
School You Attend:
Name of GSA or LGBTQ-Related Group:
The GSA Network strives for diversity in all aspects of the organization. Please provide the following information about yourself:
What's your age?
What year in school are you?
Gender:
Sexual Orientation:
Race/Ethnicity:
Anything else you'd like us to know about you:
Reference:
Please provide contact info for a reference who knows about your work
with a GSA or LGBTQ youth group and/or can attest to your abilities as
a youth leader. It can be a peer, friend, teacher, or anyone else.
Name: ________________________________________
Relationship to You: _________________________
Phone: _______________________________________
Email: _______________________________________
Open-Ended Questions:
1. Please describe your involvement and experiences with the LGBTQ
movement and any other movements or anti-oppression work you have been
a part of.
2. Why are you interested in serving on the GSA Network Youth
Council?
3. What would you be able to contribute to the Youth Council?
4. In your opinion, what are the greatest challenges facing GSAs
and youth fighting homophobia in schools?
5. Share some ways that racism, classism, sexism, and other oppressions
have affected you and your activism.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
*********************************************
3. Youth Speakers Bureau Training (SF)
Hey folks! Let your voice be heard!!!
CUAV & LYRIC are hosting the annual LGBTQ Youth Speakers Bureau
Training
Sat/Sun July 27th & 28th, 10 am-6 pm
This is FREE training with free food for folks 24 yrs old & under.
CUAV speakers go into schools and community groups and speak out on the issues-- you can, too! Meet cool people, have fun & make a difference. Help stamp out homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and all oppressions!!!!
Become a Youth Speaker -- Call (415) 777-5500 ext 303 or email mailto:connie@cuav.org to sign up today!
*********************************************
4. Rainbow's End Meetings This Summer (Marin County)
Beginning on Thursday July 18th, the Rainbow's End youth group in Marin County will be on summer schedule! The group will be open to allies, and all our friends from the GSA's are invited to attend. Listed is a tentative schedule of activities planned for the summer.
JULY 18th: Join us for a great film called, GET REAL, a very empowering story of being young out and proud!
JULY 25th: Health Initiatives for Youth will be doing an interactive workshop on drugs.
AUGUST 1st: Join us for the film, My Life In Pink, a thought provoking film that looks at gender and being yourself.
AUGUST 8th: MARIN PRIDE, We have our own Pride celebration in Marin and it happens in August, join us for food, games and fun!
AUGUST 15th: Huckleberry Youth Programs will be presenting on HIV and STD's. Learn how to take good care of your health!
AUGUST 22nd: The video, Scouting For All, will be shown which looks at homophobia in the boyscoutsÉ.who knows maybe we can get local hero, Scott Cozza, founder of the organization Scouting For All to join us!
AUGUST 29th: End of the summer PARTY, let's relax have FUN, and bring summer to a close with a celebration!
Rainbow's End is open to young people 14-19 years of age. The group meets Thursdays 7-9 p.m. at Spectrum - 1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in San Anselmo. No drug and/or alcohol use is allowed before or during activities.
*********************************************
5. Locked Out: LGBT Folks Behind Bars (SF)
Locked Out: Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgenders Behind Bars
Wednesday, July 17th from 7-9pm
The SF LGBT Community Center, 4th Floor, Ceremonial Room
(1800 Market Street @ Octavia)
Join us for an evening of discussion and information sharing as former
prisoners, prison activists, and advocates discuss the massive
incarceration of prisoners in the United States and the abuses faced
by
lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgenders who get caught up in the
process.
For more information, call (510) 665-1935 or email mailto:hipcomm@excite.com
*********************************************
6. Bay Area Youth-Produced LGBTQQ Zine Seeking Submissions
The Outlet Program at the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula presents the 6th Annual
* * * Screaming Out Loud * * *
A youth-produced, youth-oriented literary Ôzine devoted to LGBTQQ youth issues
We are looking for:
*Short stories *Poetry *Visual Art (i.e. photography)
Cash prizes of $25 will be awarded for the best submission in each category and $75 for the best overall submission.
Send submissions to:
Outlet Program at the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula
4161 Alma St.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
650-494-0972 x 301
OR
Email them to: mailto:xSpookyKiwiX@yahoo.com
You can find all this information at: http://www.geocities.com/ScreamingOutLoud6
**Entries must be postmarked by July 25, 2002**
*********************************************
7. Q-Zine Seeking Submissions
Q-zine is for the GLBT community and friends and may include
* Articles and essays
* Short stories and poetry
* Letters to the Editor
* Reviews of books, plays, and movies
* Special events in the San Francisco Bay Area (Current Issue and e-mail
only)
If you think you might like to write something for Q-zine, please do so. Writers of all ages and from any location are welcome. Contributors retain the copyright of their submissions.
Please send suggestions, letters, submissions, or special event announcements IN THE BODY OF e-mails (rather than as attachments) to BobLatham@aol.com. If you would like to contact any contributor, Bob Latham will be happy to forward your e-mail.
If you would like to receive future issues of Q-zine by e-mail, send a note to mailto:BobLatham@aol.com. All issues of Q-zine are sent BCC to ensure privacy. E-mail addresses are NOT shared.
Q-zine is not a part of any organization.
*********************************************
8. PFLAG Wants to Hear Your Story
Parents Families and Friends of Lesbian And Gays (PFLAG) is seeking stories from youth for their national safe schools project about:
* Everyday experiences of harassment, discrimination, and exclusion
at
school based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.
* Stories of GLBT students who face multiple forms of discrimination, based on race, class, disability, size, nationality, religion, etc.
* What students want in a safe and inclusive school environment. What should PFLAG be working towards? Are there examples of things happening in your local schools that promote GLBT awareness and acceptance?
These stories will be used in PFLAG's work to encourage parents, family members, friends, and community leaders to be active for safe schools. We want to share them at our upcoming safe schools town meeting, at our national conference, and in publications. Confidentiality will be protected as requested.
Send stories to: Anna Lvovsky at mailto:ALvovsky@PFLAG.org
*********************************************
9. Save the Date - Not Down With the LockDown II (Bay Area)
Save the Date - Not Down With the LockDown II
Saturday August 3rd from12-4pm
Frank Ogawa plaza, Downtown Oakland
Near the Corner of 14th & Broadway
Summer Jam To Throw Down. áYouth Force Coalition bringing the heat this summer with the best way to spend a Saturday: Letting our voices be heard & Fighting for Justice.
For more info, Call YFC @ 510-451-5466 ext 301
*********************************************
10. Job Announcement: Oakland Unified School District
The Oakland Unified School District has posted an employment opportunity for a permanent full-time position to address LGBTQ issues in the district. It is officially titled "Community Coordinator - Program Assistant" and can be accessed on the district's website:
http://hrx.ousd.k12.ca.us/job_desc_cla.asp?job_ref_num=518500%2D08297
*********************************************
11. NEWS: Novato Students Featured in Prom Article
To read the article online and view photos, visit: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/06/30/LV188923.DTL
Pride at the prom: Novato couple breaks down barriers at their school
dance
by Jordan Robertsonáááá
Sunday, June 30, 2002
The prom photographer finally got it right: Novato High School junior David Dalpino and senior Jed Levine were indeed each other's dates, and there was nothing Dalpino wanted more than to hop onto Levine's lap before the flash went off.
And so he did. Click.
Not at all surprising for a couple whose friends bought a squirt gun to hose down their more fiery public displays of affection.
But on a broader level, that atypical prom photo, taken at San Francisco's Hotel Nikko earlier this month, held a greater message: Images of lesbian and gay people in the mainstream media and society's increasing acceptance of that community have made being an openly gay teen more and more manageable - even in conservative Bay Area communities such as Novato.
"Ten years ago, it would have been a lot harder to do this," Levine said of the prom.
Mind you, gay partners attending proms is not a new phenomenon. In his
1981 book, "Reflections of a Rock Lobster: A Story About Growing Up Gay,"
Aaron Fricke wrote about suing his Rhode Island high school to allow him
to attend its
prom with his boyfriend.
But it's an anomaly for Novato High, where on-campus safety presentations by the Gay-Straight Alliance this year drew a war cry from local parents and religious leaders. The 1999 Novato gay-bashing of San Marin High School senior Adam Colton drew national media attention and spurred many Marin schools to start such alliances and address gay safety issues.
Yet Levine and Dalpino comfortably held hands at the local Starbucks after pre-prom tuxedo fittings last month - as they'd done more than once on campus.
"I think it's just gotten easier anywhere," Levine said. "As society changes, people change with it."
Coming out
It all begins with a gay or lesbian person "coming out" to their family and friends. Levine's and Dalpino's coming-out stories are night-and-day different.
Active in student government, a member of the volleyball team and academic decathlon, blood drive organizer and lead singer in a punk-ska band, Levine, 18, barely had time to come out at all.
He told his circle of friends and his parents the day before the Novato High student officer elections - Levine was running for student body president.
He says that although the response from friends and family was warm, being the first in the school to openly acknowledge being gay may have cost him a few votes and possibly the race.
"I'm a very busy person. I do all kinds of extracurricular activities. I try to keep myself busy," he said. "And when I came out I was really busy, the s- was hitting the fan. So I told myself, 'Why not do it now when it seems so minuscule?' "
His parents - Dan, an architect, and Margaret, a nurse - said it didn't take long for them to get over the initial surprise.
"It's not an us-and-them mentality," Dan Levine said. "These are friends and work mates, and this is not an alien orientation - it's just woven into the fabric of our society. On a personal level, it's different; you feel things. But on a social level, there's nothing to be shocked about."
On the other hand, Dalpino, 17, who identifies as bisexual, has remained true to his unfailingly taciturn nature: He hasn't really told anybody.
"Technically, I haven't really come out," he said. "I was one of those, 'Oh? You didn't know?' kind of kids."
The couple's nonchalance is indicative of how Novato High School has gradually warmed to openly gay teens.
Until last year, Novato High was unique among Marin County high schools in that it had no Gay-Straight Alliance, according to Principal Lisa Schwartz.
The school had been slow to implement the Student Safety and Violence Prevention Act, a state law enacted in 2000 adding sexual orientation and gender to the state education code's nondiscrimination policy.
A small group of self-identified straight students had been meeting occasionally as a Gay-Straight Alliance, but when Levine came out of the closet and took it over, the group grew to more than 40 active members, although only four or five are openly gay.
The small group that has protested the alliance's classroom presentations argues that education on sexual orientation belongs in the home or church, not in school.
Group draws protest
"The statement is that if you want to promote safety in the school system, teach character, not homosexuality," said Sara Lockwood, a Novato parent and representative of the First Educators' Alliance, a coalition of Novato parents concerned about sexual orientation education in schools.
The size of the opposition varies by commitment level: Lockwood says almost 200 parents are included in the organization's e-mail group, but Schwartz, the principal, estimates that only 10 or so showed up regularly to school board meetings and GSA events.
"To tell you the truth, I haven't experienced this before," she said of the opposition. "I've lived in other parts of Marin, and this hasn't been an issue. It seems to me that this community has a very different attitude than, for example, the school districts in the southern part of the county, which have had established GSAs and have had presentations like these before. The hostility can be pretty intense."
Still, Levine said seeing gay and lesbian characters on television programs such as Showtime's "Queer as Folk" and NBC's "Will & Grace" has made it easier for nongay people to adjust.
"I think that as society has moved forward, so have people's opinions about gays and lesbians," Levine said. "The media has helped change people's attitudes, and even if it takes baby steps after baby steps, hopefully that will progress to leaps and bounds."
Levine and Dalpino, who met in the cast of a school play and began dating in March, practice a public openness they say would have been dangerous just a few years ago.
On prom night, they hugged, kissed, held hands and gave each other shoulder massages. (A Chronicle reporter and photographer were allowed into the ballroom lobby, but not into the prom itself. Novato Unified School District spokeswoman Dianne Pavia said the district wasn't able to alert parents that media would be at the private event.)
"They are disgustingly perfect," joked their friend, Ruth Osorio, a 17-year- old senior. "They're just meant for each other. Just their chemistry - they're like two puzzle pieces that just fit."
But not everyone found Levine's and Dalpino's actions amusing.
Senior Andrew Johnson, 18, said he respected the couple's decision to attend together, but grimaced when he saw them kissing.
"What do I think of that? I really don't care, as long as they quit sucking face," said Johnson, whose opinion was shared by a number of other students surveyed that night.
Too much PDA
"I don't care that (Levine) brought (Dalpino), as long as they're not all over each other, just like they wouldn't want us to be all over each other," he said. "I don't have a problem with it, as long as they know the line."
Dalpino said he just ignores anyone who has problems with his and Levine's affectionate displays.
"I don't care, because they're going to see it anyway," he said. "They're just going to have to close their eyes and turn away, 'cause there's really no other choice."
Despite the number of Novato High students who have come out in the past year, Levine and Dalpino were the only gay couple attending the prom.
But they didn't let that bother them as they slow-danced to Ricky Martin's "She's All I Ever Had" and the closer - a favorite for both - Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get It On." The pair also "freaked" with a group of friends to hip-hop and dance songs.
"We're a very sexual group, very open," Levine said. "There was a lot of hot action going on on the dance floor - girls on girls, guys on guys - it didn't matter."
Levine and Dalpino put off for another time thoughts of their future. They want to continue as a couple, but Levine is headed to UCLA in the fall, and Dalpino is facing his senior year at Novato High - and neither is a fan of long-distance relationships.
Still, to Levine the prom heralded another watershed moment in the progress of Bay Area lesbian and gay teens.
"It's not like it's easy, open-and-shut, like, 'OK, everyone can come
out now,' " Levine said. "Some of the people who have come out to me have
said they're terrified. It certainly hasn't gotten to the place we want
it to be - we've still got a long way to go. But it's gotten better."
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
SF Pride Update
GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Activist Camp 2002 - Apply by July 8th! (NorCal &
SoCal)
2. Upcoming GSA Leadership Training: Central Valley
3. Car Wash to Benefit LGBTQQ Youth (Fresno)
4. Young, Loud and Proud Conference (SF)
5. Gender Identity Teach-In (Fresno)
Other Announcements
6. Youth Speakers Bureau Training (SF)
7. Teaching Respect for All 2002 - Student Scholarships
8. Queer Youth and Allies: Make Radio and Earn $$$ (Bay Area)
9. 4th of July Alternative Family Picnic (SF)
10. Journal of Gay and Lesbian Issues in Education Seeking Youth
Submissions
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
SF Pride Update
Thank you to everyone who joined the GSA Network/LYRIC youth contingent in the San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade last Sunday. With around 200 youth marchers and one million spectators, Pride 2002 was a huge success! We carried signs representing every GSA in Northern and Central California, and we received some of the loudest cheers of any contingent in the parade. Y'all rock!
To see photos from Pride 2002, check out: http://www.gsanetwork.org/photos.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. GSA Activist Camp 2002 - Apply by July 8th! (NorCal & SoCal)
The Activist Camp is FREE, youth-planned and youth-led event that features intensive community building, skill-building, political education, and leadership training for GSA members. Last year's participants had a great experience, and we hope to make this year even better! All youth who will be involved in a GSA next year and who want to develop leadership skills, network with other youth activists, learn a lot, and have a fabulous time are encouraged to apply.
Northern California Camp: August 6-8 in Oakland
Southern California Camp: August 9-11 in Santa Monica
Submit your completed GSA Activist Camp applications to GSA Network by Monday, July 8th.
Apply online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/camp
*********************************************
2. Upcoming GSA Leadership Training: Central Valley
Wanna meet other people fighting homophobia?
Wanna learn how to improve your GSA?
Wanna become a leader?
*** Join us for our upcoming GSA Leadership Training! ***
Learn how to facilitate a meeting, make your GSA more inclusive, and build coalitions with other students.
All GSA Leadership Trainings are FREE. Lunch is provided.
Central Valley:
Saturday, July 13th, 11am - 4pm
at the GSA Network office in Fresno
4403 E. Tulare Ave. - Fresno, CA
Sponsored by GSA Network.
For more information about the Central Valley Leadership Training, contact
Diana at 559.453.9040 or mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org.
*********************************************
3. Car Wash to Benefit LGBTQQ Youth (Fresno)
GET YOUR DIRTY CAR WASHED!
Get your car clean and support GLBTQQ youth and their straight allies! Youth from the GSA Network, Destination Out and the United Student Pride CSUF will wash your car for a $5 donation on Sunday, July 14th between 9am and 2pm. Just bring your car to the back parking lot of the Planned Parenthood office (633 N. Van Ness between Olive and Belmont in Fresno).
Your donations will support the 2003 Valley- Wide GLBTQQ and Ally Youth Conference to be held in Fresno in March. For more information call GSA Network at 559-442-4777.
Thank you for your support.
*********************************************
4. Young, Loud and Proud Conference (SF)
Come check out Young, Loud and Proud (YLP), a FREE national conference for LGBTQQ youth aged 25 and under.
Friday, July 19th
6:00-10:00pm - YLP Kick-Off
Saturday, July 20th
9am-5:30pm - Registration, Workshops, Performances
Sunday, July 21st
10am-3:30pm - Workshops, Closing
YLP brings youth from around the country together to:
- Learn about great projects, programs, groups, and actions
- Gain organizing and leadership skills
- Chill and build community with other LGBTQQ youth and allies
- Help advance the struggle for justice for LGBTQQ youth
GSA Network will be presenting workshops on the following topics: How to Start and Run and Kick-Ass GSA, Student Activism / AB 537, How to Be a Super-Rad Straight Ally, Youth/Advisor Relations, and As If It Matters (our youth-produced film).
For more info and to register, go to: http://www.lyric.org
Please note: YLP is free for all youth 25 and under. For adult participants over 25, there is a $50 registration fee to attend the conference.
YLP is sponsored by LYRIC.
*********************************************
5. Gender Identity Teach-In (Fresno)
GENDER IDENTITY TEACH-IN!
Workshops, water games, open mike, music,food, leaflet-ing and a Rainbow Flag Raising will all be part of the Saturday, July 20th Young, Loud and Proud Gender Identity Teach-In sponsored by the Student Action Front, Destination Out and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network.
The event is open to all high school students and young adults and is FREE!
Beginning at 11am at the Center for Non-Violence (4403 E. Tulare Ave. between Olive and Belmont), the day-long event will feature workshops on gender identity, security culture and mock-up episodes on how to deal with hostility toward your right of self-expression. For more information contact the Gay-Straight Alliance Network office 559-442-4777.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
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6. Youth Speakers Bureau Training (SF)
Hey folks! Let your voice be heard!!!
CUAV & LYRIC are hosting the annual LGBTQ Youth Speakers Bureau
Training
Sat/Sun July 27th & 28th, 10 am-6 pm
This is FREE training with free food for folks 24 yrs old & under.
CUAV speakers go into schools and community groups and speak out on the issues-- you can, too!áMeet cool people, have fun & make a difference. Help stamp out homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and all oppressions!!!!
Become a Youth Speaker -- Call (415) 777-5500 ext 303 or email mailto:connie@cuav.org
to sign up today!
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7. Teaching Respect for All 2002 - Student Scholarships
áá
Teaching Respect for All 2002, GLSEN's sixth annual national conference, will be on October 4-6, 2002 in Los Angeles.
GLSEN's Student Organizing Department is offering scholarships for students who want to attend the conference. The deadline to apply has been extended to Friday, July 26th.
Learn more about Teaching Respect for All student scholarships at:
http://www.glsen.org/templates/student/record.html?section=45&record=1311
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8. Queer Youth and Allies: Make Radio and Earn $$$ (Bay Area)
outLoud Radio's Summer 2002 is getting off the ground and on the air! We're looking for a small group of dedicated youth to report, comment, spin music, engineer, read poetry and more.
WHERE? San Francisco and Oakland
WHEN? July-August 2002
WHAT's it to you? Get experience, have fun, and earn a $100 stipend
WHO should you contact for an application?
mailto:info@outloudradio.org
or (415) 703-6150 x37
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9. 4th of July Alternative Family Picnic (SF)
AN OL' FASHIONED 4TH OF JULY ALTERNATIVE FAMILY PICNIC !!!
Sixth Annual Celebration Cosponsored by Alternative Family Institute, Jon Sims Center for the Performing Arts, and Yerba Buena Arts & Events
Thursday, July 4, 11am to 3pm
Yerba Buena Gardens
Third & Mission Streets, San Francisco
FREE
Featuring:
The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band
The Dixieland Dykes+3
A festive line-up of other Bay Area Entertainers
Games and prizes for the kids
Co-sponsored by:
ááAlternative Family Institute (Website:www.altfamily.org)
ááYerba Buena Arts & Events (Website:www.ybgf.org)
ááááá
ááJon Sims Center for the Arts (Website:www.JonSimsCtr.org)
For information about the 4th of July Picnic call Yerba Beuna Arts &
Events (415) 543-1718
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10. Journal of Gay and Lesbian Issues in Education Seeking Youth
Submissions
Youth Submissions Sought by new publication: The Journal of Gay and Lesbian Issues in Education
The new international Journal of Gay and Lesbian Issues in Education will publish several brief (250-400 word) essays penned by GLBTQ youth on the topic "How do words such as 'gay' or 'queer' describe who I am?" Anyone 23 years of age or under is invited to submit a previously unpublished essay. Submissions should be sent electronically to: jglie@jtsears.com
Deadline is October 1, 2002. More information about the journal can be found at http://www.jtsears.com/jglie
Educational issues relating to glbtq individuals can be expressed visually as well as textually. The new international quarterly Journal of Gay and Lesbian Issues in Education welcomes submissions of original art (e.g., photographs, silkscreens, painting) that speaks to queer issues in education and/or is produced by glbtq youth. Images are published in black & white format in the journal. For the next issue submissions are sought from glbtq youth. For additional guidelines or to submit your work, contact Jim Sanders at: mailto:jsanders@netunlimited.net
For more information about the journal: http://www.jtsears.com/jglie