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In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Northern Central Valley GSA Activists Form New Alliance
GSA Network Announcements
1. Apply for GSA Activist Camp
2. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
3. Central California GSA activists March at Fresno Pride This Weekend
4. Time for Pride!!! All the Details are here! (San Francisco)
5. Community Q&A: The Gwen Araujo Trial (San Francisco)
Other Announcements
6. Save the Dimensions Youth Clinic!! (San Francisco)
7. Sacramento Leadership Committee GSA Meeting
8. "Skool's Out" New Films by Queer Youth (San Francisco)
9. Fresno Pre-Pride Film Festival
10. Fresno Barrios Unidos theatre group presents VOICES (Central Valley)
11. GAY PROM IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS! (Hayward)
12. Free "Speech-Making for Rallies" workshop with nationally-renowned
activist & voice teacher! June 6 (Los Angeles)
13. Last Fringe Benefits' Theatre Think Tank (Los Angeles)
14. Invitation to 5th grade play tackling homophobia! (Los Angeles)
15. Sir Ian McKellen narrates film vis. Fringe Benefits theatre project (Los
Angeles)
16. RiseUp Team Coach Consultant (Oakland)
17. WANTED: Summer Interns for AQU25A
18. NEWS: Students Rally for Same-Sex Marriages
19. NEWS: Gay student's essay teaches the teacher a new lesson in tolerance
20. NEWS: Gay panic' in Araujo case doesn't justify lesser charge
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Northern Central Valley GSA Activists Form New Alliance
Northern Valley GSA Members and Supporters,
The first annual United GSA Youth barbeque was an amazing hit! Thank you to
everyone who came out to join us. We had a lot of fun, and I believe it was
an amazing step forward in joining the LGBT youth and allies of our community.
For all of you who don't know us, the United GSA Youth is an up-and-coming club
in Stockton created recently by the presidents of GSAs from Stagg, Franklin,
Lincoln, Bear Creek, and Tokay high schools. Our goals, from starting this club,
are clearly stated in our mission statement as follows: "The United GSA
Youth wish to create an unbiased and equal environment for LGBT and straight-allied
youth. As conjoined high school GSAs, our goal is to form a strong understanding
of equal rights by focusing on the younger community: the leaders of the future."
On May 22, only a few weeks ago, the United GSA Youth had our first annual barbeque.
This picnic was set up at Victory Park in Stockton to get as many members and
leaders of different GSAs around our area working together. As an invitation
to future meetings of United GSA Youth, we used the day in the park as an ice-breaker
and a way to get as many individuals involved as possible.
All of the GSA presidents and members of the county were invited by advertisements,
word of mouth, networking, and even a radio broadcast. Many attendants included
students from Lincoln, Stagg, Tokay, Franklin, Bear Creek, and the Turlock,
Manteca, Lodi, and Modesto areas as well. We also invited the administrators
of our high school GSAs, and parents and friends, to all join us in support
of United GSA Youth. All together, the turn out was amazing; somewhere between
55 to 65 teens, parents, members, and guests, helping and supporting our newly
founded club.
After enjoying food and festivities (donated by the different individuals and
leaders of the new club) and collecting a list of names and email addresses
of the people attending the barbeque, we decided to share how we envisioned
the outcome of the United GSA Youth, our motivations, a little about ourselves,
or anything helpful for us all. Each and every response was amazingly beneficial
and relevant. It was so wonderful to witness the many kids my age with the same
concerns and goals as myself. I believe that with United GSA Youth, each and
every goal can be obtained and conquered through our community's youth working
together for the betterment of our society.
Thank you again,
Eliana Cetto, President of Lincoln High School GSA,
Stockton CA, and Co-Founder of United GSA Youth
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Apply for GSA Activist Camp
The GSA Activist Camp is a youth-planned and youth-led 3-day event that features intensive community building, skill-building, political education, and leadership training for GSA members. All youth who will be involved in a high school or middle school GSA next year are encouraged to apply.
Apply Online!
http://www.gsanetwork.org/camp/index.html
Southern Cal GSA Activist Camp in Santa Monica
Friday, July 9 - Sunday, July 11
Northern Cal Activist Camp in Oakland
Wednesday, August 11 - Friday, Wednesday 13
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2. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
Please take a few minutes to fill out GSA Network's Year End Evaluation. Your
comments are VERY important to us!
Access the evaluation online: http://www.gsanetwork.org/yearendeval/
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3. Central California GSA activists March at Fresno Pride This Weekend
All central California activists are invited to come march with us at Fresno's Pride parade this Saturday, June 5th. Our contingent will gather at 8:30am at the corner of Olive and Palm for a 9:30am step off. Following the parade, GSA Network will be tabling and selling Expression Not Suppression t-shirts. Student activists in Clovis Unified are being honored this year as Grand Marshals of the parade.
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4. Time for Pride!!! All the Details are here!
Wanna show how fabulous your GSA is at the San Francisco Pride March?
Ready to have fun??
Well then, register your GSA with the GSA Network/LYRIC Pride Contingent!!
The Pride Parade is on Sunday, June 27th and people are asked to meet at Beale between Folsom and Bryant at 10:30 AM sharp!!! We will start marching at 11 AM.
However, I do ask that people still register with us to let us know if your
group will be marching!
If your GSA will be marching at Pride, please contact Saifa with a) what high
school you are representing b)the number of people who will be in the group
For more information, please call Sean Saifa Wall at 415.552.4229 or email mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org.
*********************************************
5. Community Q&A: The Gwen Araujo Trial (San Francisco)
Just over 19 months ago, 17 year old Gwen Araujo was brutally murdered in Newark, CA due to hatred and bias against transgender people. Now, after a 6 week trial a lot of questions remain.
Join other community members and a panel of experts to discuss issues like: the trial, media coverage, dealing with negative messages, and efforts to make schools safer for transgender youth.
June 16th 6 - 7:30
San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community Center - 4th Floor
Ceremonial Room (1800 Market Street - Market @ Octavia)
Panelists:
Jim Hammer, former San Francisco Assistant District Attorney
Yomi Wronge, Staff Reporter for the San Jose Mercury News
JoAnne Keatley, Project Director of the UCSF-CAPS Transgender Resource and Neighborhood
Space
Saifa Wall, Community Organizer with Gay-Straight Alliance Network
ASL translation services available upon request. If you need services, please contact Chris Daley at mailto:chris@transgenderlawcenter.org or (415) 865-0176 by June 11th.
Event Sponsors:
Female to Male, International
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
Gay-Straight Alliance Network
The Horizons Foundation
National Center for Lesbian Rights
San Francisco LGBT Community Center
Transgender Law Center
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network.
*********************************************
6. Save the Dimensions Youth Clinic!! (San Francisco)
Primary Care Services in San Francisco, and the Dimensions Clinic services are in grave danger. Under the current proposed budget, both nurses in the Dimensions Clinic are on the lay-off list. This means NO hormone injections, NO vaccinations (HepB, HepA, MMR, Td etc.), NO TB tests, or any other RN functions will be available in clinic. In addition, any and all bloodwork will be done at SFGH only. Evening hours will be eliminated and patients will be "absorbed" into daytime clinic. We will no longer be able to continue in our successful collaborative with LYRIC, New Leaf, SPY, Larkin and HIFY under these budget restrictions.
While Castro-Mission Health Center leadership is strongly opposing this budget and all its ramification to the care of all of our patients as well as the greater San Francisco community, no turnaround will occur without community outcry. The entire community based clinic system is under attack, including Tom Waddell Clinic, which serves many transgendered clients. The cut in funding will also affect undocumented mothers, uninsured children, HIV+ patients, etc.
We need people to advocate for preserving the staffing at Castro Mission to protect services for all.
However, you CAN help!!
There will be two speakouts taking place on June 8th and the other on June 15th:
Tuesday, June 8th from 4-7pm at the Castro-Mission Health Center, people are encouraged to come, bring friends and have a chance to voice their opinions to the Board of Supervisors who will be present.
Tuesday, June 15 12:00 noon - 3:00 PM, Major Event of Healthworkers, Patients AND Allies to mobilize opposition to City Health Service Cuts, IMMEDIATELY BEFORE Bielensen Hearing at 3pm, where the effects of health cuts will be debated.
In addition, please contact the Board of Supervisors in your area and voice
your concerns about their proposed cuts to the clinic...namely:
Jake McGoldrick (district 1) 415.554.7410
Gerardo Sandoval (district 11) 415.554.6975
Chris Daly (district 6) 415.554.7970
Bevan Duffy (district 8) 415.554.6968
For more information, please contact Dafna Wu at 415-487-7506 or mailto:sfdafna@sbcglobal.net
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7. Sacramento Leadership Committee GSA Meeting
Sacramento Leadership Committee - GSA Meeting is Saturday June 5!
Yes this is a follow up meeting to the dance.
Yes you should come if you attended the dance.
Yes we will be talking & planning about new upcoming events.
Yes you should come if you want to be part of SLC next year.
Yes bring a friend, munchies, and new ideas.
Bottom line: this is a super important meeting you don't want to miss!
Time: 12 to 2 p.m.
Place: Lambda Center 1927 L Street, Sacramento
Date: Saturday: June 5th
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8. "Skool's Out" New Films by Queer Youth (San Francisco)
Friday June 25
3:30 pm
Castro Theatre
$6 members/$7 general
Free for ages 18 and under (present ID at door)
Young queer filmmakers from around the world deliver a great collection of short narrative films, stories of discrimination, coming out, fighting addictions, and love.
EPIPHANY, directed by a 14-year-old, is a searing portrait of a suicidal youth who has a revelation about himself during a high school counseling session.
When a young dyke is suddenly attacked, she takes survival into her own hands
in ONE OF THOSE NIGHTS.
EVERYTHING is a heart-wrenching journey through the life of a Sikh boy who struggles
to find his identity.
In STICKS AND STONES, Cameron, a young auto mechanic, has trouble accepting
his girlfriend's roommate's sexuality. Stories and lives are all different,
but all united by their search for a happy ending.
Criss-cross in the hallways of the gay ghetto in PINK SHEEP.
Fate and free will, desire and dreamscape collide when a tarot reader uncovers his own destiny during a client's reading in TEMPTING FATE.
In RUNNING WITHOUT SOUND, Sean, a deaf high school student, discovers camaraderie
among his cross-country teammates and finds himself especially drawn to the
team's top runner, Derek. As Derek allows Sean to pursue an
attraction neither of them understand, both struggle to define their friendship
and sexuality.
For more information, please visit: http://www.frameline.org/festival
*********************************************
9. Fresno Pre-Pride Film Festival
Fresno Pre-Pride Film Festival Friday, June 4th at Destination Out (633 N.
Van Ness between Olive and Belmont)
This film festival features a film every two hours beginning at 4pm and concluding
at 10pm. Free popcorn and punch. The event is for LGBT and Straight Ally youth
between the ages of 12 and 24. Films shown will be: Fox Fire, All Over The Guy,
and Camp.
For details contact Franco or David at 488-4908 ext. 311
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10. Fresno Barrios Unidos theatre group presents VOICES (Central Valley)
VOICES, a production of the Fresno Barrios Unidos theatre group, will be presented at Roger Rocka's Theatre (1226 N. Wishon across from the Tower Theatre) in Fresno on Monday evening, June 7th at 7pm. Tickets are $1 for youth under 18, otherwise $10. VOICES is a powerful presentation of the question, "Are you ready for sex?"
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11. GAY PROM IN LESS THAN TWO WEEKS! (Hayward)
10th Annual Bay Area Gay Prom -- A Fairy's Tale: Dreaming Our Lives, Dancing
Our Dreams
Saturday, June 12, 2004
7pm - Midnight
Centennial Hall, Hayward CA
Open to ALL YOUTH, ages 25 and under, queer, bi, questioning, straight ally, trans -- whoever you are, come dance!
Tix: $20/adv, $25/door -- order online: http://www.gayprom.org
Dress is formal or to the theme
Selix Tuxedos is offering "Lambda Gay Prom" discounts!!
** Clean and Sober event **
For info or to phone order tickets: 510/247-8200
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12. Free "Speech-Making for Rallies" workshop with nationally-renowned
activist & voice teacher! June 6 (Los Angeles)
Activists Speak!
Speech-Making for Rallies led by nationally-renowned activist Robin Tyler AND
Freeing the Activist Voice led by Linklater teacher Brent Blair
2 FREE WORKSHOPS
Sunday, June 6, 2004
in the Massman Theatre at USC
10:30am-to-1:30pm AND 3:00pm-to-6:00pm
You are welcome to come and bring family, friends and colleagues of all ages!!
Please R.S.V.P. to mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net
This day of workshops is hosted by Fringe Benefits, Center for Theatre of the
Oppressed and Applied Theatre Arts, Los Angeles, and the Paolo Freire Institute,
and is part of the Creative Tools for Critical Times Theatre and Pedagogy of
the Oppressed Conference
*Directions & Parking Information at the end of this e-mail.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS:
Speech-Making for Rallies led by nationally-renowned activist Robin Tyler
10:30am to 1:30pm, Sunday June 6
Do you ever watch rallies, and get bored by speaker after speaker either saying
the same thing, yelling into the mike, or carrying on too long? Would you like
to be a great public speaker? Whether you are speaking in front of a dozen people
in a classroom, or a million people at a March on Washington, you can learn
to be a great speaker! This class will teach you messaging, humor, and how you
can follow anyone in any rally, and be heard and remembered.
Robin Tyler is one of the leading activists, speakers and Special Event Producers
for the Lesbian/Gay, AIDS and Women's movements. She has addressed major rallies
all over the world, including several Marches on Washington. Robin will share
the secrets about content, presentation and projection. Because Robin has been
both a comic and a producer of major events, she will talk about the use of
time, and humor.
The class is free, and open to everyone who wants to participate as a major
- non-boring activist-speaker. Please bring paper and pen to write short speech…very
short…because you can sway people in a matter of minutes.
At the beginning of class, there will be a 20-minute tape of Robin emceeing
the Gay Games.
(10 minutes of humor, 10 minutes of speaking in front of 25 thousand people.)
followed by
Freeing the Activist Voice lead by theatre activist and educator Brent Blair
3:00pm to 6:00pm, also Sunday, June 6
Inspired by Kristin Linklater's Freeing the Natural Voice, this three-hour exploration
of the instrument of the activist offers all participants the opportunity to
embody the words they have written and find a free and full expression guaranteed
to send the message home and persuade all who hear. Release trapped passions
and generate a critical clarity in your public voice. Workshop ends with a celebration
of individual passions in the form of public speeches in the great outdoors!
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS:
Robin Tyler
Robin Tyler Canadian born Robin Tyler is the CEO of Robin Tyler Productions,
Inc, and Robin Tyler International Tours for women- http://www.robintylertours.com.
She is also one of the leading activists, speakers and Special Event Producers
for the Lesbian/Gay, Aids, and Women's movement, distinguishing herself at such
events as the Main Stage Producer of the 1979,(line producer) 1987, (sole producer)
and 1993 Marches on Washington (co-producer) for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Producer
of the Women's Philharmonic at the Kennedy Center, and Producer/Executive Director
of the Ist. International Gay Comedy Festival in Sydney, Australia. In addition
to 25 major outdoor women's music and comedy festivals, she produced the Stonewall
Democratic Federation Convention in Palm Springs. Robin was also the first "out"
gay or lesbian comic in the 1970's, both on television and records. Robin was
the cofounder and National Rally Coordinator for stopdrlaura.com. She is the
ED of the Equality Campaign, and the National Co-Chair of DontAmend.com, the
organization fighting to stop the US Constitutional Amendment against same sex
marriage. DontAmned.com also includes DearMary.com. She has also been the first
North American speaker to address major rallies in England, Canada, France,
Mexico and Russia calling for an end to violence and discrimination against
lesbians and gays. Robin is featured in Paul Cain's book, Leading the Parade,
"Conversations with America's Most Influential Lesbians and Gay Men."
Brent Blair
Brent Blair is a full time faculty member at USC's School of Theatre where he
is also the founding coordinator of Applied Theatre Arts. Blair has developed
curricula and programs using theatre in therapy, education, social change and
for youth since arriving from Boston nearly 8 years ago. A recent recipient
of the 2002 USC Good Neighbor Volunteer Award, Blair spends community time as
a volunteer in Central Juvenile Hall working with incarcerated teens using Shakespeare
to free locked-up voices, and he recently completed "The Romeo Project"
with eight boys and girls from the hall, their families, and professional volunteers
from USC's student body and the theatre community. Blair is also a Marriage
and Family Therapist serving an internship at CCS/Amanecer using theatre arts
and therapy with three groups of youth from 6 to 18 years of age in an arts
program called Cityscape developed by Bob Brodhead, formerly of the high school
theatre arts organization, Colors United. Blair is co-founder and chairperson
of the Center for Theatre of the Oppressed and Applied Theatre Arts in Los Angeles
and will be hosting internationally renowned Augusto Boal for his second annual
Los Angeles visit in April. Blair teamed up with Amde Hamilton, founder of the
Watts Prophets, to serve as artistic consultant for the newly established Hip
Hop Poetry Choir, exploring new horizons of poetry performance. Blair is completing
course work on his PhD in Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute.
******LOGISTICS*******
Directions to Massman Theatre, USC Campus:
In the Drama Center (DRC) on USC's University Park Campus (UPC). http://www.usc.edu
has maps and directions as well if you like.
Take the 110 to Exposition, turn West (right if southbound on the 110) until
you get to Vermont, and turn North (right) on Vermont to 36th Street. Park at
metered parking (free on Sunday). Walk through the pedestrian gate across the
street from the Post Office, proceed straight ahead on the little path, the
tennis stadium will be on your left and construction will be on your right.
The Massman Theatre is in the Drama Center (DRC), which is a small one story
white brick building on your left, after you've passed the tennis stadium.
USC is located in the heart of south Metropolitan Los Angeles, south of the 10 and west of the 110 freeways.
Parking at USC: $6
Entrance to USC for on-campus parking:
Jefferson Boulevard Entrance at McClintock Avenue (#5) Open 24 hours a day,
7 days a week. Various surface lots and Jefferson Boulevard East Parking Plaza
Off campus:
Usually free on Sundays!
Parking is available on Figueroa, Vermont, Exposition and Jefferson
On Vermont, south of Jefferson, near Taco Bell, at 36th Street, there's an entrance
to campus that's very near the PED building where we'll be!
Public Transportation to USC:
DASH Route C (line starts at 7th Street Metro Center station): Runs every 15-30
minutes from 6:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Mon-Sat. Drops and picks up on Figueroa
Street. Cost: 25 cents. For more information about DASH routes, call 1-800-COMMUTE.
Metro Bus and Metro Rail: Bus service is provided from Union Station to the
University Park Campus on bus lines 444, 445 and 446. Bus line 71 provides transportation
between Union Station and the Health Sciences Campus.
For information about these and other routes and schedules, call 1-800-COMMUTE.
Single zone fare: $1.25.
Tram Services: Union Station: The shuttle picks up passengers outside of the
main lobby, adjacent to the taxi and tram pick-up area at Union Station, and
in front of the JEP House located on 34th Street at Trousdale on the University
Park Campus. Operates Mon-Fri, morning trams run from Union Station to UPC,
afternoon trams run from UPC to Union Station.
NOTE: Tram services are provided at no charge to USC students, faculty, staff
and guests. For further information regarding tram route locations and schedules,
call Transportation Services at (213) 740-3575.
**Please note:We are just at the beginning of our learning curve vis how to
make our workshops accessible to people with disabilities. If you have any questions
about this, please ask us when you RSVP. **
You are also welcome to e-mail Brent Blair at mailto:bblair@usc.edu
should you need assistance. His cell phone is (323) 356-2552. Campus security
can be reached at (213) 740-6000.
*********************************************
13. Last Fringe Benefits' Theatre Think Tank (Los Angeles)
Please join us!
Saturday, June 5, 2004 -- from 2 to 5pm at Fringe Benefits'
Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools
We will lead FUN theatre games and improvisations, and brainstorm ideas for
creative ways to address LGBT issues in schools -through plays, assembly presentations,
video PSAs and perhaps even Pep Rally skits.
The Think Tank is open to all youth (14 and older), parents, educators, theatre artists, therapists, activists, thinkers and allies interested in creating &/or collaborating on performance pieces dealing with LGBTQ issues.
Bring in issues you're dealing with at your school!
Bring ideas or even drafts of scripts, poems or speeches!
Bring your sense of humor, your outrage, your passion!
Or just come as you are!This is our LAST Theatre Think Tank meetings this school
year!
Next year, 2004/2005, we will be offering 5 of our Theatre Think Tank workshops
to GSAs, Project 10's and/or any youth groups who want to bring us to your campus
to collaboratively develop an original play for your school!
Please contact us ASAP if you would like to be one of these 5 groups!
LOCATION & PARKING:
Saturday, June 5, 2-to-5pm at GLASS, 735 S. La Brea Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
GLASS is located 1/2 block south of Wilshire Blvd.. Bring quarters to park in
the metered lot for Blockbusters on the N/W corner of Wilshire & La Brea,
entrance to parking lot is just west of La Brea on the north side of Wilshire.
Metered street parking and some residential parking are also available.)
*Please contact Natalya Brusilovsky at mailto:natalya2k@earthlink.net or call (213) 252-8112 for more information and to RSVP as space is limited.
**Contact Norma Bowles at mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net or call (323) 953-9036 if you would like Fringe Benefits to go to your school or community center and work with a group there to develop an original play about LGBT or other discrimination issues.**Fringe Benefits is a groundbreaking theatre company with a 12-year track record of collaborating with youth to fight discrimination. Two published anthologies of our plays, Friendly Fire and Cootie Shots, and the award-winning documentary film about our work, Surviving Friendly Fire, narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, have all received critical acclaim, support from educators & parents and RAVE REVIEWS from youth!
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14. Invitation to 5th grade play tackling homophobia! (Los Angeles)
Ramon Richardson's 5th grade students at Bunche Elementary
have written their own original play addressing anti-gay bias and discrimination
among their peers.
It's powerful, fun and smart!
On Friday, June 4 at 1pm at their school in Compton, the students will present
their original play -"What Is 'Gay'? Don't Jump to Conclusions!"-for
Bunche Elementary 3rd, 4th and 5th graders and their parents and teachers.
The project was initiated as a collaboration between Fringe Benefits, Bunche
Elementary School and Princeton Class of '84 (my graduating year). Monica Egbuono
(also class of '84) coordinated the project; Fringe Benefits Teaching Artist,
Mimi Savage (class of '82) and I led the play development workshop back in March;
and Mr. Richardson and his students have been editing, polishing and rehearsing
the play ever since. A panel comprising several PFLAG parents and LGBT youth
and adults will follow the play.
If you would like to attend this one-time-only show, please RSVP both to me
and to Bunche Elementary Principal Mikara Solomon, mailto:mikarasolomon@aol.com
and mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net
The school location is:
Bunche Elementary School
16223 Haskins Lane
Carson, CA 90746
310.936.2176
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15. Sir Ian McKellen narrates film vis. Fringe Benefits theatre project (Los
Angeles)
Surviving Friendly Fire
narrated by Sir Ian McKellen
Massman Theatre, USC Drama Center
Friday, June 4, 2004 at 7:30pm
FREE with r.s.v.p. mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net
This award-winning documentary, by T.W. Nelson and Michael Hofacre, tells the
story of a group homeless lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered youth who
collaborated with Fringe Benefits to create a play about growing up gay, abuse
in the home and surviving on the streets.
The Hollywood Reporter has called Surviving Friendly Fire, "An inspirational
vital, vitriolic and entertaining offering."
A dialogue with the Director, T.W. Nelson & Editor, Michael Hofacre, will
immediately following the film.
The screening is hosted Fringe Benefits, the Center for Theatre of the Oppressed
and Applied Theatre Arts, Los Angeles, and the Paolo Freire Institute, and is
part of the Creative Tools for Critical Times Theatre and Pedagogy of the Oppressed
Conference
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16. RiseUp Team Coach Consultant (Oakland)
Contract Period: June 15, 2004 - September 15, 2004
Contract Hours: 30 per week
The Project:
Through transforming a vacant County owned building into a world-class youth
empowerment center, Project YES! is building the foundation for a youth-driven
community revitalization movement to reduce violence, increase educational attainment,
and expand career options for Alameda County youth and young adults. The 25,000
square foot facility, slated to open in the summer of 2004, will house: Health
& Wellness services, including a full service School-Linked Health Center;
Art & Cultural programming including state of the art video and music recording
studios, a professional dance studio, screening room, and performance space;
and Educational & Career programming, including two social enterprises,
a computer training lab and a range of educational and job placement services.
Project YES! is a true collaborative effort of youth, adult allies, the County
of Alameda, City of Oakland, and over 35 community based organizations.
The Role:
The RiseUp Team Coordinator will support and manage the YES! Council RiseUp
Team summer training and job program-a team of youth who have participated on
the YES! Council. The YES! Council is the youth advisory board involved in all
aspects of Project YES! planning and development. The RU coach will act as a
liaison between Project YES! and the Youth Employment Partnership (YEP). The
RiseUp Coach works in collaboration with the YES! Council Coordinator, the Project
YES! consultant team, and community partners.
Deliverables for this contract will include but not be limited to:
* Coordination of up to 8 RiseUp team meetings and collaboration on up to 8
YES! Council meetings
* Production and coordination of up to 8 weeks of 6-hours of RiseUp trainings
to develop the leadership skills of youth participants as outlined in the RiseUp
participant job description
* Facilitation of RiseUp team trainings as appropriate
* Coaching of RiseUp team members in summer job placements in fulfillment of
their roles and responsibilities
* Collaboration with Y.E.P to coordinate RiseUp team vocational training program
* Maintain all documents necessary for the coordination of the RiseUp team and
Project YES! purposes
* Manage documents needed by RiseUp team for employment
* Provide case management support to RiseUp team
* Work closely with Youth Organizer to support and track RiseUp team development
and committee activities
* Represent Project YES! and RiseUp team in diverse settings
Fee:
$2,916 to $3,333
Minimum Qualifications:
* Experience working with youth
* Training coordination
* Excellent organization and writing skills
* California Driver's License
Preferred Qualifications:
Knowledge of:
* Youth Development
* Community Building/Organizing
* Vocational Education
* Case management
Ability to:
* Build and maintain relationships with diverse youth
* Organize and prioritize work and meet deadlines
* Maintain accurate records and files
* Exercise sound independent judgment within established policies/guidelines
with ability to seek guidance as needed
* Plan, implement, and assess effectiveness of program development
* Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
* Effectively represent Project YES! in a broad range of settings and with diverse
groups
Applying:
Final submission date: Until position is filled
Contact:
Renna Alyassini
1440 Broadway, Suite 1001
Oakland, CA 94612
Phone: 510 465-0605
Fax: 510 465-0605
Email: mailto:renna@yes2004.org
Submit:
Resume
Cover Letter
Professional references
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17. WANTED: Summer Interns for AQU25A
(Asians & Pacific Islanders, Queer & Questioning, 25 & Under, All
Together)
DESCRIPTION:
* 25 & Under
* Asian, Pacific Islander, or Hapa
* Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning
WANTED FOR:
* Paid summer peer leadership training
* 6 hours a week for 6 weeks
* Fun times
REWARD: $250 stipend
If you fit this description, please contact Sabrina Wu, AQU25A Program Coordinator, at 415-292-3420 x315 or mailto:sabrina@apiwellness.org.
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18. NEWS: Students Rally for Same-Sex Marriages
LA Times
May 30, 2004
by Jessica Garrison
About 100 teenagers - armed with ear-splitting screams and hand-lettered signs - rallied Saturday in Westwood in support of marriage for same-sex couples. "It's important for everyone to be able to live the way they want to," said Kate Heller, 16, a student at Winward School in West Los Angeles.
Two teens from Winward's new Gay-Straight Alliance, Sarah Freed, 17, and Joe Goldman, 14, organized the Federal Building rally, which drew students, gay and straight, from high schools across Orange, Ventura and Los Angeles counties, along with parents, teachers and a fluffy white poodle.
John Duran, mayor of West Hollywood, where three of five council members are gay, listened to the cacophony of cheering youths and honking car horns and smiled in amazement. "They are part of changing America," he said.
To read the complete article, visit: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/los_angeles_metro/la-me-gay30may30,1,2305563.story?coll=la-commun-los_angeles_metro
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19. NEWS: Gay student's essay teaches the teacher a new lesson in tolerance
Modesto Bee, May 25, 2004
Gay student's essay teaches the teacher a new lesson in tolerance
By Don Shaw
Education is often a reciprocal enterprise.
Those who attempt to teach also learn from their students; they have much to tell us. We will be better mentors and better people if we hear them well. I'm recalling a young man who, some 15 years ago, wrote an essay on what it was like to be gay in the serene, comfortable environments of north Modesto.
He had been writing in response to some such banal topic as "My Biggest Problem" and what he shared with me clearly transcended the demands of the assignment. I had previously recognized the superior writing skills of this student, and these abilities enabled him to find just the right matter-of-fact style to recall painful events with stark clarity and without self-pity.
He had experienced homophobia in a variety of ways. He told of taunts and jibes and ostracisms. He mentioned no physical abuse, but something worse - having to endure the widespread intolerance of people indoctrinated into communal forms of hatred, that hatred which often finds its severest expression in the frightening inhumanity of an adolescent subculture.
The slice of reality depicted in that essay became, for me, a learning experience.
Learning usually involves some rethinking and that was the case here. I had
never considered myself homophobic, but at the same time, gay rights had never
ranked high on my personal agenda for social reform. "Don't ask, don't
tell" actually sounded pretty good to me.
* Shaw, a Turlock resident, has taught English at Downey and Beyer high schools.
E-mail him at mailto:columns@modbee.com.
Read the complete article at:
http://www.modbee.com/opinion/community/story/8619577p-9490628c.html
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20. NEWS: Gay panic in Araujo case doesn't justify lesser charge
By Sue Hutchison
June 1, 2004
Mercury News
If only Gwen Araujo had known when she went to a Newark house party on the
night of Oct. 3, 2002, that she was walking right into the eye of a ``perfect
storm.'' A storm that would batter her and leave her dead at the age of 17.
That's how the defense attorney of one of three men accused of killing Araujo
that night described their lethal mix of immaturity, insecurity, ignorance,
fear, bigotry and rage: a perfect storm.
Emblem for paranoia
By now, you've probably heard the story of Gwen Araujo, who was born ``Eddie'' but lived her life as a girl and was beaten to death after men she'd performed sexual acts with discovered she was anatomically male. She has become an emblem for the hellish high school existence faced by many gay and transgender teenagers who are still trying to stake out their own identities.
And that description of the perfect storm, better known in court as the ``gay panic defense'' -- or in this case, ``trans panic'' -- is used to claim that the reaction is so predictable that any dead body left in its wake should be considered manslaughter and not murder. It's yet another reminder that part of our society still sanctions the idea that being different can be a death sentence.
To read more about the article, please visit: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/living/8808032.htm?ERIGHTS=-3523429643850933623mercurynews
June 9, 2004
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
GSA Network Represents At Fresno Pride
GSA Network Announcements
1. Apply for GSA Activist Camp
2. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
3. Is your school safe for LGBT youth? Take this survey!
4. Transitions Trainings for Young Organizers! 6/18 & 6/23 (Bay Area)
5. Time for Pride!!! All the Details are here! (San Francisco)
6. Community Q&A: The Gwen Araujo Trial (San Francisco)
7. Queer Eye on the Bible in Fresno
8. Central Valley Open-Door Youth Council Meeting This Saturday (Fresno)
9. LGBT Youth Panel (Oakland)
Other Announcements
10. Save the Dimensions Youth Clinic!! (San Francisco)
11. Yolo Gay Pride
12. "Skool's Out" New Films by Queer Youth (San Francisco)
13. Free movie and popcorn with AQUA25 (San Francisco)!!
14. YouthSpace Action & Media Event (San Francisco)
15. GAY PROM IN LESS THAN A WEEK! (Hayward)
16. ILLUSIONS! A dance for LGBTQ Youth and Their Friends (San Francisco)
17. Queer Women of Color Film Screening (San Francisco)
18. Participants wanted to help co-produce a new national Queer Youth Radio
Series
19. National Stonewall Democrats Stonewall Student Network is looking for recruits
20. Development Director position at LYRIC
21. People Organized to Win Employment Rights (POWER) is looking for a Spanish/English
translator
22. Youth Together is Seeking an Organizer!
23. NEWS: Linguistic skills earning applause
24. NEWS: Student sues over ban of anti-gay T-shirt
25. NEWS: In transgender case, don't ask jurors to think like defendants
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
GSA Network Represents At Fresno Pride
This year's Fresno Pride Parade and Festival, held on Saturday, June 5th, was bigger than ever before with 37 marching contingents, 31 booths and 2,700 people in attendance.
GSA student activists from Clovis Unified were honored as parade Grand Marshals for their efforts and impacts in making Clovis Unified high schools safer for LGBT youth. In February 2002 the Clovis Unified School Board voted to allow the formation of the district's first GSA at Clovis High. Although not the first GSA in the Fresno area, the local and national media coverage surrounding the establishment of the GSA at Clovis High demonstrated the power and perseverance of central valley students to organize against enormous odds to insure safety and respect for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Since then a GSA has been established at Clovis East High School and students at the other two Clovis high schools continue their activism. Julie Silva and Ty Stuebner, organizers of the Clovis High GSA, offered remarks as they were awarded the Grand Marshal plaque which honored them and their peers for "their support, leadership and efforts on behalf of the GLBT community".
Julie, who now attends UC Santa Barbara, had this to say:
"My personal success stories are limited in scope, but they brought to
light the possibility of recognition of queer issues on Clovis High's campus.
(As an activist)...on any school related forms, instead of checking "male"
or "female" when they asked for my gender, I wrote in "queer"
and put my own box; if they wanted my biological sex, they would have to learn
that there is a difference between gender and sex, and that for some people,
language is a big part of their identity. Limiting language is not an option.
Twenty students carrying signs bearing the names of area schools where GSAs
have been started, marched in the GSA Network contingent, and on the festival
grounds the "Closet Project" was one of the most frequented displays.
Congratulations to the student activists of Clovis Unified, and Way To Show
Your Pride, Fresno!
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
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1. Apply for GSA Activist Camp
The GSA Activist Camp is a youth-planned and youth-led 3-day event that features intensive community building, skill-building, political education, and leadership training for GSA members. All youth who will be involved in a high school or middle school GSA next year are encouraged to apply.
Apply Online!
http://www.gsanetwork.org/camp/index.html
Southern Cal GSA Activist Camp in Santa Monica
Friday, July 9 - Sunday, July 11
Northern Cal Activist Camp in Oakland
Wednesday, August 11 - Friday, Wednesday 13
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2. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
Please take a few minutes to fill out GSA Network's Year End Evaluation. Your
comments are VERY important to us!
Access the evaluation online: http://www.gsanetwork.org/yearendeval/
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3. Is your school safe for LGBT youth? Take this survey!
Take a survey to tell what it's like at your school!
You can take the survey online, or download a printable version to print out for your GSA or LGBT youth group by going to http://www.casafeschools.org. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.
You can make a difference in only 10 minutes by improving our understanding of safety and discrimination in our schools. If you took the survey last year, take it again this year and help us see if schools are changing!
What is this all about?
GSA Network and the California Safe Schools Coalition are surveying high school
and middle school students across California, with a focus on LGBT students,
to learn more about safety, discrimination, and harassment in schools. Last
year's survey results were published in a report called Safe Place to Learn,
which you can view at http://www.casafeschools.org.
The 2004 Preventing School Harassment Survey will be a vital tool for local
and statewide efforts to make schools safer for LGBT students. Last year's survey
showed that harassment and discrimination are pervasive, but schools can take
specific steps to make a difference. Students whose schools have a clear anti-harassment
policy, students whose teachers intervene when they hear slurs, and students
whose schools have GSAs were less likely to be harassed, more likely to feel
safe in school, and more connected to their community and supportive adults.
We need your help! For the 2004 survey to be successful, we need hundreds of
participants from schools all over California. We've sent copies of the survey
to every GSA and LGBT youth group in California. Please administer the survey
at the next meeting of your GSA or youth group.
Questions? Email mailto:info@casafeschools.org
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4. Transitions Trainings for Young Organizers! 6/18 & 6/23 (Bay Area)
** GSA Network is supporting these workshops! **
Are you a youth organizer getting ready to graduate from high school? Do you
want to:
- Find out how you can take what you learned as an activist into your next phase
of life
- Learn how to stay involved in activism if you are getting a job, going to
college, or have no idea what you are doing next
- Hang out with other organizers who are graduating and find out what their
plans are
If so, we'd like to let you know about a couple exciting workshops, coming up
at the Movement Strategy Center. Movement Strategy Center will be facilitating
two Transitions Trainings for young organizers, to help them create a vision
to stay involved in organizing as they move into new phases of life and new
roles as activists. We will also provide information about getting involved
with the BLOC Network, a national network of young activists working for justice
in communities of color and other marginalized communities.
The first workshop, for young adult activists, age 18-30,
will be held on Friday, June 18th, 12-4:30.
The second workshop, for graduating High School Seniors,
will be held on Friday, June 25th, 12-4:30.
Both trainings will take place at the Movement Strategy Center,
1611 Telegraph Ave., suite 510, in Oakland.
Lunch will be provided.
To register or for more info, call Taj at 510-444-0640 x309, or email
mailto:taj@movementstrategy.org.
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5. Time for Pride!!! All the Details are here!
Wanna show how fabulous your GSA is at the San Francisco Pride March?
Ready to have fun??
Well then, register your GSA with the GSA Network/LYRIC Pride Contingent!!
The Pride Parade is on Sunday, June 27th and people are asked to meet at Beale
between Folsom and Bryant at 10:30 AM sharp!!! We will start marching at 11
AM.
However, we do ask that people still register with us to let us know if your
group will be marching!
If your GSA will be marching at Pride, please contact Saifa with a) what high
school you are representing b) the number of people who will be in the group.
For more information, please call Sean Saifa Wall at 415.552.4229 or email mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org.
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6. Community Q&A: The Gwen Araujo Trial (San Francisco)
Just over 19 months ago, 17 year old Gwen Araujo was brutally murdered in Newark, CA due to hatred and bias against transgender people. Now, after a 6 week trial a lot of questions remain.
Join other community members and a panel of experts to discuss issues like: the trial, media coverage, dealing with negative messages, and efforts to make schools safer for transgender youth.
June 16th 6 - 7:30
San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community Center - 4th Floor
Ceremonial Room (1800 Market Street - Market @ Octavia)
Panelists:
Jim Hammer, former San Francisco Assistant District Attorney
Yomi Wronge, Staff Reporter for the San Jose Mercury News
JoAnne Keatley, Project Director of the UCSF-CAPS Transgender Resource and Neighborhood
Space
Saifa Wall, Community Organizer with Gay-Straight Alliance Network
ASL translation services available upon request. If you need services, please
contact Chris Daley at mailto:chris@transgenderlawcenter.org
or (415) 865-0176 by June 11th.
Event Sponsors:
Community United Against Violence
Equality California
Female to Male, International
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
Gay-Straight Alliance Network
The Horizons Foundation
National Center for Lesbian Rights
San Francisco LGBT Community Center
Transgender Law Center
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7. Queer Eye on the Bible in Fresno
This is a special invitation to all interested students and recent high school grads to be a part of a discussion group meeting on Wednesday night, June 16th at the GSA Network office in Fresno. The topic will be QUEER EYE ON THE BIBLE and the conversation will be facilitated by queer theologian, Dr. Jan Everhart who is a professor at Simpson College in Iowa. The conversation will serve as a focus group for Dr. Everhart's new book on reading the Bible with queer youth.
The conversation will start at 7pm. Don't miss this chance to share your views and ask your questions to a Biblical scholar dedicated to hearing and promoting queer youth perspectives.
For more information contact mailto:Diana@gsanetwork.org
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8. Central Valley Open-Door Youth Council Meeting This Saturday (Fresno)
This Saturday, June 12th,the Central California Youth Council will be meeting at 2pm at the Fresno office. On the agenda is year-end evaluations, special summer plans and on-going business, and of course, FOOD!
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9. LGBT Youth Panel (Oakland)
EAST BAY QUEER YOUTH are COOL WITH IT
Come listen to a diverse panel of queer teens, including GSA Network Youth Council
member Cabe Rainge, share their experiences about what it's like being out and
proud in the EAST BAY! There will be FREE PIZZA and other refreshments as well
as a special performance by East Bay homohop artist TIM'M WEST.
SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH 2004
12 NOON - 2 PM
Temescal Branch Library
5205 Telegraph Ave at 52nd St
Oakland, CA (510)597-5049
Sponsored by the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Services Committee and Teen
Services of Oakland Public Library
++++++++++++++++ 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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10. Save the Dimensions Youth Clinic!! (San Francisco)
Primary Care Services in San Francisco, and the Dimensions Clinic services are in grave danger. Under the current proposed budget, both nurses in the Dimensions Clinic are on the lay-off list. This means NO hormone injections, NO vaccinations (HepB, HepA, MMR, Td etc.), NO TB tests, or any other RN functions will be available in clinic. In addition, any and all bloodwork will be done at SFGH only. Evening hours will be eliminated and patients will be "absorbed" into daytime clinic. We will no longer be able to continue in our successful collaborative with LYRIC, New Leaf, SPY, Larkin and HIFY under these budget restrictions.
While Castro-Mission Health Center leadership is strongly opposing this budget and all its ramification to the care of all of our patients as well as the greater San Francisco community, no turnaround will occur without community outcry. The entire community based clinic system is under attack, including Tom Waddell Clinic, which serves many transgendered clients. The cut in funding will also affect undocumented mothers, uninsured children, HIV+ patients, etc.
We need people to advocate for preserving the staffing at Castro Mission to
protect services for all.
However, you CAN help!!
There will be a speakout taking place on June 15th.
Tuesday, June 15 12:00 noon - 3:00 PM, Major Event of Healthworkers, Patients
AND Allies to mobilize opposition to City Health Service Cuts, IMMEDIATELY BEFORE
Bielensen Hearing at 3pm, where the effects of health cuts will be debated.
In addition, please contact the Board of Supervisors in your area and voice
your concerns about their proposed cuts to the clinic...namely:
Jake McGoldrick (district 1) 415.554.7410
Gerardo Sandoval (district 11) 415.554.6975
Chris Daly (district 6) 415.554.7970
Bevan Duffy (district 8) 415.554.6968
For more information, please contact Dafna Wu at 415-487-7506 or mailto:sfdafna@sbcglobal.net
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11. Yolo Gay Pride
The ninth annual Yolo County Gay Pride Day is Sunday, June 13 from noon to
4pm in Davis Central Park. This free event is small, yet charming. It's a lot
of fun with a family picnic atmosphere.
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12. "Skool's Out" New Films by Queer Youth (San Francisco)
Friday June 25
3:30 pm
Castro Theatre
$6 members/$7 general
Free for ages 18 and under (present ID at door)
Young queer filmmakers from around the world deliver a great collection of
short narrative films, stories of discrimination, coming out, fighting addictions,
and love.
EPIPHANY, directed by a 14-year-old, is a searing portrait of a suicidal youth
who has a revelation about himself during a high school counseling session.
When a young dyke is suddenly attacked, she takes survival into her own hands
in ONE OF THOSE NIGHTS.
EVERYTHING is a heart-wrenching journey through the life of a Sikh boy who struggles
to find his identity.
In STICKS AND STONES, Cameron, a young auto mechanic, has trouble accepting
his girlfriend's roommate's sexuality. Stories and lives are all different,
but all united by their search for a happy ending.
Criss-cross in the hallways of the gay ghetto in PINK SHEEP.
Fate and free will, desire and dreamscape collide when a tarot reader uncovers
his own destiny during a client's reading in TEMPTING FATE.
In RUNNING WITHOUT SOUND, Sean, a deaf high school student, discovers camaraderie
among his cross-country teammates and finds himself especially drawn to the
team's top runner, Derek. As Derek allows Sean to pursue an
attraction neither of them understand, both struggle to define their friendship
and sexuality.
For more information, please visit: http://www.frameline.org/festival
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13. Free movie and popcorn with AQUA25 (San Francisco)!!
Join AQU25A for movie night as we watch
The Iron Ladies
Wednesday, June 9
6-8pm
Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center
730 Polk Street (at Ellis), 4th Floor, SF.
Free for all Asian & Pacific Islander lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
queer, and questioning youth 25 & under!!!
About the film:
"Mon and Jung are amateur volleyball players who are constantly rejected
from teams because of their homosexuality. Their luck changes when they are
drafted by the Lampang Volleyball Team, headed by the indiscriminate Coach Bee--a
lesbian. After Mon and Jung join the team, nearly all the players resign to
protest. Unfazed and determined to put a winning team together, Coach Bee asks
the duo to recruit some of their friends: a gay army sergeant, a transsexual
cabaret star, a set of outrageous triplets and a young man with a very obvious
secret. Re-christened "The Iron Ladies", they begin winning local
tournaments and become a media sensation. Not without detractors and constantly
harassed by rival teams, the Ladies realize that the only way to shut them up
is to beat them at their own game, leading them all the way to the national
championships."
Thai with English subtitles
AQU25A: Asian and Pacific Islander Queer and Questioning, 25 and Under All Together is a group for and run by young queer and questioning Asians and Pacific Islanders (A&PIs) who are aged 25 years and under. We hold groups, a peer leadership program, drop-ins, gatherings, picnics, workshops, scholarships, socials, parties, dances, trips, retreats and other fun activities throughout the year.
For more information, contact Sabrina Wu, AQU25A Program Coordinator at 415.292.3420 x315 or mailto:sabrina@apiwellness.org.
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14. YouthSpace Action & Media Event (San Francisco)
Violence is up. School is out.
YouthSpace, the San Francisco Youth Commission, and Youth Making A Change (Y-MAC)
presents...
THE TRUTH:
We Need Spaces for Youth!
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
12 Noon
@ the City Hall stepsWhere do young people have to kick it besides the streets?
Come help us take over the steps of City Hall and demand safe youth spaces in
Frisco!
Hip Hop/Poetry Performances & Free CDs
Youth Speakers
"YouthSpace" set up on the steps of City Hall
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15. GAY PROM IN LESS THAN A WEEK! (Hayward)
10th Annual Bay Area Gay Prom -- A Fairy's Tale: Dreaming Our Lives, Dancing
Our Dreams
Saturday, June 12, 2004
7pm - Midnight
Centennial Hall, Hayward CA
Open to ALL YOUTH, ages 25 and under, queer, bi, questioning, straight ally,
trans -- whoever you are, come dance!
Tix: $20/adv, $25/door -- order online: http://www.gayprom.org
Dress is formal or to the theme
Selix Tuxedos is offering "Lambda Gay Prom" discounts!!
** Clean and Sober event **
For info or to phone order tickets: 510/247-8200
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16. ILLUSIONS! A dance for LGBTQ Youth and Their Friends (San Francisco)
ILLUSIONS!
A Dance for LGBTQ Youth and their friends...
The Love and Justice Project, in collaboration with PCPV is putting a PRIDE
PARTY ON JUNE 18, 2004.
*DJ Extreme on the turn tables
*featured performances
*photo booth
*refreshments
*SOBER EVENT
* Minimum donation of a $1, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds
We have 10 slots for dancers, performers, poets, singers, divas, etc.....
Come celebrate June 18' 2004 from 7pm to 12am at 2973 16th Street
transportation: 16th street bart, Muni # 14, 22, 33, 49, 53
For more information contact The Love and Justice Project @ (415) 777-5500 ext 311
Kisses,
The Love and Justice Crew
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17. Queer Women of Color Film Screening (San Francisco)
2004 NATIONAL QUEER ARTS FESTIVAL
presents
QUEER WOMEN OF COLOR FILM NIGHT (FREE)
Title: Journey Home Sisterz!
Date: Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: Rainbow Room
LGBT Community Center
1800 Market @ Octavia
San Francisco
Admission is FREE.
Program duration: approx. 110 minutes
Followed by: Q/A Panel with Filmmakers
Refreshments will be served.
Join our fabulous emerging filmmakers for the 3rd annual Queer Women of Color
FILM NIGHT, as we celebrate art, culture, and resistance of queer women of color
and our communities.
This evening's screening features exciting and provocative new films that explores
the various connections of home, community and family.
FILMS INCLUDE:
~ Sisterz of the Underground: Extra Credit (Laurie Koh, 2003)
~ Every Surface (Catrina Chaos, 2003)
~ A Journey Home (Mónica Enríquez, 2003)
~ We Will Not be Moved!: A Story of Oakland Chinatown (Ching-In Chen, 2003)
~ And You Are? (Orchid Pusey, 2003)
~ Remember (Proshat Shekarloo, 2003)
~ Mixed Messages (Stephanie Yang, 2003)
~ Freak (Leilani Lumen, 2003)
~ Journey of Rice (Gloria Ng, 2003)
~ Dragon Desire (Madeleine Lim, 2004)
Program curated by Madeleine Lim.
This event is sponsored by:
~ Queer Cultural Center
~ Queer Women of Color Media Arts Program (QWOCMAP)
~ Queer Asian Women's Services (QAWS)
The venue is wheelchair accessible.
Contact: mailto:madbullfilms@hotmail.com
Information: 415.752.0868
Visit: http://www.queerculturalcenter.org
All works created through the Queer Women of Color Media Arts Project (QWOCMAP) digital video workshops, conducted by award-winning filmmaker and artistic director Madeleine Lim.
QWOCMAP promotes the creation and exhibition of films and videos that reflect the experiences, stories and lives of queer women of color.
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18. Participants wanted to help co-produce a new national Queer Youth Radio
Series
LYRIC will be co-producing along with KPFA Radio 10 minute segment addressing
Transgender Health Access to be aired as part of a new Queer Youth Radio series.
Former LYRIC participant and acclaimed Radio Producer Cesar Z will work with
a team of LYRIC youth to collectively create this story, which will air across
the country later this fall. Youth will learn all the ins and outs of producing
a radio show, while helping inform the broader public about issues important
to queer youth.
This is an unpaid training opportunity, but travel stipends will be available.
Other segment series will address such issues as Childhood Abuse and Healing,
Queer Women's Health Care and the Evolution of Queer Identities.
Youth who are interested in participating in this opportunity should submit
a brief cover letter and resume to Gayle Roberts at mailto:gayle@lyric.org
no later than Friday, June 18th.
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19. National Stonewall Democrats Stonewall Student Network is looking for recruits
The Stonewall Student Network (SSN) is working to connect, organize and mobilize Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender college students and their progressive allies to form a cohesive, multi-faceted group of student activists who are united to beat Bush in 2004.
SSN has two large projects this summer; the first is getting 500 young voters
to the National Stonewall Democrats 2004 Convention; the second is gearing up
student leaders to help elect fair-minded Democrats in the fall.
The NSD 2004 Convention will be held in Providence, Rhode Island on Friday,
July 23 through Sunday, July 25.
For more information about the convention, check out http://www.stonewalldemocrats.org/convention.html.
The convention will serve as a kickoff to the DNC 2004 Convention, being held
in Boston starting Monday, July 26. The National College Democrats Convention
is also being held in Boston, concurrent with the DNC Convention.
The NSD convention will provide SSN members the opportunity to learn about organizing
around LGBTQ issues on their campuses, and how to start SSN chapters at their
schools. Student leaders are coming from as far away as Seattle, Washington;
it would be great to have every region, if not every state, represented.
To encourage young people to attend the NSD convention, SSN is launching its
College Rhodie Trip, a project that is meant to organize groups of students
to hit the road to Providence.
SSN is asking student leaders to talk to friends, classmates and student group
members and organize a trip.
There will be a special student rate for the convention, and students are free
to find cheaper lodging than the hotel where the convention is being held.
If you are interested in joining the College Rhodie Trip, or would like more
information about starting your own SSN chapter, please email Allison at mailto:students@stonewalldemocrats.org.
*********************************************
20. Development Director position at LYRIC
Lavender Youth Recreation & Information Center (LYRIC)
LYRIC is a non-profit community center providing educational, recreational and
peer leadership development activities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
and questioning (LGBTQ) youth. The annual agency budget is approximately $1.3
million.
Title: Development Director (1.0 F.T.E.)
LYRIC is seeking an experienced development professional to expand fundraising
efforts across all levels of the agency. The Development Director is responsible
for planning, implementing, and managing all development strategies and programs.
The Development Director will supervise a Grants Manager who manages relationships
with private foundations, grant writing, reporting, and public relations.
Responsibilities:
* Develop and implement annual fundraising plan, including individual giving
programs, events, corporate sponsorships, and grants.
* Develop structures, policies, and procedures for fundraising
* Work with Executive Director to identify, recruit, train, support, and motivate
volunteer solicitors, including board of directors
* Expand, improve and maintain strategies for cultivation, tracking and acknowledgement
of individual donors
* Create and supervise production and distribution of solicitation materials
and publications (e.g. e-newsletters and annual report)
* Work collaboratively with board members and the board's Development Committee,
staff, and volunteers on fundraising strategies
* Supervise and support Grants Manager
* Work with Grants Manager, the Executive Director, the Finance Director to
develop revenue projections and agency budget
* Maintain donor database
* Represent agency at various events as needed
* Report to Executive Director, staff and board of directors on a regular basis
on fundraising activities and progress
* Participate as a member of agency leadership team for overall management of
agency and development of policies and procedures
* Attend agency staff meetings and board meetings
* Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
* Five or more years of development work experience
* Experience in setting up development operations
* Demonstrated success in raising at least $300,000/year in individual contributions
for non-profit organizations
* Creative approach to fundraising and ability to link organization's mission,
programs, and priorities with donors' interests in giving
* Familiarity with LGBT giving culture and working contacts in the philanthropic
community
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
* Self-motivated and ability to take initiative, manage, and complete multiple
projects within deadlines
* Experience in developing and administering project plans and budgets
* Commitment to working in a multicultural environment
* Knowledge of youth issues, particularly LGBTQ youth
* Excellent computer skills with proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and database
software
Preferred Skills
* Commitment to continuous self improvement
* Experience with youth programs or organizations
* Experience with marketing or communications work
Salary Range
$50,000 to $60,000 annually
Equal Opportunity Statement
LYRIC is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are strongly encouraged
from women, people of color, young people, transgender and bisexual people,
people with HIV/AIDS, people with disabilities, bilingual and bicultural people.
Application Procedure
Send resume and letter of interest to:
Development Director Hire
LYRIC
127 Collingwood Street
San Francisco, CA 94114
OR
Fax: 415.703.6153
OR
Email: mailto:jobs@lyric.org
All submissions are due by 5:00pm, Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Note: California is an at-will employment state and this law applies to all
positions at LYRIC
*********************************************
21. People Organized to Win Employment Rights (POWER) is looking for a Spanish/English
translator
Organizational Background:
People Organized to Win Employment Rights (POWER) is a multi-racial organization,
made up of and run by low-wage and no-wage workers. POWER seeks to create living
wage jobs, raise the wages and improve the working conditions at existing jobs
and increase the overall strength of low-income and unemployed people. The heart
of POWER's work is organizing and developing new low-wage and no-wage worker-leaders-
Workfare Workers, Prison Laborers, Day Laborers, Domestic Workers, Contingent
Workers and Unemployed Workers- shattering the exclusionary notions of who is
and who is not a worker.
Based in San Francisco, POWER is currently organizing General Assistance and CalWORKs recipients to win permanent jobs that pay a living wage.
Responsibilities:
Translating at steering committee meetings--Mondays 5.30 to 7.30pm
Translating at political education spaces--Wednesdays 3.30 to 6.30pm and one
other three hour slot.
Translating one Saturday or Sunday each month.
Punctuality is absolutely necessary because we need the translator to be present
so the meetings can begin.
POWER is looking for somebody who can speak Spanish and English fluently and
is comfortable translating in big groups.
The salary is $15 per hour and meetings last between 2 to 4 hours each.
If you are interested please contact Maddy Bassi at 415 8648372 ext 304.
People of colour, women and immigrants are encouraged to apply.
*********************************************
22. Youth Together is Seeking an Organizer!
Job Announcement
Site Organizer
Youth Together, a youth social justice and school community building initiative,
seeks a full-time, politically grounded, dynamic organizer to lead and facilitate
the work for our Berkeley High School multi-racial youth team. Grounded in our
commitment to unity, peace and justice, Youth Together addresses the root causes
of educational inequities by developing multiracial youth organizers and engaging
school community allies to promote positive school change.
The Berkeley Site Organizer will focus on advocating and organizing for racial
justice, educational equity and long term violence prevention on the BHS campus
through developing youth into multi-cultural leaders capable of making cultural
and institutional changes within their school.
Established within the school for six years, Youth Together's efforts at Berkeley
have included the creation of the Student Learning Center, Unity Weeks, Violence
Prevention efforts, anti-hate campaigns, ethnic studies curriculum revisions,
and the development of a peer advocacy strategy now incorporated at many levels
of the school. However, the foundation of our efforts is the continued development
of multiracial youth as strong, empowered, & united leaders.
Youth Together operates programs in the following Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond
high schools: Castlemont, Fremont, Skyline, Berkeley, Kennedy, and Richmond.
Berkeley High School operates both site-based campaigns and, in partnership
with our other five sites, coordinates regional and state level educational
justice campaigns.
The site organizer would be responsible for the following:
* Represent Youth Together goals, mission and campaigns to school community
and faculty.
* Serve as a role model and mentor for multiracial youth.
* Develop and train multiracial youth as advocates for social justice and multiracial
solidarity.
* Teach ethnic studies, community organizing, violence prevention, and anti-oppression
curriculum to youth.
* Coordinate a student led school-site campaign.
* Work with District, school and community stakeholders to leverage funding
for school-based programs and events.
* Participate in evaluation and complete documentation requirements, stipend
requests, and other administrative details.
* Work with other YT staff and teams to create regional strategies. Participate
in regional events and organizing.
* Coordinate a summer program for incoming 9th grade high school students.
* Facilitate youth process for fundraising, i.e. small youth grants
* Travel for team related activities (retreats, networking)
* Work with other YT staff and teams to coordinate and participate in coalition
work with other youth organizing efforts.
* Work some evenings and weekends.
Youth Together is seeking a person who meets the following qualifications:
* Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent youth organizing experience.
* Strong work ethic and timely follow-through.
* Experience working with multiracial youth and in multiracial alliances.
* Sensitive to the life circumstances of youth from low-income communities
* Understanding of urban educational and school issues, including school policies.
* Passion for social justice.
* Independent worker, initiative-taker, good problem-solver, and detail oriented.
* Ability to work in a team setting and provide constructive feedback as well
as take direction.
* Excellent writing and communication skills.
* At least two years experience in community or youth organizing.
* Ability to work effectively with school and district staff and officials.
* Ability to challenge students to think critically.
We are seeking a person who is committed to working full time for at least
2 full years. The pay range is $30-33,000 with benefits. People of color and
women are strongly encouraged to apply.
The deadline for applications is June 16th 2004. Please submit a cover letter
and resume to: Youth Together, 1611 Telegraph, Suite 203, Oakland, CA 94612
or fax to (510) 663-2578 or email to mailto:cfu@youthtogether.net.
For more information, visit our website at http://www.youthtogether.net
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23. NEWS: Linguistic skills earning applause
STUDENTS HONORED BY SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR MASTERING TWO LANGUAGES
By Dana Hull
Mercury News
Posted June 3, 2004
Vietnamese is Donna Nguyen's native, or ``home,'' language. The James Lick
High School senior also speaks English and Spanish, which she began studying
in the seventh grade.
Now her linguistic achievements will be recognized.
On Wednesday night, Donna and 16 other seniors from James Lick became the first
in the East Side Union High School District to receive the district's new bilingual
certificate. The accolade officially recognizes the students' ability not only
to speak but to read, write, and understand English and a second -- and sometimes
a third -- language. The accomplishment will be noted on both high school diplomas
and transcripts.
``It's cool to be able to speak three languages because English gets boring
sometimes,'' said Donna, 17. ``Spanish sounds so nice, and the words are pronounced
the way they look. But people are still like, `Why is this Asian girl speaking
Spanish?' ''
The term ``bilingual'' is often used to describe immigrant students, many of
whom are Spanish speakers who have mastered English. But district officials
believe the term should apply to any student who has mastered two languages.
This year, 82 students in the district's five high schools qualified for the
new certificate, and they speak not just Spanish but Vietnamese, French and
German.
``What the East Side is doing is very exciting,'' said Maria Vargas, the executive
director of the California Association for Bilingual Education. ``Bilingualism
and bi-literacy are very marketable skills, and the district is recognizing
that and giving the students something that they can take with them when they
graduate.''
Though California's 6 million students are among the most diverse in the nation,
only a few school districts in the state offer bilingual certificates. Many
districts are overwhelmed by the number of home languages that are spoken, and
the biggest challenge is deciding what level of language proficiency should
count as fluent.
The Glendale Unified School District, northwest of Los Angeles, is believed
to be the first district in the state to offer bilingual certificates. On graduation
day, students who can speak two languages wear a silver medallion, while trilingual
students wear gold.
``This year we had one student who qualified in Armenian, Russian and German,
as well as English,'' said Cecelia Martin, who coordinates the program for the
district.
Students with Californians for Justice, a statewide organization of young people,
first proposed the bilingual certificate to East Side Union High School District
officials two years ago. A task force of district officials, students and teachers
then worked to hammer out the criteria.
If a student's native language is English, they have to pass an Advanced Placement test in a second language, such as Spanish or French, to get the certificate. If the student's home language is not English, they must pass the AP test in their home language as well as pass the state's standardized tests in English.
For languages with no AP course, such as Tagalog, the district is creating
alternative tests that include a reading exam, writing sample and oral interview.
``It's a great accomplishment to be proficient in two languages,'' said Bill
Rice, an assistant principal at James Lick. ``So many kids are not proficient
in one language.''
Maria Chavez, 18, speaks Spanish at home and spends every summer with relatives
in the Mexican state of Jalisco. But she learned English at school in San Jose,
and has regularly taken honors English courses.
``My dad has been pushing me hard to keep my Spanish and not lose my Mexican
roots,'' said Chavez. ``It's a really wonderful thing to know two languages,
but it's really hard work. I'm glad it's being noticed by the district.''
Contact Dana Hull at mailto:dhull@mercurynews.com
or (408) 920-2706.
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*********************************************
24. NEWS: Student sues over ban of anti-gay T-shirt
Christian's message worn at Poway High
By Blanca Gonzalez
SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE
June 4, 2004
POWAY - Tyler Chase Harper is a good student and athlete who likes to surf and has never been in trouble at school. He is also a Christian who believes homosexuality is wrong, and he's suing the Poway Unified School District over a T-shirt proclaiming his beliefs.
"I was appalled that my school would take such a controversial issue and only allow one side to be heard," said Chase, who prefers to go by his middle name, "I presented a message that was scriptural, biblical. I feel like my rights were violated and I had no freedom of speech."
Chase's T-shirt condemning homosexuality was not hate speech, and he should
not have been punished by Poway High School, said attorney Robert Tyler of the
Alliance Defense Fund.
Tyler, who filed the suit on the Harper family's behalf, said Chase was given
a one-day, in-school suspension for refusing to take off a T-shirt that stated
"Homosexuality is Shameful" and referenced Romans 1:27 from the Bible...
.....On April 21, Chase wore a T-shirt with an anti-gay message during the
school's annual Day of Silence. The national event is held on high school and
college campuses to recognize and protest discrimination and harassment against
gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender students.
Chase wore the T-shirt in response to the event, which he believed endorsed,
promoted and encouraged homosexual activity, according to the lawsuit.
To read the complete article, visit:
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/education/20040604-9999-1mi4powskul.html
*********************************************
25. NEWS: In transgender case, don't ask jurors to think like defendants
By L.A. Chung
San Jose Mercury News
Friday, June 4, 2004
The fate of Jason Cazares, Jose Merel and Michael Magidson is now in an Alameda
County jury's hands.
After two months of testimony, the trial for the killing of a Newark teen, Gwen
Araujo, has gone to a panel of four women and eight men, who must decide what
happened on an October night in 2002, when the transgender 17-year-old was killed
in a house full of so-called friends.
It's a high-profile trial. The jury has a difficult task sorting out who did
what and why, whose word to trust, and in what circumstances.
But if I were on the jury there's one thing I know I couldn't do: Think like
a man. No matter what defense lawyer Michael Thorman has asked.
Thorman, who is Magidson's lawyer, took a moment Wednesday to address the women of the 12-member jury in his closing arguments. And oh, what a moment!
The case, he acknowledged, had been a conversation piece throughout the Bay Area, and he found reactions varied. Born Eddie Araujo Jr., the slain teen had adopted the name ``Gwen'' and went by the name ``Lida'' when she fell in with the crowd who turned on her.
``Lida'' had had oral or anal sex with Magidson and Merel. On the night she
died, they learned she was anatomically male. All hell broke loose. She was
hit with a food can and a skillet, punched, kneed, and ultimately strangled,
the prosecution's witness said.
The young men, Thorman said, were provoked. And ``while men immediately `get'
the theory of provocation, women have a harder time with it,'' he said. Pause.
Women being the ``kinder, gentler sex,'' are perhaps ``more forgiving'' and
``less expressive in acts of violence.'' They are less able to understand in
a way that ``hit the gut'' of ``how this provocation is to a man.''
The discovery of her ``sexual fraud'' was so great and primal a provocation
that the young men, including his client, were temporarily driven out of their
minds, Thorman contended. And they killed her. Then buried her in the Sierra.
His client was sorry, Thorman said. But he didn't deserve a murder conviction.
More like manslaughter. That's what a reasonable person would commit in the
``heat of passion,'' he suggested.
Thorman had brought a psychologist, Andrew Pojman, to testify about the fragile
psyches of young men who had no goals, lived with their parents and were emotionally
immature, stuck somewhere in adolescence. Pojman had obliged with his opinion
that it was a potentially dangerous group that could explode at news that threatened
their own sexual identities.
Thorman asked female jurors to think of their sons or their nephews. ``Place
yourselves in a little different mindset.''
Excuse me?
You want me to think like a man?
Why should I? Is it better?
We are told to think like men to succeed in business, on the corporate ladder
and practically in every other arena of life. So here are women being asked
to think like men again. What would a reasonable, emotionally immature guy do?
Society is served by that?
Being a member of the kinder, gentler sex, my humble opinion is that thinking
like a woman is not a bad idea. My first impulse to so-called ``sexual fraud''
would not be smashing a can of food over another woman's head . . . or bashing
her with a skillet . . . or choking her with a rope. I wouldn't have to worry
about where to bury the body -- or about facing 25 years to life in prison.
In an era when we try 14-year-olds for murder and expect them to know right
from wrong like adults, we are now asked to think like 24-year-old men who are
in a state of arrested emotional development.
So should I give a pass to men for just acting like boys?
June 16, 2004
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
We Can't Be Stopped: Berkeley High GSA Bounces Back
GSA Network Announcements
1. Apply for GSA Activist Camp
2. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
3. Is your school safe for LGBT youth? Take this survey!
4. Transitions Trainings for Young Organizers! 6/18 & 6/23 (Bay Area)
5. Time for Pride!!! All the Details are here! (San Francisco)
6. Community Q&A: The Gwen Araujo Trial (San Francisco)
7. Queer Eye on the Bible in Fresno
8. LGBT Youth Panel (Oakland)
Other Announcements
9. ILLUSIONS! A dance for LGBTQ Youth and Their Friends (San Francisco)
10. A&PI Youth Pride Kick-off Party (San Francisco)
11. Q Action Events (San Francisco)
12. Join APIHR /Ohana House at this year's LA LGBT Pride Parade
13. Sacred Revolution/Sweet Release Performance (San Francisco)
14. ACLU National Membership Conference Youth Scholarship Submissions
15. Calling all queer youth of color!
16. Focus on MY Family Celebration Event (San Francisco)
17. The Release of Becoming, a Queer Youth Anthology
18. Research Invitation for API Folk
19. NEWS: Deliberations Continue In Araujo Murder Trial
20. NEWS: Anti-Gay T-Shirt Sparks Student Protest
21. NEWS: Olympics' transgender quandary/Debate rages on the fairness of new
inclusion rule
22. NEWS: Governor Finally Meets with Fasters
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
We Can't Be Stopped: Berkeley High GSA Bounces Back
by Alexa Hall
Straight Alliance since my freshman year. Our club, like many clubs, has always
had to deal with some type of back-stabbing or drama going on. That, or people
simply were too lazy to show up to weekly meetings.
Earlier this year, I became the president of the BHS/GSA. Originally, I didn't
even want to be involved in the leadership of the club, but I was corralled
into being vice-president at the end of last year. A friend of mine, who is
also a junior this year, decided that he would be president. So, as always,
the club started anew with enthusiasm from new freshman members.
Everything was going well, then drama began as expected. The result was that
the president left, along with more than half the club. I ended up with a group
of still enthusiastic, but confused freshmen, and two teacher sponsors who were
ready to quit and end the club.
At this point, I was given the difficult decision to either put the club on
hold, end it altogether, or figure out some way to do some damage control and
salvage what was left. I decided that I wouldn't give up, even if I wasn't quite
sure how to proceed. So, after a little debriefing with the club members and
some begging and negotiating with people who'd left, I had five acting members
of the club, myself, and no events or projects to speak of.
It was hard work, but with a group of freshmen, a little outreach every week
in our school bulletin, and merging partly with another club, we are active
members of the Berkeley High School Society. FINALLY!
The club is still not perfect, but we do what we can, and it looks promising.
I will now give you five tips on how not to have this happen to you:
1. Make a comment/complaint box for members (Try to let it be anonymous)
2. Make sure it's the community choosing the leaders (votes are always the best
way to go)
3. If membership is down, bring your friends! Or talk with similar clubs to
form mergers!
4. Offer food (with a vegetarian option) and drinks at meetings (trust me, it
keeps people coming)
5. Socialize, because after all, it's hard to work with people you don't know
or like
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Apply for GSA Activist Camp
The GSA Activist Camp is a youth-planned and youth-led 3-day event that features intensive community building, skill-building, political education, and leadership training for GSA members. All youth who will be involved in a high school or middle school GSA next year are encouraged to apply.
Apply Online!
http://www.gsanetwork.org/camp/index.html
Southern Cal GSA Activist Camp in Santa Monica
Friday, July 9 - Sunday, July 11
Northern Cal Activist Camp in Oakland
Wednesday, August 11 - Friday, Wednesday 13
*********************************************
2. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
Please take a few minutes to fill out GSA Network's Year End Evaluation. Your
comments are VERY important to us!
Access the evaluation online: http://www.gsanetwork.org/yearendeval/
*********************************************
3. Is your school safe for LGBT youth? Take this survey!
Take a survey to tell what it's like at your school!
You can take the survey online, or download a printable version to print out for your GSA or LGBT youth group by going to http://www.casafeschools.org. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.
You can make a difference in only 10 minutes by improving our understanding of safety and discrimination in our schools. If you took the survey last year, take it again this year and help us see if schools are changing!
What is this all about?
GSA Network and the California Safe Schools Coalition are surveying high school
and middle school students across California, with a focus on LGBT students,
to learn more about safety, discrimination, and harassment in schools. Last
year's survey results were published in a report called Safe Place to Learn,
which you can view at http://www.casafeschools.org.
The 2004 Preventing School Harassment Survey will be a vital tool for local
and statewide efforts to make schools safer for LGBT students. Last year's survey
showed that harassment and discrimination are pervasive, but schools can take
specific steps to make a difference. Students whose schools have a clear anti-harassment
policy, students whose teachers intervene when they hear slurs, and students
whose schools have GSAs were less likely to be harassed, more likely to feel
safe in school, and more connected to their community and supportive adults.
We need your help! For the 2004 survey to be successful, we need hundreds of
participants from schools all over California. We've sent copies of the survey
to every GSA and LGBT youth group in California. Please administer the survey
at the next meeting of your GSA or youth group.
Questions? Email mailto:info@casafeschools.org
*********************************************
4. Transitions Trainings for Young Organizers! 6/18 & 6/23 (Bay Area)
** GSA Network is supporting these workshops! **
Are you a youth organizer getting ready to graduate from high school? Do you
want to:
- Find out how you can take what you learned as an activist into your next phase
of life
- Learn how to stay involved in activism if you are getting a job, going to
college, or have no idea what you are doing next
- Hang out with other organizers who are graduating and find out what their
plans are
If so, we'd like to let you know about a couple exciting workshops, coming up
at the Movement Strategy Center. Movement Strategy Center will be facilitating
two Transitions Trainings for young organizers, to help them create a vision
to stay involved in organizing as they move into new phases of life and new
roles as activists. We will also provide information about getting involved
with the BLOC Network, a national network of young activists working for justice
in communities of color and other marginalized communities.
The first workshop, for young adult activists, age 18-30,
will be held on Friday, June 18th, 12-4:30.
The second workshop, for graduating High School Seniors,
will be held on Friday, June 25th, 12-4:30.
Both trainings will take place at the Movement Strategy Center,
1611 Telegraph Ave., suite 510, in Oakland.
Lunch will be provided.
To register or for more info, call Taj at 510-444-0640 x309, or email
mailto:taj@movementstrategy.org.
*********************************************
5. Time for Pride!!! All the Details are here!
Wanna show how fabulous your GSA is at the San Francisco Pride March?
Ready to have fun??
Well then, register your GSA with the GSA Network/LYRIC Pride Contingent!!
The Pride Parade is on Sunday, June 27th and people are asked to meet at Beale
between Folsom and Bryant at 10:30 AM sharp!!! We will start marching at 11
AM.
However, we do ask that people still register with us to let us know if your
group will be marching!
If your GSA will be marching at Pride, please contact Saifa with a) what high
school you are representing b) the number of people who will be in the group.
For more information, please call Sean Saifa Wall at 415.552.4229 or email mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org.
*********************************************
6. Community Q&A: The Gwen Araujo Trial (San Francisco)
Just over 19 months ago, 17 year old Gwen Araujo was brutally murdered in Newark, CA due to hatred and bias against transgender people. Now, after a 6 week trial a lot of questions remain.
Join other community members and a panel of experts to discuss issues like: the trial, media coverage, dealing with negative messages, and efforts to make schools safer for transgender youth.
June 16th 6 - 7:30
San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Community Center - 4th Floor
Ceremonial Room (1800 Market Street - Market @ Octavia)
Panelists:
Jim Hammer, former San Francisco Assistant District Attorney
Yomi Wronge, Staff Reporter for the San Jose Mercury News
JoAnne Keatley, Project Director of the UCSF-CAPS Transgender Resource and Neighborhood
Space
Saifa Wall, Community Organizer with Gay-Straight Alliance Network
ASL translation services available upon request. If you need services, please
contact Chris Daley at mailto:chris@transgenderlawcenter.org
or (415) 865-0176 by June 11th.
Event Sponsors:
Community United Against Violence
Equality California
Female to Male, International
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
Gay-Straight Alliance Network
The Horizons Foundation
National Center for Lesbian Rights
San Francisco LGBT Community Center
Transgender Law Center
*********************************************
7. Queer Eye on the Bible in Fresno
This is a special invitation to all interested students and recent high school grads to be a part of a discussion group meeting on Wednesday night, June 16th at the GSA Network office in Fresno. The topic will be QUEER EYE ON THE BIBLE and the conversation will be facilitated by queer theologian, Dr. Jan Everhart who is a professor at Simpson College in Iowa. The conversation will serve as a focus group for Dr. Everhart's new book on reading the Bible with queer youth.
The conversation will start at 7pm. Don't miss this chance to share your views and ask your questions to a Biblical scholar dedicated to hearing and promoting queer youth perspectives.
For more information contact mailto:Diana@gsanetwork.org
*********************************************
8. LGBT Youth Panel (Oakland)
EAST BAY QUEER YOUTH are COOL WITH IT
Come listen to a diverse panel of queer teens, including GSA Network Youth Council
member Cabe Rainge, share their experiences about what it's like being out and
proud in the EAST BAY! There will be FREE PIZZA and other refreshments as well
as a special performance by East Bay homohop artist TIM'M WEST.
SATURDAY, JUNE 19TH 2004
12 NOON - 2 PM
Temescal Branch Library
5205 Telegraph Ave at 52nd St
Oakland, CA (510)597-5049
Sponsored by the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Services Committee and Teen
Services of Oakland Public Library
++++++++++++++++ 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.
*********************************************
9. ILLUSIONS! A dance for LGBTQ Youth and Their Friends (San Francisco)
ILLUSIONS!
A Dance for LGBTQ Youth and their friends...
The Love and Justice Project, in collaboration with PCPV is putting a PRIDE
PARTY ON JUNE 18, 2004.
*DJ Extreme on the turn tables
*featured performances
*photo booth
*refreshments
*SOBER EVENT
* Minimum donation of a $1, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds
We have 10 slots for dancers, performers, poets, singers, divas, etc.....
Come celebrate June 18' 2004 from 7pm to 12am at 2973 16th Street
transportation: 16th street bart, Muni # 14, 22, 33, 49, 53
For more information contact The Love and Justice Project @ (415) 777-
5500 ext 311Kisses,
The Love and Justice Crew
*********************************************
10. A&PI Youth Pride Kick-off Party (San Francisco)
Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center presents...
Asian & Pacific Islander Youth Pride Kick-off Party!!
DJ's!
Performers!
Free food and drinks!
Cool raffle prizes!
Wednesday, June 23
7-9pm
SF LGBT Center (Youth Space), 1800 Market Street, SF, CA.
Free for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, & questioning A&PI youth 25 & under.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Sabrina Wu, AQU25A Program
Coordinator, at 415.292.3420 x315 or mailto:sabrina@apiwellness.org.
Check out other Pride happenings at http://www.apiwellness.org/v20/pride2004/index.html
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*********************************************
11. Q Action Events (San Francisco)
Q ACTION EVENTS
"DISH"
Thursday, June 17 @ 7:30 PM
QnA Lounge - 539 Castro St. @ 18th
Come grab a taste!
Drop-in to the QnA Lounge & hear the latest dish. Share a thought, meet
new folks and increase your knowledge and skills.
----
"PARTY BOYS"
Thursday, June 24 @ 8:00 PM
QnA Lounge - 539 Castro St. @ 18th
The drug of choice for many young guys is thought to be harmless, but there
are real risks with taking Ecstasy.
How does it impact your body? Can it lead to unsafe sex? Find it all out tonight.
Q Action is for guys of all colors & flavors 25 & under who dig other
guys.
*Want the 411? http://www.qaction.org OR
415.865.0790 x304
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*********************************************
12. Join APIHR /Ohana House at this year's LA LGBT Pride Parade
Invitation for API's to Join APIHR / Ohana House at this year's LA LGBT Pride
Parade on June 20, 2004 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
APIHR / Ohana House is submitting a 25 foot decorated float for Ohana Pride.
Ohana means family in Hawaiian and this year we want to send a strong message
to the API and the mainstream LGBT community that our API LGBT family exists
and demands to be heard.
APIHR / Ohana House's "Ohana Pride" float and walking contingent will
assemble at the corner of Fairfax and Santa Monica Blvd at 10 AM sharp. We ask
that you wear a Hawaiian shirt or a green shirt so we can be recognized as one
community.
For those of you who are not out, we still want you to walk with us. APIHR / Ohana House will provide tasteful masks or face makeup for those of you who are not out.
Please contact Mariko Braun at <mailto:mbraun@apihr.org> call 323 860-0876 by June 16th, so we can order the masks for you all.
Please bring any banners that show your affiliation with any API organization
you belong to.
Please let us know by June 16th if you will be bringing any organizational banners,
please call 323 860-0876. We will say no on the day of the parade if you do
not contact us beforehand.
Joining Patrick Mangto, Executive Director of APIHR / Ohana House on Ohana Pride:
Actress Amy Hill and her daughter Penelope
Senator Gloria Romero (District 24)
State Assembly Member Judy Chu (49th District)
Board of Trustees Member Warren Furutani, Los Angeles Community College District
Vice Mayor Michael Eng, City of Monterey Park
Council Member Chi Mui, City of San Gabriel
School Board Member, Henry Lo, Garvey School District, the First OPENLY Out
API Elected Official in the Southern California; Co-founder of APIHR / ŒOhana
House
Commissioner Pei-Chi Chang, City of San Gabriel; Co-founder and Chair of APIHR
/ ŒOhana House
There will be a breakfast at 8am prior to the parade. There will be a small
press event at the breakfast, which will be held at the LA Gay & Lesbian
Center's Village. The Village is located at 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles,
CA 90038. We will shuttle folks from the breakfast to the parade route, but
will be unable to provide a shuttle from the parade route back to the Village.
Please take a look at public transportation.
For the last 3 years, APIHR / Ohana House has worked to create a community
for the API Youth, Transgender, and women community. This is the first year
we are entering LA Pride, and we would be honored if you all came out and joined
us and our 25 foot float.Thank you and I hope to see you all at Pride!
Ohana House, a program of APIHR, is the nation's first lesbian, gay, bisexual,
transgender, intersexual, queer and questioning (LGBTIQ) community center for
the Asian Pacific Islander Community. We serve the entire API population in
Southern California. Our programs are created to meet the needs of the culturally
and linguistically diverse API community. http://www.apihr.org
*********************************************
13. Sacred Revolution/Sweet Release Performance (San Francisco)
liquidFIRE Productions presents
The liquidFIRE Project's Sacred Revolution/ Sweet Release
Directed By Veronica C. Combs
Premiering at the San Francisco National Queer Arts Festival June 17 - 26, 2004
Contact: Veronica C. Combs, 415-861-8208, mailto:liquidfirehot@hotmail.com
In The liquidFIRE Project's production of Sacred Revolution/ Sweet Release, 12 lesbian and queer women of color confront and overcome the negative and oppressive voices that keep us from having "pleasure" in our lives. Embarking on a courageous and powerful journey, these women travel the road of rage, pain, and self-effacement only to emerge on the mountain top as sexy, fearless beings reveling in utter ecstasy! This collaborative theatre production features original music, song, dance, storytelling, poetry, unspoken interpretation and more! Get ready to be moved beyond your deepest fears, wildest dreams, and sexiest fantasies!
Sacred Revolution/ Sweet Release features a music and sound score by Melissa
Dougherty; Vocal and Music Direction by Lindasusan Ulrich; Assistant Direction
by Aviance Rhome; and Lighting Design by Shady Lady Lighting. The liquidFIRE
Project and liquidFIRE Productions are supported by the Astraea Lesbian Foundation
For Justice, Horizons Foundation, San Francisco Arts Commission, The Women's
Foundation of California, Jon Sims Center for the Arts, and Queer Cultural Center.
All make-up provided by MAC Cosmetics.
The cast includes Anissa Primus Alston, Britt Anderson, Lynn Bolton, Exodus,
April Frederick Quintana, Marilyn C. Malone, Celestina Pearl, Danielle Richardson,
Donna Sabbatani, Lolan Buhain Sevilla, Roopa Singh, and Olivia Wang
Please join us for our Sneak Prevue Performance on Thursday, June 17 @ 8pm.
All tickets are $10. A limited amount of comps are available for groups and
non-profit organizations.
Please call 415-861-8208 to find out how to reserve your comps.
On Friday, June 18th, meet and greet the cast and staff of Sacred Revolution/
Sweet Release and liquidFIRE's Board Members, volunteers and funders at our
pre-show and post-show Opening Night Receptions. Pre-show reception begins at
6:45pm, post-show reception begins immediately following the 8pm performance.
Light fare and beverages will be served.
LOCATION: Theatre Rhinoceros, 2926 16th Street, San Francisco, Ca 94103
DATES/TIMES: Thurs. & Fri., June 17 & 18 - 8pm; Sat., June 19 -- 3pm
& 8pm; Sun., June 20 - 2pm & 7pm. Thurs. & Fri., June 24 & 25
- 8pm; Sat., June 26 - 2pm.
*Post-show discussions will follow performances on Saturday, June 19, 8pm and
Friday, June 25, 8pm.
GENERAL ADMISSION TIX: Advance $18, $13 students/seniors (60+) w/ID & disabled.
Door $23, $17 students/seniors (60+) w/ID & disabled
TO PURCHASE TIX: Available via Theatre Rhinoceros' Box Office @ 415-861-5079
and Wednesday - Sun, 1 - 6 pm; website: http://www.therhino.org;
and Tix Booth @ Union Square, San Francisco.
SHOW INFO or to VOLUNTEER: call 415-861-8208 or email mailto:liquidfirehot@hotmail.com
*********************************************
14. ACLU National Membership Conference Youth Scholarship Submissions
My name is Robyn Kurland and I am the Youth Scholarship coordinator for the ACLU of Northern California. We were lucky enough to be granted scholarships for the national conference which will include speakers such as Governor Howard Dean, Gavin Newsom, Richard Clarke and former Senator Bob Kerrey. (To learn more about the conference, go to: http://www.aclu.org/2004memberconf/Welcome/welcome.htm.)
Youth ages 13-17 are welcome but must be accompanied by a chaperone and must bring the attached form with them to the conference: http://www.aclu.org/2004memberconf/Registration/Under18ParentsLetterForm.pdf. The cut-off for youth is 25. Scholarship space is limited and not guaranteed.
The scholarship only covers youth in the Northern California area though affiliates in other areas of California may have their own funding. (To find these affiliates, go to: http://www.aclu.org and type in affiliate name, example "Southern California.) If a youth wants to come but lives very far away (over 50 miles), there is limited funding for lodging but this must be requested by Friday, June 18th at 10am.
To register, I need the following information:
Youth Full Name
Address
Home Phone Number
Email
I would like this information by the 18th but will not be able to accept submissions
later than Wednesday, June 23rd at 10 am. If you have any further questions,
feel free to contact me at (415) 621-2493 ext. 385 or by email: mailto:fieldintern@aclunc.org
I look forward to hearing from you shortly!
*********************************************
15. Calling all queer youth of color!
Calling all queer youth of color!
Spectrum is making a documentary about the experiences of LGBT youth of color
in the Bay area.
If you are interested in being interviewed as a part of this film, please contact Cristin at mailto:cbrew@spectrummarin.org, 415.457.1115 x 203
*********************************************
16. Focus on MY Family Celebration Event (San Francisco)
Focus on MY Family: A Queerspawn Anthology
Anthology debut and Community Celebration
Wednesday, June 16th
6:30 - 8:30 pm
at ZEUM in Yerba Buena Gardens, Corner of 4th and Howard Streets, San
Francisco
$1-100 sliding scale donations at the door
Join the COLAGE Youth Leadership and Action Program to debut their new anthology: Focus on MY Family- a collection of writing, poetry and art by youth with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents. This anthology is an opportunity for youth with LGBT parents to share their realities- the challenges and blessings- of being in a queer family.
The event will include readings by the youth of many of the pieces in the anthology,
an opportunity to see Thats So Gay:Portraits of Youth with LGBT Parents (created
by YLAP in 2003) which will be on display at ZEUM for the month of June, check
out the new anthology, and enjoy refreshments and great COLAGE company. Additionally
we'll have a silent auction of tantalizing prizes for you to bid on and support
the ongoing Bay Area work of COLAGE.
Don't forget your check book as our Silent Auction is filled with exciting treats
including: KD Lang at the SF Symphony Tickets, passes to Great America and Marine
World, jewelry and art, signed Giants baseballs and more!
COLAGE engages, connects and empowers people to make the world a better place
for children of lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender parents and families.
For more information visit http://www.colage.org
To RSVP for the event or learn more about Focus On MY Family or Thats So Gay
call 415-861-5437 x102 or email mailto:meredith@colage.org
*********************************************
17. The Release of Becoming, a Queer Youth Anthology
"'Becoming is The Catcher in the Rye on hormones and enrolled in Harvey
Milk High'"
[Becoming] is a groundbreaking collection of creative work by people between
the ages of 12 and 24 with a foreword written by Zoe Trope, the acclaimed teen
author of Please Don't Kill the Freshmen (2003). The anthology is co-edited
by Gina de Vries, youth activist, and Diane Anderson-Minshall, co-founder of
Girlfriends magazine and current managing editor at Curve magazine.
The book's website is up at: http://www.xlibris.com/becoming.html.
You can take a look at the cover image, the editors' introductions, and Zoe
Trope's forward there. You can also GET A COPY. It's $21.99 per book, plus $4.48
shipping and handling (add 99 cents to shipping for each additional book).
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18. Research Invitation for API Folk
LGBTQ? Asian or Pacific Islander?
Between the ages of 12 and 25?
Want to get paid for talking about your life?I'm a student at Wesleyan University, in San Francisco for the summer to research Bay Area queer/lgbtq... API youth. I can give you $10 cash when you talk to me for 1 hour.
If you're under 18 and unemancipated, you'll need to have your parent or guardian
sign a consent form.
Email or call Zach at mailto:zstrassburge@wesleyan.edu
or (860) 918-2423 for more info or to set up an interview.
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19. NEWS: Deliberations Continue In Araujo Murder Trial
by Michelle Locke
The Associated Press
Posted: June 8 2004
(Hayward, California) As jurors deliberate the case of three men charged with
killing a transgender teen, community advocates are anxiously watching to see
if the verdict will be a milestone or stumbling block in their quest for civil
rights.
"It is huge," said Shannon Minter, legal director of the National
Center for Lesbian Rights. "We are all on pins and needles waiting to see
what the jury does and it will be devastating if they don't respect Gwen's humanity
and see through the offensive and irrational arguments the defense attorneys
have made.
Araujo, was beaten and strangled after her biological identity was revealed
in a late-night confrontation in October 2002.
Three 24-year-olds - Michael Magidson, Jose Merel and Jason Cazares - face charges
of first-degree murder in the killing, which was charged as a hate crime. A
fourth man who was at the house, 21-year-old Jaron Nabors, pleaded guilty to
the lesser charge of manslaughter and agreed to testify against the others.
Araujo believed that her biology didn't match her gender identity and she had
been living as a young woman for some time, meeting the defendants in late summer
2002.
Magidson and Merel had sexual encounters with Araujo - it was those episodes
that fueled their suspicions of her gender - and lawyers for those men have
argued the case is not murder but manslaughter, saying it was not premeditated
but a crime of passion triggered by the shock of sexual fraud.
That argument appalled Araujo's family and transgender advocates.
"If the defense attorneys were making the very same arguments about Gwen
only instead of it being about her gender, it was about her race or religion
or ethnicity or disability it would be immediately clear to everyone that the
argument is based entirely on bias and is deeply offensive," said Minter.
"If these men had sex with Gwen believing that she was, let's just say,
white and then discovered that she was Latina or African-American and had become
enraged and killed her, I don't think anyone would argue that that in any way
ought to mitigate what they had done," he said.
Prosecutor Chris Lamiero told jurors the case is certainly murder.
"They were the source of their own provocation," Lamiero said, turning
to stare at the three defendants as he summed up his case for the eight-man,
four-woman jury. "Their pathetic, weak sense of self-identity led to the
death of a human being."
Jurors heard grim details of what happened to the 17-year-old Araujo.
According to Nabors, she was punched, choked and kicked in a confrontation in
the early morning hours of Oct. 4, 2002, at Merel's house in Newark, a San Francisco
suburb. He said she was hit with a can and a skillet and then tied up and strangled.
As the attack began, Nabors said, Araujo begged for mercy: "No, please
don't. I have a family."
"It's difficult to sit and listen to what's happened over and over again,"
said Gwen Smith, who maintains a Web site memorializing people believed to have
been killed because they were transgender. "As a trans-person it affects
me because this is so similar to something I might have gone through, so really
it does hurt to hear this. At the same time, it's very good to see the case
reach this point when so many other cases have never reached a courtroom."
If they are convicted of first-degree murder, the defendants face 25-years-to-life
in prison. Other options are second-degree murder, which is 15-years-to-life
and manslaughter, which is 11 years maximum. The case was charged as a hate
crime, which would mean an extra four years.
The defendants took different approaches. Magidson's attorney apologized on
his client's behalf for his role in the attack, but said the case was "classic
manslaughter." Merel's attorney said the crime was manslaughter but his
client was only guilty if they believed Nabors.
All three attorneys branded Nabors a liar, pointing out past inconsistencies
in his statements, but Nabors insisted he was telling the truth on the stand.
Cazares sought acquittal saying he wasn't part of the attack and only helped
bury the body out of loyalty to the group.
However, all fought the hate crime charge.
"This is not dealing with hate. This is dealing with a person who was deceived,"
said Merel's attorney, Jack Noonan.
Advocates say the case is a prime example of hate bias and they were glad to
see it charged that way.
"If this is not held to be a hate crime against a transgender person, it's
difficult to imagine what would be," said Minter.
As jurors got the case Thursday, Lamiero told them they were the "conscience
of the community." Transgender advocates were hoping the panel would send
a message by returning murder verdicts.
That, said Smith, would show "that Gwen's life wasn't in vain. It shows
that the jury and the justice system overall values transgender lives just like
anyone else's."
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*********************************************
20. NEWS: Anti-Gay T-Shirt Sparks Student Protest
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: June 11 2004 11:01 am. ET
(San Diego, California)
Students at a San Diego high school have created a tolerance campaign to protest
a T-shirt worn by a fellow student proclaiming "Homosexuality is Shameful."
16 year old Tyler Chase Harper wore the T-shirt to class at Poway High School
on The National Day of Silence in April. When he refused to remove the T-shirt
he was suspended and has subsequently filed a federal lawsuit against the school
district.
The T-shirt was hand-lettered with the words "I Will Not Accept What God
Has Condemned" on the front and on the back it read "Homosexuality
is Shameful" and "Romans 1:27," a reference to a Bible passage.
This week members of a student group called IMPACT put up posters in the school
that read "Hate is Shameful," in response to Harper.
The group says that it supports free speech but feels homophobic comments are
dangerous in a school environment.
Read the full article at: http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/06/061104tsuit.htm
*********************************************
21. NEWS: Olympics' transgender quandary/Debate rages on the fairness of new
inclusion rule
Monday, June 14, 2004 (SF Chronicle)
Olympics' transgender quandary/Debate rages on the fairness of new inclusion
rule
Rona Marech, Chronicle Staff Writer
Alyn Libman's figure-skating coach always used to say she skated like a boy.
Over the course of a promising competitive career, Libman received the same
message over and over -- she should tone down her aggressive style.
But Libman didn't want to change her style. Instead, she changed her gender.
To read more about the article, please visit:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/06/14/MNGNM75MUK1.DTL
*********************************************
22. NEWS: Governor Finally Meets with Fasters
New rate approved on school bailout
The Contra Costa Times, June 4, 2004
By Kelli Phillips and Ana Facio ContrerasGov. Arnold Schwarzenegger met with
activists Thursday and reached an agreement to refinance the balance of a multimillion-dollar
state loan to the cash-strapped West Contra Costa Unified School District.
State schools superintendent Jack O'Connell and Fast4Education issued statements
Thursday night saying the governor promised to sign AB2756, which includes language
refinancing the district's loan.
"This step is in the best interest of children in the district and will
help the district further their ongoing successful efforts to improve student
achievement and achieve fiscal stability," O'Connell said.
Assembly members, West Contra Costa school officials and members of Fast4Education
met with the governor for several hours Thursday to hammer out the details of
the agreement.
The $28.5 million state loan, which rescued West Contra Costa from bankruptcy
in 1991, costs the district $1,863,550 a year at an interest rate of 5.692 percent.
By refinancing the remainder of the loan, the district will save an estimated
$600,000 a year.
"We're ecstatic; we're overjoyed," said Charles Ramsey, school board
president.
Increased health care costs, employee pay increases, increased special education
costs and the state's uncertain economy has forced many California school districts
to slash millions from their budgets for next year.
West Contra Costa is no exception.
The school board has already approved $16.5 million in cuts, eliminating athletics,
libraries, elementary music and 351 positions.
Ramsey said he wanted to personally thank participants in the "Fast4Education,"
which enters its 23rd day today.
The activist group has three demands: legislation to establish equitable funding
of the state's schools; full funding of Proposition 98, passed by voters in
1988 to guarantee a minimum level of funding for public schools; and forgiveness
of the balance of the 1991 state loan to West Contra Costa.
While the agreement didn't forgive the loan, Fast4Education member Gabriel
Hernandez was pleased with the group's progress. However, he warned that the
fast isn't over yet.
"We will still be here fasting (Friday)," Hernandez said. "We're
trying to hash out the details, but this is the first day we've all agreed to
talk."
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Justice for Gwen Delayed, Not Denied
GSA Network Announcements
1. Apply for GSA Activist Camp
2. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
3. Is your school safe for LGBT youth? Take this survey!
4. Time for Pride!!! All the Details are here! (San Francisco)
5. Open Door At Central California GSA Network Office (Fresno)
Other Announcements
6. The After Party-First Annual South Bay LGBT Prom (San Jose)
7. A&PI Youth Pride Kick-off Party (San Francisco)
8. "PARTY BOYS"-Q Action Event (San Francisco)
9. SMAAC Youth Represent at the Dyke March (San Francisco)
10. Transgender History On The March (San Francisco)
11. Volunteer Request - the After Party: The First Annual South Bay LGBT Prom
12. Youth Pride (San Francisco)
13. $2000 grant available for responding to hate crimes
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Justice for Gwen Delayed, Not Denied
Coalition of Eight Local, State, and National LGBT Groups Frustrated by Mistrial,
But Optimistic
San Francisco, CA -
Twenty months after the brutal slaying of Gwen Araujo, a transgender teenager from Newark, the jury deadlocked on whether her attackers were guilty of first or second degree murder. According to Alameda County District Attorney's Office, none of the jurors were willing to settle for the lesser offense of manslaughter - despite efforts by defense attorneys in the case to argue that Gwen's killers were somehow justified because she did not disclose her transgender identity to them. The prosecutor already has stated that he will re-try the three defendants, Michael Magidson, Jose Merel, and Jason Cazares, for murder.
"Because the defense team tried to make this a trial about Gwen's gender
identity instead of the defendants' conduct, a lot of us were anxious about
this verdict," said Christopher Daley, Co-Director of the Transgender Law
Center. "Even though I am disappointed by the delay in achieving justice
for Gwen, I am heartened that these jurors refused to let these young men escape
responsibility for their horrific choices."
Representatives from Community United Against Violence, Equality California,
Gay-Straight Alliance Network, The Horizons Foundation, National Center for
Lesbian Rights, National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, San Francisco
LGBT Community Center, and the Transgender Law Center thank the Alameda County
District Attorneys office for their diligent efforts in prosecuting Gwen's murderers
and their determination not to rest until justice is done.
"We are relieved that the prosecutor is committed to retrying these defendants,"
said Tina D'Elia, Hate Violence Prevention Program Director at Community United
Against Violence. "This is the first prosecution of a hate crime against
a transgender person under California's hate crime statute," D'Elia added.
"This case confirms the need for such a law. I am sure that the jury's
refusal to buy into the so-called "transgender panic" defense will
offer some comfort to Gwen's family because the jury recognized Gwen's humanity
and stayed focused on the facts."
This case also highlights the importance of protecting transgender youth. "One
of the most profound messages that must be learned from Gwen's murder is that
hate crimes are preventable and education is the key to prevention," said
Carolyn Laub, Executive Director of the Gay Straight Alliance Network. "Students,
parents, teachers, administrators, and advocates need to continue to push California
school districts to implement effective transgender inclusive anti-bias curriculum
at all age levels."
People interested in supporting efforts to eliminate anti-transgender bias from Bay Area public schools are encouraged to make financial contribution to the Gwen Araujo Memorial Fund by visiting http://www.horizonsfoundation.org/ or calling Julie Dorf at (415) 398-2333 ext. 103.
Information About Coalition Members can be found at:
Community United Against Violence (http://www.cuav.org/)
Equality California (http://www.eqca.org/)
Gay-Straight Alliance Network (http://www.gsanetwork.org/)
The Horizons Foundation (http://www.horizonsfoundation.org/)
National Center for Lesbian Rights (http://www.nclrights.org/)
National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs (http://www.ncavp.org)
San Francisco LGBT Community Center (http://www.sfcenter.org)
Transgender Law Center (http://www.transgenderlawcenter.org)
--
To read news articles about the mistrial in the Gwen Araujo murder case, visit:
"Mistrial in Transgender Case"
San Francisco Chronicle, 6/23/04
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/06/23/MNGVR7AI771.DTL
"Anger, frustration at rally for Araujo in the Castro:
Supporters find some solace in jury calling transgender's slaying a murder"
San Francisco Chronicle, 6/23/04
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/06/23/MNGI27AF5U1.DTL
"Mistrial declared in teen's killing"
Los Angeles Times, 6/23/04
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-transgender23jun23,1,4206016.story?coll=la-home-local
"Jurors deadlock on charges for all three defendants"
The Argus, 6/23/04
http://www.theargusonline.com/Stories/0,1413,83~31155~2230123,00.html
"Family Upset by Lack of Closure"
The Argus, 6/23/04
http://www.theargusonline.com/Stories/0,1413,83%257E31155%257E2229588,00.html
"Hung jury not a victory for 'gay panic' defense"
The Argus, 6/23/04
http://www.theargusonline.com/Stories/0,1413,83%257E31155%257E2229589,00.html
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Apply for GSA Activist Camp
The GSA Activist Camp is a youth-planned and youth-led 3-day event that features
intensive community building, skill-building, political education, and leadership
training for GSA members. All youth who will be involved in a high school or
middle school GSA next year are encouraged to apply.
Apply Online!
http://www.gsanetwork.org/camp/index.html
Southern Cal GSA Activist Camp in Santa Monica
Friday, July 9 - Sunday, July 11
Northern Cal Activist Camp in Oakland
Wednesday, August 11 - Friday, Wednesday 13
*********************************************
2. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
Please take a few minutes to fill out GSA Network's Year End Evaluation. Your
comments are VERY important to us!
Access the evaluation online: http://www.gsanetwork.org/yearendeval/
*********************************************
3. Is your school safe for LGBT youth? Take this survey!
Take a survey to tell what it's like at your school!
You can take the survey online, or download a printable version to print out
for your GSA or LGBT youth group by going to http://www.casafeschools.org.
The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.
You can make a difference in only 10 minutes by improving our understanding
of safety and discrimination in our schools. If you took the survey last year,
take it again this year and help us see if schools are changing!
What is this all about?
GSA Network and the California Safe Schools Coalition are surveying high school
and middle school students across California, with a focus on LGBT students,
to learn more about safety, discrimination, and harassment in schools. Last
year's survey results were published in a report called Safe Place to Learn,
which you can view at http://www.casafeschools.org.
The 2004 Preventing School Harassment Survey will be a vital tool for local
and statewide efforts to make schools safer for LGBT students. Last year's survey
showed that harassment and discrimination are pervasive, but schools can take
specific steps to make a difference. Students whose schools have a clear anti-harassment
policy, students whose teachers intervene when they hear slurs, and students
whose schools have GSAs were less likely to be harassed, more likely to feel
safe in school, and more connected to their community and supportive adults.
We need your help! For the 2004 survey to be successful, we need hundreds of
participants from schools all over California. We've sent copies of the survey
to every GSA and LGBT youth group in California. Please administer the survey
at the next meeting of your GSA or youth group.
Questions? Email mailto:info@casafeschools.org
*********************************************
4. Time for Pride!!! The Contingent Marches On!
Pride is this weekend! DO the smart thang and BART in! There will be no parking
in SF during Pride Celebrations!
Also come prepared with Lots of Sunscreen and Water! Wear Comfy Shoes and be
Mindful that the Toilets are not until the End!
We will be meeting on Beale between Folsom and Bryant at 10am! Look for the
Signs!
Be ready to march!
For more information, please call Sean Saifa Wall at 415.552.4229 or email mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org.
*********************************************
5. Open Door At Central California GSA Network Office (Fresno)
Everyone is welcome to drop-in for snacks, a cool drink and conversation at
the Fresno GSA Network office between 3 and 5pm this Thursday. Lots of magazines,
music and people to kick-it with. Come by!
Call or e-mail Diana for directions to the office.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network.
*********************************************
6. The After Party-First Annual South Bay LGBT Prom (San Jose)
The After Party
Friday, July 16th, 2004
7pm to Midnight
LGBT and Allies Youth Prom
Ages 13-20
Billy DeFrank Community Center
938 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
Cost: $15 entrance
You've been a star all year....Come OUT and celebrate!
**this is a drug and alcohol free event...creativity welcome, lewdness and lack
of attire is not**
for more information, please contact 408.293.3040 x111 or email mailto:youthprg@defrank.org
*********************************************
7. A&PI Youth Pride Kick-off Party (San Francisco)
Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center presents...
Asian & Pacific Islander Youth Pride Kick-off Party!!
Live DJ's!
Spinning hip hop and more!
Performers!
Featuring... JenRO
JenRO was always told girls should never rap. But she's been rockin' tha mic
since tha
age of ten! Born n raised in tha Bay California, JenRO is currently working
on her demo album entitiled "The Revelation."
Free food and drinks!
Dim Sum
Sushi
Thai Spring Rolls
Samosas
Cool raffle prizes!
Swedish Massage
Gift certificates to Ameoba Records, La Mediterranee Restaurant, Za Noodle Bar,
and More!
Sex Toys, Books, and other goodies from Good Vibrations!
Gay and Lesbian Books!
Hand-made Jewelery
Wednesday, June 23
7-9pm
SF LGBT Center (Youth Space), 1800 Market Street, SF, CA.
Free for all lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, & questioning A&PI
youth 25 & under and their friends.
This is a clean and sober event.
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Sabrina Wu, AQU25A Program
Coordinator, at 415.292.3420x315 or mailto:sabrina@apiwellness.org.
Check out other A&PI Pride happenings at http://www.apiwellness.org/v20/pride2004/index.html
AQU25A: Asian and Pacific Islander Queer and Questioning, 25 and Under All Together
is a group for and run by young queer and questioning Asians and Pacific Islanders
(A&PIs) who are aged 25 years and under. AQU25A serves as a safe space for
young people to hang out. We hold drop-ins, gatherings, picnics, workshops,
scholarships, socials, parties, dances, trips, retreats and other fun activities
throughout the year.
*********************************************
8. "PARTY BOYS"-Q Action Event (San Francisco)
"PARTY BOYS"
Thursday, June 24 @ 8:00 PM
QnA Lounge - 539 Castro St. @ 18th
The drug of choice for many young guys is thought to be harmless, but there
are real risks with taking Ecstasy.
How does it impact your body? Can it lead to unsafe sex? Find it all out tonight.
Q Action is for guys of all colors & flavors 25 & under who dig other
guys.
*Want the 411? http://www.qaction.org OR
415.865.0790 x304
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9. SMAAC Youth Represent at the Dyke March (San Francisco)
Saturday, June 26th
SMAAC Young womyn & allies will be marching in the DYKE March on June 26th
The SMAAC Contingent will be leaving the Center @3p.m. and take BART to San
Francisco or you can meet us on the steps of Mission Dolores High School before
the March.
Those interested should contact Center Coordinator, Tiffany Lacsado at (510)
873-8851 or email mailto:tiffspy@yahoo.com
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10. Transgender History On The March (San Francisco)
In a groundbreaking event, the transgender community of San Francisco will proudly step forward by taking the first marching steps of San Francisco Pride Weekend. An unprecedented Trans March is scheduled to be held Friday evening, June 25. The broad and diverse spectrum of transgendered people will be assembling at Dolores Park at 7:00 PM and will begin their march to Civic Center at 8:00 PM.
Upon their arrival, there will be a ceremony inaugurating the 1st annual Transr Altar to honor, chronicle, and celebrate the struggles, the sacrifices and the accomplishments of our community.
The gathering at Civic Center will be addressed by State Assemblyman Mark Leno, San Francisco Police Commissioner Theresa Sparks, and other notable community members and friends.
Marchers are being encouraged to bring significant and meaningful objects,
pictures and writings to be placed on the altar to be displayed for the duration
of Pride weekend.
"What started off as a grass roots rally is turning into two historical
events," says community activist Cecilia Chung, "We have no idea who
the original organizers were for the march but we are committed to creating
a safe event for our community. It's exciting to know that there are others
with the same vision and we are expecting a great turnout. We also want to thank
San Francisco Pride for giving the financial support as well as an opportunity
to create our own venue for the transgender community. All we need now is to
spread the words, recruit volunteers, and ask community members and allies to
bring something personal to help build the altar."
The Trans Altar is a project sponsored by San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and will become a permanent art exhibit for future Pride Celebrations here in San Francisco.
"The Pride Committee is excited to present the Trans Altar at our event this year as a way to honor and celebrate the Transgender community in all it's beauty and humanity. It provides Pride with a new, creative way to fulfill our mission of mirroring the diversity and inclusivity of the Celebration. The Altar, along with the Trans March, signals a new level of visibility for the Transgender community and a new level of growth for the LGBT community as a whole." says Joey Cain, current President of San Francisco Pride.
Endorsers of the march include:
San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration Committee
San Francisco LGBT Community Center
Remembering Our Dead Project
Harvey Milk LGBT Democratic Club
Youth Gender Project (YGP)
Transgender Law Center (TLC)
UCSF Transgender Resource and Neighborhood Space (TRANS)
San Francisco Transgender Empowerment, Advocacy & Mentorship (SF TEAM)
For more information contact:
email: mailto:transmarch@sfteam.org
phone: (415) 585-0545
Cecilia Chung
http://www.sfteam.org
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11. Volunteer Request - the After Party: The First Annual South Bay LGBT Prom
Every year hundreds of thousands of youth attend prom at their high schools.
The anticipation of the night... preparing the perfect dress... buying the perfect
boutonniere... finding the perfect restaurant... etc... etc... And every year
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth feel left
out of the event.
This year the Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center is proud to host the 1st
Annual South Bay LGBT Prom! Help make history by volunteering for the prom as
a chaperone, greeter, etc...
Remember before the LGBT Civil Rights Movement when finding a safe place to
even look at each other was a feat of masterful subterfuge? Celebrate the rights
we have won for our youth through our struggles by supporting them in their
freedom to go to prom together freely and without shame.
What can you do? Visit our website at http://www.defrank.org/volunteer/positions/prom.html
for information about volunteer opportunities for the evening or fill out
the attached application.
The prom is on Friday, July 16th. Dinner begins at 6:00pm and the dance starts
at 7:00pm and ends at midnight. Volunteer shifts are 2 hours in length, unless
you would like to stay longer and are throughout the day beginning at noon.
More details can be found at the aforementioned website.
For more information please contact Erika Escobedo or Rick Oculto at 408-293-3040
or write mailto:youthprog@defrank.org
Thank you for your time!
Let's make this night one that they'll never forget!
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12. Youth Pride (San Francisco)
San Francisco's first ever
YOUTH PRIDE
A queer youth dance party and picnic
at Fairy Freedom Village @ U.N. Plaza at the Civic Center.
THIS Saturday June 26th from 12 noon to 6 PM
FREE
Dancing - DJ's - Performances - Contests - Fortune Tellers, Snacks and Beverages,
Make over magic booth
Sponsored by the San Francisco Radical Fairies, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence,
and the Youthspace @ the SFLGBT Center.
For LGBTQ Youth 25 and Under
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13. $2000 grant available for responding to hate crimes
The "Ten Ways to Fight Hate Community Grants Program," a project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, will offer workshops and grants of up to $2,000 to help communities respond to local hate crimes or hate-group activity.
More info: http://www.tolerance.org/news/article_tol.jsp?id=1008
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Taking Pride in Justice
GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Network Op-Ed: Education is key in transgender cases
2. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
3. Is your school safe for LGBT youth? Take this survey!
4. Drop-In at the Fresno GSA Network office
5. Love Summer Camp? Then why not try out GSA Activist Camp!
Other Announcements
6. Join United GSA Youth In An On-Line Group
7. The After Party-First Annual South Bay LGBT Prom (San Jose)
8. Training - Help Eliminate Homophobia! (Santa Cruz)
9. Grants At The Community Foundation For Projects Serving The Lesbian Gay Bisexual
And Transgender Community (Santa Cruz)
10. Camille Roy at Fresno State Concert Hall
11. CFJ's Executive Director Job Announcement
12. Public Policy Advocate: Technology and Civil Liberties Job Announcement
13. NEWS: 42 States Receive Failing Grades in Inaugural Safe Schools Report
14. NEWS: For Young Gays on the Streets, Survival Comes Before Pride
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Taking Pride in Justice
The Pride Parade was a culmination of weekend pride events that started with the Tranny March on Friday and the Dyke March on Saturday.
This year, hundreds of thousands of people lined Market Street awaiting the throng of contingents that would litter San Francisco with rainbow colors, vibrant sounds, and enthusiastic marchers. The GSA Network/LYRIC contingent marched with nearly 100 youth participants, which included gay-straight alliances from Northern California and the Central Valley and representation from groups such as Positive Images in Sonoma County and the UC Berkeley Queer Student Alliance.
The theme of this year's Pride was "Out for Justice," which was invoked to support the appeal for justice in the Gwen Araujo murder trial. Some people in the crowd wore butterflies, which have become symbolic of Gwen's life and passions--beautiful and radiant. Other people wore stickers from GSA Network that read, "For Gender Justice and Justice for Gwen" with a image from cartoon animist, Loren Bruton.
In the continued pursuit of justice and equality against all forms of oppression, we must remember June Jordan's words, "How much freedom does any one of us possess?" and use those words to move forward.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
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1. GSA Network Op-Ed: Education is key in transgender cases
Education is key in transgender cases
by Carolyn Laub and Julie Dorf
San Francisco Chronicle
June 25, 2004
This week, the Gwen Araujo murder trial was declared a mistrial because the jury could not decide whether the three defendants were guilty of first- or second-degree murder. According to the Alameda County district attorney's office, none of the jurors was willing to settle for the lesser offense of manslaughter -- despite efforts by defense attorneys in the case to argue that Gwen Araujo's killers were somehow justified because she did not disclose her transgender identity to them.
In rejecting manslaughter, the jury effectively rejected defense attorneys' outdated arguments that were akin to blaming Gwen Araujo for her own murder. But because of the hung jury in this case, we all must wait for justice to be served.
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/06/25/EDG4A7AVQS1.DTL
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2. Take GSA Network's Year End Evaluation
Please take a few minutes to fill out GSA Network's Year End Evaluation. Your
comments are VERY important to us!
Access the evaluation online: http://www.gsanetwork.org/yearendeval/
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3. Is your school safe for LGBT youth? Take this survey!
Take a survey to tell what it's like at your school!
You can take the survey online, or download a printable version to print out for your GSA or LGBT youth group by going to http://www.casafeschools.org. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete.
You can make a difference in only 10 minutes by improving our understanding of safety and discrimination in our schools. If you took the survey last year, take it again this year and help us see if schools are changing!
What is this all about?
GSA Network and the California Safe Schools Coalition are surveying high school
and middle school students across California, with a focus on LGBT students,
to learn more about safety, discrimination, and harassment in schools. Last
year's survey results were published in a report called Safe Place to Learn,
which you can view at http://www.casafeschools.org.
The 2004 Preventing School Harassment Survey will be a vital tool for local
and statewide efforts to make schools safer for LGBT students. Last year's survey
showed that harassment and discrimination are pervasive, but schools can take
specific steps to make a difference. Students whose schools have a clear anti-harassment
policy, students whose teachers intervene when they hear slurs, and students
whose schools have GSAs were less likely to be harassed, more likely to feel
safe in school, and more connected to their community and supportive adults.
We need your help! For the 2004 survey to be successful, we need hundreds of
participants from schools all over California. We've sent copies of the survey
to every GSA and LGBT youth group in California. Please administer the survey
at the next meeting of your GSA or youth group.
Questions? Email mailto:info@casafeschools.org
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4. Drop-In to the Fresno GSA Network office
Drop-In to the Fresno GSA Network office this Thursday from 3-5pm for good
company and conversation or if you just want to check out the new magazines.
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5. Love Summer Camp? Then why not try out GSA Activist Camp!
The GSA Activist Camp is a youth-planned and youth-led 3-day event that features intensive community building, skill-building, political education, and leadership training for GSA members. All youth who will be involved in a high school or middle school GSA next year are encouraged to apply.
Apply Online!
http://www.gsanetwork.org/camp/index.html
Southern Cal GSA Activist Camp in Santa Monica
Friday, July 9 - Sunday, July 11
Northern Cal Activist Camp in Oakland
Wednesday, August 11 - Friday, Wednesday 13
++++++++++++++++ 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. Join United GSA Youth In An On-Line Group
Daryn Alsup and other activists in the greater Stockton, Merced, Tracy, Modesto
area are trying to unite area GSAs through networking in a group on-line.
If you are interested in being a part of this connection go to http://Groups.Aol.com/JoinmemGSA
Annie, Salvador, Eliana and Chad all say "Join in!"
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7. The After Party-First Annual South Bay LGBT Prom (San Jose)
The After Party
Friday, July 16th, 2004
7pm to Midnight
LGBT and Allies Youth Prom
Ages 13-20
Billy DeFrank Community Center
938 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
Cost: $15 entrance
You've been a star all year....Come OUT and celebrate!
**this is a drug and alcohol free event...creativity welcome, lewdness and lack
of attire is not**
for more information, please contact 408.293.3040 x111 or email mailto:youthprg@defrank.org
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8. Training - Help Eliminate Homophobia! (Santa Cruz)
Make a Tangible Difference
Work to Eliminate Homophobia
Become a Triangle Speaker
Talk about your own life experiences
Speak on a panel with 3-4 other people
No minimum time commitment
To become a volunteer speaker attend a one day training
The next training will be held from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM at Cabrillo College
JULY 18 (Sunday)
The training is free and we provide food throughout the day
Speaker panels are comprised of a gay man, a lesbian, a bisexual man or woman,
a transgender person, and a family member
We speak to 4th - 12 grade classrooms, community organizations, religious groups,
colleges, government workers, conferences - wherever a panel is requested
To register or get more information call (831) 457-2934
Panels speak throughout Santa Cruz County. We do a small number of panels in
Monterey Country and in the San Jose/Santa Clara area.
We Change Hearts and Minds One Story at a Time
Triangle Speakers
520 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 457-2934
mailto:triangle@trianglespeakers.org
http://www.trianglespeakers.org
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9. Grants At The Community Foundation For Projects Serving The Lesbian Gay Bisexual
And Transgender Community (Santa Cruz)
The Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County Diversity Partnership Grants
available for local nonprofit organizations and community groups serving the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community
All organizations proposing to serve the needs of the LGBT community in greater
Santa Cruz County are encouraged to apply. Proposals must be received by the
Community Foundation no later than 5:00 p.m., September 3, 2004.
Grants are expected to range from $5,000 to $10,000 and may be used to support
projects that promote awareness of and respect for LGBT individuals, improve
access to services, or enhance or sustain services of LGBT organizations. Successful
projects will address one or more of the following priorities:
* Increase the involvement of LGBT people in the civic life of the community;
* Promote partnerships between LGBT and non-LGBT (allied) organizations to increase
awareness, inclusion, and understanding of LGBT people; and
* Develop and/or expand services for underserved segments of the LGBT community,
such as youth, seniors, people of color, and transgender individuals.
The 2004 Diversity Partnership Grant Application Procedures are available online
at http://www.cfscc.org/page18436.cfm.
Applications can also be found at all Santa Cruz County public libraries and
family resource centers, the Diversity Center in Santa Cruz, Casa Bienestar
in Watsonville, and at the Community Foundation office.
Interested applicants are encouraged to attend one of two free pre-application
sessions to share and explore project ideas, as well as to learn more about
the application process. Sessions will be held at the Community Foundation on
June 29 and July 7, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. on both days.
To confirm a space, or for more information call (831) 477-0800, ext. 217.
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10. Camille Roy at Fresno State Concert Hall
Camille Roy, poet and author reads from her work on Tuesday evening July 6th
at 8pm in the Fresno State Concert Hall. She will be reading selections intersecting
politics and woman desire. The event is FREE.
Contact Wendy Costa for information (559) 278-0509 or mailto:wendyc@csufresno.edu
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11. CFJ's Executive Director Job Announcement
Position Announcement
June 23, 2004
Executive Director
Californians for Justice
Oakland, San Jose, Fresno, Long Beach, and San Diego, CA
Californians for Justice (CFJ) is a statewide grassroots organization working
for racial justice by building power in low-income communities of color. CFJ's
current major program is the Campaign for Quality Education, which brings together
youth, parents, and community members to organize for better schools and racial
justice in public education. CFJ's annual budget of $1,000,000 supports a full-time
staff of 14, as well as part-time staff, leaders and student interns. For more
information go to:
http://www.caljustice.org.
Specific Responsibilities:
1) Vision and strategy, program development: Oversees campaigns and leadership
development programs while working collaboratively with CFJ's statewide organizers,
allies, and members. Develops long-range strategic and program plans, including
evaluation and tracking systems with staff. Ultimately responsible for all CFJ
public activities, representation and programs.
2) Fundraising: Oversees & implements long-term fund development strategies,
including from foundation, membership, major donor, and other grassroots sources.
Researches funding sources, meets with funders, and supervises donor campaigns
and fundraising activities, including submission of grant proposals.
3) Campaign management: Works with staff, key allies, and CFJ members to plan
state and local campaigns, including strategy, research, media, direct action,
policy, and community outreach components.
4) Public relations: Serves as organizational spokesperson and acts as liaison
with other grassroots and advocacy organizations, funders and other donors.
Responsible for public relations, media communications, and developing strategic
partnerships with allies.
5) Finance: Develops annual budget, ensures proper fiscal accounting and controls
in accordance with the guidelines of funding sources and with sound accounting
practices. Maintains fiscal solvency of the organization and ensures timely
reporting and compliance with state and federal agencies.
6) Staff management and development: Oversees recruitment of new staff and staff
development opportunities. Provides consistent coordination and leadership to
staff across multiple offices. Directly supervises staff and supports other
staff in their supervision responsibilities. Ensures that personnel policies
are adhered to in all hiring and employment practices.
7) Board relations and development: Works with staff and leaders on annual statewide
leadership retreat and election of board members; works closely with Board on
agenda and plans for quarterly board meetings; ensures development and participation
of board members in program, fundraising, and governance of organization.
Required Candidate Background:
* Commitment: A demonstrated passion for and commitment to racial justice and
broader progressive values. Experience with and commitment to building power
within communities of color and/or youth. Tell us about this
in your cover letter.
* Organizing: Knowledge of, direct experience and commitment to grassroots organizing
and campaigns, including relevant experience working in communities of color.
Tell us about this in your cover letter.
* Fundraising: Experience with successful fundraising from foundations (grassroots
fundraising experience is also desirable). Tell us about this in your cover
letter.
* Communication: Strong speaking and writing skills, able to represent the organization's
vision and views. Deals well with diverse viewpoints, has experience working
in alliances and building coalitions, and an ability to handle contacts with
the media.
* Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with a highly-motivated and
diverse team of staff and leaders with a transparent management style. Experienced
in working with people from a variety of ethnic, socioeconomic, and educational
backgrounds.
* Management: Experience with administration, staff supervision, program development
and evaluation, project management and fiscal oversight, preferably across multiple
office sites.
Compensation:
Final salary offered will be based on the applicant's meeting job qualifications
and commensurate relevant experience. Salary range is $50-65K plus full benefits.
CFJ provides exceptional health care, vacation, sabbatical, and other benefits.
Location & Work:
Californians for Justice is seeking an outstanding candidate for the position
who can be located in any of our offices, not only the Oakland office. The Executive
Director position requires evening and weekend work, as well as within-state
and national overnight travel.
Interested individuals should email a cover letter and a resume no later than
August 1, 2004 to: mailto:search@caljustice.org.
People of color, women, immigrants, and LGBT candidates are encouraged to apply.
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12. Public Policy Advocate: Technology and Civil Liberties Job Announcement
Public Policy Advocate: Technology and Civil Liberties
ACLU of Northern California
Application Deadline: Open until filled
The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California (ACLU-NC),
a regional affiliate of the ACLU, a national, nonprofit, public interest organization,
seeks applicants for a full time public policy advocate in its soon-to-be-opened
San Jose office.
The San Jose region is the fifth largest metropolitan area in California and
is home to many of the most important technology companies and institutions
in the nation. It has its own media market,
political networks and coalition structures, and six strategically important
members of Congress. The ACLU-NC is opening a new field office in San Jose to
expand our civil liberties work in this dynamic geographic area. The office
will be staffed by a full-time public policy advocate, a full time organizer,
and a full time support person.
It will be the role of the public policy advocate to bring a civil liberties
perspective to decisions being made in both the private and the public sectors
regarding technology and privacy. The public policy advocate will work closely
with the legal staff of our San Francisco office as well as with the staffs
of the communications and field departments. He or she will also have significant
interaction with our Sacramento legislative office and with the national ACLU's
Technology and Liberty Project.
Job Description:
The public policy advocate will be responsible for developing privacy and other
civil liberties initiatives and strategies as they relate to technology . The
issues involved will be varied and sometimes unpredictable, but will likely
include RFIDs, biometrics, data mining, compliance issues under the USA Patriot
Act and other federal mandates, new surveillance technologies, and other similar
threats to privacy. The advocate will work to strengthen existing relationships
with state
and federal legislators from Silicon Valley who are taking the lead in Sacramento
and Washington in developing technology/privacy policy; forge coalitions with
new partners, including technology companies, grassroots groups, public interest
groups, academics, and other technology experts; and develop policy positions
and recommendations regarding technology-based proposals from government and
industry related to the domestic war on terrorism and other areas of concern.
We are looking for a civil liberties entrepreneur who will create a significant presence for the ACLU in the Silicon Valley Area. The advocate should be expect to engage in significant outreach to relevant business and civil liberties communities through speaking engagements and media work; write reports and white papers; and provide expertise to policymakers, the press, and coalition partners, including providing occasional testimony before a variety of public bodies, such as state legislative committees, city councils or county boards of supervisors, and state and local commissions or ad hoc committees.
Qualifications:
Applicants should have significant experience doing public policy and/or legislative
work in the area of technology and privacy. A technical background, such as
a BS in engineering or significant work experience in a technology-related field,
is highly desirable, as is a J.D. degree or an advanced degree in public policy.
Other qualifications include:
*a strong and demonstrated commitment to civil liberties and civil rights, and
support for the goals of the American Civil Liberties Union;
*skills as an articulate public advocate;
*excellent writing, research, and analytical skills ;
*ability to work independently and under pressure;
*ability to work cooperatively on a variety of projects with lawyers,
other staff members, and with diverse community organizations and
coalitions;
*excellent organizational, entrepreneurial, and interpersonal skills
Compensation:
Salary based on experience. Excellent benefits include four weeks paid vacation,
medical, vision and dental insurance for staff members and their dependents
and domestic partners, pension plan, life insurance, long-term disability insurance
and twelve paid holidays.
Application:
Applicants should submit a resume and a cover letter describing the applicant's interest in this position to the attention of Cynthia Williams, ACLU of Northern California, 1663 Mission Street, Suite 460, San Francisco, CA 94103.
The American Civil Liberties Union Foundation of Northern California is an affirmative action employer. All interested individuals, including people of color, women, persons with disabilities and persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex are particularly urged to apply.
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13. NEWS: 42 States Receive Failing Grades in Inaugural Safe Schools Report
Joshua Lamont - Media Contact
mailto:jlamont@glsen.org
212.727.0135 ext. 136 (office)
917.553.2332 (mobile)
June 28, 2004
2004 State of the States Report is First Objective Analysis of Statewide Safe
Schools Policies; Small Group of States Lay Groundwork to Ensure Safety for
All Students
New York, NY, and Washington, DC --- The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, today announced the release of the 2004 State of the States report. The report summarizes state laws that affect school environments and school safety for all students, particularly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. The report represents the first systematic measurement and comprehensive analysis of statewide policy to ensure the safety of all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
To read more information about this report, please visit: http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/1687.html
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14. NEWS: For Young Gays on the Streets, Survival Comes Before Pride
David Antoine's coming out last year did not exactly fill his family with pride. A few months shy of his high school graduation, Mr. Antoine said, his mother told him to pack his bags, and he was suddenly out on the icy streets of Brooklyn, his life stuffed into a trash bag, his bed the hard back of a subway car rumbling from one end of the city to the other.
To read more from this article, please visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/27/nyregion/27homeless.html?pagewanted=1