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March 3, 2004
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Don't Give Up When Posters Get Torn Down
GSA Network Announcements
1. Orange County Xtravaganza III
2. Money for GSAs!
3. Register Online for Expression Not Suppression Conference (Central Valley)
4. Expression Not Suppression Planning Committee Meeting (Central Valley)
5. Central California Youth Council Meeting (Fresno)
Other Announcements
6. Sacramento GSA Leadership Committee Meeting
7. Queer State of the Union! (Santa Monica)
8. Breaking The Silence Conference Calls -- Get support for planning your Breaking
the Silence event
9. The Adventure of Iron Pussy Premiere (San Francisco)
10. Taking Submissions for the Soul of Pride Stage (San Francisco)
11. Color Me Green - Q Action (San Francisco)
12. OUTSPOKEN-Calling Young Writers, Artists AND Composers! (San Francisco)
13. South Los Angeles Women's Programs & queer youth of color for community
action
14. The Importance of Being Oscar Production (Fresno)
15. Application Form - QueLACo Visual Arts Exhibit
16. The 2004 Yuri Kochiyama Leadership Institute
17. Media Opportunity for Youth whose Parents have been Married
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Don't Give Up When Posters Get Torn Down
If your GSA's hallway posters announcing meetings or promoting campaigns are repeatedly ripped down or defaced, take positive action.
Here are some things you can do:
* Keep track of how many posters you put up and how many get torn down. Use this concrete information to approach your administration and enlist their support in addressing the problem. Consider asking other clubs on campus to do the same thing. Have each club put up the same number of posters and record the number that are torn down or defaced. Note discrepancies between clubs. Is the problem widespread or targeted? Use the information you gather to make a case for addressing intolerance at your school.
* Report incidents of poster defacement to your administration as vandalism. If you can provide documentation that your posters are being targeted, your administrators might let you display your posters in a more protected area or display case.
* Put a surprise message under the posters so that when a poster is torn down,
another message is revealed. Taping a message behind your GSA announcement poster
insures that people who tear down the original poster are left with something
to think about. Sample messages can include statements like:
- Hate is easy. Love is hard.
- You have just committed a hateful act.
- There used to be a poster here that promoted respect and diversity. What are
you doing to stop the hate?
* Have GSA club members hang out near the places your club's announcements
are posted. By doing this you can see if your presence nearby has an effect,
or you may be in a position to respond immediately to an act of vandalism.
Any other effective ideas for dealing with this all-too-common problem? Let
us know what works for your GSA. E-mail your strategies to mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Orange County Xtravaganza III
The Lesbian and Gay Community Services Centers of Orange County's Neutral Groundz Youth Center & GSA Network is proud to sponsor the 3rd annual Xtravaganza !!!!
Xtravaganza III is a celebration of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Supportive (LGBTQQS) community in performances while raising social awareness.
We are calling out for all performers (drag, performance art, band etc.) to
join our celebration!
We would like to have as many dimensions of our community to be represented
at this event!!!
____________________________________________________________
The Xtravaganza III
Date: March 20, 2004
Time: 8:00-11:00PM
Place: at The Neutral Groundz Youth Center
____________________________________________________________
for address, directions or more information:
contact Vanessa Latorre or Rick Bermudez at 714-590-3140. mailto:rbermudez@thecenteroc.org
*********************************************
2. Money for GSAs!
GSA Network Launches Partnership with Youth Venture
Are you trying to start a new campaign at your school to create change?
Are you interested in creating a new organization or project that works for
social change?
Do you need MONEY to get started?
If so, then become a GSA Network-Youth Venturer!
GSA Network is proud to announce our new partnership with Youth Venture. The GSA Network-Youth Venture partnership will help California GSAs and LGBT and ally youth launch campaigns to create change in schools across California by offering start-up funds to youth-led teams of social change activists.
The GSA Network-Youth Venture partnership will provide start-up funds to help youth start GSAs where they don't exist and help established GSAs start new campaigns to create change at their schools. The program is in a pilot stage in 2004 and anticipates supporting 5-10 teams this year with grants of up to $500.
Applications are due March 5, 2004. Interviews will take place in mid-March.
Call us if you have any questions while you're preparing your application: 415-552-4229.
To apply, visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/youthgrants.html
Learn more about Youth Venture at http://www.youthventure.org.
*********************************************
3. Register Online for the Expression Not Suppression Conference (Central Valley)
Register online for the Expression Not Suppression Conference.
Expression Not Suppression will take place on Saturday, March 20 at Pace Academy at Manchester Mall in Fresno.
Expression Not Suppression is a conference for LGBTQ and straight ally youth
ages 14-23 and it's FREE!!
On-site registration is at noon; Conference begins at 1pm. Dance concludes at
10pm. Dinner is provided along with workshops, networking, drag show, and dance.
For more information:
(559)453-9040
http://www.gsanetwork.org/fresno-reg.html
mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org
*********************************************
4. Expression Not Suppression Planning Committee Meeting (Central Valley)
Expression Not Suppression Planning Committee meets this Saturday, March 6th at 1pm at the Fresno GSA Network office.
*********************************************
5. Central California Youth Council Meeting (Fresno)
Central California Youth Council Meeting. Everyone's Invited. Saturday, March
6th at 2pm at the Fresno 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. Sacramento GSA Leadership Committee Meeting
The Sacramento GSA Leadership Committee (SLC) will meet on Saturday, March 6, from 12:30 - 2:30 at the Lambda Community Center in downtown Sacramento. Any and all representatives of Sacramento area GSAs are invited to attend.
The SLC is an organization devoted to helping Sacramento GSAs plan projects
and events
that will benefit all LGBTQ youth in the Sacramento area.
For more information, please contact Chris George, Natomas High School GSA President, at (916) 359 3934 or at mailto:desertdruid@yahoo.com.
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*****************************************************
7. Queer State of the Union! (Santa Monica)
There is an exciting event coming up at Crossroads School in Santa Monica very
soon. We invite you to join us!
We will be holding a Queer State of the Union event at Crossroads on Thursday,
March 4th, 7 - 9 p.m. At the event, we'll be exploring the latest developments
in cutting-edge issues in the LGBT community, like: same sex marriage, gays
& religion, youth issues, LGBT images in the media, etc. We will be having
great entertainment as well as a nationally-known panel of speakers.
The event is free, and is open to the wider public. All students and faculty from Gay/Straight alliances and their friends are particularly welcome. It's a great way to meet new friends, or see old ones.
Entertainment: Phranc (the radical lesbian folksinger and Tupperware lady!) is going to open up with a musical set. Then Bob Smith (the very funny, first openly gay comedian to appear on The Tonight Show and have his own HBO special ) is going to offer a humorous look at the queer state of affairs these days.
Panel members include:
Rev. Troy Perry, founder of MCC
Stephen Matias, Entertainment Director of GLAAD
Prof. Brad Sears from UCLA (on LGBT legal issues)
as well as Queer Youth!
For more info, see http://www.queerstate.org. If you have any questions, you can e-mail Adam at mailto:flag@xrds.org
Directions:
Crossroads is at 1714 21st St. in Santa Monica, at the corner of 21st St. and
Olympic Blvd.
We'll be holding our event in Roth Hall.
Here's what you do--when you turn onto 21st from Olympic, take an immediate
right onto
a driveway-looking street and find a place to park. You'll see our "quad"
which looks like a parking lot or an alley, and which we call (of course) the
alley.
In the alley, you'll see a cement "stage" of sorts. The door directly
to the right of this stage will lead you to Roth Hall.
Hope the directions aren't too confusing. It's not really that hard once you
see it, and you can always ask people.
*****************************************************
8. Breaking The Silence Conference Calls -- Get support for planning your Breaking
the Silence event
The Day of Silence 2004 is less than two months away, and last year hundreds of thousands of young people and allies participated in the largest action led by students in support of LGBT issues. Please join student organizers from the Day of Silence leadership team and GLSEN staff on a Breaking the Silence conference call. This call is for students and other allies who want to know the basics of organizing a Breaking the Silence event. You will be able to talk to experienced and new organizers on the do's and don'ts of organizing a Breaking the Silence event.
The conference call will be on Tuesday, March 9, 2004 at 8 PM EDT.
To join this call please RSVP to Brandon Cardet Hernandez, Special Projects Assistant at 212.727.0135 x 160 or mailto:bcardet@glsen.org.
*********************************************
9. The Adventure of Iron Pussy Premiere (San Francisco)
Join AQU25A (Asians & Pacific Islanders, Queer & Questioning, 25 and
Under, All Together) for the North American Premiere of...
The Adventure of Iron Pussy: a screening of the 22nd SF International Asian
American Film Festival Saturday, March 6, 2004
Meet at 6:00 at Marcello's Pizzeria 420 Castro Street (at Market), across the
street from the Castro Theater
We'll head over to the theatre promptly at 6:30 for the screening.
Please RSVP to Sabrina Wu, AQU25A Program Coordinator, at 415.292.3420 no later
than Thursday, March 4 for your FREE TICKET!!!
Tickets are FREE for all LGBTQQ Asian & Pacific Islander Youth (25 and Under).
From the S.F. International Asian American Film Festival 2004 website:
The Adventure of Iron Pussy
North American Premiere
Thailand 2003 | 90mins | 35mm Color | Thai w/ E.S.
Thailand's new indie filmmaker laureate Apichatpong Weerasethakul startles the world yet again by following his boldly experimental and sublime first features-MYSTERIOUS OBJECT AT NOON and the Cannes prize-winning BLISSFULLY YOURS-with the most unexpected of films: an outrageously over-the-top musical western featuring a transvestite secret agent on a James Bond-like undercover mission. A former go-go boy, Iron Pussy is a 7-Eleven clerk by day and a glamorous superheroine by night, aided by motorcycle taxi-driving sidekick Pew. Called upon by the Thai government to investigate a suspicious cache of money, Iron Pussy infiltrates the suspect's lover's mansion as a maid, discovering not only an illegal operation surrounding a mysterious pleasure-inducing drug, but also-to her (his) surprise-love, and a very forbidden one at that.
Based on a series of short videos by San Francisco Art Institute alumnus-and Iron Pussy himself-Michael Shaowanasai (part three was presented at SFIAAFF '02), this instant camp classic somehow fits right in with Weerasethakul's oeuvre, subsuming genres-and genders-into an entirely unclassifiable creation as nonchalantly as the director blurred the boundaries between documentary and fiction in his earlier works. One of the most deliriously warped and original melodramas in recent years, THE ADVENTURE OF IRON PUSSY reaffirms Weerasethakul as one of the most innovative new voices in contemporary cinema.
*********************************************
10. Taking Submissions for the Soul of Pride Stage (San Francisco)
If you are African American and a LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered) type person then we want you. Just think this summer for Pride you can be seen by thousands of people while you are on stage dazzling them with your incredible talent. If you dance, sing, free flow, tell jokes or...then we are looking for you. Any performer chosen for the stage will be compensated. Send us your cd's, demo's, cassette tapes, dvd's or videotapes along with a promo picture, bio and any press you have received.
Submission deadline is March 24, 2004 Here is the stage line up from last year
http://www.sfpride.org/event/stages/index.htm#soulofpride
Send submissions to:
Blue Buddha
3000 Cesar Chavez
San Francisco, CA 94110
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*********************************************
11. Color Me Green - Q Action (San Francisco)
"Color Me Green" - a St. Patrick's Day event
Wednesday, March 17 @ 7:30pm
The SF LGBT Center 1800 Market St. @ Octavia St.
Celebrate your St. Patrick's Day with Q Action as we celebrate our favorite color - GREEN!. Take a chance, meet new guys & potential mates while playing a round of express dating... and up your safe sex knowledge at the same time.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
*****************************************************
12. OUTSPOKEN-Calling Young Writers, Artists AND Composers! (San Francisco)
San Francisco's New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC) announces the world premiere of the OutSpoken Project as part of their ongoing YouthAware Program.† Through written word, poetry, visual art, music and drama, NCTC is asking all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation, to send us their experiences with issues of sexual identity, homophobia, acceptance and pride.
These submissions will be compiled into a new play by award-winning author Norman Allen. †After a premiere production in San Francisco this summer, to be performed by local youth, the script will be made available at no cost to schools, youth groups and community organizations across the country for use in their own performance and educational outreach programs.
This is where YOU get involved.† By adding your submission to the OutSpoken Project you are empowering not only yourself but youth like you.† Join us in creating this much-needed performance piece that supports a safer and more accepting community.
The deadline for submissions is April 15, so get to work!† We look forward to hearing from you!
For more information, submission guidelines and an application form, visit our website at: http://www.nctcsf.org/arts_alliance.html>http://www.nctcsf.org/arts_alliance.html
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*****************************************************
13. South Los Angeles Women's Programs & queer youth of color for community
action
Bienestar-South Los Angeles Women's Programs & queer youth of color for community action (qycca)
Invite you to our ...
WOMYN CIRCLES
Every Thursday
5 pm to 7pm
Bienestar - South Los Angeles Office
130 West Manchester Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90003
Womyn Circles are for lesbian bisexual queer questioning transgender mujeres of South Los Angeles (and beyond) to be part of safe, supportive spaces to reflect and share storties, attend workshops and meet other mujeres in a drug/alcohol free environment.
Womyn Circles for varying age groups:
19 and under
20 - 30+
30+ and ...
For more info, please contact:
Margaret "Maggie" Babb, Bienestar- South LA, 323/752-3100 ext. 107
Cristina Misa, qycca, 323/823-1257, mailto:qycca@hotmail.com
*****************************************************
14. The Importance of Being Oscar Production (Fresno)
"The Importance of Being Oscar", an Edwards-MacLiammoir Dublin Gate
Theatre production on the life and works of Oscar Wilde performed by Vincent
Lavery.
Unitarian Universalist Church (4144 N. Millbrook Ave in Fresno).
Proceeds benefit Peace Fresno and the UU Church Building Fund. $5 student admission.
Sat. March 6 at 7pm and Sunday, March 7 at 2pm (559)227-6145 for details.
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******************************************************
15. Application Form - QueLACo Visual Arts Exhibit
Application Form to Participate in the
Queer Latina/o Artists Coalition
2004 Queer Latina/o Arts Festival (QLAF)
Visual Arts Exhibit
Queer Latina/o Artists Coalition (QueLACo) is a nonprofit organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Latina/o artists dedicated to promoting the arts within our diverse community. As an organization, we strive to gain voice, promote creativity and advocate for greater prominence within the larger landscape of our vibrant arts world.
The festival's theme this year is: TRANSitions/TRANSiciones
Este año el tema del festival es: TRANSitions/TRANSiciones
The Visual Arts Exhibit will be held at SomArts Cultural Center (934 Brannan St, SF). The dates of the installation and opening reception are to be determined, with the exhibit running through most of the month of June 2004.
ELIGIBILITY: Self-identified Latina/o LGBT artist.
REQUIREMENTS: Submit application entry form with postmark by March 31.
A brief biography (75 words) English / Español.
Slides or photos of artwork must be labeled with your name and title of the
piece, along with photo credits. Only finished works are considered. Send entries
to QueLACo at the address listed above.
Name:
Home address:
E-mail address:
Phone number:
Best time to reach you:
Painting____ Photo_____ Sculpture_____ Video_____ Installation_____ Other______
#1 Title: ____________________________ Dimensions: ______________________
Media/Description: _________________________________________________
For Sale: Yes_____ No_____ Value $_______
If you submit more than one piece, please use the back and complete the needed information for each piece. Artists are responsible for shipping and handling of their artwork to and from the SomArts Gallery.
If you need more information, please email Valentin Aguirre, Festival Coordinator
at mailto:valentinaguirre@sbcglobal.net,
or call QueLACo at (415) 273-1041
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******************************************************
16. The 2004 Yuri Kochiyama Leadership Institute
PLEASE NOTE: DEADLINE & AGE RANGE EXTENDED!! (Application revised & updated 2/11/04)
Women's Institute for Leadership Development (WILD for Human Rights) presents
The 2004 Yuri Kochiyama Leadership Institute
For young women ages 14-23
Eight Sessions March 27-June 19
March 9-New Extended Deadline for Applications
(Application is attached or call office for application)
The Yuri Kochiyama Leadership Institute is a series of eight sessions that take place almost every other Saturday starting March 27-June 19. The purpose is to bring together 20 young women from the Bay Area to sharpen their leadership, build with each other and get in-depth about issues that affect them:
* Practice leadership: planning, decision-making, facilitation
* Take Action: In the streets, at City Hall
* Gain Knowledge about the world and human rights: the war, poverty, immigration…
* Meet revolutionary women
* Connect your life struggles: across neighborhood, ethnicity, sexual orientation,
ability and immigration status
This is not a lecture-style, school type of environment. Trainings are interactive, supportive, challenging, safe and fun. You will be a teacher as well as a student.
Who is it for?
Bay Area young women ages 14-23 who are strongly interested or already involved
in making social change in their communities. African American, Arab, Latina,
Indigenous, Asian Pacific Islander, young mothers, low-income, immigrant women,
transgender and queer women are strongly encouraged to apply.
What's the schedule? *You must be able to commit to ALL the following dates to participate.
Saturday, March 27 & Sunday, March 28 11am-3pm
Human Rights 101 & Connecting Struggles
Saturday, April 10 11am-3pm
Different Social Change Methods
Saturday, April 24 11am-3pm
Leadership 101
Saturday, May 8 11am-3pm
How to Confront Power at City Hall
Week of May 10 Half day
FIELD TRIP to City Hall
Saturday, May 22 11am-3pm
Looking at the World from Inside the Belly of the Beast
Saturday, June 5 11am-3pm
Sharing Life Lessons
Saturday, June 19 11am-3pm
Revolutionary Women, Closing
Where is it?
The Women's Building 3543 18th St. (btwn Valencia & Guerrero), Room A, Mission
District, SF
Wheelchair accessible
What else do I get?
* On-site Childcare
* Lunch
* Small Stipend
When is the application due?
March 9 by 5pm-New Extended Deadline
How do I turn it in?
You can fax it, mail it or turn it in to our office.
3543 18th Street Box 11, San Francisco, CA 94110
phone (415)355.4744x405
fax (415) 355.4745
When will I find out if I am accepted?
We will notify you the week of March 16, 2004.
What if I have other questions?
Call Tina Bartolome at (415)355.4744x405.
mailto:tina@wildforhumanrights.org
What is WILD for Human Rights?
WILD for Human Rights is an organization that promotes a human rights vision
in the U.S. through the conscious leadership and action of women and girls.
Why is it named after Yuri Kochiyama?
Yuri Kochiyama has been a racial justice and human rights activist for more
than four decades. She and her family were interned in 1942 with more than 120,000
other Japanese Americans during World War II. A close friend of Malcolm X, Kochiyama
became politically active in the 1960s, while living in Harlem with her husband
and six children.
She has spent much of her life working across racial lines to build multiracial
support for the end of South African apartheid and the war in Vietnam, and for
redress for Japanese Americans, Puerto Rican independence and Cuban solidarity.
At 77 living in Oakland, her commitment to change the world remains strong and
her passion for justice is contagious.-excerpt from Interview with Yuri Kochiyama
by Josina Morita, War Times Newspaper 2002
Applications due March 9!
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******************************************************
17. Media Opportunity for Youth whose Parents have been Married
COLAGE is looking for youth ages 10-21 whose gay or lesbian parents (or parent and their partner) have been married in the last month at San Francisco City Hall, have weddings planned in the near future in Massachusetts, or have been married in New Paltz, New Mexico or even Canada.
The San Jose Mercury News and the New York Times (two separate stories) are looking to interviews kids with LGBT parents about being part of their parents ceremony, their reaction to the wedding, and their thoughts on the same-sex marriage issue.
If you (or your child) fits this description and would be willing to do an interview (in the next 2 days) please contact Meredith at 415-861-5437 x102 or mailto:meredith@colage.org for more information.
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Ending the Statistic
GSA Network Announcements
1. Orange County Xtravaganza III
2. Register Online for Expression Not Suppression Conference (Central Valley)
Other Announcements
3. Cate Senior JR Callery Launches Online GSA Forum
4. Statewide Youth and Community Protests for Quality Education
5. NYAC seeks LGBTQ youth to tell us YOUR stories on the marriage amendment
6. GenderQueer, Trans, and Gender Questioning Youth Group (San Jose)
7. Training for Community Transformation Program
8. Register NOW for the NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GENDER
9. Color Me Green - Q Action (San Francisco)
10. JOB: Program Coordinator, Exploring Leadership Youth Program
11. JOB: Curator for Quelaco Visual Art Exhibit
12. NEWS: Board defying rules on gender
13. NEWS: Murder of Gwen Araujo Spurs Philanthropic Fund
14. NEWS: Family values/Newlywed breaks barriers just as her parents did more
than 50 years ago
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Ending the Statistic
End the Statistic is a new campaign founded by high school student Ryan Ferrell in January to encourage school district leadership to effectively address homophobia on school campuses. While GSA club outreach is beneficial, strong change won't happen without administrative support. End the Statistic is geared to help GSAs convince their school district to implement meaningful anti-homophobia education to both teachers and students. The campaign's first site, Campbell Union High School District, has agreed to include homosexuality as a topic within the Health curriculum for all Freshmen and to train all district employees on combatting homophobia. The staff training will be piloted this Spring. That's one school district out of hundreds in California.
If your school's GSA would like to see teachers in your district trained on stopping discrimination, visit the campaign web site http://www.endthestatistic.org.
Contact information for Ryan Ferrell, the campaign founder, is on the website.
Feel free to ask for help formulating a
plan to lobby your school district. A step-by-step lobbying plan will be on
the web site soon, along with a more complete list of community organizations
that offer free anti-homophobia training.
For more information, please contact:
Ryan Ferrell
(408) 674 4910
mailto:ryan@endthestatistic.org
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Orange County Xtravaganza III
The Lesbian and Gay Community Services Centers of Orange County's Neutral Groundz
Youth Center & GSA Network are proud to sponsor the 3rd annual Xtravaganza
!!!!
Xtravaganza III is a celebration of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, and Supportive (LGBTQQS) community in performances while raising social awareness.
We are calling out for all performers (drag, performance art, band etc.) to
join our celebration!
We would like to have as many dimensions of our community to be represented
at this event!!!
____________________________________________________________
The Xtravaganza III
Date: March 20, 2004
Time: 8:00-11:00PM
Place: at The Neutral Groundz Youth Center
____________________________________________________________
for address, directions or more information:
contact Vanessa Latorre or Rick Bermudez at 714-590-3140. mailto:rbermudez@thecenteroc.org
*********************************************
2. Register Online for the Expression Not Suppression Conference (Central Valley)
Register online for the Expression Not Suppression Conference.
Expression Not Suppression will take place on Saturday, March 20 at Pace Academy
at Manchester Mall in Fresno.
Expression Not Suppression is a conference for LGBTQ and straight ally youth
ages 14-23 and it's FREE!!
On-site registration is at noon; Conference begins at 1pm. Dance concludes at 10pm. Dinner is provided along with workshops, networking, drag show, and dance.
For more information:
(559)453-9040
http://www.gsanetwork.org/fresno-reg.html
mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org
++++++++++++++++ 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.
*********************************************
3. Cate Senior JR Callery Launches Online GSA Forum
CARPINTERIA: On February 17th, Cate School senior John R. Callery launched an online forum for students around the world to talk about gay/straight alliance -http://www.gsaforums.org/. Callery is providing the forum through his own web hosting company, Callery Networks, which he established when he was seventeen-years-old. I set up this forum so that discussions can take place between GSA heads, GSA members, and LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning) around the country or world.
It's the first system of its kind, explains Callery, who says that prior to
this online forum, there was no easy way for GSAs to communicate and share ideas,
nor could individual members of these groups discuss issues with one another.
"This will fix that communication gap," says Callery who is providing
this service at no cost to members.
Callery Networks, Inc. is a Web hosting service provider for businesses world-wide.
Callery's company provides advanced web hosting solutions and other web services
to help simplify business management, and to increase business profitability.
Community service is important to Callery; he also offers free web hosting for
various non-profit organizations in addition to the new GSA online forum.
Callery is a native of Southern California. He has been interested in computers and the web since he was a child. He has served as a student resource for computer and web-related problems at his high school for the past three years, and he's been a CateNet master (the head of a group of students who offer computer troubleshooting services to fellow students and faculty) for the past two years. He has also been an invaluable resource to the school's public web site, serving as an intern to the school's webmaster for his entire four years at the school. Callery is also one of the founders of the school's GSA.
Cate School is an independent boarding and day school with 285 students from around the world located in Carpinteria, California.
*****************************************************
4. Statewide Youth and Community Protests for Quality Education
MAY 17th - *SAVE THE DATE* Statewide Youth and Community Protests on 50th Anniversary
of Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court Decision!Fifty years later, youth
of color, immigrant youth and poor communities face
unequal schools, high disappearance/ drop-out rates, poor school conditions
and obstacles to higher education! Opportunity to Learn for ALL students!!
QUALITY EDUCATION NOW!!!
Contact Californians for Justice for more information.
Oakland: (510) 452-2728
San Jose: (408)272-0236
Fresno: (559) 443-1394
Long Beach: (562) 951-1015
San Diego: (619) 641-7750
*****************************************************
5. NYAC seeks LGBTQ youth to tell us YOUR stories on the marriage amendment
The National Youth Advocacy Coalition is often asked to facilitate connections between various media outlets and young people. That's why we are now looking for youth ages 22 and under who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex who are willing to talk with these media outlets.
The proposed constitutional amendment and other presidential actions related to gay marriage have propelled us to respond to what we feel, is the erosion of civil rights and social justice imbedded in the marriage debate. If this is something that you care to speak out about we want to talk to you. This could be a great opportunity to educate and inform others and tell your story.
If you are interested in this opportunity please answer the questions below and return via email to mailto:mbwende@nyacyouth.org
If you are under 18 you will need to get your parent or guardian to provide
an electronic signature before we can
proceed. All information will need to be verified so please be sure that it
is safe to contact you at the numbers/addresses you submit.
Follow up with interested folks will begin immediately.
Thank you -- NYAC Staff and Board
Name:
Age:
Email:
City, State:
Contact Phone Numbers:
1. is the issue of marriage important to you?
2. how do you feel knowing that the President of the United States is
working to deny you rights afforded to other US citizens, by changing
the US Constitution?
3. what issues should your President be focused on?
4. what would you say to your President if you could have his
undivided attention for 5 minutes?
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6. GenderQueer, Trans, and Gender Questioning Youth Group (San Jose)
The Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center is PROUD to announce the start of a new GenderQueer, Trans, and Gender Questioning Youth Group (new name to be announced in the future). This youth program will provide space for discussion groups, workshops and activities, specifically for genderqueer youth and their allies. We are excited to be offering this new programming, for an underserved population, even in our own community. This new group is for young people 20 and under, who identify somewhere on the gender non-conforming spectrum, who are questioning their gender identity or who are considering transitioning.
Starting March 9th, this group will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month from 5-6pm at the DeFrank Center, which is located at 938 The Alameda, in San Jose.
For more information please contact:
t. aaron hans, program director at 408.293.3040 ext. 112 or at mailto:progdir@defrank.org
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7. Training for Community Transformation Program
Women community leaders, fluent in the Spanish language, have the opportunity to attend a U.S. Grail sponsored "Training for Community Transformation Program" at Cornwall Center, Newburgh, NY. Participants are being sought who are involved in community development, organizing and social justice programs. Based on the work of Paulo Freire, participants will learn skills that will allow them to take social change into their own hands as a means of ensuring conditions in which a community can thrive economically, socially, culturally, spiritually and politically.
This is a three-phase training program with the introductory session April 21-26, 2004, then a six-month action phase and a September 30-October 3, 2004, follow-up weekend. Internationally recognized consultant, Bethann Witcher, Ph.D., will be facilitating the workshop with the assistance of AngÈlica Otero, C.S.W., Education Organizer for the New Settlement Parent Action Committee.
Space is limited. Partial scholarships are available. Preference given to agencies sending two participants. Cost: $450 (overnight), $350 (commuters).For more information, please contact: Jan Taylor, 932 O'Bannonville Rd., Loveland, OH 45140. 513.683.2340 or mailto:jt.grailville@fuse.net
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8. Register NOW for the NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GENDER
Special Tracks:
GenderYOUTH: Leadership Training - Join the GenderYOUTH Network!
Critical Race Theory: Intersections of Identities
PACKAGE DEAL (Registration plus 3 days/nights accommodations) starts at just
$150 for youth, $200 for adults (quad occupancy)! Scholarships, Group Discounts,
and Incentives for group organizers are available!
Visit http://www.gpac.org/ncg for more information or call (202) 462-6610 for more information.
Save the Date for the National Conference on Gender and National Gender Lobby Day April 30- May 2, 2004 in Washington, DC ! The 4th Annual National Conference on Gender will examine the intersections of identities through the lens of Gender and Critical Race Studies.
SELECTED WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS:
Gender in the Media
The Binaries as a Feminist Issue
Gender on the Job
Masculinities: Sports and Violence
"The Gender Show:" Media Representations
Confirmed Speakers:
KIMBERLE CRENSHAW (Keynote)
Kimberle Crenshaw, PhD, is a founding member of the Critical Race Theory movement.
Her work focuses primarily on civil rights, black feminist legal theory and
race and the law.
KENJI YOSHINO
Kenji Yoshino, PhD, is a professor of Law who is taking a radical new approach
to civil rights and shaking up the legal field.
MICHAEL KIMMEL
Michael Kimmel is a sociologist and author who has received international recognition
for his work on men and masculinity.
BEVERLY GUY-SHEFTALL
Widely recognized as an authority on black feminist scholarship, her writings
include, Reflections on Black Manhood and GenderTALK
SPECIAL WORKSHOP TRACKS:
GenderLAW: Critical Race Theory & Applications
GenderBASICS: How gender stereotypes affect your community
GenderYOUTH: Leadership Training (space is limited, call today)
Gender4PARENTS : Launching a Parenting Support Network
FEATURED Pre-Drag Show Entertainment TBA
SPECIAL ENTERTAINMENT: The Great Big International Drag King ShowRegister NOW for the National Conference on Gender at http://www.gpac.org/ncg this April 30-May 2 in DC!
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9. Color Me Green - Q Action (San Francisco)
"Color Me Green" - a St. Patrick's Day event
Wednesday, March 17 @ 7:30pm
The SF LGBT Center 1800 Market St. @ Octavia St.
Celebrate your St. Patrick's Day with Q Action as we celebrate our favorite
color - GREEN!.
Take a chance, meet new guys & potential mates while playing a round of
express dating... and up your safe sex knowledge at the same time.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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10. JOB: Program Coordinator, Exploring Leadership Youth Program
The Program Coordinator is part of a team of six staff members, including two other Program Coordinators, two youth interns who are alumni or Exploring Leadership, and the Youth Programs Manager. Two adults and one youth staff will be responsible for each program site. The team and each member are responsible for making sure that program goals are met. Specific tasks for the Program Coordinator include:
Curriculum: Coordinating all aspects of the Exploring Leadership curriculum - developing training schedules from the existing curriculum, modifying the curriculum as necessary, creating and conducting trainings, and identifying and working with community members who serve as interview guests and guest trainers.
Internships: Assuring the best possible internship for each participant - monitoring their experiences, informing internship hosts about how to work with young people, updating hosts about Coro activities, and attending youth presentations at internship sites.
Group and Individual Support: Supporting the participants' group and individual
development - monitoring group dynamics and facilitating team-building activities,
knowing individual goals and challenges and providing practical and emotional
support as needed, and giving feedback to individual Youth Fellows.
Student Safety: Ensuring the physical safety of students at all times throughout
the summer and creating an emotionally safe learning environment.
Staff Collaboration: Joint program planning with other Exploring Leadership staff, keeping all CNC staff informed about Exploring Leadership, communicating about participants' group and individual progress, and supervising youth interns.
Logistics and administration: Maintaining records of all program activities, internships, and correspondence, administering evaluation process, operating within the program budget, and event planning for occasions such as graduation, public presentations, and retreats.
Qualifications
* Commitment to CNC's mission and experiential approach to leadership education
* Proven ability to provide a safe, supportive, and challenging learning environment
for a diverse group of urban high school students
* Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of professional experience in youth development
and/or teaching OR 5-7 years of professional experience in youth development
and/or teaching
* Excellent professional written and verbal communication skills and the ability
to represent Coro accurately and positively in order to maintain and cultivate
Coro's extensive community network
* Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
in a fast-paced environment
* Demonstrated commitment to supporting youth as leaders in their communities
* Familiarity with Bay Area communities and current events and youth leadership
issues
* Ability to work well with others to communicate information, build consensus,
and share work
* Flexibility, creativity, an open mind and love of learning, and a good sense
of humorDates
Trainers must attend participant Selection Days April 26-29 and pre-program
evening meetings for participants and families in late May. Summer work hours
are full-time from early or mid June through August 20, with one to two overnights
during the week of June 21. Two to three positions are available.
Compensation
$5,500 to $7,500 depending on experience.
To apply
Please submit cover letter, résumé, and complete contact information
for three references to:
Elly Matsumura
Youth Programs Manager
Coro Northern California
601 Montgomery Street, Suite 800
or via fax 415-986-5522
or e-mail: mailto:ematsumura@coro.org
The positions will be open until filled, but initial interviews are planned for late March. Applications received by March 15 will be given priority.
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11. JOB: Curator for Quelaco Visual Art Exhibit
The Queer Latina/o Artists Coalition (QueLACo) is seeking to appoint a Curator to oversee their Annual Visual Arts Exhibit to be held in June 2004. The Curator will report to the assigned Board Member. The Curator will actively support and uphold the QueLACo's stated mission and values. S/he will perform, plan and install exhibition as well as manage the collection and return of art.
This year's theme for our visual art exhibit is TRANSitions/TRANSiciones, highlighting significant passings and changes in our communities. To be held at SomArts gallery, TRANSitions/TRANSiciones encourages works by and for transgender Latinas/os. QueLACo is proud to feature new works by Ester Hernandez in this art exhibit, thanks in part to a grant obtained by Queer Cultural Center (QCC), along with works by other established and emerging visual artists.
Typical activities include:
cataloguing acquisitions and keeping records;
planning, organizing and presenting exhibitions
negotiating loan items;
supervising staff and/or volunteers;
Maximum Skills and Experience:
Three or more years of related experience required with broad knowledge of curatorial
methods and techniques. Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team. Excellent
interpersonal skills, ability to set/adjust priorities, and manage multiple
tasks. Team leadership and customer service skills. May require fluency in Spanish
or more foreign languages.
Compensation: $500 stipend
For applications, contact:
QUELACO, p.o.box 40792 San Francisco, CA 94140
415.273-1041, http://www.quelaco.org
QueLACo is the only art organization in the United States for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Latinas/ Latinos. We are a non-profit dedicated to promote the arts within our diverse community. As an organization, we strive to gain voice, recognition and prominence within the larger landscape of our vibrant arts world.
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12. NEWS: Board defying rules on gender
3 on Westminster school board reject the state regulation that lets students
define themselves.
By FERMIN LEAL
The Orange County Register
WESTMINSTER - When is a girl a girl, or a boy a boy? It may be in the eye of
the beholder, according to state law.
This revised state definition for public school anti-discrimination policies
allows the individual to decide his or her gender. The concept has triggered
a complex debate in the Westminster School District.
Three of five school board members don't want the decision of gender left to
students, even if it means the district may have to forfeit up to $9.2 million
in state and federal funding for not complying with state guidelines. Board
members Judy Ahrens, Blossie Marquez-Woodcock and Helena Rutkowski have voted
to reject state-mandated revisions of the district's anti-discrimination policy
that redefine "gender" as a person's actual or perceived sex.
Westminster is the only district in California that has opposed the adoption
of the new definition, which became law in 2000, state officials said.
WESTMINSTER SCHOOL DISTRICT AT A GLANCE
Campuses: 17
Enrollment: 10,113
Major racial/ethnic groups: Asian 33%, Latino 38%, White 22.5%
English learners: 42.9%
Students from low-income families: 62%
Yearly budget: About $70 million, including about $9.2 million annually in federal
and state money designated for dozens of specific programs. Among them:
* $3.6 million goes to help low-income students, paying for everything from
computers to busing.
* $2.2 million goes to provide free or reduced-price meals for low-income students.
* $2.3 million pays for teacher training.
Ahrens, Marquez-Woodcock and Rutkowski said changing the district's policy, which currently defines "gender" only as a person's biological sex, would be immoral because it might encourage transsexual behavior in schools. Adopting the new definition of "gender" will help further erode family values, which have already been attacked this year with the flood of same-sex marriages and even the Janet Jackson breast- bearing incident at the Super Bowl, Rutkowski and Ahrens said.
"It's time to say enough is enough," Ahrens said. "This lethal 'perceived sex' wording could further jeopardize families in Westminster." With this new definition, "we create protected groups that will shove their lifestyle down our throats," Rutkowski said. "A person can be anything that they wish to be, but I don't need to accept their behavior. I will do everything to protect the students from this mindset."
But the two other board members, the superintendent and dozens of parents have called the majority vote misguided and potentially hurtful to students. "The consequences for refusing to comply with the law are serious," said board President James Reed. "There are other ways to fight for what you believe in that won't cause a great disservice to our students."
Parent Veronica Thompson agrees with Reed. "Whether they feel this is immoral or not, this is not the right arena to fight this battle," she said. "Board members took an oath to follow all laws when they were sworn in. They can't just turn around now and say they will not follow a law simply because they don't like it."
The state Department of Education has given Westminster until April 12 to revise
district policy to include the new definition of "gender." If the
district does not comply, the state could withhold some or all of the state
and federal funding that pays for everything from new computers to class-size
reduction programs, state officials said.
Beyond the morality aspect, Ahrens, Marquez-Woodcock and Rutkowski said the
new definition would present practical problems in schools.
School officials might not be able to prevent boys who say they perceive themselves as girls from entering girls' lockers and restrooms, they said.
"The possibilities are endless: possible cross-dressing, unisex restrooms, and lawsuits from outraged parents, especially if boys become Peeping Toms in girls' restrooms," Ahrens said. "Nothing good could come of such a revised policy."
Principals have always been instructed to prohibit boys from entering the girls' restroom and that won't change, said Superintendent Barbara Dehart, who has lobbied the three board members to reconsider.
"That is not the issue here. A state agency that receives state and federal funding has to comply with state and federal law," Dehart said. "It's very frustrating that we are not doing that right now."
The inconsistency between state law and the district's anti-discrimination
policy, which is explained to parents and district employees whenever they seek
to file a complaint against the district, was discovered by district staff in
January while preparing for an audit conducted every four years of schools'
compliance with state and federal laws.
District officials asked the school board Feb. 5 to revise district policy in
order to comply with state law. The motion failed in a 3-2 vote.
State consultants then told district officials they had 45 days to comply or face possible consequences. At last Thursday's board meeting, Ahrens, Marquez-Woodcock and Rutkowski stood by their original vote. About 70 parents attended that meeting, nearly all asking the three to reconsider. Most of the parents said they found out about the issue through word of mouth from the two dissenting board members, district staff and a handful of parents who had been at the previous meeting.
Parent Deborah Garman said the new "gender" definition will send
a message to children that someone who is different should still have the same
rights as everyone else. "Every child is equal, that's why the state passed
this law," Garman said. About eight parents at Thursday's meeting said
they were there to support Ahrens, Marquez-Woodcock and Rutkowski. "What
should sex and gender have to do with money the district receives?" said
parent Stephanie Erickson. Board members will discuss and possibly vote again
on the issue at the April 1 board meeting.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Register staff writer Sarah Tully contributed to this report.
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13. NEWS: Murder of Gwen Araujo Spurs Philanthropic Fund
March 8, 2004
Contact:
For Immediate Release
Julie Dorf
Director of Philanthropic Services
415.398.2333 x103
SAN FRANCISCO - With the Gwen Araujo murder trial set to begin on March 15, Gwen's family, community activists, and Horizons Foundation have joined forces to create the Gwen Araujo Memorial Fund for Transgender Education. This fund will make small grants to school programs that promote understanding of transgender people and issues among youth.
Gwen's mother, Sylvia Guerrero, said, "I am so committed to ensuring that what happened to my daughter does not happen to anyone else. The hatred of others because they are different must stop, and this fund will help break the cycle of ignorance and violence - with kids in their schools and with their parents."
Horizons Foundation is a philanthropic social justice organization that has been serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community throughout the Bay Area for more than 20 years. "As a community foundation, Horizons has a special responsibility to pull together all LGBT people in the Bay Area, through a vehicle such as this fund, to help end the kind of violence and hatred that led to Gwen's death," said Roger Doughty, Executive Director of Horizons Foundation. "We are proud to be the home of the fund and to work closely with Gwen's family and other members of our community to have a real impact on youth."
The Gwen Araujo Memorial Fund for Transgender Education will be advised by
a group of transgender and education experts, and will accept donations from
the community on-line via the Horizons Foundation website and through the mail.
Horizons encourages other community organizations, youth advocates, and communities
of faith to consider supporting this fund.
For more information and press photos, see http://www.horizonsfoundation.org.
******************************************************
14. NEWS: Family values/Lesbian newlywed breaks barriers just as her parents
did more than 50 years ago
The morning after my parents went on their first date, my mother's co-workers rushed up to her and fervently admonished, "It's just not done!" "What about the children?" they demanded. My mother simply replied, "We just had one date."
The year was 1949. My father had picked up my mother the night before at the elementary school where she taught first grade, and they had enjoyed a night of dancing. For them, their evening was perfectly innocent and sweet. For others, it was an abomination. My mother is Chinese, and my father is Caucasian.
To read more, please point your browser to:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/03/05/WBGGC58DQQ1.DTL
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
High Contrast On The Move
GSA Network Announcements
1. Orange County Xtravaganza III
2. Register Online for Expression Not Suppression Conference (Central Valley)
3. Screening of the film "CAMP" (Fresno)
4. GSA Leadership Training (San Francisco)
5. GSAs Mobilize and Protest for Quality Education! (Sacramento)
6. Major Project on LGBT Youth and Families Seeks Participants
Other Announcements
7. GSA Dance in Lafayette
8. GLSEN to Host First-Ever Online Forum for College-Bound LGBT Students
9. OUTSPOKEN - CALLING YOUNG WRITERS, ARTISTS AND COMPOSERS! (San Francisco)
10. Outlet Party for LGBTQQ and ally youth (Mid-Peninsula)
11. Leadership Institute for Asian/Pacific Islander Lesbian and Gay Youth (LA)
12. "It's All About Love..." Youth Conference (Los Angeles)
13. SFSU Queer Alliance's 4th annual "SEVEN INCH HEELS AND A MICROPHONE"
14. Third Wave Foundation Offers Support to Young Women Activists and Their
Organizations
15. JOB: Coro's EXPLORING LEADERSHIP 2004 (Bay Area)
16. NEWS: Westminster School District Rejects Gender Non-Discrimination Policy
on Religious Grounds
17. NEWS: Schools with widely diverse campuses are more accepting of their gay
populations
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
High Contrast On The Move
Created by dynamic young people who infused art with social awareness, the High Contrast photo exhibit has left an indelible imprint on the minds and hearts of many students, teachers, and administrators in California. So far, GSA Network has brought the High Contrast exhibit to 8 schools in Northern California in 2004.
Two of the schools that have hosted the exhibit this year, Lincoln High School in San Jose and Watsonville High School in Watsonville, both expressed that the installation was well-received by everyone that saw it. Sylvia Patience, a GSA advisor at Watsonville remarked, "I think that the exhibit is a good starting point for discussion about issues related to diversity, acceptance and gender identity. People who looked at the photos got very quiet and thoughtful. Overall, I would say that the experience is very thought-provoking." She also said that one of the teachers at Watsonville inspired his class to write about their feelings when they saw the exhibit.
Trish Buttrill, the GSA Advisor at Lincoln said that over 600 young people viewed the exhibit and that an AP Statistics class will be collecting information about people's reactions in order to publish a report about the effect of High Contrast on people's attitudes. In addition to the exhibit, students watched a video about tolerance and respect made by a group of students at Skyline High School in Oakland and also watched a public service announcement by Matthew Shepard's mother, which was followed by an open forum.
As part of the awareness, High Contrast offers an opportunity for students to interact with the photos, personal accounts, and prose. On a practical level, students eyes are opened about labels they put on themselves and each other. The installation has brought youth activists closer and has fueled energy for certain events such as the Day of Silence or the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Buttrill stated that, "It is not enough for schools to request the exhibit and leave it on its own -- GSAs must assume an active role in its presence at the school. By virtue of a GSA requesting the exhibit and the school engaging in dialogue related to the exhibit shows that the campus is increasing its solidarity with LGBTQ youth."
There are still a few weeks available for your school to have the exhibit this school year. If you're from a school in the Bay Area, contact Sean Saifa, GSA Network's Northern California Community Organizer, at mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
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1. Orange County Xtravaganza III
The Lesbian and Gay Community Services Centers of Orange County's Neutral Groundz Youth Center & GSA Network are proud to sponsor the 3rd annual Xtravaganza !!!!
Xtravaganza III is a celebration of our Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender,
Queer, Questioning, and Supportive (LGBTQQS) community in performances while
raising social awareness.
We are calling out for all performers (drag, performance art, band etc.) to
join our celebration!
We would like to have as many dimensions of our community to be represented
at this event!!!
____________________________________________________________
The Xtravaganza III
Date: March 20, 2004
Time: 8:00-11:00PM
Place: at The Neutral Groundz Youth Center
____________________________________________________________
for address, directions or more information:
contact Vanessa Latorre or Rick Bermudez at 714-590-3140. mailto:rbermudez@thecenteroc.org
*********************************************
2. Register Online for the Expression Not Suppression Conference (Central Valley)
Register online for the Expression Not Suppression Conference.
Expression Not Suppression will take place on Saturday, March 20 at Pace Academy at Manchester Mall in Fresno.
Expression Not Suppression is a conference for LGBTQ and straight ally youth
ages 14-23 and it's FREE!!
On-site registration is at noon; Conference begins at 1pm. Dance concludes at
10pm. Dinner is provided along with workshops, networking, drag show, and dance.
For more information:
(559)453-9040
http://www.gsanetwork.org/fresno-reg.html
mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org
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3. Screening of the film "CAMP" (Fresno)
Friday, March 19th. Fresno's Tower Theatre at the corner of Olive and Wishon.
Doors open at 7pm. Film at 8.
Tickets are free for students already registered for the Expression Not Suppression
Conference. Otherwise $10 each.
The most talented kids in the country are at Camp Ovation. Based on an actual
summer camp for young actors, singers and dancers, "Camp" is the dramatic,
hilarious and show-stopping story of a group of extraordinary youth discovering
who they really are. Crammed full of production numbers and real life moments,
this film is rated PG-13.
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4. GSA Leadership Training (San Francisco)
Are you committed to ending homophobia and transphobia in your school?
Ready to meet and network with other youth in other GSAs?
Wanna share some knowledge and pick some up as well?
Well then you should come to the GSA Leadership Training!!!
Who: GSA Members and Potential Members and leaders
Where: San Francisco LGBT Center (Youth Space) 1800 Market St., San Francisco
When: Saturday, April 17th from 10am until 4pm
Cost: Free!
Breakfast and Lunch will be provided!
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sean Saifa Wall at mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org or call 415.552.4229.
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5. GSAs Mobilize and Protest for Quality Education! (Sacramento)
MAY 17th - *SAVE THE DATE* Statewide Youth and Community Protests on
50th Anniversary of Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court Decision! Fifty
years later, youth of color, immigrant youth and poor communities face unequal
schools, high disappearance/ drop-out rates, poor school conditions and obstacles
to higher education! Opportunity to Learn for ALL students!!
QUALITY EDUCATION NOW!!!Contact Californians for Justice for more information.
Oakland: (510) 452-2728
San Jose: (408)272-0236
Fresno: (559) 443-1394
Long Beach: (562) 951-1015
San Diego: (619) 641-7750
If people want to go as a GSA contingent, please contact Sean Saifa at mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
or call 415.552.4229.
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6. Major Project on LGBT Youth and Families Seeks Participants
Be part of a groundbreaking study to help families and communities provide support for LGBT youth. Help us learn about strength and resiliency among queer youth, not just risk behavior like in most studies. Help us understand how to strengthen families and increase support in ethnic communities when youth come out or are found out.
BACKGROUND ON THE FAMILY ACCEPTANCE PROJECT
GSA Network has partnered with Caitlin Ryan and Rafael Diaz at San Francisco
State University to conduct the first study of queer youth and families and
the first comprehensive study of sexual orientation and ethnic families. The
Family Acceptance Project uses a participatory research model to study the impact
of family acceptance and rejection on the health and well-being of lesbian,
gay, bisexual and queer youth.
We will use the information we find to enhance community programs, to develop
training resources for health, mental health and school-based providers, and
to help strengthen families in supporting non-heterosexual youth. We need to
reach out to a diverse group of adolescents with different kinds of family experiences,
including youth in foster care and in residential programs. This information
is essential to help us understand why some youth thrive while others struggle
and to learn how best to provide support for them in families, schools and communities.
WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED
We are currently looking for White and Latino youth, ages 13-18 to participate.
We are looking for youth who have two adult family members who know about their
sexual identity. We want to interview these youth and two adult family members
about their experiences. All information is confidential and we will pay youth
and family members a $25 stipend each, as compensation for their time.
We are especially looking for younger adolescents, younger transgender youth
and Latino/a adolescents.
We started the project by studying the experiences of White and Latino LGB youth
and their families, and hope to expand it to include other ethnic groups with
a much larger grant. We are reaching out to individuals and community-based
groups that serve LGBT youth, Latino youth and youth, in general, as well as
schools, clinics, recreational programs and other community agencies to identify
youth to participate in the study.
HOW TO GET INVOLVED
If you are interested in helping or are a youth who would like to participate,
please contact Teresa Betancourt at mailto:teresab@sfsu.edu,
415-522-8537 or Caitlin Ryan, 415-522-5558 or call toll-free at 1-888-354-4222.
We are very grateful for your support and look forward to talking with you about
the project in more detail.
++++++++++++++++ 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.
*********************************************
7. GSA Dance in Lafayette
The GSA at Bentley High School is having a May Day / Beltane Theme Dance. (with DJ) on April 30th from 8:30 to 11:30pm...
Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be given for best ones. Doors close
at 9.
Bentley High School is located at 1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd in Lafayette.
Contact: mailto:WMead@Bentleyschool.net
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8. GLSEN to Host First-Ever Online Forum for College-Bound LGBT Students
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN, has announced plans
for a first-ever online forum aimed at college-bound lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender (LGBT) students to provide information about colleges and universities
that have LGBT-friendly campuses and services. The chat will take place on Monday,
March 22, 2004, from 8 to 10 p.m. EST. Current students, admissions counselors,
and campus representatives from several colleges and universities will participate
in answering any questions by prospective students.
http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/1638.html
*********************************************
9. OUTSPOKEN - CALLING YOUNG WRITERS, ARTISTS AND COMPOSERS! (San Francisco)
San Francisco's New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC) announces the world premiere of the OutSpoken Project as part of their ongoing YouthAware Program. Through written word, poetry, visual art, music and drama, NCTC is asking all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation, to send us their experiences with issues of sexual identity, homophobia, acceptance and pride.
These submissions will be compiled into a new play by award-winning author Norman Allen. After a premiere production in San Francisco this summer, to be performed by local youth, the script will be made available at no cost to schools, youth groups and community organizations across the country for use in their own performance and educational outreach programs.
This is where YOU get involved. By adding your submission to the OutSpoken
Project you are empowering not only yourself but youth like you. Join us in
creating this much-needed performance piece that supports a safer and more accepting
community.
For more information, submission guidelines and an application form, visit our
website at: http://www.nctcsf.org/arts_alliance.html
The deadline for submissions is April 15, so get to work! We look forward to
hearing from you!
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10. Outlet Party for LGBTQQ and ally youth (Mid-Peninsula)
Outlet, the gay youth group in downtown Mountain View, is hosting a LGBTQQ and queer ally party with games, possibly a movie, and pizza!
Ages 13-18 are welcome. Should be extremely fun!
When: Friday, March 19, 6 PM to Midnight
Address: Community Health Awareness Council, 711 Church Street in Mountain View.
For information, contact Eileen Ross, the Outlet program coordinator, at
mailto:eross@chacmv.org.
*********************************************
11. Leadership Institute for Asian/Pacific Islander Lesbian and Gay Youth (Los
Angeles)
Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights (APIHR) announces the launch of the nation's first Youth Leadership Institute designed to train the next generation of Asian and Pacific Islander Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexual, Queer and Questioning (LGBTIQ) youth leaders 24 and under.
The Youth Leadership Institute is comprised of an intensive retreat held in June followed by an 8-week internship with API and LGBT community-based organizations and elected officials‚ offices. Additional specialized trainings will be held weekly to strengthen skills.
"This Institute will train the future leaders of our community, something that is desperately needed given the current climate of intolerance and fear," proclaims Patrick Mangto, Executive Director of APIHR. "With the knowledge and experience provided through the Institute, we hope to ignite a spark for future generations to continue fighting for equality in both the API and queer communities."
Participating organizations include Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights, East West Players, Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center, Outfest, Thai Health and Information Services, Inc., and Visual Communications. Elected officials include State Senator Gloria Romero (24th District), State Assemblymember Judy Chu (49th District), and City of West Hollywood, Office of the Mayor.
APIHR encourages API LGBTIQ youth 24 and under who are active in their community and have a strong desire for social justice to apply. Participants will be selected on the basis of demonstrated community interest and involvement, leadership potential, and ability to complete the entire program.
Applications for the Youth Leadership Institute are due by April 16, 2004,
and can be found on APIHR's website at http://www.apihr.org/.
For more information on the Youth Leadership Institute, contact Sumiko Braun,
Youth Program Coordinator, at (323) 860-0876 or mailto:sbraun@apihr.org.
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12. "It's All About Love..." Youth Conference (Los Angeles)
Manual Arts High School's Project 10 & (qycca) queer youth of color for community action invite ya'll to ..."It's All About Love..." Youth Conference "the sequel to da sequel" a day for queer same-gender loving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex youth and allies to come together in joining us for our third year in ..."letting the world have it"!!!
When: Saturday, April 17, 2004
Time: 9am until 5:30pm
Where: Manual Arts High School, 4131 South Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA
90037
Cost: It's all Free (workshops for youth/parents/educators/community organizers
and agency staff, entertainment, resource fair, breakfast and lunch are free
for all participants)
PLEASE REGISTER!!!
To register & for questions...
Contact: Cristina @ 323/823-1257 or email us @ mailto:qycca@yahoo.com
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13. SFSU Queer Alliance's 4th annual "SEVEN INCH HEELS AND A MICROPHONE"
This drag show/cabaret event is Thursday April 15th, 2004 at 7:00pm. Located
in Jack Adams Hall in the Cesar Chavez Building at SFSU. SFSU is at 1600 Holloway
Avenue cross street 19th Avenue in San Francisco.
Admission is $5/students, $7/general.
Featuring performances by the The Dangers (formerly from the Disposable Boy Toys), Suppositori Spelling, The Sister Sock Show, and many others. This event raises money for the Queer Alliance and the Cindy Kolb AIDS Foundation.
For more information, contact the Queer Alliance at 415-338-1952.
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14. Third Wave Foundation Offers Support to Young Women Activists and Their
Organizations
The Third Wave Foundation provides resources through a variety of programs
to support the cutting-edge work of young women activists. The foundation's
grantmaking provides direct financial support to young women activists and
the organizations they lead.
The Third Wave Foundation accepts proposals for projects which benefit, target, are devised by, and led by women between the ages of 15 and 30, with an emphasis on low-income women, differently abled women, women of color, and lesbian and bisexual women.
For more information, you can go the website:
http://www.thirdwavefoundation.org/programs/grants.html
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15. JOB: Coro's EXPLORING LEADERSHIP 2004 (Bay Area)
*** Full-Time in Summer (June 21-August 13) and After School in Fall ***
For current 10th & 11th graders in Oakland, Berkeley, Piedmont, Emeryville,
Alameda and San Francisco
Exploring Leadership is a program of Coro Northern California, a 62 year-old,
non-partisan nonprofit that offers leadership training in public affairs for
youth and adults. Visit the Coro web site at http://www.coro.org/
Be a part of the leadership journey. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE APRIL 2ND, 2004.For
more info:
*** Call or email: (415) 986-0521, extension 105 - mailto:ematsumura@coro.org
******************************************************
16. NEWS: Westminster School District Rejects Gender Non-Discrimination Policy
on Religious Grounds
Three of five on an O.C. school board reject a state gender definition on religious
grounds
By Joel Rubin, LA Times Staff Writer
Citing their Christian principles, trustees of a small Orange County school district are defying a state anti discrimination law that allows students and school staff to define their own gender.
A refusal by a three-trustee majority of the five-member school board to reverse
its position could ultimately jeopardize as much as $40 million in state and
federal funding, two-thirds of the budget for a district that serves 10,000
students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gender14mar14,1,418505.story
______
Trustees Ignore the Public's Trust
By Dana Parsons, LA Times Columnist
Invoking religious beliefs, the three Westminster School District trustees have
refused to sign off on an updated district policy that reflects a state anti-discrimination
law. Their refusal jeopardizes as much as $40 million in state and federal funding.
For more information, related to the article:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-parsons14mar14,1,7532111.column
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17. NEWS: Schools with widely diverse campuses are more accepting of their gay
populations
Schools with widely diverse campuses are more accepting of their gay populations
The Sunnyvale Sun
By Sarmishta Ramesh
As the nation debates the constitutional validity of gay marriages, a landmark legal settlement was quietly reached in this corner of California last month, winning a small victory for homosexuals. After six years of legal battle, the Morgan Hill Unified School District finally agreed to settle a case filed by six of its former students, who charged that the school district had overlooked and ignored anti-gay hostility on its campuses. On Jan. 6, the district agreed to settle the case by paying $1.1 million to the victims and agreeing to organize training programs for its staff and students to help them handle issues of gay harassment in the future.
While the case catapults the issue of homophobia in schools back into the limelight, it also highlights an important dilemma. Schools can no longer be bystanders when it comes to the issue of sexual intolerance. School districts can and will be held responsible for creating an atmosphere in which bullying based on a student's sexual orientation will not be tolerated. The Morgan Hill case is a wake-up call for schools to take a serious look at how they handle harassment against gay students on their campuses.
Aaron Hans, program director at the Billy DeFrank Lesbian & Gay Community Center for gays, lesbians and transgendered people in San Jose, points out that more teenagers are coming out today than a decade ago. "In the mid-'90s we saw people in their 20s and 30s being open about their sexual orientation. But now we see seventh- and eighth-graders coming here to the center and being open about their sexuality."
Fremont High School Principal Peggy Raun-Linde, who is open about being a lesbian, says, "[Gay harassment] is definitely less now than what it was nine to 10 years ago. But that doesn't mean that it's totally gone... . Anywhere you have kids, you are going to hear insensitive language."
Slurs such as "fag," "faggot," "dyke," "homo" or "that's so gay," "stupid faggot" or "you queer" are still commonplace on school grounds. A survey conducted by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors to assess the needs of gay, lesbian and transgender individuals found that a majority of high school and middle school students, ages 14-19, had on a daily basis "experienced or witnessed harassment in school based on a person's perceived or actual sexual orientation or gender identity."
Read the full article at:
http://www.svcn.com/archives/sunnyvalesun/20040225/index.html
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Expression Not Suppression Is A Success
GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Leadership Training (San Francisco)
2. NorCal Youth Council looking for New Members (Northern California)
3. Way-After Party for Expression Not Suppression (Central Valley)
Other Announcements
4. GSA Dance in Lafayette
5. The Time Machine Prom and 10th Annual Bay Area Gay Prom (Alameda County)
6. AQU25WORD: writing workshops for queer API youth under 25 (San Francisco)
7. Books Not Bars: First Town Hall Meeting of Campaign (San Francisco)
8. Young Queer Artists Sought for Upcoming Event (San Francisco)
9. "It's All About Love..." Youth Conference (Los Angeles)
10. Queer Prom (Fresno)
11. "Mind If I Call You Sir?" preview (San Francisco)
12. Q-Action Announcements (San Francisco)
13. Joteria Pride: Orgullo en La Familia Conference (Los Angeles)
14. National Conference On Gender scholarships apps due soon! (Washington DC)
15. How do you feel about abstinence-only-until-marriage education?
16. Models of Excellence scholarships
17. NEWS: Sylvia Guerrero, a mother's pain and defiance
18. NEWS: O.C. Schools' Loan Is Lost Over Issue of Sex Identity
19. NEWS: Learning the ABCs of tolerance
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Expression Not Suppression Is A Success
GSA Network's Expression Not Suppression conference drew 100 students from as far north as Sonora and from a wide range of schools and towns throughout the central valley. The conference was held on Saturday, March 20th at the Pace Academy Charter School in Fresno and had been promoted through GSAs, on Fresno's Radio Bilingue, and on local public radio's "It's A Queer Thang" talk show. Most of the students who attended had not attended last year's conference and were completely new to GSA Network events.
Brandon Jackson, 15, a student at Pace Academy, who led a workshop called "Queen
For A Day: History, Hype And How To Do Drag", declared as he unpacked make-up
and set out wigs, that the day was "going to be the best ever!"
As students arrived they chose two workshops from the 10 offered, and many of
them chose Brandon's. Others chose a workshop led by Liv Lee, 16, who started
the GSA at Hoover High School in Fresno. Liv was part of a leadership panel
for the workshop on how to start and run a GSA. She was energized by the enthusiasm
of the group of students from Sonora High School who are dedicated to starting
their GSA before the school year ends. Liv described the entire conference as
being a safe place for "LGBT and ally kids to kick up their heels and relax;
have fun and not worry about it, even if it was just for a day." She also
noted: "Being on the leadership team for this conference was the next activist
thing I did after initially starting my GSA. I learned a lot. I think everyone
learned a lot."
The conference theme of expression not suppression was highlighted throughout
the entertainment portion of the program as students read original poetry, sang
their own compositions, and performed in drag. Conference participants received
a CD containing a sampling of songs and poetry performed during the show.
Students gave expression to a variety of sentiments as they added their comments
to the conference's "Wisdom Wall". One quote seemed to sum it all
up: "Free to choose. Free to love. Free to be."
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. GSA Leadership Training (San Francisco)
Are you committed to ending homophobia and transphobia in your school?
Ready to meet and network with other youth in other GSAs?
Wanna share some knowledge and pick some up as well?
Well then you should come to the GSA Leadership Training!!!
Who: GSA Members and Potential Members and leaders
Where: San Francisco LGBT Center (Youth Space) 1800 Market St., San Francisco
When: Saturday, April 17th from 10am until 4pm
Cost: Free!
Breakfast and Lunch will be provided!
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sean Saifa Wall at mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org or call 415.552.4229.
Co-sponsors: GSA Network, Youth Speaks, API Wellness Center, and YMAC
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2. NorCal Youth Council looking for New Members (Northern California)
Do you have a passion for LGBTQI youth development?
Want to sharpen your skills as an organizer and trainer?
Ready to expand your understanding of race, class, and gender politics in addition
to anti-oppressive principles?
Well then, this is the opportunity!
GSA Network is looking for high school sophomores and juniors who are interested in creating change and furthering the mission of GSA Network as a youth empowerment social change organization.
If you are interested, please visit the website below or call 415.552.4229 and speak with Sean Saifa Wall or email-->mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org.
For more information, please visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html
People of Color and Transgender folk are encouraged to apply.
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3. Way-After Party for Expression Not Suppression (Central Valley)
Come to the Pizza Pit in Fresno on Blackstone and Princeton on Saturday, April 3rd at 1pm to celebrate and evaluate Expression Not Suppression. Everyone who attended the conference is invited.
Bring cash to chip-in for pizza, a thank you card and a pen so that we can all sign cards to give to everyone who helped us out. Contact Diana for more details. mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org
++++++++++++++++ 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.
*********************************************
4. GSA Dance in Lafayette
The GSA at Bentley High School is having a May Day / Beltane Theme Dance. (with DJ) on April 30th from 8:30 to 11:30pm...
Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be given for best ones. Doors close
at 9.
Bentley High School is located at 1000 Upper Happy Valley Rd in Lafayette.
Contact: mailto:WMead@Bentleyschool.net
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5. The Time Machine Prom and 10th Annual Bay Area Gay Prom (Alameda County)
The Lambda Youth and local GSA Youth invite our ADULT gay & straight allies to...
THE TIME MACHINE PROM
A Volunteer Appreciation Gala for our Adult Gay & Straight Allies
Ages 25 and Up
"Come have fun, be appreciated, and help us raise money for our 10th annual
Gay Prom!"
Friday, April 9, 2004
7pm-10pm
Marina Community Center
15301 Wicks Blvd, San Leandro, CA
Tickets: $25/advance, $30/door
MC Tina D'Elia & Guest DJ Garcia Sinclair take you back into the Time Machine
with old school music
Light refreshments provided by GSA youth and Everyday Gourmet
Selix Formalwear offers selected styles at $27 just for you, or $25 off any
complete tux rental!
A Substance-Free Community Event Sponsored by Project Eden
For tickets or more info, call 510-247-8200
----
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
Tickets: $20/advance, $25/door
Raffle Prizes, Royalty and Best Dressed Contests
DJ Dancing, Photographer, Games Room
All LGBTQ youth and Str8 Ally Friends, ages 25 and under are welcome!
Over 25? Please consider chaperoning the event, or making a donation!
For more info: 510/247-8200
Watch for more details coming soon on the website:
http://www.gayprom.org
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*********************************************
6. AQU25WORD: writing workshops for queer API youth under 25 (San Francisco)
wednesday, april 14 &
wednesday, april 28
6-8pm
asian & pacific islander wellness center
730 polk street (at ellis), 4th floor, sf.
ATTENTION all queer and trans Asian & Pacific Islander youth 25 and under - come share your stories and unique voices in a fun social space. Using creative exercises, interactive activities, and discussion, this 2-part writing workshop series will explore important issues affecting your lives and health. Part 1 will focus on our complex identities as young, queer and trans A&PIs and hapas. In Part 2, we will learn from and add our voices to the rich legacy of A&PI writers in the Bay Area and beyond.
Facilitated by Danny Thanh Nguyen and Sabrina Wu
To sign up or for more information, please contact Sabrina Wu, AQU25A Program Coordinator, at 415.292.3420 x315 or mailto:sabrina@apiwellness.org.
Brought to you by AQU25A (Asian & Pacific Islander, Queer & Questioning,
25 & Under, All Together), a program of A&PI Wellness Center. Visit
us at: http://www.apiwellness.org.
*********************************************
7. Books Not Bars: First Town Hall Meeting of Campaign (San Francisco)
Books Not Bars' "Alternatives for Youth " Campaign is kicking into
high gear with our first Town Hall Meeting next week. (That's why you're getting
e-mails two days in a row! Sorry if it feels like overload.)
Everyone is in an uproar about the California Youth Authority (CYA) - the state's
youth prison system. With recent reports about rampant human rights abuses in
CYA, people are asking: What can I do to change this system from one that hurts
youth to one that helps them?
Join Books Not Bars in a discussion about the scandal and the special opportunity
it presents.
WHAT: Town Hall Meeting on the Crisis in the CYA WHERE: Mission Cultural Center
2868 Mission Street (Near 24th St. BART)
San Francisco, CA WHEN: Thursday, April 1, 6 pm
Come learn about how we can change California's juvenile justice system
Watch clips from an upcoming Books Not Bars video about CYA
Hear firsthand from youth and families who have been caught up in the system
This Town Hall Meeting will be the first of several local events in the Books
Not Bars "Alternatives for Youth" Campaign - our campaign to replace
the scandal-ridden CYA with a humane system that focuses on rehabilitation,
not punishment. Stay tuned for info on a similar event in Oakland later in April.
*****************************************************
8. Young Queer Artists Sought for Upcoming Event (San Francisco)
Jon Sims Center for the Arts is hosting, "Queers Bash Back," a celebration of our communities' continued struggle and survival against all violence born out of hate. We are hoping to find young (16-24) queer dancers, spoken word artists, poets or performing artists. A post performance discussion with the artists, reception and party will follow the event.
For more information or submissions, please contact Monika at:
mailto:mweiss@jonsimsctr.org or call
415.554.0402
Jons Sims Center for the Arts
1519 Mission St (btw. 11th and Van Ness)
San Francisco, 94103
*********************************************
9. "It's All About Love..." Youth Conference (Los Angeles)
Manual Arts High School's Project 10 & (qycca) queer youth of color for community action invite ya'll to ..."It's All About Love..." Youth Conference "the sequel to da sequel" a day for queer same-gender loving lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex youth and allies to come together in joining us for our third year in ..."letting the world have it"!!!
When: Saturday, April 17, 2004
Time: 9am until 5:30pm
Where: Manual Arts High School, 4131 South Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA
90037
Cost: It's all Free (workshops for youth/parents/educators/community organizers
and agency staff, entertainment, resource fair, breakfast and lunch are free
for all participants)
PLEASE REGISTER!!!
To register & for questions...
Contact: Cristina @ 323/823-1257 or email us @ mailto:qycca@yahoo.com
*********************************************
10. Queer Prom (Fresno)
Mark Your Calendars for Queer Prom sponsored by the LGBT Youth Alliance in
Fresno. Saturday, May 15th. Watch GSA Network News for details as the date gets
closer.
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11. "Mind If I Call You Sir?" preview (San Francisco)
In collaboration with Proyecto ContraSIDA, sticky girl productions
presents...the preview of a video documentary on gender explorations of Latino
FTMs and Latina butch dykes
"Mind If I Call You Sir?"
produced by Karla E. Rosales
Directed by Mary Guzman
Saturday, April 3, 2004
LGBT Center, Rainbow Room
5:30 - 6:30pm
preview at 5:30, reception to follow
"Mind If I Call You Sir?" is funded by the Potrero Nuevo Fund Prize, a program administered by New Langton Arts
*********************************************
12. Q-Action Announcements (San Francisco)
Q ACTION EVENTS
"Spring Cleaning" -
Thursday, March 25 @ 7:30pm
QnA Lounge - 539 Castro St.
Time to clean out your closet and clean up your act. Spring is here!
A guest presenter will answer your questions about STDs in the City and what
the stats say about us young guys.
What's really going on with syphilis? What do the headlines and numbers mean
to you? Find out tonight.
--
"Foolish Beat" -
Thursday, April 1 @ 8:00pm
QnA Lounge - 539 Castro St.
SEX! DRUGS! ROCK n ROLL?
Q Action boys always lead chats on the first two... but what do we know about
music?
Tonight, come get jiggy with a night of QnA Karioke.
Sing your heart out, learn a new tune and socialize at the QnA Lounge.
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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13. Joteria Pride: Orgullo en La Familia Conference (Los Angeles)
La Familia de UCLA is pleased to announce our upcoming "Joteria Pride: Orgullo en La Familia" 7th Annual Queer Latina/o Youth Conference at UCLA, that will take place on Saturday, April 10th.
People can register online now by logging onto: http://lafa.gaybruins.com, and clicking on the conference section. Free conference. Parking is $7.
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14. National Conference On Gender scholarships apps due soon! (Washington DC)
Scholarship Applications for the NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GENDER due Thursday,
April 1
Last year, 1,500 youth and activists from all over the country participated
in the National Conference on Gender over 3 days.
Workshops will explore race and gender, gender stereotypes faced by children and parents, and how to end discrimination and violence caused by gender stereotypes in your community.
Special Workshop Tracks Include:
GenderYOUTH Leadership Training - Join the GenderYOUTH Network!
Critical Race Theory: Intersections of Identities
PACKAGE DEAL includes registration plus 3 days/nights accommodations and starts
at just $150 for youth, $200 for adults (quad occupancy)! Scholarships, Group
Discounts, and Incentives for group organizers are available!
Visit http://www.gpac.org/ncg for more
information or call (202) 462-6610.
The National Conference on Gender and National Gender Lobby Day will be held April 30- May 2, 2004 in Washington, DC ! The 4th Annual National Conference on Gender will examine the intersections of identities through the lens of Gender and Critical Race Studies.
SELECTED WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS:
Gender in the Media
The Binaries as a Feminist Issue
Gender on the Job
Masculinities: Sports and Violence
"The Gender Show:" Media Representations
Confirmed Speakers:
KIMBERLE CRENSHAW (Keynote)
Kimberle Crenshaw, PhD, is a founding member of the Critical Race Theory movement.
Her work focuses primarily on civil rights, black feminist legal theory and
race and the law.
KENJI YOSHINO
Kenji Yoshino, PhD, is a professor of Law who is taking a radical new approach
to civil rights and shaking up the legal field.
MICHAEL KIMMEL
Michael Kimmel is a sociologist and author who has received international recognition
for his work on men and masculinity.
BEVERLY GUY-SHEFTALL
Widely recognized as an authority on black feminist scholarship, her writings
include, Reflections on Black Manhood and GenderTALK
SPECIAL WORKSHOP TRACKS:
GenderLAW: Critical Race Theory & Applications
GenderBASICS: How gender stereotypes affect your community
GenderYOUTH: Leadership Training (space is limited, call today) 202.462.6610
or email mailto:Kristin@gpac.org
Gender4PARENTS : Launching a Parenting Support Network
STAND-UP for Gender Rights! Comedy Show with JUDY GOLD and KYLE GROOMS!
LATE-NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT: The Great Big International Drag King Show 4
Visit http://www.gpac.org/ncg/2004entertainment.html
for more information!
We hope to see you there! Apply for a scholarship today online at: http://www.gpac.org/ncg/2004scholarships.html
*********************************************
15. How do you feel about abstinence-only-until-marriage education?
This is a crucial time to let Congress know how we feel about abstinence-only-until-marriage education.
FACT: Abstinence-only-until-marriage programs censor information about condoms and contraception
FACT: Teaching abstinence until marriage alienates gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth because same sex marriage is illegal in most states
FACT: Sex Education with information about abstinence AND contraception delays sexual activity and decreases teen pregnancies and STI infections
FACT: President Bush wants to double funding for abstinence-only programs this year
FACT: Young people have the right to uncensored information about healthy sexuality
ACT NOW AND SIGN THE PETITION!
http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/petition/
THEN PASS IT ON TO EVERYONE!
WE NEED 50,000 TO DELIVER TO CONGRESS BY APRIL 26TH!!!
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16. Models of Excellence scholarships
Models of Excellence scholarships are due no later than April 12, 2004 to the
Friends of Project 10 Inc. office.
Eligible students are seniors who are graduating from any California High School
and who are going onto any form of higher education.
They need to demonstrate a commitment to LGBT civil rights issues (i.e., started a GSA, participated in a student support group, have a great coming out story, produced a student project, service to the LGBT community).
Contact mailto:project10@hotmail.com
or call (626) 577-4553 for a scholarship application and for more information.
Contact the office if you are interested in sponsoring a scholarship.
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17. NEWS: Sylvia Guerrero, a mother's pain and defiance
From The Advocate, March 30, 2004
When 17-year-old transgendered youth Gwen Araujo was bludgeoned and strangled
to death by three men who discovered she was biologically male at a party in
October 2002, her death took a heavy toll on her mother, Sylvia Guerrero. A
former legal assistant, Guerrero went on disability when her daughter's body
was found in a shallow grave in the wilderness 150 miles from their Newark,
Calif., home in the eastern San Francisco Bay area. And while she has been active
in transgender activists' protests following her daughter's death, she is struggling
to put her life back together. She has lost her job, was evicted from her home,
and has had her disability payments come to a halt.
The trial of the three men charged with killing Gwen Araujo began on March 15.
Not long before, The Advocate talked to Guerrero about the trial and what she's
learned about transgendered people.
How do you feel about the trial?
Nervous. And part of me is scared of the details. But I need to know. I'm that
kind of mom. From the moment Gwen got to that party to her last breath, I want
to know what happened. I understand the past year has been difficult for you
and your family. They didn't just take Gwen that night-they took my whole life.
The pain is still as intense as it was a year ago. Pearl [her oldest child]
didn't work for a long time. Brandon [her 15-year-old son] now lives in Virginia
with his father because he had a hard time handling this. He was in junior high
when they discovered Gwen's body. One of the kids at school asked, "Is
that your faggot brother they killed?" He used to get A's and B's, but
his grades dropped to D's and F's.
What do you know about transgender issues that you didn't know before?
I didn't know what transgender meant. Gwen never used that word. But she knew
who she was, and we were on the same page about that. We discussed the sex change
she wanted, her name, all of it. But I never realized the suffering that goes
with being transgendered.
When did you realize that Gwen was different from other children?
Before she was even 2. As a mother, you just know. She would always play with
Pearl's Barbies, never with Tonka trucks.
How did she come out to you?
We were in our pajamas in my room, painting our toenails. She was 14. She said,
"You know, I'm different. I don't feel like a boy." She said she felt
like a freak, and people always called her names. She said, "I'm not gay."
I don't think at that age she knew what she was, but she knew she didn't identify
with her body. I bought her clothes and makeup. I stood up for her. And I've
been criticized for that, as if somehow I allowed this to happen.
What would you like other transgendered teenagers to know?
Never be ashamed of who you are. Hold your head up high and reach for the stars.
Love yourselves for who you are.
How do you think the media have handled Gwen's death?
Not good. A lot of what they say is wrong. She was never buried in a dress,
and her tombstone does not say "Gwen." Those murderers buried her-do
you think she'd want to be buried now? No. She's in a wooden urn in my home.
And it says, "Gwen Amber Rose Araujo." Amber Rose is the name I chose
when I thought I was going to have a girl. On the urn there's a quote: "Fly
free, our beautiful butterfly angel."
******************************************************
18. NEWS: O.C. Schools' Loan Is Lost Over Issue of Sex Identity
By Joel Rubin
Times Staff Writer
March 24 2004
A decision by three Orange County school trustees based on their Christian beliefs about sexual identity now has a $16-million price tag.
Westminster School District officials announced Tuesday that Bank of America had refused to extend a loan in that amount because of the district's refusal to adopt a state-mandated anti-discrimination law. The stance by the board's three-member majority could also trigger a loss of up to $40 million in state and federal funds - a scenario that would throw the small district into financial upheaval.
"This is no longer 'What if.' This is $16 million we no longer have," said board President James Reed, whose district serves 10,000 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. "When we lose this type of money … the students' education is greatly impacted."
Last month, three of the five trustees voted not to revise the district's anti-discrimination policy to adhere to a California law that requires all public school districts to protect certain groups from discrimination, including transsexuals and others who do not embrace traditional gender roles.
The law requires school anti-discrimination complaint procedures to reflect the state's definition of "sex" as male or female, and "gender" as a person's actual or perceived sex, broadening grounds under which students and teachers can allege discrimination.
The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gender24mar24,1,1008331.story
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19. NEWS: Learning the ABCs of tolerance
Students in all 50 states fight for GSAs as 2,000th club is formed
Washington Blade
By BRYAN ANDERTON
Friday, March 19, 2004
FIFTEEN YEARS AGO, when Kevin Jennings helped a straight student whose mom
was a lesbian start an after-school club dedicated to combating homophobia and
exploring gay issues, he had no idea it would trigger a national trend.
Since then, hundreds of schools across the country have adopted a version of
that first Gay-Straight Alliance at the Concorde Academy in Concorde, Mass.
Some have done so with no resistance from faculty and administrators, while
others have faced intense legal battles to establish GSAs.
Earlier this month, Detroit Central High School became the 2,000th school to register such a club with the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, a New York-based organization that estimates about 10 percent of the 26,000 public and private high schools around the country have GSAs. Not all GSAs are registered with GLSEN.
"I think there is a revolution under way out there in our schools," says Jennings, GLSEN's executive director. "A generation of young people are coming out earlier than ever and standing up for themselves, and a generation of young straight people are standing by their sides. It makes me incredibly proud."
One such student is Nick Guglietta, a senior at River Hill High School in Clarksville, Md., and the vice-president of the school's GSA.
"I personally have not been the target of any acts of homophobia, but
I have been [a] witness to some," Guglietta says. "River Hill has
not been an overly welcoming environment for a student attempting to come out."
In fact, the school received worldwide attention last fall when junior Stephanie
Haaser and a female friend were suspended for standing on a table during their
lunch period and kissing after shouting "End homophobia now!"
Haaser, who is straight, says her intention was to spotlight discrimination
faced by gay teens. But she also notes that River Hill is more gay-friendly
than many other schools, simply by having a GSA in the first place.
"It definitely sends the message that the school is accepting of the gay students," says Haaser, who says she has attended a few of the club's meetings. "If there wasn't one, that's almost like saying that they don't condone gay people. I see no reason why a school shouldn't have one."
Guglietta echoes that sentiment, saying that the school's GSA, which was founded
about three years ago and currently has about 15 active members, "helps
create a better environment to make River Hill a safer space for all students."
River Hill is just one of several dozen schools in the Metro-D.C. area that
have GSAs, according to Robert Rigby, Jr., a spokesperson for GLSEN's National
Capital Area chapter. Rigby, who teaches in Virginia, says most of these groups
are sprinkled throughout the D.C. suburbs, most notably in Fairfax County, Va.,
and Montgomery County, Md. He is only aware of one school in D.C. - Woodrow
Wilson High School - that currently has an active GSA.
WITH SO MUCH focus on gay students in these clubs, it's sometimes easy to forget that they're also dependant upon the support of straight allies, observers say.
"It's important for straight people to be a part of these organizations, because sometimes they can be our strongest allies," Guglietta says. "It creates a much stronger front by having wider representation. We're able to incorporate a more diverse opinion on issues, and figure out how to act effectively toward achieving our goals."
Straight students join these clubs for a number of reasons, according to Carolyn Laub, the executive director of the GSA Network, a San Francisco-based group that promotes the creation of and networking among GSAs in California. Some do so because they want to support friends who are gay, while others do so because they witness the harassment and discrimination that gay teens often face.
"There are straight youth in these schools who witness anti-GLBT discrimination, and they are motivated to act because they see the pain that it's causing," Laub says. "They're outraged and they feel compelled to change things in their community."
This outrage has helped produce a vast increase in the number of clubs being formed across the country in recent years. At the beginning of the 2002-2003 school year, 1,200 GSAs were registered with GLSEN; that number has risen by about 67 percent since then, Jennings says.
"It's interesting because there has been this really explosive growth in just the last few years where it's really entered the public consciousness," Jennings says, noting that there are now GSAs in each of the 50 states. "They really have spread beyond the liberal enclaves to kind of become a national phenomenon."
BUT NOT ALL schools welcome such clubs. Earlier this month, a U.S. District
Court judge ruled that Lubbock High School in Lubbock, Texas, had the right
to prohibit a Gay-Straight Alliance from meeting on school grounds.
Such lawsuits have been filed in the past, and students have eventually won
nearly all, with help from the American Civil Liberties Union and the Lambda
Legal Defense & Education Fund.
One such case involved Marla Dukler, a senior at Klein High School in Houston, Texas, who in October 2002 sued her school district after it refused to allow the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance at her school. Dukler and her lawyers argued the school district violated the Equal Access Act, a federal law Congress approved in 1984 to ensure that student religious groups would be allowed to convene on campuses.
In March 2003, the school district settled the case out of court, and the club
was allowed to meet on campus.
In several extreme cases, some school districts have gone so far as to disband
all extra-curricular activities instead of recognizing a GSA that students wanted
to form.
In 1997, members of the Salt Lake City school board in Utah disbanded all 46 non-curricular clubs in the district's high schools rather than allowing a GSA to be established at East High School. Clubs affected included Students Against Drunk Driving, Young Republicans and Young Democrats, as well as a Bart Simpson Fan Club. For the next three years, students and their lawyers fought the school board in court. In September 2000, the school board reversed its earlier decision and began allowing all clubs to meet on campus.
"I think the biggest influence they have is that they create the knowledge that there are, in fact, gay youth, that people are, in fact, gay at a young age," says Edward R. Gray, executive director of YouthPride, an Atlanta-based organization dedicated to helping gay youth.
"I think the presence of this club in the school sends the message that there are gay people out there - in fact, that there are some in this school," Gray says. "I think it really helps to undercut the argument that homosexuality is based on perversion. It demonstrates that it's not so much a choice. Few people would choose to make themselves the target of physical, emotional or social violence in these schools."
But while these clubs send this message to straight students and teachers, it sends an even more important one to gay students, Laub says.
"What's interesting is, if students go to a school that has a GSA, even if they don't belong to the club, they feel safer knowing that there is a club there," Laub says. "The very existence of the club sends a very important message that you are not alone."
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Queer Quilt Project: What Grants can do for your GSA!
GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Leadership Training (San Francisco)
2. NorCal Youth Council looking for New Members (Northern California)
3. Way-After Party for Expression Not Suppression (Central Valley)
Other Announcements
4. CELEBRATING GSAs - Free To Be Me! (Sacramento)
5. San Jose Mercury News looking for GSA responses to gay marriage
6. 4th Annual Transgender Youth Symposium (Los Angeles)
7. San Francisco Youth Commission Hearing on Sexual Harassment in Schools
8. AQU25WORD: writing workshops for queer API youth under 25 (San Francisco)
9. HONORING FAMILIES: A Public Recognition of Private Courage (San Francisco)
10. Fringe Benefits' Theatre Think Tank at QYCCA Conference (Los Angeles)
11. Queer Prom (Fresno)
12. Free kayak camp for HIV+ youth!
13. Q-Action Announcement (San Francisco)
14. Black Folks Guide to Black Folks: A One-Woman Show by Hanifah Walidah (Mid-Peninsula)
16. California Labor Federation 54th Annual Scholarship Program
15. JOB: AIM High Job Openings 2004
17. JOB: Campaign Organizer/Political Education Coordinator
18. NEWS: Camarillo Teacher Investigated After Discussing His Gay Marriage
19. NEWS: Acceptance of Gays on Rise, Polls Show
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Queer Quilt Project: What Grants can do for your GSA!
A few months ago, GSA Network and Youth Venture piloted start-up grants for GSAs! The project has been very successful so far and we wanted to highlight one team's innovative project and how your GSA club can make change at school and in your community. For some, the change starts with quilting!
Sound interesting?
The GSA at Washington High School in San Francisco, along with the go project at the Richmond Village Beacon Center, will be starting a new program called the Queer Quilt Project. The Queer Quilt will be a way to commemorate those who have been killed because of hate crimes due to homophobia and transphobia. Used as an educational tool, the Washington High students will use the Queer Quilt as a tool for anti-hate trainings for middle school students. Once the Queer Quilt is made, it will be a traveling art exhibit to other Bay Area high schools and middle schools.
This combination of raising awareness about LGBTQQI issues in middle schools, building the leadership and facilitation skills of GSA members, and creating change in their community by getting a little grant money to help make this vision happen is what GSA Network is proud to support!
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
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1. GSA Leadership Training (San Francisco)
Are you committed to ending homophobia and transphobia in your school?
Ready to meet and network with other youth in other GSAs?
Wanna share some knowledge and pick some up as well?
Well then you should come to the GSA Leadership Training!!!
Who: GSA Members and Potential Members and leaders
Where: San Francisco LGBT Center (Youth Space) 1800 Market St., San Francisco
When: Saturday, April 17th from 10am until 4pm
Cost: Free!
Breakfast and Lunch will be provided!
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sean Saifa Wall at mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
or call 415.552.4229.
Co-sponsors: GSA Network, Youth Speaks, API Wellness Center, and YMAC
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2. NorCal Youth Council looking for New Members (Northern California)
Do you have a passion for LGBTQI youth development?
Want to sharpen your skills as an organizer and trainer?
Ready to expand your understanding of race, class, and gender politics in addition
to anti-oppressive principles?
Well then, this is the opportunity!
GSA Network is looking for high school sophomores and juniors who are interested in creating change and furthering the mission of GSA Network as a youth empowerment social change organization.
If you are interested, please visit the web site below or call 415.552.4229 and speak with Sean Saifa Wall or email-->mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org.
For more information, please visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html
People of Color and Transgender folk are encouraged to apply.
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3. Way-After Party for Expression Not Suppression (Central Valley)
Come to the Pizza Pit in Fresno on Blackstone and Princeton on Saturday, April 3rd at 1pm to celebrate and evaluate Expression Not Suppression. Everyone who attended the conference is invited.
Bring cash to chip-in for pizza, a thank you card and a pen so that we can all sign cards to give to everyone who helped us out. Contact Diana for more details. mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org
++++++++++++++++ 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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4. CELEBRATING GSAs - Free To Be Me! (Sacramento)
In partnership with PFLAG and GLSEN, the Gay Straight Alliance Sacramento Leadership
Committee presents a GSA DANCE!
CELEBRATING GSAs - Free To Be Me!
Date: Saturday, April 24, 2004
Time: 8 - 11:30 pm
Place: Hiram Johnson High School Cafeteria
Cost: $5
For students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and straight allies; GSA members or those who support the GSA movement. High school students 18 and under - ID required
For more information, check with your school's GSA or contact the students of the Sacramento Leadership Committee at mailto:sacleadershipcommittee@hotmail.com. GSAs that would like to participate should contact us as soon as possible for information on GSA member discounts, decorating contest, and more!
Dress appropriately for a chaperoned high school dance. The Sacramento Leadership Committee reserves the right to deny entry to any person who does not follow basic standards of dress and safety per normal school procedures. Security will be provided by the administration of Hiram Johnson High School; supervision and chaperones by credentialed teachers/advisors of the various GSAs in attendance.
This will be a FUN and SAFE environment for all!
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5. The San Jose Mercury wants to know GSA responses to Gay Marriage
Hi All -
I cover education at the San Jose Mercury News and am interested in talking
to GSA students about gay marriage.
Have teachers talked about the debate in class, and if so how?
Has any teacher expressed a personal opinion that has made you feel uncomfortable?
Has your school newspaper written articles or editorials about it?
Is your GSA planning any awareness events around the issue of gay marriage?
Thanks!
Please respond to:
Dana Hull
San Jose Mercury News
408.920.2706| office
510.589.2653| cell
mailto:dhull@mercurynews.com
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6. 4th Annual Transgender Youth Symposium (Los Angeles)
The 4th Annual Transgender Youth Symposium will be held June 4, 2004, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Westin, LAX, 5400 W. Century Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045.
Contact (323) 669-2390 for more information re: registration for adults/youth.
$30 per adult.
Preregister before May 5, 2004.
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7. San Francisco Youth Commission Hearing on Sexual Harassment in Schools
Is Sexual Harassment an Issue in Your School? Has this issue affected your
life?
The San Francisco Youth Commission will be holding a hearing to gather your
input on stopping sexual harassment in schools.
Thursday, April 1, 2004 @ 5:00pm
City Hall, room 408
We will be providing a safe place for both young men and women to express their
views and solutions to this problem. Make sure we hear your voice on this important
issue.
The Youth Commission is trying to create a plan for San Francisco schools to
fight against sexual harassment. The proposal will be presented to all public,
private, and charter schools in the City.
Your presence at this meeting will make this proposal the best it can be.
Nervous? You can also come to the hearing just to listen. You will be able to
just write down your thoughts and give them to us. We want everyone to feel
safe, and privacy will be respected.
Some things we want to know:
What can be done to prevent sexual harassment?
How big is this issue in and outside of schools?
Whatís the best way for incidents to be reported?
What can the school district and city agencies do to help schools and students
address this issue?
We are expecting people representing students, teachers, public heath, schools, police, and others. We want everyone to participate together in working to stop sexual harassment in our schools.
Go ahead and call our office for more info: (415) 554-6446
http://www.sfgov.org/youth_commission/t_blank
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8. AQU25WORD: writing workshops for queer API youth under 25 (San Francisco)
wednesday, april 14 &
wednesday, april 28
6-8pm
asian & pacific islander wellness center
730 polk street (at ellis), 4th floor, sf.
ATTENTION all queer and trans Asian & Pacific Islander youth 25 and under - come share your stories and unique voices in a fun social space. Using creative exercises, interactive activities, and discussion, this 2-part writing workshop series will explore important issues affecting your lives and health. Part 1 will focus on our complex identities as young, queer and trans A&PIs and hapas. In Part 2, we will learn from and add our voices to the rich legacy of A&PI writers in the Bay Area and beyond.
Facilitated by Danny Thanh Nguyen and Sabrina Wu
To sign up or for more information, please contact Sabrina Wu, AQU25A Program Coordinator, at 415.292.3420 x315 or mailto:sabrina@apiwellness.org.
Brought to you by AQU25A (Asian & Pacific Islander, Queer & Questioning,
25 & Under, All Together), a program of A&PI Wellness Center. Visit
us at: http://www.apiwellness.org.
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9. HONORING FAMILIES: A Public Recognition of Private Courage (San Francisco)
NOTE: NEW DATE, VENUE
Asian & Pacific Islander Family Pride
HONORING FAMILIES: A Public Recognition of Private Courage
API Family Pride
First Annual Family Presentation Party
Saturday, June 12, 2004
11:00 AM until 3:00 PM
St. Gregory of Nyssa Episcopal Church
500 De Haro St. @ Mariposa
San Francisco (Portero Hill, between 17th & 18th Sts.)
Join API Family Pride, Hon. Mabel Teng and others at the "First Annual
API-FP Family Presentation Party" to honor parents, siblings, relatives
and friends who have overcome the shame of homophobic society to love and accept
their
API gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered children. As thousands of same-sex
families have been issued marriage licenses and married at City Hall in San
Francisco, proudly, Asian and Pacific Islander gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender (GLBT) people have been among them.
Just as City Hall's landmark support for same-sex marriage challenges institutionalized
homophobia with
public demonstrations of love, we can publicly demonstrate the power of API
traditional family love and loyalty that has quietly transformed our API homes.
The example set by our API family's personal struggle is an important one to
acknowledge.
Contact: 510-818-0887 mailto:info@apifamilypride.org
or visit http://www.apifamilypride.org
Event: $ 25-100 API Family Pride - PO Box 473 Fremont, CA 94537
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10. Fringe Benefits' Theatre Think Tank at QYCCA Conference (Los Angeles)
Saturday, April 17, 2004 -- from 2:30 to 3:50pm at Fringe Benefits' Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools at Manual Arts High School's Project 10 & QYCCA
"It's All About Love…" Youth Conference
The 9am to 5:30pm Conference is FREE, with breakfast and lunch provided to
all participants!
(registration information and directions below!)
We will lead FUN theatre games and improvisations, and brainstorm ideas for creative ways to address LGBT issues in schools through plays, assembly presentations, video PSAs and perhaps even Pep Rally skits.
The Think Tank is open to all youth (14 and older), parents, educators, theatre artists, therapists, activists, thinkers and allies interested in creating &/or collaborating on performance pieces dealing with LGBTQ issues.
Bring in issues you're dealing with at your school!
Bring ideas or even drafts of scripts, poems or speeches!
Bring your sense of humor, your outrage, your passion!
Or just come as you are!
The Think Tank will continue to meet throughout the year on the following dates
from 2-to-5pm at GLASS, 735 S. La Brea Blvd., Los Angeles.
May 15 * June 5
Join us whenever and as often as you can!
REGISTRATION:
*Please contact mailto:QYCCA@yahoo.com
or at (323) 823-1257 by April 10 if possible!
(They need to know how much food to prepare and provide!)
*Please also contact Natalya Brusilovsky at mailto:natalya2k@earthlink.net
or call (213) 252-8112 for more information and to RSVP.
**On-Site Registration is also permitted!
LOCATION & PARKING:
This month the workshop will be located at the conference at Manual Arts High
School: 4131 South Vermont Avenue/Los Angeles, CA 90037 (near Martin Luther
King, Jr. Blvd.)
Free parking is available in one of the school lots. There is also some street
parking.
**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.**
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11. Queer Prom (Fresno)
Mark Your Calendars for Queer Prom sponsored by the LGBT Youth Alliance in Fresno. Saturday, May 15th. Watch GSA Network News for details as the date gets closer.
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12. Free kayak camp for HIV+ youth!
Healing Waters is proud to announce its inaugural kayak camp for teens challenging hiv and aids...
Healing Waters is a SF based non-profit that has been leading wilderness adventures for people with hiv/aids since 1996, and we are excited to start offering programming specifically for youth.
liquid will take place on the south fork of the american river (near sacramento, ca) from July 13-18th, 2004. During this week-long camp, youth will learn to kayak, aft, attend a ropes course, meet professional athletes and hear from guest speakers regarding hiv/aids and life.
All transportation, food, and equipment are provided as well as instruction from world-class kayakers and whitewater paddlers. Additionally, there will be a full-time on-site hiv specialist/MD as well as multiple persons with wilderness first aid and cpr certifications on hand for the entirety of the camp.
liquid is free of charge and limited to 12 participants... it will be an incredible experience in gaining skills, confidence and community.
if you know a young person who is living with HIV or AIDS who could benefit from a week of fun and adventure, please visit http://www.hwaters.org for more information or call 415.621.7529, ext. 3250 for more info.
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13. Q-Action Announcement (San Francisco)
"Foolish Beat" -
Thursday, April 1 @ 8:00pm
QnA Lounge - 539 Castro St.
SEX! DRUGS! ROCK n ROLL?
Q Action boys always lead chats on the first two... but what do we know about
music?
Tonight, come get jiggy with a night of QnA Karaoke.
Sing your heart out, learn a new tune and socialize at the QnA Lounge.
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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14. Black Folks Guide to Black Folks: A One-Woman Show by Hanifah Walidah (Mid-Peninsula)
Black Folks Guide to Black Folks
A One Woman Show Featuring
The Many Faces of Hanifah Walidah
Thurs Apr 1st: 5:30pm & 8pm @ The Nitery Theater
Reception @ 7pm @ El Centro Chicano
Old Union, Stanford University
Originally entitled "Straight Black Folks Guide to Gay Black Folks", The Guide is a one-woman comedic tour de force (SF Chronicle) starring the playwright, poet Hanifah Walidah. It was heralded to critical acclaim in both the SF Chronicle and East Bay Express in its preview run. In the play Walidah plays an entire neighborhood of characters linked together in a polyrhythmic mesh of loves and life lessons. Black Folks Guide approaches the topic of homophobia in the black community by remaining true to the familiar as it blurs the lines and giggles in the faces of sexuality, health, love, faith, and fear.
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15. California Labor Federation 54th Annual Scholarship Program
The California Labor Federation and its affiliated unions will award $2,000 scholarships to high school seniors throughout California this year.
The application date this year coincides with International Workers Day!
Deadline: May 1, 2004
Eligibility: Any graduating senior from a California high school who plans to enroll in an accredited college or technical school in 2004.
Essay topic: Describe an important event in the history of California's unions.
Explain why the event was important when it happened and what impact the event
has on all working people in California today.
How to apply:
ð Write an essay of no more than 1,000-words.
ð Type or neatly print your essay.
ð Complete the application form (or a photocopy) and mail it with your essay
and high school transcript to the address below.
For the application form
http://www.calaborfed.org/pdfs/Scholarship2004.pdf
California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO
Attn: Scholarship Application
600 Grand Avenue, Suite 410
Oakland, CA 94610-3561
For additional information contact (510) 663-4000 or email: mailto:scholarships@calaborfed.org
Essay Resources for Students and Teachers:
Labor Education Resources, California Federation of Teachers, AFT
http://www.cft.org/about/comm/labor/map.html
California Labor History Map
http://calpedia.sfsu.edu/calabor/
California Labor History Slide Show
http://www.cft.org/special/cal_hist/index.html
Golden Lands, Working Hands
http://www.cft.org/about/comm/labor/golden.html
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16. AIM High Job Openings 2004
Aim High was founded in 1986 and last summer served more than 700 students. Aim High is an academic and cultural enrichment program for motivated middle-school students who want to learn new and exciting things during the summer.
Aim High operates an intensive and exciting five-week summer school and continues during the academic year with meetings twice a month for tutoring and special activities. Once involved in Aim High, students are eligible to participate in the program for three summers.
Aim High's goal is to assist bright and curious young people in realizing the advantages of secondary and higher education. The academic foundation and personal encouragement each student receives increases the chances for success in advanced studies, much to the benefit of themselves, their families and greater community.
Interested parties should send a resume and cover letter to mailto:alee@aimhigh.org.
For more information about Aim High, please visit http://www.aimhigh.org.
Aim High Development Director
The Aim High Development Director is a full-time position. The salary and benefits
are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include medical
and dental insurance and a retirement plan.
Fundraising Responsibilities
1. Research funding opportunities
2. Write & update proposals
3. Submit grant reports & track grant prospects
4. Maintain donation database
5. Conduct bookkeeping & financial reporting of donations
6. Generate gift reports & thank you letters on a regular basis
7. Meet with the ED and development committee to plan monthly development tasks
8. Manage funder relations & requests
9. Manage DCYF: Mayor's office grant requirements
Publications Responsibilities
1. Design Annual Report/Newsletter & Aim High brochures
2. Update format for summer forms/applications
3. Design & coordinate materials for mailings (special events, etc.)Aim
High Business Manager
The Aim High Business Manager is a ..50 - .1.0 FTE position (TBD). The salary
and benefits are commensurate with qualifications and experience. Benefits include
medical and dental insurance and a retirement plan. Applicants should be experienced
with Filemaker Pro, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, use of the internet and
email.
Primary Responsibility:
The Business Manager is responsible for the management of the business affairs
of Aim High.
Financial Responsibilities
1. Assist in the development of the budget.
2. Manage the budget
3. Provide monthly budget reports, financial statements, reconciliationCash
Management
1. Oversee cash management
2. Manage accounts payable
3. Monitor expenses against budgeted amounts regularly
Tax Filing & Employee Records
1. Oversee preparation and filing of all required federal, state and local tax
returns, including payroll tax, W-2's and 1099s.
2. Oversee implementation of insurance coverage
3. Manage payroll and keep all necessary payroll records as required by law.
4. Oversee the implementation and administration of employee benefits
5. Oversee response to all regulatory issues pertaining to employee/employer
laws.
Equipment
1. Maintain Aim High vehicles and ensure compliance with safety standards
2. Keep inventory records of all equipment purchased and donated
Aim High Program Intern
The Aim High Program Intern is a position which will require approximately 30
hours per week. The stipend will be $1,000 per month for nine months. During
the summer months, both preceding and following the internship, there will be
an opportunity to teach in the Aim High summer program and receive teaching
stipends. Applicants should be energetic, enthusiastic and familiar with Aim
High. Experience with FileMaker Pro, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Dreamweaver,
use of the internet and email are desirable.
Program Responsibilities
1. Coordinate monthly Winter Phase activities for all campuses
2. Attend Winter Phase activities
3. Maintain relationships with Partners (Exploratorium, GGNRA, etc.)
4. Seek new Partner opportunities
5. Communicate with Alumni
6. Design Alumni mailing
7. Coordinate Spring event for Alumni
Office Responsibilities
1. Attend Board meetings and take minutes
2. Manage requests from Board/Directors (random)
3. File documents as needed
4. Miscellaneous phone/fax/DSL maintenance
5. Receive, sort & distribute mail
Technology Responsibilities
1. Maintain Aim High Web Site
2. Maintain technology purchases (software/hardware)
3. Update design/functionality of Constituency database
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17. JOB: Campaign Organizer/Political Education Coordinator
Organizational Description
Mujeres Unidas y Activas (MUA) is a 12-year old grassroots Latina immigrant
women's organization. We are a fiscally sponsored project of The Women's Foundation.††MUA
is composed of a membership of over 350 immigrant women and has offices in San
Francisco's Mission District and in the Fruitvale area of Oakland.
MUA responds to a variety of issues including domestic violence, workers' rights, access to health services, and civil and human rights. We offer leadership trainings for women and girls, mutual support groups and self-esteem workshops, an economic development project, and community education and organizing campaigns which allow immigrant women's voices to be heard on the local, state and national levels.
MUA Campaign Organizer/Political Education Coordinator
Responsibilities will include:
Leadership Development
* Supervise the leadership development and work of 12-15 MUA member campaign
leaders through weekly or bi-weekly team meetings and trainings and one-on-one
meetings.
* Provide guidance for MUA member campaign leaders in areas such as preparation
for presentations, community meetings, and campaign actions; strategy decisions;
establishing of short- and long-term goals; evaluation of individual and campaign
progress, and reporting to and mobilizing the broader MUA membership.
Campaign Organizing
* Assist campaign consultant with collaborative campaign design processes and
ultimately take over the campaign design, supervision, and evaluation responsibilities
of the campaign consultant.
* Assist in forging multi-racial alliances and collaborative campaign strategies
with other organizations.
* Document campaign progress.
Political Education
* Coordinate and deliver periodic political education workshops and organizing
trainings in MUA general meetings in conjunction with MUA member leaders.
* Assist in the planning and delivery of the community organizing module of
MUA's intensive leadership training program.
* Assist MUA staff and members with oral and written translation needs.
Required Qualifications:
* Bilingual English/Spanish
* Several years experience as organizer and strategist for social justice campaigns
* Experience with popular education training methods (training design and implementation)
* Familiarity with and commitment to immigrant rights and other social justice
issues
* Ability to work in collaborative and reciprocal relationships with community
members
* Familiarity with San Francisco Bay Area organizing, organizations, and issues
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to work flexible hours, evenings and weekends
* Willingness to work both in San Francisco and the East Bay
Compensation and Timeline
Hours: 30-40 hours per week, occasional weekend and evening hours
Benefits: Excellent benefits, pro-rated for part-time work
Salary: Depending on experience
Send resume, cover letter, three references, and demonstration of written bilingual
ability by April 1, 2004 to:
Mujeres Unidas y Activas, 3543 18th Street #23, San Francisco, CA 94110
or by email to: mailto:juanita@mujeresunidas.net
Mujeres Unidas y Activas is a fiscally sponsored project of The Women's Foundation, an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, immigrants, youth, gays and lesbians, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply!
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18. NEWS: Camarillo Teacher Investigated After Discussing His Gay Marriage
Not So Happily Ever After: A complaint by a parent prompts the Camarillo school
district to launch an inquiry after a gay teacher discussed his marriage with
students.
Los Angeles Times
Amanda Covarrubias, Times Staff Writer
Ron Fanelle, a Camarillo middle school teacher, had hoped to keep his personal
life out of the classroom.
But that all changed when his seventh- and eighth-grade students recently asked
him about a rumor that he was gay and had married his longtime partner in San
Francisco.
To read more about this, please visit:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gayteacher24mar24,1,3074596.story
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19. NEWS: Acceptance of Gays on Rise, Polls Show
While 30 years' worth of surveys consistently show a majority of Americans
against same-sex marriage, they also reveal some remarkable shifts in attitudes.
By James Ricci and Patricia Ward Biederman
LA Times Staff Writers
March 30, 2004
That gays are more widely accepted in American society is readily apparent in everything from television sitcoms to corporate anti-discrimination policies to recent U.S. Supreme Court opinions.
Less apparent is why and how the shift in attitude occurred. Although some religious and social leaders believe the new visibility of gays points to a national moral decline, the evolution of attitudes about gays is a complex brew of factors, according to historians, social psychologists and others who have studied the phenomenon.
The American Enterprise Institute, a conservative think tank in Washington, D.C., has compiled 30 years' worth of major public opinion poll results on Americans' attitudes toward homosexuals. While the surveys consistently show that about two- thirds of Americans oppose gay marriage, an issue that has now reached the California Supreme Court, they also demonstrate remarkable shifts on numerous other fronts.
For example:
... Public acceptance of gays in the military grew from 51% in a 1977
Gallup Poll to 80% in 2003.
... Approval of gays as elementary school teachers grew from 27% in 1977
to 61% over the same period.
... A 1999 Gallup survey showed that 59% would vote for a well-qualified
presidential candidate who was homosexual, up from 26% in 1978.
"There's been an enormous increase in tolerance -- that's the bottom line,"
said Karlyn Bowman, who compiled the poll results for the institute.
To read more about the article, please visit: http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/california/la-me-change30mar30,1,7069010.story