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GSA Network News Email Archive - March 2006

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March 28, 2007

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

GSA Network Highlight
Over 500 Youth Rock the Capitol at Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007!
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (Northern Central Valley)
2. 10th Annual Queeriosity event (San Francisco)
3. GSA Power T-shirt & More - Buy today!
4. GSA Network is Hiring a National Program Manager
5. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!
6. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)
7. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Southern California
8. “Noche De Colores y Culturas” (Highland Park)
Go directly to Southern California listings

Northern California
9. The Sonshine Project for African American Gay Males (Sacramento)
Go directly to Northern California listings

Statewide
10. New Website on Teen Health
Go directly to Statewide listings

News
11. NEWS: California School Agrees to Sponsor Gay-Straight Alliance Club
12. NEWS: Queer-Kid Civics
13. NEWS: Piden Proteger a Estudiantes Gays en Planteles Escolares
14. NEWS: Capital Man in Vanguard on Gay Rights
Go directly to News listings

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

Over 500 Youth Rock the Capitol at Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007!

On March 26, youth activists filled the hallways and offices of the State Capitol building to speak truth to power and educate lawmakers about the need for safer schools for LGBTQ and ally students. Youth representing schools and communities from all over California--East LA, Oakland, Bakersfield, Palm Springs, San Francisco--and many cities and towns in between came out in full force to take part in what was a hugely inspiring and empowering day of activism and advocacy.

The theme of the day turned out to be energy! Energy crackled in the air and pulsed through every conversation. From the moment youth began to stream off the buses and arrive at the Crest Theater to when we marched together to rally at the Capitol and drowned out the hateful words of local anti-LGBTQ protestors to when youth sat down with legislators and members of their staff, you could see the energy of social justice and positive change shining in each hopeful face.

The fight doesn't stop here, though! Oh, no! We're going to need even more of the energy we saw come together on Monday to continue working for safer, more supportive schools here in California. GSA Network, BIENESTAR, and Equality California Institute--QYAD 2007's co-sponsors--will continue to work together with the GSAs and youth activists to follow up with Monday's lobby visits and help ensure the passage of AB 394 (Safe Place to Learn Act) and SB 777 (Students Civil Rights Act).

New tools and resources on how your GSA can get involved will be posted soon to http://www.gsanetwork.org/qyad and http://www.myspace.com/qyad2007. We encourage you to continue the conversations that began on Monday. We need to keep working with lawmakers, talking to the media, educating our teachers, families, and other community members about what needs to be done to end harassment and discrimination in schools.

Below are some of the inspiring words from youth who attended Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007:

"I came because equality is always the answer and I believe in the cause of supporting my LGBTQ friends."

"The most valuable part of the event was the lobbying, due to the fact that I had a voice in what goes on in the legislature."

"In one of my classes, I am often harassed, even though I am straight. They harass me because I'm in the GSA. I found the rally very empowering, especially when I realized the great difference in sizes between our marchers and the homophobic protestors."

"I think what we're fighting for is super important and I want to represent all the people not here who feel the same."

"I have been ostracized in class and harassed by students. I came to make sure our legislators know exactly who they are representing. When I go home, I'm going to speak with my legislators at their district offices."

"After this, I will continue to feel empowered and stand up for my rights and rights of others however I can."

"I will make sure to vote when I turn 18. I will also write to my newspaper about supporting the LGBTQ community."

"I will definitely pay close attention as to where my representatives stand on the issues so my vote in 2008 really counts!"

"QYAD is my absolute favorite event of the year. As a citizen of the world, I realize that equality and safety in schools throughout the world is essential. Once California is protecting its students, the world will follow."

If you have photos, reflections, or feedback to share about your experience at QYAD 2007, please send them to mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org.

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

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1. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (Northern Central Valley)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2007 and will only be open to about 15 participants so you must sign up in advance. It includes breakfast
and lunch! We will also have GSA Network t-shirts and buttons available for purchase!!

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

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

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

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.
WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, April 14th.
WHERE: Location and time will be given when you inquire or register!!
COST: Free!

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

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
Sara Martinez, GSA Network Central Valley Program Associate, at 559-268-2780 or mailto:sara@gsanetwork.org.

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2. 10th Annual Queeriosity event (San Francisco)

Youth Speaks is celebrating our 10th year of programming our Queeriosity event, which highlights LGBTQ youth voice and the power of the word. This year we are especially excited because we won a Horizon's grant which will allow us to do our first full day of Queer Arts programming with our 1st Annual Q. Arts-in-Education Festival. On June 15th at the LGBTQ Center we will be hosting our Q. Arts-in-Education Festival from 9 am to 3 p.m., and our 10th Annual Queeriosity event from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Q. Arts-in-Education Festival brings communities together to create a unique educational experience positioned around queer issues and art making. The day consists of creative art making experiences fused with socio-political agenda items focused on the LGBTQ community. The Q. Arts-in-Education Festival brings people together working around youth and the significance of their voice, and the celebration of diversity and uniqueness in our world. This event provides a full day of workshops, a panel discussion and performance, inviting youth to explore and discuss issues around LGBTQ youth culture.

Queeriosity is a night of performance exploration, and a bonding of artists around issues concerning same sex relationships, questioning sexuality, queer culture, life style and conversations around society in general. This evening breaks down the barriers of differences and asks important questions about our common humanity and same-ness. Performances from the evening event will showcase youth from the Teen Poetry Slam, emerging spoken word artists such as Chinaka Hodge, Kirya Traber and Michelle 'Mush' Lee, as well as our featured performer, artistic director and LA based choreographer Christopher 'Eclipse' Brown. This evening will definitely continue the rich performance history that is Queeriosity!

Friday June 15, 2007
Q. Arts-in-Education Festival
Registration Opened to All youth ages 13-19
9-3pm
Free

To register email mailto:khalil@youthspeaks.org or call 415 255 9035 ext. 18
Friday June 15, 2007
Queeriosity: Celebrating 10 years!!!
7pm-10pm
Featuring Youth Speaks Teen Slam Poets, Susanna Myrseth, Chinaka Hodge, Michelle Lee, Kirya Traber, Terry Taplin, Khalil.Anthony, Artistic Director Eclipse and more.
Free

In collaboration with QCC, Horizons Foundation, GSA Network

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3. GSA Power T-shirt & More - Buy today!

Another GSA Network T-shirts hot off the press... Cafepress that is.

Do you just love our GSA Power postcard? Well, now it's a shirt. Buy it today and help support GSA Network!

Order one of our three New T-shirts and help support GSA Network
* GSA Power
* A is for Ally
* Activist
* Male, Female, Other / Neither / All of the above

Also in stock
* I heart GSA
* I HELLA Heart GSA
* and our classic GSA Organizing Shirt

These new designs can ONLY be purchased at our on-line store. For every item you buy GSA Network gets a small donation ($3-$5) to keep doing all the good work we do!!!

So, help support GSAs and look cool doing it.

To Buy Today: http://www.cafepress.com/gsanetwork

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4. GSA Network is Hiring a National Program Manager

GSA Network is seeking a National Program Manager to oversee the development and management of its new national programs. Over the past two years, GSA Network has embarked on an exciting national expansion. In 2005, GSA Network founded the National Association of GSA Networks, which brings together youth and adult leaders from state and regional GSA networking groups in nearly 20 states to network and share best practices for GSA organizing.

Additionally, GSA Network has piloted a replication of its model for GSA organizing in New Mexico, helping the Santa Fe Mountain Center establish the New Mexico GSA Network. In 2006, GSA Network completed a national expansion strategic plan that formalizes its national training and replication activities. GSA Network's national program will further the organization's mission by expanding its unique youth-driven, state-based program model nationally - adding an important voice to the LGBT, safe schools, and social justice movements.

The National Program Manager is responsible for running GSA Network's national programs, including supporting the core current operations of the National Association of GSA Networks and the development and coordination of our National Training and Replication Program.

To view the entire job description and learn how to apply, visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/about

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

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

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

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

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6. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)

Intern call outs!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events, resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of GSA Network.

Southern California
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8. “Noche De Colores y Culturas” (Highland Park)

The Wall - Las Memorias Project invites you to:

“Noche De Colores y Culturas”

An evening for celebrating the Queer/LGBT community through art and entertainment. Join us for a fun night of live music, theatre skits, spoken word, poetry reading, an art exhibition.

Friday, April 20th, 2007
7:00 pm – 11:00 pm
111 N. Avenue 56
Highland Park, CA 90042

For more information contact Alejandro Menchaca at:
323-257-1056 ext. 26 or mailto:amenchaca@thewalllasmemorias.org

Light refreshments and appetizers.

This is a free event open to all the community and all ages.

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Northern California
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9. The Sonshine Project for African American Gay Males (Sacramento)

Come hang out with us. Meet males your age. Eat and discuss the challenges of being a gay youth, coming out, and safer sex options.

The sessions meet Wednesday from 6pm-8:30pm or Saturdays from 3pm-5:30pm.

All students will recieve a $40 gift certificate to Arden Mall for attending two consecutive sessions. There are raffles and prizes, food and drinks, and its a great way to meet new males your age.

If you are a African American male and you are interrested in attending please call... 916-427-4653 to reserve your seat.

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Statewide
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10. New Website on Teen Health

The National Center for Youth Law (NCYL) is pleased to announce the launch of http://www.TeenHealthRights.org!

As part of NCYL's Teen Health Rights Initiative, this new website is designed to help CA adolescent health care providers understand the many laws that impact their work, with a focus on reproductive health. The site contains information produced by NCYL as well as other organizations specializing in adolescent health care.

It includes:
-Minor consent, confidentiality, and child abuse reporting laws, including guidebooks, charts, and wallet cards
-An "Ask the Experts" section
-Upcoming events and trainings
-Articles on adolescent health issues
-Materials and information from other adolescent health care organizations
-Links to outside resources for providers
-Information on laws in other states

Among the commonly asked questions answered on http://www.TeenHealthRights.org:
-When may providers share health care information with a parent?
-When must providers report consensual sexual activity to child abuse authorities?
-Who may consent for a patient's care when neither parent is available?
-What are the current laws affecting adolescents' access to abortion services?

Please visit http://www.TeenHealthRights.org! We want this site to be helpful to you and would appreciate your suggestions and feedback (click on the link at the bottom of "About the Teen Health Rights Initiative" box on the homepage).

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News
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11. NEWS: California School Agrees to Sponsor Gay-Straight Alliance Club

3.21.07
247gay.com
247gay.com Newscenter Staff

After working for almost two years to gain recognition for a gay-straight alliance club (GSA) at Madera High School in Madera, Calif., students finally got the go-ahead from their school board this past week. The American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California and GSA Network negotiated on behalf of about 10 students who had been trying to gain recognition since the spring of 2005 for the club, which hopes to provide a safe haven for students to discuss lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues.

"We're all just so happy and excited that our school is finally treating us like any other club so we can do everything we can to make Madera High School safe for everyone," Thalia Arenas, a senior who has been involved in the Fresno-area school's GSA since its inception and currently serves as president, said in a release. "We knew that what the school was telling us about requirements for clubs couldn't possibly be legal, and we're glad they finally understand that and won't put up any more roadblocks."

Arenas and several other students first approached school officials about forming the club in the spring of 2005. They were told that all clubs must be approved by the board of the Madera Unified School District and that such approval might take six months. The GSA approached school officials again a year later and were finally allowed to meet on campus, but were told the GSA would not be a "school-sponsored" club and therefore they wouldn't be allowed to make announcements, post bulletins, raise funds on campus, or do other things that so-called "school-sponsored" clubs were allowed to do. Several other clubs at Madera High School were granted the benefits that the GSA club wasn't-including Bike Club, Bowling Club, Hip-Hop Club, Ping Pong Club and Snowboarding Club.

In January of this year, the ACLU sent a letter to Madera school officials explaining that the federal Equal Access Act requires public schools to treat all non-curricular student clubs equally and prohibits favoring some clubs over others by classifying them as either "school-sponsored" or "non-school-sponsored."

" This is a tremendous victory for all students at Madera High School," said Carolyn Laub, executive director of GSA Network. "We hope to help all schools in California understand that they're required to treat all clubs equally, and we hope schools come to appreciate the role GSAs play in giving students a safe space to support each other and reduce harassment at their schools."

To read the full article, visit:
http://www.247gay.com/article.cfm?section=66&id=13725

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12. NEWS: Queer-Kid Civics

Queer-Kid Civics
Hundreds of Gay Youth are About to Descend on the Capitol to Lobby for Safer Schools
By Sena Christian
Sacramento News & Review

As an openly gay male, Lance Chih didn't feel safe in high school. In the bathroom, during his sophomore year, someone tossed a glass bottle into his stall, yelled an anti-gay slur and threatened to kill him. Two weeks later, a classmate threw a rock at his head. During health class, two students taunted him with lurid questions about his sexual history and the teacher didn't even intervene.

"It got to the point where I wouldn't eat lunch because I'd be afraid of being occupied doing something," said the tall, dark-haired Chih, 19, who graduated from Folsom High School in 2006. "I couldn't let down my guard."

After filing complaints that went nowhere, Chih decided he'd had enough. He started a gay-straight alliance to create a safe supportive space for LGBTQ students on campus.

On March 26, Chih will join an estimated 500 youth from across the state for a day of lobbying and advocacy training at the state Capitol. The second annual Queer Youth Advocacy Day mobilizes students around the issues of discrimination and personal safety, giving queer youth a hands-on civics lesson while drawing legislative attention to the issues that affect them.

"I want to partake in my right to address my lawmakers," said Chih, one of 80 youth who will train as advocacy leaders for the event.

Leaders will work in pairs with assigned groups to represent each of the 40 Senate districts. Each group will speak with a senator and two Assembly members, advocating for Senate Bill 777, a civil-rights bill introduced by Senator Sheila Kuehl that creates uniform nondiscrimination standards and clarifies protections for students in public schools.

"It's enormously empowering to be together with other young people and realize you're not alone. You may be isolated and alone at your own school, but with this event you see you're shaping history," said Carolyn Laub, executive director of the Gay-Straight Alliance Network, one of the event sponsors.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/Content?oid=300634

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13. NEWS: Piden Proteger a Estudiantes Gays en Planteles Escolares

Piden Proteger a Estudiantes Gays en Planteles Escolares
Estudio Revela Que Unos 200 Mil Alumnos Son Víctimas de Acoso Por Su Orientación Sexual

March 27, 2007
La Opinion
by Araceli Martínez-Ortega

SACRAMENTO.- Más de 200 mil estudiantes de California -un 8% del total- fueron víctimas de acoso en un solo año debido a su orientación sexual.

Así se desprende de un informe, correspondiente al año 2004, presentado por la Coalición de Escuelas Seguras de California y el Centro 4-H para el Desarrollo de la
Universidad de California en Davis.

Por ello, cientos de jóvenes estudiantes de la comunidad lésbico-gay, bisexual y transgénero se reunieron ayer en el Capitolio estatal para demandar que termine el acoso
y hostigamiento en su contra dentro de las escuelas secundarias de California.

El informe agrega que, más del 91% de todos los muchachos reportaron haber escuchado a los estudiantes hacer comentarios negativos en base a la orientación sexual.

De acuerdo a esta investigación, los estudiantes víctimas de hostigamiento son más propensos a sufrir de depresión, faltar a la escuela y decaer académicamente.

Mario Guerrero, director de relaciones públicas de la organización Bienestar dijo que aunque han pasado tres años desde que se hizo el estudio, el acoso contra los jóvenes
de la comunidad lésbico-gay, bisexual y transgénero continúa.

"Por eso hemos venido aquí a traer el mensaje de que los estudiantes necesitan un espacio seguro para aprender, independientemente de su orientación sexual", observó.

Raúl Hernández, un estudiante gay de San Francisco, de 18 años, reveló que él faltó todo un año a clases, incómodo por las groserías de que era víctima por parte de
sus compañeros de escuela.

"El problema es que muchos maestros no saben cómo actuar en estos casos", estableció.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.laopinion.com/archivo/index.html?START=1&RESULTSTART=1&DISPLAYTYPE=single&FREETEXT=gay&FDATEd12=yesterday&FDATEd13=&BOOLp00=&SORT_MODE=Relevancia

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14. NEWS: Capital Man in Vanguard on Gay Rights

Capital Man in Vanguard on Gay Rights
With a '77 White House Delegation, He Helped Initiate Policy Changes

March 27, 2007
Sacramento Bee
by Matt Weiser - Bee Staff Writer

Thirty years ago, George Raya of Sacramento and a small team of cohorts achieved the unthinkable: a meeting with White House staff to discuss gay rights.

The meeting in 1977 was the first time in history that any president allowed a formal discussion of gay rights in the White House. Though the delegation did not see President Carter himself, their meeting with his staff in the Roosevelt Room was a milestone that led to many policy changes.

" It did start the ball rolling," said Raya, now 57 and a resident of Sacramento's midtown neighborhood. "Back then we had no rights. We've made some progress in some areas, and in others we've still got so far to go."

Monday's anniversary of that visit coincided with the second annual Queer Youth Advocacy Day in Sacramento. About 400 high school and college students from around the state met with politicians to urge support for SB 777, a bill that would add teeth to existing laws that prohibit discrimination against gays and lesbians at school. Raya participated as a monitor during the group's rally at Capitol Park.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/144433.html

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March 21, 2007

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

GSA Network Highlight
The Ins and Outs of Filing a Complaint
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. Queer Youth Advocacy Day: Schedule
2. GSA Power T-shirt & More - Buy today!
3. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (Northern Central Valley)
4. GSA Network is Hiring a National Program Manager
5. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!
6. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)
7. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Southern California
8. “Noche De Colores y Culturas” (Highland Park)
9. LGBTQ Youth Prom, Sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc. (Los Angeles)
Go directly to Southern California listings

Northern California
10. Youth White Anti-Racist Training (San Francisco)
11. Corpus Christi Theatre Production (San Francisco)
Go directly to Northern California listings

Statewide
12. GSA Program Assistant/SFSU Graduate Student Is Seeking Your Input for a Study!
Go directly to Statewide listings

National
13. Day of Silence Buttons and Tags for your Webpage!
Go directly to National listings

Scholarships
14. Steve Silver Foundation & Beach Blanket Babylon Scholarship for the Arts
15. Bay Area College Scholarship Opportunity
16. PFLAG San Diego Scholarships Available!
17. Models of Excellence Scholarship, Sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc.
Go directly to Scholarships listings

Jobs
18. LYRIC Operations Manager (San Francisco)
Go directly to Jobs listings

News
19. NEWS: Governor Signs Bill to Ban School Bullying
Go directly to News listings

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

The Ins and Outs of Filing a Complaint

Considering Filing a Complaint?
Many of us have experienced that moment of dread that comes along with deciding whether or not to make a complaint. For instance, it may arise after being teased by a teacher in the hall, being threatened in the locker room, or being told in health class that homosexuality is not “traditional.” The first question may be – who should I tell? The next question – will anyone care? The last may be – what will happen to me if I do tell someone? This can be a scary situation for any of us.

These legitimate fears and concerns were meant to be addressed when the California legislature passed Assembly Bill 537 in 2000. This law protects students and school employees at all public schools in California (and all schools receiving state funding that are not religious) from harassment and discrimination based on personal characteristics, including actual and perceived sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. In essence, this law affirmatively tells students, “Yes, people care about what happens to you at school… and you can report it and the school must protect you… and you have the right to feel safe and respected!”

Uniform Complaint Procedures
Along with assuring these protections, legislators, activists, lawyers, and educators in California also wanted to create a method for students to truly be protected. The Uniform Complaint Procedures (“UCP”) is a state regulation that lays out the process for student complaints. Essentially, there are three “levels” of complaints.

1. First, the student files a complaint with the designated person at her/his/hir school. And the student should be careful to document all evidence of the incidents of which she/he/ze is complaining.
2. Then, if the school fails to protect the student, the student should immediately file a complaint with the school district, at the superintendent’s office. The school district then has 60 days to respond to the student’s complaint.
3. Next, if the complaint still is not addressed adequately, the student can decide to appeal to the California Department of Education (“CDE”) within 15 days of hearing from the school district. Once the student appeals to CDE, CDE must complete its investigation of students’ appeals within 60 days.

More helpful, detailed information about making a complaint is available at http://www.gsanetwork.org/resources/ab537.html. Check it out.

Improving the Process
As a statewide governmental organization, the CDE is required to do a number of things on behalf of students who wish to make complaints at school. CDE is required to review, monitor, and provide technical assistance to all local educational agencies (i.e. schools and school districts) regarding the complaint process and require corrective action by schools if the schools did not take the appropriate action to protect students. Basically, CDE is the highest-level state organization that oversees schools and school districts and has the responsibility of ensuring that students are being treated fairly. In fact, CDE is responsible for ensuring school districts’ compliance with AB 537.

Students in the past have expressed concern that they are not receiving responses from their schools, districts, or the CDE in a timely manner. Another concern is that students have not been provided with adequate information to allow them to participate in the appeals process on the three levels.

In response to these concerns, the California Safe Schools Coalition (“CSSC”), which is an important resource for students, teachers, and administrators in overseeing the safety of all students, is working with the CDE to find ways to improve the complaint process for students. This is something very important to many educators, activists, legislators, and state administrators. Information on CSSC can be found at http://www.casafeschools.org/. Information on the CDE can be found at http://www.cde.ca.gov/.

Decide what is Right for YOU
Ultimately, you are in the best position to decide which course of action to take for yourself. Learning all the available options and talking to people who have experience with issues of harassment, discrimination, and prejudice will empower you to make the best decision.

The complaint process can sometimes be intimidating, but there are supportive organizations such as GSA Network that can help assist and empower you. Students can also turn to one another for support, especially if there is a GSA club or community center. The American Civil Liberties (ACLU) website for school safety resources is available at http://aclu.org/lgbt/relatedinformation_resources.html. This lists every legal issue we can think of, including complaint procedures, and ideas for how to problem solve.

Please remember: you are not alone, and you have the right to be safe at school, regardless of the state in which you live or the school that you attend. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact an organization such as GSA Network.

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

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1. Queer Youth Advocacy Day: Schedule

Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 is on March 26 in Sacramento. Youth are going to rock the Capitol and advocate for safer schools! Below is the basic agenda for the day.

The Crest Theater is located at 1013 K Street.
The Capitol Building is located at 10th & L Street.

QYAD sponsors are providing free breakfast and lunch to participants who registered before the deadline of March 19. Please bring money to buy dinner during your trip home.

8:00-9:00
Registration & Breakfast - Crest Theater lobby & auditorium

9:00-11:30
Introductions & Opening Ceremony - Crest Theater auditorium
Lobbying Training & Practice - Crest Theater auditorium

11:30-12:00
Lunch & Sign-making Party - Crest Theater auditorium

12:00-1:00
Rally! - Capitol Building, east side on the lawn

1:00-3:30
Lobbying visits - Capitol Building, various offices
Workshops - Capitol Building (rooms 125), Crest Theater Auditorium, and various offices around the Capitol

3:30-4:30
Closing ceremony - Crest Theater auditorium

5:00
Buses depart Sacramento.
For more information contact Lai-San at mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org or call at 415-552-4229

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2. GSA Power T-shirt & More - Buy today!

Another GSA Network T-shirts hot off the press... Cafepress that is.

Do you just love our GSA Power postcard? Well, now it's a shirt. Buy it today and help support GSA Network!

Order one of our three New T-shirts and help support GSA Network
* GSA Power
* A is for Ally
* Activist
* Male, Female, Other / Neither / All of the above

Also in stock
* I heart GSA
* I HELLA Heart GSA
* and our classic GSA Organizing Shirt

These new designs can ONLY be purchased at our on-line store. For every item you buy GSA Network gets a small donation ($3-$5) to keep doing all the good work we do!!!

So, help support GSAs and look cool doing it.

To Buy Today: http://www.cafepress.com/gsanetwork

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3. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (Northern Central Valley)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2007 and will only be open to about 15 participants so you must sign up in advance. It includes breakfast
and lunch! We will also have GSA Network t-shirts and buttons available for purchase!!

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

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

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

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.
WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, April 14th.
WHERE: Location and time will be given when you inquire or register!!
COST: Free!

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

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
Sara Martinez, GSA Network Central Valley Program Associate, at 559-268-2780 or mailto:sara@gsanetwork.org.

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

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

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

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

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6. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)

Intern call outs!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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9. LGBTQ Youth Prom, Sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc. (Los Angeles)

This annual event is held in May of each year at the Friendship Auditorium in Los Angeles (near Griffith Park).

This year's prom will be held on Friday, May 18, 2007.

Prepaid tickets are $30 and tickets bought at the door at $40, which includes free parking, dinner, beverages, DJ, and live entertainment.

Visit http://www.modelsofpride.org for prom details and ticket application. Contact us at mailto:project10@hotmail.com or 626-577-4553 for more information.

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Northern California

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10. Youth White Anti-Racist Training (San Francisco)

Y-STEP: Youth Step Toward Addressing Racism presents...

What: STEPPIN IT UP 101: A Racial Justice Training for White Youth
When: Friday, April 13- Sunday, April 15, 2007
Where: San Francisco (Location will be bus and BART-accessible)
Cost: FREE!

Description:
In this 2-day popular education workshop, participants will gain tools with which to better understand racism and other systems of oppression in the US, how they work, and how we can challenge them at institutional, interpersonal, and personal levels.

Training topics:
White Privilege, Institutional Racism, Systems of Oppression, History of Racism, and Resistance.

This training is open to white youth 14-22 years old.

Schedule:
Friday, April 13, 6-9pm: Orientation and Dinner
Saturday, April 14, 10-5pm: Training Day 1
Sunday, April 15, 10-5pm: Training Day 2

Y-STEP Mission:
Y-STEP is a Bay Area-based racial justice education and training program for white youth. Our mission is to build the collective responsibility of white people to confront racism and white supremacy by working with primarily white youth through workshops and trainings.

Our vision is that Y-STEP will ignite inspiration and courage in other white youth and adults to stand up for racial justice, and continue to build a legacy of accountable white people.

For an application, please email mailto:ystepbayarea@gmail.com

General Contact Info:
http://www.ystep.org or http://www.myspace.com/ystep

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11. Corpus Christi Theatre Production (San Francisco)

MCCV Presents
The Los Angeles Critically-Acclaimed production Corpus Christi
by Terrence McNally

Directed by Nic Arnzen

Terrence McNally's Corpus Christi is a retelling of the Jesus story, with Jesus as a gay man living in 1950s Corpus Christi, Texas. Originally opening in 1998 to bomb threats and protests and continuing in various cities with the same reception, this revival production has been able to share McNally's message without a single demonstration. In our correspondence with McNally, perhaps he says it best: "The play was meant to enlarge (people's) understanding of the divinity in each of us and at the same time, to include gay men and women in the story of Christ's life and encourage a return to spirituality. It is pretty easy for gay people to feel alienated from any and all religions. The play is my attempt to lessen that feeling of alienation where gay men and women are spiritual 'heroes' as well." Typically performed by thirteen young men, this production continues to celebrate the play's message of embracing diversity by casting both men and women of a large age range.

WHERE: Mama Calizo‚s Voice Factory, 1519 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

WHEN: Limited Engagement of 5 shows only! April 12-14, 8:00 pm*, April 14-15, 2:00 pm.
*Friday and Saturday night shows followed by special cast/crew talk-backs

TICKETS: $20.00 General Admission. (Senior/Student and Artist Discount Available.)

For Reservations or more info please call the Voice Factory Box Office at 415- 368-1244 or visit http://www.vociefactorysf.org/.

For more information about the production please visit and be our friend at http://www.myspace.com/asyoubelievesoshallyoube.

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Statewide
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12. GSA Program Assistant/SFSU Graduate Student Is Seeking Your Input for a Study!

Hi to all you fabulous GSA members!

I am currently a Masters student in Women Studies at San Francisco State University. I’m working on a research project that is titled “That Doesn’t Happen Here”: Addressing Racism in California Gay-Straight Alliances. I’d like to survey youth who are still in high school and who are still involved with their GSAs about how they incorporate and discuss issues of race and/or racism.

If you feel that you have something important to say about this topic and would like to be interviewed please feel free to email me at mailto:khosmon@gmail.com.

People who, like you, are under 18, must have parental permission to participate in research. At the same time, for example, you may not yet be “out” to your parents or your parents may not know or approve of your involvement with the Gay-Straight Alliance, and for this reason, you do not want to give them a consent form to sign. If that is the case, please ask me for a waiver of parental permission, which will allow you to participate in my research while still maintaining your privacy. If you’re interested, I will get that to you through snail mail (or if you have access to a fax machine, I could fax it to you). Upon its return, I will then email you the link to Survey Monkey, a secured website.

My larger goal is to have your input in creating new curriculum addressing issues of race and/or racism so that GSAs have a handy tool for multi-issue organizing!

And don’t worry about having to meet me somewhere in San Francisco. I’m going to do all interviews by internet, so no one has to make any ridiculous treks across California and neither do I!

Participation in this research is voluntary. You may stop your participation at any time and/or leave any question blank. Your completion and electronic submission of this survey is a sign of your consent to participate in this research. If you have any questions, please contact me, Kiely, at mailto:khosmon@gmail.com or my advisor Dr. Julia Hua at mailto:jyhua@sfsu.edu.

Thank you in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Kiely Hosmon

GSA Network Program Assistant
SFSU Grad Student

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National
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13. Day of Silence Buttons and Tags for your Webpage!

Get Day of Silence buttons and tags for your webpage!

Get Day of Silence buttons and tags for your webpage on Myspace, Facebook, Blogger, etc.!

The Day of Silence is coming: April 18, 2007

Spread the word. Help build the strength of this national event!

Buttons and tags for your web page are available at: http://www.dayofsilence.org/content/buttons.html

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Scholarships
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14. Steve Silver Foundation & Beach Blanket Babylon Scholarship for the Arts

*Deadline Approaching*

The Steve Silver Foundation & Beach Blanket Babylon Scholarship for the Arts is dedicated to giving Bay Area high school seniors the opportunity to pursue an education in the performing arts. Three $10,000 scholarships will be awarded, one in each of the following categories: Voice, Acting and Dance.

Entries will be first judged by a panel of performing arts professionals and experts, who will pick the top three finalists in each category. Finalists will be notified by phone on May 7, 2007, and will perform their selection live at Club Fugazi on Monday, June 4, 2007.

Eligibility:
-All applicants must be legal residents of the United States or one of its official territories.
-Students must be seniors enrolled at a Bay Area High School.
-Students must include a completed entry form along with a recording of their performance (see Tape Submission Guidelines below).
-Scholarships are awarded based on talent. Grades and financial need are not factors.
-Scholarship awards are contingent upon proof of enrollment in an accredited post-secondary institution. If you are chosen as a winner, you must agree to attend an accredited post-secondary institution within a year of receiving the scholarship award.

Application must include signature verification that information provided is accurate and that the scholarship award will be applied toward the cost of education at a fully accredited institution.

General Guidelines
-One entry per person. Entries must be made in only one category and only one song, dance or acting piece can be performed on your recording.
-The time limit for all entries is 3 minutes. Any material that extends past 3 minutes will be disregarded.
-Use a VHS, VHS-C, Digital CD-ROM or DVD, recorded at the standard play speed. Black and white or color tapes are acceptable. All tapes must be unedited. Cassette tapes, CDs and Mini-DVs will not be accepted for any category.
-The piece that you perform on your recording does not have to be the same piece performed if you are chosen as a finalist.
-Use a backdrop that will not divert the viewer's attention from theperformance.
-The material to be judged must appear at the beginning of the tape, and the tape should only contain the performance piece that you are submitting.
- Make sure to review your tape before submission to ensure high quality recording.

The top three finalists in each category must be present to perform their selection live at Club Fugazi on Monday, June 4th. One winner in each category will be chosen by a panel of judges, based on the criteria outlined. The three winners will each be presented with a check for $10,000 on Monday, June 4th, by the Steve Silver Foundation.

Click here for more info:
http://www.beachblanketbabylon.com/scholar/scholar.html

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15. Bay Area College Scholarship Opportunity

This scholarship will provide 10 high school seniors with $5,000 to $10,000 in financial aid to top Bay Area colleges this fall. A total of $75,000 will be awarded in 2007 to students demonstrating a combination of financial need, community involvement, leadership skills, and academic accomplishments.

The Bay Area Council, a public policy and advocacy organization for Bay Area businesses, has put together this scholarship program to assist local underserved youth who are hoping to succeed in college.

More details about the program, including eligibility requirements and an application, can be found at:
http://www.bayareafamilyoffunds.org/programs/scholarship.shtml.

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16. PFLAG San Diego Scholarships Available!

Attention GLBT high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students :

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) San Diego is offering scholarships for Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgendered (GLBT) students.
If you can use $1,000.00 to help pay school expenses and are a San Diego County resident, apply for one of our $1,000.00 scholarships!

Visit http://pflag.com for details and a downloadable application.

Application deadline is Monday, April 16, 2007.

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17. Models of Excellence Scholarship, Sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc.

This competition is open to any senior high school student who is graduating from a California senior high school and who has demonstrated a commitment to LGBT civil rights.

The student needs to provide evidence that he/she is going on to some form of higher education. Awards of $1,000 and $500 are given at a scholarship dinner in June 2007.

Applications are on the http://www.modelsofpride.org Web site. Contact us at mailto:project10@hotmail.com or 626-577-4553 for more information.

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Jobs:
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18. LYRIC Operations Manager (San Francisco)

Position Summary
The Operations Manager serves as a key member of LYRIC’s Administrative Team, which shares the responsibilities necessary to ensure the agency’s overall administration is supporting the needs of the program and fund development departments, meeting LYRIC’s fiscal, legal and contractual obligations, and creating a safe and positive work environment for LYRIC’s staff, interns and volunteers. This position reports to the Executive Director, and works cooperatively with other members of the administrative team, including the Fiscal Manager and any interns, consultants and vendors that may be engaged to support the administration of the organization. Position responsibilities and vendor relationships can be restructured within the boundaries of the areas of responsibilities detailed below to build on a candidate’s strengths and support areas identified as areas for growth.

Responsibilities
Office Management:
• Facility management: Coordination of general office organization and appearance including cleaning/garbage removal/recycle and repair, ensure compliance with Americans With Disabilities Act
• Facility maintenance and renovation: Manage all projects including act as liaison to external contractors, oversee related budgets, review and approve related invoices, coordinate with applicable city agencies
• Supply inventory: stock maintenance, organization, and procurement protocol
• Equipment maintenance and upgrade, including processing of leases and maintenance agreements, and management of warranties database
• Liability Insurance: Preparation of renewal packet, ongoing review of coverage, ongoing internal risk management compliance and improvement
• Maintenance and review of all vendor relationships
• Reception/Intra-office communication: Back-up phone coverage 9-5, M-F, maintenance of voicemail system, maintenance of staff and email lists, maintenance of updated staff lists, welcoming of visitors to office 9-5, M-F
• Out-going mail preparation & delivery; In-coming mail distribution; Courier and express mail coordination
• General clerical support: Phone calls, faxing, copying, typing
Computers
• IT management: daily troubleshooting; oversight/coordination of IT contractor(s) including IT plan development/implementation and relevant line-item budget oversight
• Maintenance and upgrade of hardware
• Software maintenance and upgrade
• Ongoing improvement and maintenance of office computer “systems”; including internal network, Internet and Email
• Staff training: review training options with staff as needed

Human Resources Administration
• New hire initial orientation and paperwork processing [orientation will include ED and supervisor of new staff]
• Payroll: timesheet administration and collection, leave balance maintenance
• Health/Dental/Life Insurance administration; Retirement Plan administration
• Exit processing [exit interview will be conducted by ED]
• Labor law ongoing compliance and advisory role as needed
• On-going HR training coordination
• Workers Comp claim processing
• Personnel matters advisory role as needed
• Support ED with coordination of general staff training needs and requirements
• Development and update of all HR related manuals, including personnel manual, safety manual, technology policies

General Support Functions
• Board of Directors Communication: Assist ED in supporting Board relationship, including assistance with preparation of monthly Board Packet, Maintenance of board email list [should include ED]
• Development: Part of RFP response team, as needed
• Annual Audit: Part of Audit prep team as relates to File Maintenance; Lease and rental reports; In-Kind donation Reports; Vacation accrual reports; Insurance and policy reports
• Community Relations: Respond to general information requests; Maintain information packets and respond to information requests; Conduct tours of facility as appropriate, Website maintenance, Friends of LYRIC Newsletter development and dissemination
Qualifications
• At least two years experience in office or operations management capacity, preference for experience in direct social services environment and with organizations serving youth
• In-depth computer skills; mastery or Microsoft Office suite, high competency in managing office networks, intranet, and security (specifically Windows Small Business Server 2003), experience troubleshooting hardware and software problems, proficiency with Macromedia Dreamweaver desirable
• Familiarity with CA HR law and application
• Experience procuring and managing vendor relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Experience and competencies in working in a multiracial, multicultural environment
• Passion and commitment to fostering healthy LGBTQQ youth
• Understanding of youth development, social justice and anti-oppression
• Highly positive and enthusiastic style
• Self-motivated and ability to take initiative, manage, and complete multiple projects within deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; highly organized.
• Ability to hold yourself accountable for your own work
• Commitment to ongoing self-improvement
• Bi/Multi-lingual desirable.
• Preference for candidate with a valid drivers license and access to a registered and insured vehicle to use in carrying out job responsibilities
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required

Salary
Salary Range: $35,000 - $40,000 per annum, commensurate with experience. Position includes full benefits package.

LYRIC is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people of color, immigrants, young people, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and genderqueer people, people living with HIV/AIDS, people who are differently-abled, and bilingual and bicultural people.

To apply please email your resume with full contact information and a cover letter to mailto:OMjob@lyric.org. Please put OM and your name in the subject line. Applicants may also submit resume and cover letter by mail to: LYRIC – Attn: Operations Manager Search, 127 Collingwood Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. No phone calls or faxes, please. We will contact you directly if we wish to talk with you about the position. This position will remain open until filled, but please note that interviews are scheduled to begin as early as 3/19. Thank you in advance for your interest in the position.

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NEWS
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19. NEWS: Governor Signs Bill to Ban School Bullying

3.06.07
Des Moines Register
Lynn Campbell

Students who last year staged “The Laramie Project” - the controversial play about the murder of a gay Wyoming university student - got a front-row seat Monday when Gov. Chet Culver signed a bill to ban bullying in all Iowa schools.

“ This bill makes it clear Iowans are committed to providing protection against intolerance in every Iowa school district,” Culver said at the signing ceremony at Valley High School in West Des Moines. “Bullying, threats and intimidation have no place in our public education system.”

Senate File 61 requires all Iowa schools to have policies by Sept. 1 that prevent and punish bullying or harassment of any student. Currently, 77 of Iowa’s 365 public school districts have anti-bullying policies that include sexual orientation.

With Monday’s bill signing, Iowa becomes one of 10 states in the nation to enact a comprehensive, statewide anti-bullying policy, Culver said.

Billy Hamilton, 18, of Urbandale, president of Valley’s gay-straight alliance, said he has not been verbally harassed but has had obscene, anti-gay notes stuck on his locker a couple of times.

“ We have students here who are gay, who are straight, transgender, who have had problems,” Hamilton said. “Sometimes, they have been unresolved. Sometimes they feel like they can’t go to the administration or tell someone about what’s happening. Hatred, it exists everywhere.”

Last fall, Valley found itself in a firestorm of controversy when students staged “The Laramie Project,” a play about the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student who was severely beaten, tied to a fence post and left to die on the outskirts of Laramie, Wyo.

Students who performed in the play said Monday that they were glad the new law protects students regardless of their age, color, creed, national origin, race, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical attributes, physical or mental ability or disability, ancestry, political party preference, political belief, socioeconomic status or family status.

To read the full article, visit:
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/NEWS02/703060407/1004

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March 14, 2007

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

GSA Network Highlight
Victory for GSA Club in Madera!
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. This Weekend! GSA Network Leadership Training! (South Los Angeles)
2. Queer Youth Advocacy Day: Registration & Transportation Update
3. GSA Power T-shirt & More - Buy today!
4. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (Northern Central Valley)
5. GSA Network is Hiring a National Program Manager
6. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!
7. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)
8. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Southern California
9. Kick it in the Green Room at LifeWorks! (West Hollywood)
10. Learn some Capoeira with LGBTQ youth! (West Hollywood)
11. Free Movie Screening at Crossroads School! (Santa Monica)
12. Spring Fling Youth Event (San Gabriel Valley)
13. Angels In America Performance (Los Angeles)
14. AIDS/LifeCycle Workshops and Community Building (Los Angeles)
Go directly to Southern California listings

Northern California
15. Youth White Anti-Racist Training (San Francisco)
16. Corpus Christi Theatre Production (San Francisco)
Go directly to Northern California listings

Statewide
17. GSA Program Assistant/SFSU Graduate Student Is Seeking Your Input for a Study!
Go directly to Statewide listings

National
18. Day Of Silence Open Conference Call
19. Call for Submissions-LGBTQ Art Exhibit
20. Online Study Regarding Black Gay Men's Mental Health
Go directly to National listings

News
21. NEWS: Gay Protections Enter Anti-Bullying Debate
22. NEWS: Schools Grapple With 'So Gay' Use
23. NEWS: Guv OKs Gay-Club Curbs
Go directly to News listings

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

Victory for GSA Club in Madera!

Sometimes discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) students and supportive allies takes on a somewhat subtle form. For instance, some school districts have policies that may seem legitimate at first glance, but when enforced actually lead to discriminatory treatment for LGBT students, allies, and GSA clubs.

Since the spring of 2005, students at Madera High School (MHS) have tried to get official recognition for their GSA club from their school district and school board. They were told that the board would have to vote on their club, which could take six months. The students felt discouraged, so they went to have their meetings at a community center: they felt forced to seek support outside of their own school.

In the spring of 2006, GSA club members again approached their school for recognition. They had fulfilled all the requirements to become a club. They were told the board would vote on their club, but GSA club was never on the board's meeting agenda.

At the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year, students were informed that GSA club was a "non school sponsored" club and therefore could not do things that "school sponsored" clubs could do. This included: on-campus fundraising; use of the school's PA system and bulletin boards to announce events; nomination of candidates for homecoming; use of school facilities; and involvement in school rallies and other events.

Last night, the Madera school board finally voted to approve the GSA club. Six GSA club members and their advisor, adult allies, and GSA Network staff member, Sara Martinez, were present to celebrate the hard-fought victory - a victory that started with the leadership of Thalia Arenas.

Thalia, a Madera senior and GSA Network Board member, worked with Natalie Nardecchia, legal fellow with the ACLU and GSA Network, to make sure that the Madera GSA club would be treated the same as all other non-curricular student clubs. After the ACLU sent a letter to the school district, the district agreed that it would change its policies to ensure equal treatment for the GSA club, which the federal Equal Access Act requires. The district also agreed that the board would not withhold approval for club applications based on the content or subject matter of the group, and would approve clubs within a specified timeframe.

The Madera GSA club will be able to take part in "Food Frenzy" on campus this Friday, which represents their first official opportunity to raise funds for their club. Their first official meeting will take place on Tuesday, March 20th and all are welcome to attend. GSA club members expressed much appreciation to the ACLU and GSA Network for both organizations' support.

To see our press release on this great victory, please go to: http://www.gsanetwork.org/madera.html

Congratulations, Madera High School GSA club!

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

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1. This Weekend! GSA Network Leadership Training! (South Los Angeles)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on March 17, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

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

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

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

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.
WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2007, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Dorsey High School
3537 Farmdale Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90016
323-298-8400
COST: Free!

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

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
Carlos Cabrera, GSA Network Southern California Program Coordinator, at 213-534-7162 or mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org

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2. Queer Youth Advocacy Day: Registration & Transportation Update

EVERYONE MUST REGISTER online in order to participate in Queer Youth Advocacy Day. Signing up ensures that we know you're coming and a space is held for you. This includes all youth and adult advisors/chaperones. All participants must also bring a completed permission slip which you will be able to download after you register. Registration deadline is March 19th.

To sign up: http://www.eqca.org/qyad/2007

TRANSPORTATION INFO:

QYAD sponsors and our many community partners will be coordinating buses from the following locations on Monday, March 26th. Buses are scheduled to arrive in Sacramento by 9 am. They will be leaving Sacramento at 5 pm and returning to their original locations for drop-off.

For people traveling from areas where buses are not available, we will be offering a limited number of plane or train tickets. Please email mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org to be put on the waiting list.

Southern California – BUSES

!CANCELLED! San Diego-NO BUS PICK UP IN SAN DIEGO. If you live in this area and still need help getting to QYAD, please email mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org ASAP!

Orange County: The Center OC, 12752 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove
Pick-Up Time: 12 am (Monday, March 26th)

Los Angeles County (west)/Santa Monica: Location TBA
Pick-Up Time: 1 am (Monday, March 26th)

Pomona: Bienestar, 180 E. Mission Blvd., Pomona
Pick-Up Time: 12 am (Monday, March 26th)

East LA: Bienestar, 5326 E. Beverly Blvd., East LA
Pick-Up Time: 1 am (Monday, March 26th)

Hollywood: Bienestar, 4955 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
Pick-Up Time: 2 am (Monday, March 26th)

Central Valley – BUSES

Bakersfield: Location TBA
Pick-Up Time: 2 am (Monday, March 26th)

Fresno: Tower District, parking lot at the NE corner of Olive & Wishon (across from the Tower Theater)
Pick-Up Time: 5 am (Monday, March 26th)

Modesto: Stanislaus Pride Center, 823 15th Street
Pick-Up Time: 7 am (Monday, March 26th)

Northern California – BUSES

Mt View/Palo Alto/Peninsula: Outlet, 711 Church Street, Mountain View
Pick-Up Time: 5 am (Monday, March 26th)

San Jose/South Bay: Billy DeFrank Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose
Pick-Up Time: 6 am (Monday, March 26th)

Concord/Contra Costa County: Concord BART Station, 1451 Oakland Ave., Concord
Pick-Up Time: 7 am (Monday, March 26th)

San Francisco: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (near Civic Center BART), 99 Grove St., San Francisco
Pick-Up Time: 6 am (Monday, March 26th)

Oakland/Alameda County: MacArthur BART Station, 555 40th Street, Oakland
Pick-Up Time: 7 am (Monday, March 26th)

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3. GSA Power T-shirt & More - Buy today!

Another GSA Network T-shirts hot off the press... Cafepress that is.

Do you just love our GSA Power postcard? Well, now it's a shirt. Buy it today and help support GSA Network!

Order one of our three New T-shirts and help support GSA Network
* GSA Power
* A is for Ally
* Activist
* Male, Female, Other / Neither / All of the above

Also in stock
* I heart GSA
* I HELLA Heart GSA
* and our classic GSA Organizing Shirt

These new designs can ONLY be purchased at our on-line store. For every item you buy GSA Network gets a small donation ($3-$5) to keep doing all the good work we do!!!

So, help support GSAs and look cool doing it.

To Buy Today: http://www.cafepress.com/gsanetwork

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4. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (Northern Central Valley)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2007 and will only be open to about 15 participants so you must sign up in advance. It includes breakfast
and lunch! We will also have GSA Network t-shirts and buttons available for purchase!!

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

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

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

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.
WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, April 14th.
WHERE: Location and time will be given when you inquire or register!!
COST: Free!

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

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
Sara Martinez, GSA Network Central Valley Program Associate, at 559-268-2780 or mailto:sara@gsanetwork.org.

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5. GSA Network is Hiring a National Program Manager

GSA Network is seeking a National Program Manager to oversee the development and management of its new national programs. Over the past two years, GSA Network has embarked on an exciting national expansion. In 2005, GSA Network founded the National Association of GSA Networks, which brings together youth and adult leaders from state and regional GSA networking groups in nearly 20 states to network and share best practices for GSA organizing.

Additionally, GSA Network has piloted a replication of its model for GSA organizing in New Mexico, helping the Santa Fe Mountain Center establish the New Mexico GSA Network. In 2006, GSA Network completed a national expansion strategic plan that formalizes its national training and replication activities. GSA Network's national program will further the organization's mission by expanding its unique youth-driven, state-based program model nationally - adding an important voice to the LGBT, safe schools, and social justice movements.

The National Program Manager is responsible for running GSA Network's national programs, including supporting the core current operations of the National Association of GSA Networks and the development and coordination of our National Training and Replication Program.

To view the entire job description and learn how to apply, visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/about

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

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

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

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

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7. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)

Intern call outs!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events, resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of GSA Network.

Southern California
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9. Kick it in the Green Room at LifeWorks! (West Hollywood)

When: Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: The LifeWorks Office, 9021 Melrose Ave, Suite 309, in West Hollywood CA 90069
Who: Queer bi trans lesbian genderqueer gay and/or questioning young people, young (ages 14-24).
Why: Because our office is a fun place to kick it, because you need some more FAMILY in your life :) Because we have games and food and magazines and nice people.

Hope to see you soon!

Any questions - mailto:ddumont@lifeworksmentoring.org or call the office at 310-724-6300.

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10. Learn some Capoeira with LGBTQ youth! (West Hollywood)

Capoeira Angola is an African-Brazilian martial art whose traditions are passed down orally from teacher to student and whose practice fosters the development of self-esteem, self-discipline, creativity, cooperation, physical, mental, and spiritual health, and much more.

For more info see http://ficala.org/

When: Saturday 3/17 - 11am
Where: West Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

This is 100% free AND there is free vegetarian lunch provided!

RSVP by emailing mailto:ddumont@lifeworksmentoring.org or call the office at 310-724-6300.

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11. Free Movie Screening at Crossroads School! (Santa Monica)

As part of Crossroads School's queer film series, sponsored by FLAG (our gay/straight alliance), we will be having our next movie screening next Wednesday, Mar. 21st, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. We invite you to join us for a great event!

We will be having a very special screening of "D.E.B.S"., a fun and sexy movie which has been described as a kind of "Charlie's Angels with a Lesbian Twist". . .This movie was a big hit last time we screened it , and we’re excited to bring it back for you.

·SPECIAL BONUS: The director of the film, Angela Robinson, will also be at the event, perhaps bringing along some stars of the D.E.B.S. cast!!

Students and advisors from Gay/Straight alliances are welcome. It's a great way to meet new friends, or see old ones. We expect students from many gsa's will be attending--come meet them!

The movie is FREE and free pizza and drinks will be provided! But please reply and let us know if you might come, so we have an idea of how much food pizza to get.
**When you reply, make sure to include your name and the school (if any) you are from, as well as how many people you are bringing—this helps a great deal

If you have any more questions, please feel free to e-mail us at mailto:flag2@xrds.organd ask.

Directions:

Crossroads is at 1714 21st St. in Santa Monica, at the corner of 21st St. and Olympic Blvd.

The screening room we're meeting in is on the 2nd floor of the Arts Building.

Here's what you do--when you turn onto 21st from Olympic, take an immediate right onto a driveway-looking street and find a place to park. You'll see our "quad" which looks like a parking lot or an alley, and which we call (of course) the alley.

Walk to the end of the alley to the tall building on the left, enter and climb the stairs to the 2nd floor. You should see people.

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12. Spring Fling Youth Event (San Gabriel Valley)

Sunday, April 29 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

San Gabriel Valley Pride and City X1 are collaborating to create an event for LGBT youth in the SGV.

We are going to create an event that is for youth by youth. If you know anyone interested in helping plan, set-up, or spread the word, please contact email us at: mailto:info@sgvpride.org.

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13. Angels In America Performance (Los Angeles)

HAMILTON ACADEMY OF MUSIC Presents:

Tony Kushner's, politically charged, Tony award-winning epic:
Angels In America

Marlene Zuccaro, Director

At the NJP Theater
2955 S. Robertson
Los Angeles

"Angels in America speaks to us of an entire era of life and death as no other play within memory. In its sweep and imagination, it defines the collapse of a moral universe during the Reagan years in an unforgettable way, transcending its specific time in the richness of its portrait of an America Lost, perhaps to be regained. Mr. Mr. Kusher's poignant and epic sense of loss and betrayal amounts to a fantastic journey of the heart and mind crying out against the disintegration of tolerance. It ranks as nothing less than one of the greatest plays of the twentieth century."
John Heilpern, New York Observer

Performances:

Thursday, April 12, 6:00 Millennium Approches
Friday, April 13, 7:30 Perestroika
Saturday, April 14, 2:30 Millennium and 7:30 Perestroika
Wednesday, April 18, 6:00 Perestroika
Friday, April 20, 7:30 Millennium
Saturday, April 21, 2:30 Millennium and 7:30 Perestroika

To purchase TICKETS:

$15.00
$12.00 for groups of 15 or more
$27.00 for both shows

Or visit http://www.hamiltonmusic.org (go to calendar of events and click on tickets). You can pick your seat and print out your ticket!

OR CALL (310) 280-1488 (box office)

* There is a $2.00 service charge for online orders

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14. AIDS/LifeCycle Workshops and Community Building (Los Angeles)

You're invited to join us at the AIDS/LifeCycle Los Angeles office for a day of workshops and community building! It's a drop-in event, so join us for all or just part of the day. If you are new to AIDS/LifeCycle either as a Rider or a Roadie, or thinking of registering, this is the day for you!

The day starts with a beginner level training ride at 8:00 AM. The ride will be approximately 20 miles, with a pace of 8-10 mph. You'll be back in time to check out the rest of the Workshop Expo.

If you haven't made the plunge to register for AIDS/LifeCycle 6, you're invited to join us for an information meeting at 10:00 AM, and get all your questions answered! We'll offer a registration discount and you'll receive an official limited edition AIDS/LifeCycle cinch sack!

Workshop Expo
When: Sunday, March 18, 2007 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Where: The Village 1125 N. McCadden Place Los Angeles, CA 90038

Starting at 11:00 AM, we'll be offering 5 separate workshops to help you prepare for AIDS/LifeCycle 6. These workshops will repeat all day, starting at 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. Join us for one or all.

For information on the workshops, please email mailto:infola@aidslifecycle.org

As part of the Expo, we'll be hosting the first annual ALC Gear Giveaway. This will be a chance for our in-need cyclists to acquire some loved-but-good equipment and gear. All gear will be free and will be on a first-come, first serve basis. Depending on the amount of donations we receive, in-need cyclists will be able to choose one or more items from our collection to take home with them.

This will be a wonderful chance to get great gear and equipment into the hands of cyclists who really need it, so spread the word! Ask your friends or local cycling clubs to pitch in too!

Questions and comments regarding the gear exchange can be directed to Sarah Sypniewski, Senior Cycle Buddy at 323.993.7626 or mailto:ssypniewski@aidslifecycle.org

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Northern California
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15. Youth White Anti-Racist Training (San Francisco)

Y-STEP: Youth Step Toward Addressing Racism presents...

What: STEPPIN IT UP 101: A Racial Justice Training for White Youth
When: Friday, April 13- Sunday, April 15, 2007
Where: San Francisco (Location will be bus and BART-accessible)
Cost: FREE!

Description:
In this 2-day popular education workshop, participants will gain tools with which to better understand racism and other systems of oppression in the US, how they work, and how we can challenge them at institutional, interpersonal, and personal levels.

Training topics:
White Privilege, Institutional Racism, Systems of Oppression, History of Racism, and Resistance.

This training is open to white youth 14-22 years old.

Schedule:
Friday, April 13, 6-9pm: Orientation and Dinner
Saturday, April 14, 10-5pm: Training Day 1
Sunday, April 15, 10-5pm: Training Day 2

Y-STEP Mission:
Y-STEP is a Bay Area-based racial justice education and training program for white youth. Our mission is to build the collective responsibility of white people to confront racism and white supremacy by working with primarily white youth through workshops and trainings.

Our vision is that Y-STEP will ignite inspiration and courage in other white youth and adults to stand up for racial justice, and continue to build a legacy of accountable white people.

For an application, please email mailto:ystepbayarea@gmail.com

General Contact Info:
http://www.ystep.org or http://www.myspace.com/ystep

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16. Corpus Christi Theatre Production (San Francisco)

MCCV Presents
The Los Angeles Critically-Acclaimed production Corpus Christi
by Terrence McNally

Directed by Nic Arnzen

Terrence McNally's Corpus Christi is a retelling of the Jesus story, with Jesus as a gay man living in 1950s Corpus Christi, Texas. Originally opening in 1998 to bomb threats and protests and continuing in various cities with the same reception, this revival production has been able to share McNally's message without a single demonstration. In our correspondence with McNally, perhaps he says it best: "The play was meant to enlarge (people's) understanding of the divinity in each of us and at the same time, to include gay men and women in the story of Christ's life and encourage a return to spirituality. It is pretty easy for gay people to feel alienated from any and all religions. The play is my attempt to lessen that feeling of alienation where gay men and women are spiritual 'heroes' as well." Typically performed by thirteen young men, this production continues to celebrate the play's message of embracing diversity by casting both men and women of a large age range.

WHERE: Mama Calizo‚s Voice Factory, 1519 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA 94103

WHEN: Limited Engagement of 5 shows only! April 12-14, 8:00 pm*, April 14-15, 2:00 pm.
*Friday and Saturday night shows followed by special cast/crew talk-backs

TICKETS: $20.00 General Admission. (Senior/Student and Artist Discount Available.)

For Reservations or more info please call the Voice Factory Box Office at 415- 368-1244 or visit http://www.vociefactorysf.org/.

For more information about the production please visit and be our friend at http://www.myspace.com/asyoubelievesoshallyoube.

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Statewide
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17. GSA Program Assistant/SFSU Graduate Student Is Seeking Your Input for a Study!

Hi to all you fabulous GSA members!

I am currently a Masters student in Women Studies at San Francisco State University. I’m working on a research project that is titled “That Doesn’t Happen Here”: Addressing Racism in California Gay-Straight Alliances. I’d like to survey youth who are still in high school and who are still involved with their GSAs about how they incorporate and discuss issues of race and/or racism.

If you feel that you have something important to say about this topic and would like to be interviewed please feel free to email me at mailto:khosmon@gmail.com.

People who, like you, are under 18, must have parental permission to participate in research. At the same time, for example, you may not yet be “out” to your parents or your parents may not know or approve of your involvement with the Gay-Straight Alliance, and for this reason, you do not want to give them a consent form to sign. If that is the case, please ask me for a waiver of parental permission, which will allow you to participate in my research while still maintaining your privacy. If you’re interested, I will get that to you through snail mail (or if you have access to a fax machine, I could fax it to you). Upon its return, I will then email you the link to Survey Monkey, a secured website.

My larger goal is to have your input in creating new curriculum addressing issues of race and/or racism so that GSAs have a handy tool for multi-issue organizing!

And don’t worry about having to meet me somewhere in San Francisco. I’m going to do all interviews by internet, so no one has to make any ridiculous treks across California and neither do I!

Participation in this research is voluntary. You may stop your participation at any time and/or leave any question blank. Your completion and electronic submission of this survey is a sign of your consent to participate in this research. If you have any questions, please contact me, Kiely, at mailto:khosmon@gmail.com or my advisor Dr. Julia Hua at mailto:jyhua@sfsu.edu.

Thank you in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Kiely Hosmon

GSA Network Program Assistant
SFSU Grad Student

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National
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18. Day Of Silence Open Conference Call

Are you going to be a part of one of the largest student-led actions in the country?

The 11th annual Day of Silence is Wednesday, April 18, 2007.

Students and teachers all over the country will be observing this day in silence to echo the silence that LGBT and ally students face everyday due to bullying, harassment, and discrimination.

Only six weeks away now. So sign-up to be counted among the thousands, and to receive free resources and materials at http://www.dayofsilence.org

Need help organizing? We will be having an open conference call on Wednesday, March 21, 2007 from 7-8pm Eastern Standard Time. If you want to be on the call RSVP to Holiday Simmons, mailto:hsimmons@glsen.org to receive the phone number.

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19. Call for Submissions-LGBTQ Art Exhibit

Calling all artists, filmmakers, poets, photographers, illustrators and musicians! Want to be part of an exciting exhibit? Submit your original poetry, notes, journals, photos, videos, illustrations, music compositions, comic books..etc. anything that demonstrates the creative you! Subjects can range from Coming Out, Self-Exploration, Friendships, Relationships, etc.

Please note, this a LGBTQ-themed exhibit and work should reflect that theme.

If interested, please e-mail for an application and release form: mailto:exhibitsubmission@gmail.com or write to: J. Uihlein, P.O. Box 7875 Hicksville, NY 11802.

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20. Online Study Regarding Black Gay Men's Mental Health

You are invited to participate in an online study about Black Gay Men's mental health. If you are a Black, self-identified gay male over the age of 18 who is not currently hospitalized for psychiatric care, please click on the following link. The link will direct you to a description of the study and ask for your consent to participate.

https://www.psychdata.com/s.asp?SID=120694

If, after reading through the research description and participants' rights you would like to voluntarily participate, you may click on the "I agree" icon and continue with the confidential web survey.

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NEWS
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21. NEWS: Gay Protections Enter Anti-Bullying Debate

3.14.07
The News-Press
By Aaron Deslatte

TALLAHASSEE - A bill intended to curb bullying at public schools is once again becoming a lightning rod for Florida lawmakers' views on homosexuality.Several students who came to Tallahassee this week on behalf of the "Jeffrey Johnston Stand Up For All Students Act," were told by one lawmaker that they needed psychological treatment because they're gay.

The bill named for a Cape Coral teenager who killed himself in 2005 after being bullied at school would define "bullying" and direct schools to set up clear rules for how to handle threatening behavior.

But a group of students called the Florida Safe Schools Coalition implored a House committee Tuesday to include specific protections for gay students.

The bill defines "sexual, religious or racial harassment" as bullying, but makes no mention of sexual orientation. Its sponsor, Rep. Nick Thompson, R-Fort Myers, said that's because the bill is broad enough to cover all forms of harassment.

Debbie Johnston, the Cape Coral mother who is leading the charge to pass the bill, agreed with Thompson.

" I respect their position," Johnston said after the bill passed the committee. "But we feel it's a real solid bill, and we don't want to risk losing the momentum by changing it at the last minute."

Johnston's 15-year-old son, Jeffrey, killed himself in June 2005 after enduring more than two years of cyberbullying from a classmate, including Internet postings accusing him of being "gay" and a "stalker."

If it becomes law, the legislation would require school districts to implement anti-bullying training and policies. Also, bullying and harassment that take place during nonschool hours and off campus would be subject to discipline by school officials if it affects the victim's performance in school.

To read the full article, visit: http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070314/NEWS0120/703140

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22. NEWS: Schools Grapple With 'So Gay' Use

Schools Grapple With 'So Gay' Use
Districts say punishment for using the term should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

03/11/07
The Fresno Bee
By Susie Pakoua Vang and Christina Vance

Saying "that's so gay" is a common way for kids to dismiss something as silly or weird.

At one Fresno elementary school, it also could lead to punishment.

Gibson Elementary sent a letter home Feb. 26 asking parents to talk to their children about using inappropriate language on school grounds.

Some Gibson students have been throwing the phrase "that's gay" around, and it violates the school's teaching on respect, Principal Helen Cabe said. Consequences could include detention or other discipline.

" We're trying to get it stopped," she said.

Although the letter appears to prohibit Gibson students from even using the word "gay," Cabe said, the school is not trying to ban the word.

" We're just trying to stop the inappropriate use of it," she said.

Lena Fisher's son, a Gibson fourth-grader, was suspended for one day on Jan. 30 for saying "that's gay" during a soccer game on the playground.

When Fisher was asked to pick up her 9-year-old in the middle of a school day, "I was kind of surprised, because my son never gets in trouble."

Fisher said she and her son accepted the punishment, although she thought a suspension was a little excessive. But, she said, her son knew it was wrong. She also doesn't condone using the word.

" I truly believe it's a disrespectful term," Fisher said. "That's probably why I'm not running to the attorney's office to make a point."

Fisher said she wants Fresno Unified to have a policy that specifically addresses what's considered appropriate for using the term "gay" and a uniform set of consequences for its inappropriate use.

Three weeks after her son's suspension, Fisher found out that a Gibson student who had called some students "gay" was only sent to the principal's office for punishment.

Fisher said that when she pointed out the inconsistent punishments to the principal, Cabe apologized and said she was going to rescind the record of Fisher's son's suspension because officials have wide discretion in how to punish students for using the word "gay."

" I felt like it was very unfair for her not to think through the whole process for one, and two, it's very confusing to the kids," Fisher said. "Can you say ? Can you not say it? It's just not very consistent."

A letter was sent home to parents shortly after, she said.

Cabe said she could not discuss discipline of a specific student.

She said that the punishment for using the phrase will depend on the circumstances in which it was used.

To read the full article, visit: http://www.fresnobee.com/270/story/34627.html

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23. NEWS: Guv OKs Gay-Club Curbs

Guv OKs Gay-Club Curbs
Huntsman says law just clarifies existing rules; critics argue it's a suit magnet

3.10.07
The Salt Lake Tribune
By Matt Canham

The original goal was to rid Utah's high schools of gay-straight alliances, but federal law and court rulings stood in the way.

So this year, Sen. Chris Buttars, R-West Jordan, and Rep. Aaron Tilton, R-Springville, took a different tack.

Their bill would require parental consent to join any club and would allow school administrators to reject groups they find objectionable.

That may not rid the state of all gay-straight alliances (GSAs), but they hope more conservative school districts could block the clubs.

The new tactic worked.

After strongly hinting that he would veto the bill, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. reversed course and signed it Friday evening.

" There were prior versions of this bill I would have vetoed," Huntsman said in a statement. "However, this legislation simply codifies items already in the state Board of Education rules."

That's mostly true.

The gay-rights advocacy group Equality Utah and the state Senate's only openly gay member, Sen. Scott McCoy, say their concerns are focused on one line that is not in state rules.

It requires clubs to stay within the "boundaries of socially appropriate behavior."

Equality Utah lobbyist Will Carlson doesn't believe the phrase legally allows principals to stop students from forming the clubs meant to provide a support group - but that doesn't mean a school official won't try.

McCoy, a lawyer, said, ''They are going to get a false sense of security.''

Buttars says that sense of security would be real.

" This gives 40 school districts the same rules and the ability to weigh in the balance a club they feel will not fit with their school," he said. The principal "has the ability to make that choice."

So Provo High School can block a GSA, while East High School can approve one, and if someone sues, the state will cover the legal bills, Buttars said.

The fight over GSAs began at East High in 1996, when the Salt Lake City School District banned all noncurricular clubs in order to block the controversial group from meeting.

The ban stayed in effect for four years, until two federal lawsuits prompted the district to repeal it. The political issue has lasted much longer.

To read the full article, visit: http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_5405281

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March 7, 2007

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

GSA Network Highlight
Passing on the Baton: How to Transfer Leadership in Your GSA
Go directly to GSA Network highlight

GSA Network Announcements
1. This Weekend! GSA Network Leadership Training! (Richmond)
2. GSA Power T-shirt & More - Buy today!
3. Queer Youth Advocacy Day: Registration & Transportation Update
4. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (South Los Angeles)
5. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (Northern Central Valley)
6. GSA Network is Hiring a National Program Manager
7. Free Resources for New or Re-Registered GSAs!
8. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)
9. GSA Network Youth Council Wants You! (Statewide)
Go directly to GSA Network announcements

Other Announcements
Southern California
10. Kick it in the Green Room at LifeWorks! (West Hollywood)
11. Learn some Capoeira with LGBTQ youth! (West Hollywood)
12. LGBTQ Youth Prom, Sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc. (Los Angeles)
Go directly to Southern California listings

Northern California
13. This Week at LYRIC's After School Program (San Francisco)
14. YouthAware Educational Theatre Presents the World Premiere OutSpoken Tour! (Bay Area)
15. April/May 2007 Community Programs at JFCS (San Francisco)
Go directly to Northern California listings

Statewide
16. GSA Program Assistant/SFSU Graduate Student Is Seeking Your Input for a Study!
Go directly to Statewide listings

National
17. Call for Submissions-LGBTQ Art Exhibit
Go directly to National listings

Scholarships
18. Models of Excellence Scholarship, Sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc.
19. Latina LBTQ Youth Scholarships
20. PFLAG San Diego Scholarships Available!
Go directly to Scholarships listings

Jobs
21. LYRIC Operations Manager
Go directly to Jobs listings

News
22. NEWS: Iowa Governor Signs Bill to Ban School Bullying
23. NEWS: 'That's So Gay' Prompts a Lawsuit
24. NEWS: Supreme Court Orders Dismissal of Appeal in Poway T-shirt Case
25. NEWS: New Jersey Court Rules Schools Liable for Anti-Gay Bullys
26. NEWS: Bias-Free School Bill Reintroduced In California
27. NEWS: Parent Suit on Gay Marriage Talk Tossed
Go directly to News listings

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

Passing on the Baton: How to Transfer Leadership in Your GSA

The end of the school year is quickly approaching, and soon we will bid goodbye to another year gone by. Given this imminent change, one of the most common dilemmas facing any GSA is the question of leadership succession: how does one make sure that the club continues on smoothly once there is a change (e.g. graduation) in leadership? Listed below are a few tips that might be worth keeping in mind when your club is getting ready for a transition in leadership.

1. RECRUIT MANY UNDERCLASSMEN MEMBERS. If you start your GSA in your senior year and have only seniors in the GSA, chances are it’ll be very hard for it to continue forward once you all have graduated. If your school has a club rush week or something comparable, try recruiting as many freshmen and sophomores as possible; that way, once the seniors in the club have graduated, there will still be people left to run the club.

2. START TRAINING EARLY. Rather than or in addition to assigning all tasks to the club officers, have a younger member help him/her/hir out. That way, the younger member will get much more “on-the-job” experience which will make the transition much smoother once the seniors have graduated. (Plus, the job will get done quicker!) Another suggestion is to have a younger member co-facilitate a meeting, or to help organize an agenda. The more members you are able to train in the day-to-day tasks of the GSA (i.e., drafting an agenda, fundraising, facilitating), the easier the transition will be once you’ve moved on.

3. GET HELP FROM YOUR ADVISOR. A good, compassionate advisor is an invaluable source of wisdom and support – don’t be afraid to ask for their help! Sometimes it may feel overwhelming to have to juggle your academic responsibilities, nascent social life, and budding personal relationships; this is normal, and to be expected. Please ask your advisor for guidance and support around issues and skills (e.g., logistics) that you may not know how to transfer to a younger member.

4. WRITE A GUIDEBOOK. In the situation that your GSA has absolutely no underclassmen in it, don’t despair. One thing you may consider doing is to write a short guidebook on the club that would detail how the club is run; this way, when the next group of students (and there will definitely be some) wants to restart or reorganize the club, they’ll have a good sense of how the club ran before and will make it easier for them. Make sure to include things like information around your club’s finances, the current advisor’s contact information, your contact information (if they have questions), the club’s organizational structure, etc. The more detailed you are, the better!

It’s normal to feel apprehensive about change when you’ve worked so hard to establish something. But if you take these steps (and feel free to add to them, too!) you’ll be planting a seed for your GSA to continue once you’ve moved on and for our movement for equality to continue forward.

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

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1. This Weekend! GSA Network Leadership Training! (Richmond)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on Sunday, March 11th from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

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

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

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

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.
WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Sunday, March 11th. from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
WHERE: The RYSE Center: Youth Down for Change
205 41st. Street at Bissell, Richmond, CA 94805
COST: Free!

NOTE: Although The RYSE Center is scheduled to open its doors in Spring 2008, we are grateful to be able to utilize their facilities and celebrate the birth of this project.

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

For more information or to RSVP, please contact
* Marco Castro-Bojorquez, GSA Network Northern California Program Coordinator, at 415-552-4229 or mailto:marco@gsanetwork.org

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2. GSA Power T-shirt & More - Buy today!

Another GSA Network T-shirts hot off the press... Cafepress that is.

Do you just love our GSA Power postcard? Well, now it's a shirt. Buy it today and help support GSA Network!

Order one of our three New T-shirts and help support GSA Network
* GSA Power
* A is for Ally
* Activist
* Male, Female, Other / Neither / All of the above

Also in stock
* I heart GSA
* I HELLA Heart GSA
* and our classic GSA Organizing Shirt

These new designs can ONLY be purchased at our on-line store. For every item you buy GSA Network gets a small donation ($3-$5) to keep doing all the good work we do!!!

So, help support GSAs and look cool doing it.

To Buy Today: http://www.cafepress.com/gsanetwork

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3. Queer Youth Advocacy Day: Registration & Transportation Update

EVERYONE MUST REGISTER online in order to participate in Queer Youth Advocacy Day. Signing up ensures that we know you're coming and a space is held for you. This includes all youth and adult advisors/chaperones. All participants must also bring a completed permission slip which you will be able to download after you register. Registration deadline is March 19th.

To sign up: http://www.eqca.org/qyad/2007

TRANSPORTATION INFO:

QYAD sponsors and our many community partners will be coordinating buses from the following locations on Monday, March 26th. Buses are scheduled to arrive in Sacramento by 9 am. They will be leaving Sacramento at 5 pm and returning to their original locations for drop-off.

For people traveling from areas where buses are not available, we will be offering a limited number of plane or train tickets. Please email mailto:advocacy@gsanetwork.org to be put on the waiting list.

Southern California – BUSES

San Diego: Hillcrest Youth Center, 3777 4th Avenue, San Diego
Pick-Up Time: 10:30 pm (Sunday, March 25th)

Orange County: The Center OC, 12752 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove
Pick-Up Time: 12 am (Monday, March 26th)

Los Angeles County (west)/Santa Monica: Location TBA
Pick-Up Time: 1 am (Monday, March 26th)

Pomona: Bienestar, 180 E. Mission Blvd., Pomona
Pick-Up Time: 12 am (Monday, March 25th)

East LA: Bienestar, 5326 E. Beverly Blvd., East LA
Pick-Up Time: 1 am (Monday, March 26th)

Hollywood: Bienestar, 4955 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood
Pick-Up Time: 2 am (Monday, March 26th)

Central Valley – BUSES

Bakersfield: Location TBA
Pick-Up Time: 2 am (Monday, March 26th)

Fresno: Tower District, parking lot at the NE corner of Olive & Wishon (across from the Tower Theater)
Pick-Up Time: 5 am (Monday, March 26th)

Modesto: Stanislaus Pride Center, 823 15th Street
Pick-Up Time: 7 am (Monday, March 26th)

Northern California – BUSES

Mt View/Palo Alto/Peninsula: Outlet, 711 Church Street, Mountain View
Pick-Up Time: 5 am (Monday, March 26th)

San Jose/South Bay: Billy DeFrank Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose
Pick-Up Time: 6 am (Monday, March 26th)

Concord/Contra Costa County: Concord BART Station, 1451 Oakland Ave., Concord
Pick-Up Time: 7 am (Monday, March 26th)

San Francisco: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (near Civic Center BART), 99 Grove St., San Francisco
Pick-Up Time: 6 am (Monday, March 26th)

Oakland/Alameda County: MacArthur BART Station, 555 40th Street, Oakland
Pick-Up Time: 7 am (Monday, March 26th)

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4. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (South Los Angeles)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on March 17, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It includes breakfast and lunch!

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

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

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

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.
WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, March 17, 2007, 10am-4pm
WHERE: Dorsey High School
3537 Farmdale Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90016
323-298-8400
COST: Free!

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

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
Carlos Cabrera, GSA Network Southern California Program Coordinator, at 213-534-7162 or mailto:carlos@gsanetwork.org

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5. Save the Date! GSA Network Leadership Training! (Northern Central Valley)

You are invited to a GSA NETWORK LEADERSHIP TRAINING!

This FREE event will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2007 and will only be open to about 15 participants so you must sign up in advance. It includes breakfast
and lunch! We will also have GSA Network t-shirts and buttons available for purchase!!

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

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

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

This is a great opportunity to network with other GSAs in your area while learning some new skills to strengthen your club.
WHO: GSA members, potential members, and GSA advisors
WHEN: Saturday, April 14th.
WHERE: Location and time will be given when you inquire or register!!
COST: Free!

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

For more information or to RSVP, please contact:
Sara Martinez, GSA Network Central Valley Program Associate, at 559-268-2780 or mailto:sara@gsanetwork.org.

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6. GSA Network is Hiring a National Program Manager

GSA Network is seeking a National Program Manager to oversee the development and management of its new national programs. Over the past two years, GSA Network has embarked on an exciting national expansion. In 2005, GSA Network founded the National Association of GSA Networks, which brings together youth and adult leaders from state and regional GSA networking groups in nearly 20 states to network and share best practices for GSA organizing.

Additionally, GSA Network has piloted a replication of its model for GSA organizing in New Mexico, helping the Santa Fe Mountain Center establish the New Mexico GSA Network. In 2006, GSA Network completed a national expansion strategic plan that formalizes its national training and replication activities. GSA Network's national program will further the organization's mission by expanding its unique youth-driven, state-based program model nationally - adding an important voice to the LGBT, safe schools, and social justice movements.

The National Program Manager is responsible for running GSA Network's national programs, including supporting the core current operations of the National Association of GSA Networks and the development and coordination of our National Training and Replication Program.

To view the entire job description and learn how to apply, visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/about

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

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

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

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

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8. Learn Great Skills as a GSA Network Intern! (San Francisco)

Intern call outs!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events, resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of GSA Network.

Southern California
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10. Kick it in the Green Room at LifeWorks! (West Hollywood)

When: Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30pm
Where: The LifeWorks Office, 9021 Melrose Ave, Suite 309, in West Hollywood CA 90069
Who: Queer bi trans lesbian genderqueer gay and/or questioning young people, young (ages 14-24).
Why: Because our office is a fun place to kick it, because you need some more FAMILY in your life :) Because we have games and food and magazines and nice people.

Hope to see you soon!

Any questions - mailto:ddumont@lifeworksmentoring.org or call the office at 310-724-6300.

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11. Learn some Capoeira with LGBTQ youth! (West Hollywood)

Capoeira Angola is an African-Brazilian martial art whose traditions are passed down orally from teacher to student and whose practice fosters the development of self-esteem, self-discipline, creativity, cooperation, physical, mental, and spiritual health, and much more.

For more info see http://ficala.org/

When: Saturday 3/17 - 11am
Where: West Hollywood Park Auditorium, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069

This is 100% free AND there is free vegetarian lunch provided!

RSVP by emailing mailto:ddumont@lifeworksmentoring.org or call the office at 310-724-6300.

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12. LGBTQ Youth Prom, Sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc. (Los Angeles)

This annual event is held in May of each year at the Friendship Auditorium in Los Angeles (near Griffith Park).

This year's prom will be held on Friday, May 18, 2007.

Prepaid tickets are $30 and tickets bought at the door at $40, which includes free parking, dinner, beverages, DJ, and live entertainment.

Visit http://www.modelsofpride.org for prom details and ticket application. Contact us at mailto:project10@hotmail.com or 626-577-4553 for more information.

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Northern California
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13. This Week at LYRIC's After School Program (San Francisco)

Wednesday, March 7th
Youth Speaks
From the day to day drama of our school and family lives, to the larger issues of social and economic injustice, we all struggle. In this poetry and Spoken Word workshop, we will use our words as weapons and tools for change. Come prepared to begin fighting back!

Thursday, March 8th
LYRIC Closed For International Women’s Day

Friday, March 9th
Movie Night: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119590/ Ma Vie En Rose
Ludovic is a young boy who can't wait to grow up to be a woman. When his family discovers the little girl blossoming in him they are forced to contend with their own discomfort and the lack of understanding from their new neighbors. Their anger and impatience cave and Ludovic is sent to see a psychiatrist in the hopes of fixing whatever is wrong with him. A movie that addresses trans-gender and gender issues in general through the eyes of a child.

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14. YouthAware Educational Theatre Presents the World Premiere OutSpoken Tour! (Bay Area)

Now Booking – OutSpoken by Prince Gomolvilas – A Diversity Education Play for Teens

Touring Northern California Schools and Communities from April 10th – 26th 2007

From the same company that produces The Other Side of the Closet tour in the fall, our newest YouthAware Educational Theatre touring program, OutSpoken by Prince Gomolvilas, will be Northern California from April 20th – 26th 2007.

OutSpoken is a play for teens grades 7-12 that educates about diversity and differences, and looks at the many reasons young people feel ostracized or labeled in school, at home and in their community including race, sexual orientation, body type, etc. OutSpoken takes a unique look at these issues from different perspectives, and helps teens think about labeling and diversity within their own community.

Through OutSpoken, we hope young people will find new ways to move past their differences to a real place of understanding and acceptance. Each performance is about 65-75 minutes in length including a facilitated discussion with the actor-educators following the play. OutSpoken may be performed in any theater, gym, or other multipurpose space. We travel with out own set and sound equipment and do not require any special lighting.

OutSpoken would be a great program to accompany or compliment any Day of Silence events at your school, and/or for your GSA club to sponsor. It is produced by the YouthAware Educational Theatre Program with the New Conservatory Theatre Center based in San Francisco.

For more information, or to book a performance, contact Sara Staley at (415) 694-6149 or email mailto:sara@nctcsf.org.

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15. April/May 2007 Community Programs at JFCS (San Francisco)

Unless otherwise noted, these programs will be held at Jewish Family and Children's Services at 2150 Post Street in San Francisco.

Free, Nonsectarian Programs Open to All

Support Group for Families Dealing with Serious Mental Illness
Get the support you need to cope with a loved one's serious mental illness. Symptoms, medications, relapse and recovery will be discussed.
This group meets the First Wednesday of every month from 6:00 -7:30 p.m. at JFCS, 2150 Post Street in San Francisco. Next meeting is on March 7th. RSVP is required. Please contact Laura Kleinman at 415/449-1290. Free.

Free Programs for Holocaust Survivors

Cafe By the Bay
Weekly social events for Holocaust survivors. Gather to discuss Holocaust issues, but also to enjoy each other's company, live music and educational programs. Cafe by the Bay takes place weekly on Thursdays from 2:00-3:30 pm at JFCS in San Francisco. Light refreshments are provided. For more information contact Anne Cliatt at 415/449-3824 or mailto:AnneC@jfcs.org. Free.

Lunch & Learn
An educational and entertaining lunch program for Café by the Bay participants and other Holocaust survivors. It's held on the last Friday of every month at JFCS in San Francisco. Catered lunch is from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. and special speakers and educational topics are included. RSVP required. Contact Anne Cliatt at 415/449-3824 or mailto:AnneC@jfcs.org. Free. Sliding-Fee, Nonsectarian Programs. Open to All

Spiritual Support Group for People with Chronic Illness or Disability
Take part in an ongoing spiritual support group for people under age 60 who are living with chronic physical illness or disability. Meets weekly on Fridays from 1:30 - 3:00 pm at JFCS in San Francisco. Prescreening interview required. $10; sliding scale available based on ability to pay. For further information, please contact Abby Kovalsky, LCSW at415/449-1224 or mailto:AbbyK@jfcs.org.

SAT Prep Class for High School Juniors
Tips and instructions for college-bound students; class covers reading/writing SAT skills only. Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30 -5:30 p.m. in the Club NooN teen space at 1710 Scott Street in San Francisco. Class is FREE -- students are only asked to pay $30-40 to cover the cost of materials; scholarships are available for those who cannot pay. For more information contact Josh Aufhauser at 415/359-2477 or JoshA@jfcs.org.

Yoga for the Family!
Learn specific yoga exercises to move, breathe, have fun and relax with your kids. On Tuesday, May 8, 2007 from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Parents Place, 1710 Scott Street in San Francisco. Sliding scale fee is $25. Pre-registration required. Call 415-359-2454 or register online at http://www.ParentsPlaceOnline.org.

Coffee, Tea and Talk for Parents
Join other parents in a facilitated discussion about parenting young children ages 6 months to 2 years. Ongoing, every Monday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Parents Place, 1710 Scott Street in San Francisco. $15 per session; sliding-fee is available. Call 415-359-2454 or register online at http://www.ParentsPlaceOnline.org.

Juggling Two: The New Baby and the Older Sibling
Tips to help ease the transition of a new arrival in the family, before and after birth. Thursday, April 26, 2007 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Parents Place, 1710 Scott Street in San Francisco. Sliding scale fee is $30. Pre-registration required. Call 415-359-2454 or register online at http://www.ParentsPlaceOnline.org.

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Statewide
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16. GSA Program Assistant/SFSU Graduate Student Is Seeking Your Input for a Study!

Hi to all you fabulous GSA members!

I am currently a Masters student in Women Studies at San Francisco State University. I’m working on a research project that is titled “That Doesn’t Happen Here”: Addressing Racism in California Gay-Straight Alliances. I’d like to survey youth who are still in high school and who are still involved with their GSAs about how they incorporate and discuss issues of race and/or racism.

If you feel that you have something important to say about this topic and would like to be interviewed please feel free to email me at mailto:khosmon@gmail.com.

People who, like you, are under 18, must have parental permission to participate in research. At the same time, for example, you may not yet be “out” to your parents or your parents may not know or approve of your involvement with the Gay-Straight Alliance, and for this reason, you do not want to give them a consent form to sign. If that is the case, please ask me for a waiver of parental permission, which will allow you to participate in my research while still maintaining your privacy. If you’re interested, I will get that to you through snail mail (or if you have access to a fax machine, I could fax it to you). Upon its return, I will then email you the link to Survey Monkey, a secured website.

My larger goal is to have your input in creating new curriculum addressing issues of race and/or racism so that GSAs have a handy tool for multi-issue organizing!

And don’t worry about having to meet me somewhere in San Francisco. I’m going to do all interviews by internet, so no one has to make any ridiculous treks across California and neither do I!

Participation in this research is voluntary. You may stop your participation at any time and/or leave any question blank. Your completion and electronic submission of this survey is a sign of your consent to participate in this research. If you have any questions, please contact me, Kiely, at mailto:khosmon@gmail.com or my advisor Dr. Julia Hua at mailto:jyhua@sfsu.edu.

Thank you in advance, and I look forward to hearing from you!
Kiely Hosmon

GSA Network Program Assistant
SFSU Grad Student

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National
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17. Call for Submissions-LGBTQ Art Exhibit

An award-winning documentary filmmaker, I am reaching out to the LGBTQ community for assistance with a thesis project focusing on homeless LGBTQ youth. As part of this project, I am putting together an exhibit showcasing original work from LGBTQ youth.

This exhibit, which will also have a Web presense, will focus on stories, photos, illustrations, videos, diaries, original music, audio, etc. highlighting the experiences of our youth. This project will help initiate dialogue and hopefully encourage a society filled with understanding, appreciation and acceptance.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at mailto:exhibitsubmission@gmail.com. If you know of any youth interested in this project, please let me know so that I can send out instructions and a release form.

More importantly...this project is not limited just to youth...so if you have any multimedia work that you want to share, please let me know.

Jennifer A. Uihlein
Project Producer

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Scholarships
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18. Models of Excellence Scholarship, Sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc.

This competition is open to any senior high school student who is graduating from a California senior high school and who has demonstrated a commitment to LGBT civil rights.

The student needs to provide evidence that he/she is going on to some form of higher education. Awards of $1,000 and $500 are given at a scholarship dinner in June 2007.

Applications are on the http://www.modelsofpride.org Web site. Contact us at mailto:project10@hotmail.com or 626-577-4553 for more information.

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19. Latina LBTQ Youth Scholarships

Amigas Latinas seeks Latina lesbian/bi/trans/queer youth candidates for Latina LBTQ Youth Scholarships

Amigas Latinas, a support, education and advocacy organization for Latina lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning women seeks candidates for its annual Latina Les/bi/trans/queer Youth Scholarship Fund. Current high school seniors, who are of Latina heritage, identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer and who are actively promoting understanding and acceptance of LGBTQ people in their school and/or community can apply for a scholarship for college expenses to be awarded this Spring.

Up to six scholarships ($500 - $2,000) will be awarded and include the final scholarships to be given in honor of Aixa Diaz, a founding member of Amigas who brought vision and commitment to the Latina community through her organizing efforts and knowledge and encouragement to Latino children through her dedication as a teacher. Past awards have also been given to gay-straight alliances (GSAs) in high schools with large Latino student populations and to the Mozart Elementary School where Aixa taught
first grade.

Eligibility requirements:
* Female
* Latina
* Lesbian, bisexual, transgender or queer
* Enrolled in 12th grade or 1st year of college
* Actively involved in fighting homophobia in schools and/or community and promoting tolerance and acceptance of LGBTQ people.

DEADLINE for submission is March 31, 2007.

To receive an application, send an email to mailto:info@amigaslatinas.org.

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20. PFLAG San Diego Scholarships Available!

GLBT SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Attention GLBT high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students :

Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) San Diego is offering scholarships for Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgendered (GLBT) students.
If you can use $1,000.00 to help pay school expenses and are a San Diego County resident, apply for one of our $1,000.00 scholarships!

Visit http://pflag.com for details and a downloadable application.

Application deadline is Monday, April 16, 2007.

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Jobs:
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21. LYRIC Operations Manager

Position Summary
The Operations Manager serves as a key member of LYRIC’s Administrative Team, which shares the responsibilities necessary to ensure the agency’s overall administration is supporting the needs of the program and fund development departments, meeting LYRIC’s fiscal, legal and contractual obligations, and creating a safe and positive work environment for LYRIC’s staff, interns and volunteers. This position reports to the Executive Director, and works cooperatively with other members of the administrative team, including the Fiscal Manager and any interns, consultants and vendors that may be engaged to support the administration of the organization. Position responsibilities and vendor relationships can be restructured within the boundaries of the areas of responsibilities detailed below to build on a candidate’s strengths and support areas identified as areas for growth.

Responsibilities
Office Management:
• Facility management: Coordination of general office organization and appearance including cleaning/garbage removal/recycle and repair, ensure compliance with Americans With Disabilities Act
• Facility maintenance and renovation: Manage all projects including act as liaison to external contractors, oversee related budgets, review and approve related invoices, coordinate with applicable city agencies
• Supply inventory: stock maintenance, organization, and procurement protocol
• Equipment maintenance and upgrade, including processing of leases and maintenance agreements, and management of warranties database
• Liability Insurance: Preparation of renewal packet, ongoing review of coverage, ongoing internal risk management compliance and improvement
• Maintenance and review of all vendor relationships
• Reception/Intra-office communication: Back-up phone coverage 9-5, M-F, maintenance of voicemail system, maintenance of staff and email lists, maintenance of updated staff lists, welcoming of visitors to office 9-5, M-F
• Out-going mail preparation & delivery; In-coming mail distribution; Courier and express mail coordination
• General clerical support: Phone calls, faxing, copying, typing
Computers
• IT management: daily troubleshooting; oversight/coordination of IT contractor(s) including IT plan development/implementation and relevant line-item budget oversight
• Maintenance and upgrade of hardware
• Software maintenance and upgrade
• Ongoing improvement and maintenance of office computer “systems”; including internal network, Internet and Email
• Staff training: review training options with staff as needed

Human Resources Administration
• New hire initial orientation and paperwork processing [orientation will include ED and supervisor of new staff]
• Payroll: timesheet administration and collection, leave balance maintenance
• Health/Dental/Life Insurance administration; Retirement Plan administration
• Exit processing [exit interview will be conducted by ED]
• Labor law ongoing compliance and advisory role as needed
• On-going HR training coordination
• Workers Comp claim processing
• Personnel matters advisory role as needed
• Support ED with coordination of general staff training needs and requirements
• Development and update of all HR related manuals, including personnel manual, safety manual, technology policies

General Support Functions
• Board of Directors Communication: Assist ED in supporting Board relationship, including assistance with preparation of monthly Board Packet, Maintenance of board email list [should include ED]
• Development: Part of RFP response team, as needed
• Annual Audit: Part of Audit prep team as relates to File Maintenance; Lease and rental reports; In-Kind donation Reports; Vacation accrual reports; Insurance and policy reports
• Community Relations: Respond to general information requests; Maintain information packets and respond to information requests; Conduct tours of facility as appropriate, Website maintenance, Friends of LYRIC Newsletter development and dissemination
Qualifications
• At least two years experience in office or operations management capacity, preference for experience in direct social services environment and with organizations serving youth
• In-depth computer skills; mastery or Microsoft Office suite, high competency in managing office networks, intranet, and security (specifically Windows Small Business Server 2003), experience troubleshooting hardware and software problems, proficiency with Macromedia Dreamweaver desirable
• Familiarity with CA HR law and application
• Experience procuring and managing vendor relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Experience and competencies in working in a multiracial, multicultural environment
• Passion and commitment to fostering healthy LGBTQQ youth
• Understanding of youth development, social justice and anti-oppression
• Highly positive and enthusiastic style
• Self-motivated and ability to take initiative, manage, and complete multiple projects within deadlines
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment; highly organized.
• Ability to hold yourself accountable for your own work
• Commitment to ongoing self-improvement
• Bi/Multi-lingual desirable.
• Preference for candidate with a valid drivers license and access to a registered and insured vehicle to use in carrying out job responsibilities
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required

Salary
Salary Range: $35,000 - $40,000 per annum, commensurate with experience. Position includes full benefits package.

LYRIC is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are strongly encouraged from women, people of color, immigrants, young people, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender and genderqueer people, people living with HIV/AIDS, people who are differently-abled, and bilingual and bicultural people.

To apply please email your resume with full contact information and a cover letter to mailto:OMjob@lyric.org. Please put OM and your name in the subject line. Applicants may also submit resume and cover letter by mail to: LYRIC – Attn: Operations Manager Search, 127 Collingwood Street, San Francisco, CA 94114. No phone calls or faxes, please. We will contact you directly if we wish to talk with you about the position. This position will remain open until filled, but please note that interviews are scheduled to begin as early as 3/19. Thank you in advance for your interest in the position.

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NEWS
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22. NEWS: Iowa Governor Signs Bill to Ban School Bullying

March 6, 2007
By LYNN CAMPBELL
Des-Moines Register

Students who last year staged "The Laramie Project" - the controversial play about the murder of a gay Wyoming university student - got a front-row seat Monday when Gov. Chet Culver signed a bill to ban bullying in all Iowa schools.

" This bill makes it clear Iowans are committed to providing protection against intolerance in every Iowa school district," Culver said at the signing ceremony at Valley High School in West Des Moines. "Bullying, threats and intimidation have no place in our public education system."

Senate File 61 requires all Iowa schools to have policies by Sept. 1 that prevent and punish bullying or harassment of any student. Currently, 77 of Iowa's 365 public school districts have anti-bullying policies that include sexual orientation.

With Monday's bill signing, Iowa becomes one of 10 states in the nation to enact a comprehensive, statewide anti-bullying policy, Culver said.

Billy Hamilton, 18, of Urbandale, president of Valley's gay-straight alliance, said he has not been verbally harassed but has had obscene, anti-gay notes stuck on his locker a couple of times.

" We have students here who are gay, who are straight, transgender, who have had problems," Hamilton said. "Sometimes, they have been unresolved. Sometimes they feel like they can't go to the administration or tell someone about what's happening. Hatred, it exists everywhere."

To read the full article, visit:
http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070306/NEWS02/703060407/1004

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23. NEWS: 'That's So Gay' Prompts a Lawsuit

'That's So Gay' Prompts a Lawsuit
Student sent to principal's office insists it was not a homophobic putdown

by Lisa Leff
Associated Press

SANTA ROSA, Calif. - When a few classmates razzed Rebekah Rice about her Mormon upbringing with questions such as, "Do you have 10 moms?" she shot back: "That's so gay."

Those three words landed the high school freshman in the principal's office and resulted in a lawsuit that raises this question: When do playground insults used every day all over America cross the line into hate speech that must be stamped out?

After Rice got a warning and a notation in her file, her parents sued, claiming officials at Santa Rosa's Maria Carillo High violated their daughter's First Amendment rights when they disciplined her for uttering a phrase "which enjoys widespread currency in youth culture," according to court documents.

Testifying last week about the 2002 incident, Rice, now 18, said that when she uttered those words, she was not referring to anyone's sexual orientation. She said the phrase meant: "That's so stupid, that's so silly, that's so dumb."

But school officials say they took a strict stand against the putdown after two boys were paid to beat up a gay student the year before.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17388702/

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24. NEWS: Supreme Court Orders Dismissal of Appeal in Poway T-shirt Case

March 5, 2007
North County Times
SCOTT MARSHALL

NORTH COUNTY -- The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ordered a federal appeals court to dismiss the appeal of part of a lawsuit a former Poway high school student filed against the Poway school district over the way school officials responded to a T-shirt he wore that called homosexuality "shameful."

An attorney for the student, Tyler Chase Harper, who goes by his middle name, said the decision from the nation's highest court was "very significant" because it eliminates an August 2006 ruling in the case from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and gives Harper and his family a "clean slate" as they appeal the main portion of the case.

The appeals court ruling, which applied to all courts in California and most of the western United States, had upheld a U.S. District Court judge's decision that allowed schools to stop students from wearing statements thought to demean or infringe on the rights of others.

An attorney for the school district described the issue decided Monday as "esoteric," said that the Supreme Court did not reverse the appeals court decision, and noted that Monday's action does not affect the "real case," which a federal judge in San Diego decided in the district's favor while the appeal to the Supreme Court was pending.

U.S. District Court Judge John Houston ruled in January that Chase Harper and his younger sister, Kelsie Harper, had failed to show that their constitutional rights were violated by Poway school district policies and by school officials. Houston dismissed Chase Harper from the lawsuit because he has graduated from Poway High School and granted the school district's request for judgment in its favor on every legal claim raised by Kelsie Harper, a Poway High junior.

Chase Harper was a sophomore at Poway High School in April 2004 when he wore the controversial shirt to school the day after a campus group held a "Day of Silence" to promote tolerance of homosexual, bisexual and transgendered students.

The front of the T-shirt bore the words "Homosexuality is shameful. Romans 1:27." The words "Be ashamed. Our school has embraced what God has condemned" appeared on the back of the shirt, a federal judge wrote.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.nctimes.com/articles/2007/03/06/news/inland/3_03_413_5_07.txt

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25. NEWS: New Jersey Court Rules Schools Liable for Anti-Gay Bullys

3/01/2007
Bay Area Reporter
by Lisa Keen

In a unanimous decision, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled February 21 that a public school can be held liable for anti-gay harassment between students if they don't take "effective" measures to stop it.

A student, known only as L.W., who had been harassed and assaulted by students who perceived him to be gay brought the case against Toms River Regional Schools in 2005. Because L.W. is under 18, the court only uses initials to refer to plaintiffs who are minors.

School officials had argued that they did enforce discipline against the students who assaulted L.W., but the court noted that the discipline was less than that administered for being late to school.

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey called the decision a "major victory for student rights."

" Bullying can be enormously destructive to students, emotionally and psychologically," said Deborah Jacobs, executive director of the ACLU-NJ. "This decision requires schools to take necessary steps to ensure that students are protected from bias-based harassment, and makes clear that schools must address the entire school environment, instead of merely viewing specific incidents of bullying as isolated events."

To read the full article, visit:
http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=1609

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26. NEWS: Bias-Free School Bill Reintroduced In California

February 27, 2007
365gay.com
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

(Sacramento, California) Less than six months after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a similar bill, legislation has been introduced in the California Senate that would strengthen existing protections and specifically prohibit discrimination based on a person's actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity in California schools.

Both pieces of legislation were put forward by Sen. Sheia Kuehl (D) (pictured). While the new bill promotes nondiscrimination in schools it does not specifically mandate the teaching of a gay-positive curriculum.

When he vetoed last year's bill Schwarzenegger said it was vague and potentially confusing and was redundant because California's education code already prohibits discrimination in schools.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/02/022707books.htm

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27. NEWS: Parent Suit on Gay Marriage Talk Tossed

Parent Suit on Gay Marriage Talk Tossed
Judge tosses suit by parents who objected to talk of gay marriage in classroom

Feb. 23, 2007
Associated Press
By DENISE LAVOIE

(AP) A federal judge on Friday threw out a lawsuit filed by parents who wanted to keep their young children from learning about gay marriage in school.

U.S. District Judge Mark Wolf said federal courts have decided in other cases that parents' rights to exercise their religious beliefs are not violated when their children are exposed to contrary ideas in school.

" In essence under the Constitution public schools are entitled to teach anything that is reasonably related to the goals of preparing students to become engaged and productive citizens in our democracy," Wolf said in his ruling.

Toni and David Parker of Lexington sued after their 5-year-old son brought home a book from kindergarten that depicted a gay family. Another Lexington couple joined the suit after a second-grade teacher read the class a fairy tale about two princes falling in love.

Both couples claimed Lexington school officials violated their parental rights to teach their own morals to their children. They said they did not want to dictate curriculum but wanted to be notified before gay couples were discussed so they could remove their children from classrooms.

To read the full article, visit:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/23/ap/national/mainD8NFJ0I00.shtml

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