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November 27
November 20
November 13
November 6
Click here for information about the murder of Gwen/Eddie Araujo, a transgender teen from Newark, CA.
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In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
GSA Network Trains Peer Educators in Visalia
GSA Network Announcements
1. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Show Will Benefit GSA Network
2. You Can Still Join the OHMY Steering Committee!
3. Family Acceptance Project (Bay Area)
Other Announcements
4. Gender and Civil Liberties ACLU Trip (Northern CA)
5. World AIDS Day Events (LA)
6. Media Forum on Gender (Bay Area)
7. Workshop on Theatre, Activism and the Law (LA)
8. Young Women's Basketball at LYRIC (Bay Area)
9. Queer Youth Art Show - Deadline Extended (Bay Area)
10. Casting Call: Documentary Film About Harassment Faced by
LGBTQ Youth
11. Candlelight Vigil for Homeless Youth (Bay Area)
12. Training on Immigration, The Patriot Act, and Political Rights
(Bay Area)
13. Anti-Defamation League Resource for Teachers
14. ACTION ALERT: Urge More Accurate, Respectful Coverage of
Gwen Araujo
15. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: LAUSD Teacher, INSIGHTS Program (LA)
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network Trains Peer Educators in Visalia
On Saturday, November 23rd, the Visalia Unified School District took
another
step toward incorporating anti-discrimination and harrassment training
on the
basis of actual or perceived sexual orientation into their standard
9th grade
health science curriculum.
GSA Network trained 35 juniors and seniors from throughout the district
to deliver a 50 minute curriculum to 9th graders. The students will begin
presenting the curriculum the first week in December in each of the Visalia
high schools. The peer education component is part of an overall program
put into place through the lawsuit settlement with the district by the
GSA Network and former Visalia Unified student, George Loomis.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Show Will Benefit GSA Network
The 10th Annual Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Show will benefit GSA Network!
Come see Jewish Comedy on Christmas in a Chinese Restaurant. Attend a dinner show for $50 or a later cocktail show for $35, Dec. 23 - Dec. 26 at New Asia Restaurant, 772 Pacific Ave., San Francisco.
Visit http://www.koshercomedy.com or call 415-522-3737 for more information or to purchase tickets.
You can also help out by volunteering at the Kung Pao Kosher Comedy Show! Volunteers get free dinner and will be able to see the show. To find out more info about volunteering, contact mailto:barbra_schwartz@hotmail.com.
*********************************************
2. You Can Still Join the OHMY Steering Committee!
Are you interested in planning a youth-led conference?
Do you want to fight homophobia and other oppressions in schools?
Would you like to meet other youth activists and improve your organizing
skills?
Then join the team that will plan OHMY 2003, LGBTQQ and straight-ally youth conference!
OHMY (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth) is an entirely youth-produced conference that brings youth from around CA together to address homophobia and other oppressions in the school environment.
The OHMY Steering Committee is the group of youth responsible for planning and leading the conference. All interested youth are encouraged to join!
The next OHMY planning meeting will be:
Saturday, December 7th
11:00 - 3:00 pm
at LYRIC (127 Collingwood St. in San Francisco)
Save the date! The tentative date for OHMY 2003 is February 15th.
The OHMY conference is co-sponsored by GSA Network and LYRIC.
*********************************************
3. Family Acceptance Project (Bay Area)
The Family Acceptance Project: Proyecto En Familia was launched in July 2002 to study the impact of family acceptance and rejection on health outcomes for White and Latino LGB youth, with funding from The California Endowment.
Working closely with community groups, including the GSA Network and the Adolescent Health Working Group, Caitlin Ryan and Rafael Díaz at San Francisco State University (SFSU) will interview youth and family members to develop community interventions and provider training materials, and to enhance family support for youth who come out during adolescence.
Moving beyond other studies that focus on risk behaviors and victimization, this project aims to identify strengths and resiliency to guide early intervention, prevention and care for LGB youth. This is the first study of adolescent sexual identity, families and ethnicity.
You're invited to share your experiences about coming out, including your family's reaction to your sexual orientation.
If you are selected to participate, the interview will take approximately 2 hours and you will receive $25 compensation for your time. All information you share is confidential.
You are eligible to participate if you are:
* Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual (no matter what word you use)
* Age 13-18
* White, Latino, or Mixed Latino ethnicity
* Living with a family member
* From a family with any type of reaction to your sexual orientation
* Have at least two adult relatives, (such as an aunt/uncle,
parent, grandparent, older sister or brother, etc.) who know about your
sexual orientation
Interviews will be conducted in English and Spanish.
For more information call: 888-354-4222 (toll-free) or e-mail us at mailto:familyproject@sfsu.edu.
Visit http://familyproject.sfsu.edu for more information.
The Family Acceptance Project is Funded by The California Endowment.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
*********************************************
4. Gender and Civil Liberties ACLU Trip (Northern CA)
Interested in Taking a Trip to Explore Gender and Civil Liberties?
The ACLU is looking for 10 High school aged youth
The Youth Activist Committee of the American Civil Liberties Union
(ACLU) of Northern California is looking for 10 youth to participate in
a 4 day field investigation to look in-depth at the cross-section of gender
identity, gender non-conformity, and individual rights with a particular
focus on transgender and intersex youth. The ACLU is a national non-profit
civil rights organization thatís been around for 83 years fighting
for the rights of all people.
Are you passionate about social justice and protecting people's rights?
Then apply for this trip. The trip dates are December 27-30, 2002.
The trip is called "Gender and Civil Liberties: A Field Investigation by
and for Youth." It is free to all northern California high school students.
Fill out this application form and send it back to us no later than December
1, 2002.
Find our the different ways gender affects us in society
We will investigate how our laws and policies treat transgender and
intersex youth, how youth with non-normative genders are treated in school
and by their families, how gender identity is shaped and defined by all
of us. We will look at:
* Personal, social, and legal constructions of gender
* Transgender activism
* The intersex rights movement
* Cutting edge legal cases that redefine marriage
* Access to treatments, hormone therapy, surgery
TRIP APPLICATION for GENDER AND CIVIL LIBERTIES: A Field Investigation by and for Youth
Sponsored by the Howard A. Friedman Education Project of the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California
Name:
Email:
Street Address:
City/State/Zip:
Home Phone:
Cell/Pager:
Expected graduation year:
Birthdate:
Age:
Sex:
Race/Ethnicity (self-defined):______
Please answer the following questions on a separate page:
1. Why do you want to go on this trip?
2. Have you ever been involved with the ACLU? If so, in what capacity?
3. Explain how the issue of gender (your own or a friend's) has impacted
your life.
* Safety at school, home, and the workplace
* Crimes against intersex and transgender people
* Homelessness among transgender youth and other risk factors
We will conduct this field investigation in the San Francisco Bay Area
We'll be meeting with activists, lawyers, service providers, community groups and families in San Francisco and the surrounding area. We are staying at the Fisherman's Wharf hostel in San Francisco and taking public transportation to our various destinations.
And then you'll be educating your peers about what you learned
While this trip is free for youth, you will need to make a commitment
to stay involved with the group for the remaining semester and write about
your experiences during the trip for a published report and speak publicly
at various ACLU events including a Youth Rights Conference in March at
San Jose State.
Things your parents may want to know
The ACLU has organized similar trips for youth for seven consecutive
years each summer. Past trip topics include immigration, tribal sovereignty,
juvenile justice, youth homelessness, corporate America, and the sex worker
industry. All trips have a 5 youth to 2 adult chaperone ratio.
Students are fed three meals a day plus snacks. All lodging, food
and transportation costs are covered by the ACLU.
Remember!
The trip dates are December 27 - 30, 2002. You must get your application
to us no later than December 1, 2002. We will give priority to youth who
get their applications in early, have a demonstrated commitment toward
social justice issues, and plan to be in northern California the following
semester.
In order to process your application, we must have your parent or guardian sign the following statement:
"I understand that my child is applying for the 'Gender and Civil Liberties' trip with the ACLU Foundation of Northern California. My child has my permission to participate in the trip from December 27-30, 2002 and to make presentations about the trip to high schools no more than once a month throughout the 2003-2004 school year. I understand that presentations might entail my child mussing all or a portion of a school day. I also understand that an ACLU representative will accompany my child and provide transportation to and from the speaking engagements."
Parent or Guardian Signature ___________________________________
Registration is expected to fill up quickly. Please return your application to the following address no later than December 1, 2002:
Shayna Gelender, Youth Advocate
ACLU Friedman Education Project
1663 Mission Street #460
San Francisco, CA 94103
Questions? Call Shayna at 415/621-2493 ext. 355 or email SGelender@aclunc.org
*********************************************
5. World AIDS Day Events (LA)
L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center Invites You to World AIDS Day Events
"An Evening of Self-Expression," an alcohol and tobacco-free, interactive event that invites guests to express their feelings and ideas about HIV and AIDS through a variety of media. Forms of expression will include sidewalk chalking, poster painting, and an "open mic" for poetry recitations, readings or performances. The evening will include a candlelight memorial, videos and information about HIV and AIDS prevention, testing and treatment at the Gay & Lesbian Center, as well as other local programs and resources. Light refreshments will be served.
WHEN: Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7 - 9 p.m.
WHERE: The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's Village at Ed Gould Plaza,
1125 N. McCadden Pl., Hollywood
The theme of World AIDS Day 2002 is Stigma and Discrimination, which are major obstacles to effective HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment. HIV stigma and fear of discrimination prevent people living with HIV from publicly acknowledging their HIV status. People with, or suspected of having, HIV may be turned away from health care services, denied housing and employment, shunned by their friends and colleagues, turned down for insurance coverage or refused entry into foreign countries, including the U.S. In some cases, they may be evicted from home by their families, divorced by their spouses, and suffer emotional abuse, physical violence or even murder. Stigma and discrimination of all forms also contribute to HIV transmission with experiences of discrimination and harassment leading to unhealthy behaviors and fears of disclosing HIV to one's partners. With its focus on stigma and discrimination, the World AIDS Day Campaign encourages people to break the silence and the barriers to effective HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment.
*********************************************
6. Media Forum on Gender (South Bay)
The Northern California Chapter of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association, Billy DeFrank Lesbian and Gay Community Center and San Jose State University present:
"Gender Matters" - A public-media professional forum to discuss local
San Francisco Bay Area news coverage of the Gwen Araujo murder and the
transgender community.
7 p.m. Thursday, December 5th at the San Jose State University Student Union in the Almaden Room.
The program is free of charge and open to the public.
Meet some of the same reporters who covered the events, transgender
community members and media watchdogs. We will look at how local Radio,
TV,
newspaper and Internet reports covered the Araujo murder as well as
the transgender community with to hope to find ways to better cover the
community and its issues in the future.
This should be an interesting and useful night for both media professionals and the public.
*********************************************
7. Workshop on Theatre, Activism and the Law (LA)
Theatre, Activism and the Law: An Interactive Workshop
FREE!!!
Fringe Benefits Alliance is sponsoring a series of skills-sharing workshops
the second Saturday of every month throughout the year. You are
welcome to come and bring friends or colleagues of any age or skill level!!
Theatre, Activism, and the Law: An Interactive Workshop
led by Mady Schutzman and Martha Matthews
This workshop is sponsored by both Fringe Benefits and by the Center for Theatre of the Oppressed and Applied Theatre Arts,
Los Angeles (CTO/ATA/LA)
December 14, 2002
from 2-to-5pm at
U.S.C (directions to come soon)
Please R.S.V.P to mailto:FBAlliance@aol.com as there will be limited space.
WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:
What are the legal implications of invisible theatre, street theatre and guerilla actions? Martha Matthews of the ACLU will lay out the conceptual map of legal policies and Mady Schutzman, Boal scholar and practitioner, will outline the practices and issues of theatre activism. After discussing the legal ramifications of some specific cases, participants will work in groups to design their own theatre/art actions that will then be discussed legally as well as ethically. A chance to better understand the current terrain of the law and to work with others imagining politically viable street theater.
*********************************************
8. Young Women's Basketball at LYRIC (Bay Area)
Come and play basketball with other young women with LYRIC.
All skill levels are encouraged.
Come and join us for lots of fun!
There will be a game against the women of SMAAC on January 11th at Mills College. There will also be a party for women after the game for both LYRIC and SMAAC! To join us and play or for more information about the team or the young women's program, please call Kristin at 415-703-6150 x 12 or email mailto:kristin@lyric.org.
*********************************************
9. Queer Youth Art Show - Deadline Extended (Bay Area)
DEADLINE FOR QUEER YOUTH ART SHOW EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 30th!
submit your art!
painting/photography/comics/collage/drawing/mixed media
perform your art!
dance/spoken word/ranting and rhyming
join LYRIC for our 3rd Annual Queer Youth Art Show!
* when: January 10th, 5 to 7pm
* where: SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market between Laguna and Octavia
* cost: FREE to everyone!
* why: share in the diversity and creativity of lgbtqqi youth
art! snacks provided!
* how: contact Linn at LYRIC for more info, 415-703-6150x24
or mailto:linn@lyric.org or look on
http://www.lyric.org for submission
form.
*********************************************
10. Casting Call: Documentary Film About Harassment Faced by LGBTQ
Youth
Are you:
* Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning or Queer?
* Between the Ages of 14 and 18?
* Have You Experienced Verbal Harassment, Intimidation, Fear or Violence
in School Because of your Orientation?
* Are You Willing to be Interviewed On Camera?
If you answered YES then we want to hear from you!
The Oscar-winning production team that created The Times of Harvey Milk, The Celluloid Closet and Paragraph 175 is making a new documentary about how young GLBTQQ people experience hostility and violence in schools, shelters, foster care and juvenile justice.
We are looking for young people to feature in this documentary. If you are interested, contact:
BETSY BAYHA
Cell Phone: (415) 860-6700
E-mail: mailto:b_bayha@yahoo.com
Or, give us your contact information and we'll call you!
*********************************************
11. Candlelight Vigil for Homeless Youth (Bay Area)
Thursday, December 5th @ 5pm
Covenant House Oakland, 2781 Telegraph Ave. in West Oakland
Brought to you by Covenant House Oakland. Those who are concerned for homeless and at-risk youth in the San Francisco Bay Area will meet, march to City Hall, light candles and rally for more beds for homeless youth. The program will feature short presentations by local leaders. As we light our candles to draw attention the plight of homeless and at-risk youth, we will launch our homeless shelter for youth ages 18-24 and the official count of Homeless Youth in Alameda County. Hot chocolate and snacks will be served immediately following the Vigil at Frank Ogawa Plaza.
For more info, call 510-625-7800 ext 403
*********************************************
12. Training on Immigration, The Patriot Act, and Political Rights
(Bay Area)
The Youth Empowerment Center, alongside the Youth Law Center, Meiklejohn Civil Liberties Institute, & Lazaro Law, (and more) would like to invite you to the following training at the YEC, for YEC projects, and their close allies:
Training on Immigration, The Patriot Act, and Political Rights
WHEN: December 12, 2002 - 6PM
WHERE: Youth Empowerment Center; 1357A 5th St; Oakland, CA 94607
WHO'S SPEAKING?: Alexis Mazon, Ann Fagan Ginger, John Lazaro, and many
more...
WHO SHOULD COME?: All YEC allied organizations and projects (immigrant
or not immigrant - this is relevant for all organizers)
FOCUS: Patriot Act's Impact on Immigrants; Immigration and Political
Activism - What are your Rights?; Legal questions on immigration and
organizing
**PLEASE RSVP to mailto:rocio@youthec.org if you can make it, and if you are representing an organization, how many people from your organization will make it**
**As the increased repression comes down upon political organizations
in the state's latest barrage of civil rights measures, progressive organizations
everywhere are facing strong challenges and many questions about how
this will impact their work. In light of this, and events this past year
at the
YEC and other organizations, YEC is offering a series of trainings
to help bring information about new laws like the Patriot Act, about how
to protect
oneself in such times, about the necessity and viable tactics for security,
and more.
**The focus of this training is specifically on the issue of the rights
of immigrants in the wake of all this, as a community heavily impacted
by the
recent push of repression. This will focus on broad information, legal
details, as well as practical strategies and precautions that can be taken
to ensure you and your staff's safety and security.**
*********************************************
13. Anti-Defamation League Resource for Teachers
ADL web page for teachers on "Creating an Anti-Bias Learning Environment"
Check out this great page http://www.adl.org/education/default_anti_bias.asp
with sections on:
- Checklist for Creating an Anti-Bias Learning Environment
- Teachers' Notes: Talking With Students About Diversity and Bias
- Responding to Prejudice in The Classroom
- Tips and Unique Ideas from Educators on how to Create Anti-Bias Learning
Environments
- Additional Resources
*********************************************
14. ACTION ALERT: Urge More Accurate, Respectful Coverage of Gwen
Araujo
GLAAD Alert, Nov. 19, 2002
URGE MORE ACCURATE, RESPECTFUL COVERAGE OF GWEN ARAUJO
Since the body of Latina transgender teen Gwen Araujo was discovered in mid-October, the amount of media reporting on her life, the murder investigation and subsequent arrests has reached a level unseen in hate crime coverage since the murder of Matthew Shepard in 1998. Yet media outlets' ongoing misidentification of Gwen as a boy named "Eddie" -- despite the fact that she lived full-time as a woman -- has sparked intense concern by GLAAD and other LGBT community members.
When leading Bay Area outlets like the "San Francisco Chronicle," the "San Jose Mercury News" and the San Francisco bureau of the Associated Press (AP) initially wrote about Gwen's murder, it was understandable that they might mistakenly refer to her as "Eddie" and erroneously use male pronouns. However, after a month of repeated outreach by GLAAD and members of the local community, these outlets' continued insistence on using an incorrect name and incorrect pronouns needs to be addressed as a matter of inaccurate reporting that disrespects the subject.
It is especially disturbing that the Associated Press' local bureau continues to violate AP style guidelines in reporting on Gwen's death. AP style states that when referring to transgender subjects who are not able to indicate their name and/or gender, reporters are to "use the pronoun consistent with the way the individuals live publicly" (see http://www.glaad.org/media/archive_detail.php?id=86& for more details).
Yet in a Nov. 18 conversation with the AP's San Francisco bureau, GLAAD was told that because Gwen had not had hormone therapy or a sex change, they would continue to refer to her as a "cross-dresser" and as "Eddie" -- despite the fact that Gwen lived as a woman full-time and therefore should not be characterized as a cross-dresser (see GLAAD's Media Reference Guide at http://www.glaad.org/media/guide/transfocus.php for more information). This decision violates the spirit and guiding principle behind the AP's revised style guidelines, which were designed to help journalists report on transgender individuals and their gender identity with respect. The AP bureau's claim that they have a right to call Gwen by a name and pronoun she did not use is disrespectful to Gwen's memory and, notably, contradicts the name her family has placed on her grave.
Coverage of Gwen's life and death reveals the complexities involved in representing transgender lives and identity in the media -- especially when the subject of the coverage is no longer living. While the "San Francisco Chronicle" and the "San Jose Mercury News" have recently published staff opinion columns examining and criticizing their own coverage of Gwen's murder, their news reporting continues to misrepresent her gender identity. (Ironically, a recent article in the "Chronicle" referred to Gwen as "Eddie 'Gwen' Araujo," but later in the article accurately mentioned Brandon Teena, the female-to-male transgender person who was the subject of the movie "Boys Don't Cry.")
In our experience, media often do not have the knowledge base of and familiarity with transgender lives to accurately represent them or understand the critical role that names and pronouns play in conveying respect to transgender people. However, media outlets - especially those that influence how other media cover local issues - that continue to misidentify a transgender subject after repeated clarifications and outreach need to hear the concerns of our community.
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Please write to the "San Francisco Chronicle," the "San Jose Mercury
News" and the Associated Press' San Francisco Bureau. Respectfully
express your concern with the way their coverage is misrepresenting Gwen
Araujo's life as a transgender teen. And ask that future coverage
of Gwen's murder refers to her correctly: with feminine pronouns and as
a transgender woman named Gwen.
Please also consider sharing your personal story with these outlets. As we approach the Transgender Day of Remembrance (Nov. 20), let these reporters and editors know what it is like to live in a culture where transgender identity is so routinely marginalized and disrespected. Ask that they consider reporting on the reality of transgender lives - not just deaths - in ways that increase public understanding of our community.
Please copy your correspondence to GLAAD Western Regional Media Manager Monica Taher at mailto:taher@glaad.org.
CONTACT:
ASSOCIATED PRESS - SAN FRANCISCO BUREAU
Clay Haswell, Bureau Chief, mailto:chaswell@ap.org,
(415) 495 -1708
Mike Warren, News Editor, mailto:mwarren@ap.org,
(415) 495-1708
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
Michael Collier, News Editor, mailto:mcollier@sfchronicle.com,
(510) 433-5982
Joshunda Sanders, Staff Writer, mailto:jsanders@sfchronicle.com,
(415) 777-1111, ext 7669
SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS
Dennis Akizuki, News Editor, mailto:dakizuki@sjmercury.com,
(510) 790-7306
Dana Hull, Staff Writer, mailto:dhull@sjmercury.com,
(510) 790-7311
*********************************************
15. JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: LAUSD Teacher, INSIGHTS Program (LA)
Los Angeles Unified School District
Central/Tri-C High School, A LEARN School is now accepting applications for the position of Teacher at Central/Tri-C's INSIGHTS West Hollywood location. (formerly known as EAGLES Academy)
INSIGHTS (Inspiring Noble Strength in Gay Hearts and Transgendered Souls) is a year round program primarily for students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered. Class is conducted in a single teacher, community based, self-contained classroom. The teacher acts as the site-coordinator.
Desirable Qualifications:
* Successful experience teaching high-risk gay, lesbian and transgendered
secondary students.
* Proven ability to work independently.
* Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
* Willingness to work collaboratively with all stakeholders.
* Educational background, desire and ability to teach all subjects.
* Ability to perform site coordinator duties.
* Ability and desire to use computers and the Internet.
* Experience in the Educational Options program.
* Able to meet all district requirements.
Application Procedure:
Interested applicants should submit the following by December 20, 2002:
* A letter of intent stating interest in the position.
* The names of three references.
* A current resume.
To: Narveline Kelley
716 E 14th St
Los Angeles, CA 90021
(213) 763-2828
The Los Angeles Unified School District intends that all qualified persons
shall have equal opportunities for employment and promotion.
* * * Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance. * * *
Visit http://www.gender.org for more
information.
GSA Network Highlight
High Contrast is back in the Bay Area!
GSA Network Announcements
1. Upcoming GSA Leadership/Make It Real Trainings
2. Join the OHMY Steering Committee!
3. Join Bayprism (Bay Area)
Other Announcements
4. New Youth Groups at Pacific Center (Bay Area)
5. Free Training About That's A Family (Bay Area)
6. Trans Movie Night (South Bay)
7. Thanksgiving at Spectrum (North Bay)
8. Safer Sex Workshop (Concord)
9. ADEO Performance Ensemble (SF)
10. Queer Youth Art Show (SF)
11. Gender and Sexuality Workshops for LGBT Families (SF)
12. Multimedia Presentation from Loco Bloco (SF)
13. Dance-Along Nutcracker (SF)
14. Job Announcement: Youth Making a Change (Bay Area)
15. NEWS: Students in Petaluma Plan Walkout to Protest War in
Iraq
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
High Contrast is back in the Bay Area!
High Contrast: shades of our identities, the photo-narrative exhibit created by Free Zone youth in 2000, started its 2002-03 tour of Northern California at New Tech High School in Napa. Here's what Heather Riggall, GSA President, has to say about it:
"It was really awesome to have something like that come to our school. There was really positive feedback from all of the staff and most of the students. There were some students who didn't like the fact that it was here and in a high traffic place in the foyer, but we were able to talk to those students and have some really good discussions with them. Everybody at the school saw the exhibit and there was a lot of talking going on for the 8 days that it was here and that's really what we wanted. People sought out GSA members to talk about the exhibit."
If you are interested in hosting the exhibit at your school, contact
Jill Shenker at 415-552-4229 or mailto:jill@gsanetwork.org.
See the entire exhibit at http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Upcoming GSA Leadership/Make It Real Training (Palm Springs)
Wanna learn about your legal rights as a GSA activist?
Wanna meet other people fighting homophobia?
Wanna learn how to improve your GSA?
Wanna become a leader?
Then attend our upcoming GSA Leadership/Make It Real Training!
This year, we've combined our Leadership and Make It Real (AB 537) materials to make our regional trainings better than ever!
Palm Springs:
Saturday, November 23, 10am - 6pm
Gay Associated Youth Center
45-645 Monterey Ave., Ste A, Rancho Mirage, 92270
For more information or to RSVP call CC Sapp at the GSA Network at
323.662.3160 or Angela at Gay Associated Youth Center at 760.776.1744.
Spread the word!
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2. You Can Still Join the OHMY Steering Committee!
Are you interested in planning a youth-led conference?
Do you want to fight homophobia and other oppressions in schools?
Would you like to meet other youth activists and improve your organizing
skills?
Then join the team that will plan OHMY 2003, LGBTQQ and straight-ally youth conference!
OHMY (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth) is an entirely youth-produced conference that brings youth from around CA together to address homophobia and other oppressions in the school environment.
The OHMY Steering Committee is the group of youth responsible for planning and leading the conference. All interested youth are encouraged to join!
The next OHMY planning meeting will be:
Saturday, November 23rd
11:00 - 3:00 pm
at LYRIC (127 Collingwood St. in San Francisco)
Save the date! The tentative date for OHMY 2003 is February 15th.
The OHMY conference is co-sponsored by GSA Network and LYRIC.
*********************************************
3. Join Bayprism (Bay Area)
Bayprism is a group of Bay Area GSAs started by GSA members in September of 2002. The goals of the group are to exchange information with each other, plan events, and have fun!
We meet once or twice a month at potluck meetings where we go over GSA issues and help each other solve them and then plan events for all students. We are always looking to add more GSAs to our group. If you would like to join please email Frances Grimstad at mailto:franwg@rcn.com or our yahoo group at mailto:Bayprism@yahoogroups.com.
Our next event is going to be Friday Dec. 6th, 8pm-10:30pm at the SF
LGBT Center. Its MOVIE NIGHT!!!!! There will be movies, music, and food!
Come and have fun!
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
*********************************************
4. New Youth Groups at Pacific Center (Bay Area)
Joe Boyz, for all you fine queer and questioning boyz out there ages
20 and under.
** Tuesdays, from 6-7:30pm w/ Aaron in D2.
(the girlz group), for all you fine females out there, queer and questioning,
ages 20 and under.
** Tuesdays, from 6-7:30pm w/ Bird & Caren, room TBA (check
back on our website for specific dates).
TRANSmission, trans, genderqueer, intersex and questioning youth, ages
20 and under, this one's for us!
** Thursdays, from 7-8:30pm w/ Mateo and someone from YGP, A2
We have a PARTY in the works... wanna perform, make some food, help out w/ music, strut your stuff, pass out fliers?? Tentative date is Sat. November 30th - show at 8pm, DJ (hopefully) at 10pm. Be there.
For more info, contact Mateo: mailto:youth@pacificcenter.org,
(510) 548-8283.
*********************************************
5. Free Training About That's A Family (Bay Area)
Thanks to a grant from the California Endowment, the state's largest health foundation, schools or community groups that serve children can receive free training on how to effectively use That's a Family!, our award-winning film on family diversity.
That's a Family! features children sharing their experiences living in diverse family structures. The film explores concepts such as mixed-race families, separation and divorce, single parents, gay and lesbian parents, guardianship and adoption in an age-appropriate way.
Training sessions can be scheduled as part of an in-service meeting or after school training and last from 90 to 120 minutes. Participating schools and organizations will receive complimentary copies of the film and its accompanying curriculum guide.
The school year is nearly half over, so we need your help! Please call Michelle Alcedo, Outreach and Communications Associate at 800-405-3322 if you think you can help schedule a training or know someone whom we should contact. For more information, click on the following link or copy and paste the address into your browser: http://www.womedia.org/new/california.html
Together, we can build respect for all children and their families across
California!
*********************************************
6. Trans Movie Night (South Bay)
Youth Movie Night - Exploring Gender Identity
Movies TBA
Thursday, November 21, 5:00 pm
Billy DeFrank Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose 95126
All GSA members and allies invited to attend.
For more info, e-mail Rick at the DeFrank Center, mailto:youthprg@defrank.org.
*********************************************
7. Thanksgiving at Spectrum (North Bay)
GSA students and advisors:
Rainbow's End will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner this Thursday, November 21st, from 7-9pm at Spectrum (1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. in San Anselmo). We wanted to extend an invitation to any and all GSA-related folks who might be interested in joining us!
If you are able to attend, please bring a side dish to share. Feel free to bring an item to place on our altar, too--maybe a photograph, a small memento, or some other representation of something that you are thankful for.
Contact Cristin if you have any questions:
Cristin Brew
Speakers Bureau Coordinator
457-1115 X 203
mailto:cbrew@spectrummarin.org
*********************************************
8. Safer Sex Workshop (Concord)
bump n' grind
with safe sex in mind
the empowerment program is hosting a safer sex workshop for LGBTQ youth
Saturday, November 23, 2002
4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
At the Rainbow Community Center
2118 Willow Pass Road, Suite 500, Concord, Ca 94520
For more information contact:
Adam at (925)687-8844 x304 or mailto:adam@chd-prevention.org
Driving:
From 680 North, exit Willow Pass. At the end of the off-ramp, turn
right. Stay on Willow Pass until you see a Starbucks on your right hand
side. Turn right into the parking lot just after Starbucks and come up
the stairs. You'll see Todos Santos Park on your left.
From BART:
From the Concord BART station, find Grant Street. Head north on Grant
street until you come to Willow Pass Road. Turn left onto Willow Pass and
turn into the parking lot just after the Wells Fargo Bank. Walk to the
next parking lot and head up the stairs to the top of the business complex.
*********************************************
9. ADEO Performance Ensemble (SF)
Friday Nov 22, 8 pm:
AIRspace: Final Show: ADEO:
ADEO is an innovative new performance ensemble of queer-men-of-color which combines the talents of dancer Oscar Trujillo, performance artist emael, visual artist Allyn Nobles, and community activist Derrick Miller-Handley to challenge societal assumptions about race and sexuality and to explore the concept of desire as portrayed through White media. ADEO is inspired by the "continued misrepresentations and absences of queer people of color in popular white cultural production."
$10-$5 sliding scale
Jon Sims Center, 1519 Mission.
Info/Reserve: 415.554.0402, http://www.jonsimsctr.org
*********************************************
10. Queer Youth Art Show (SF)
Where? SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market, between Laguna and Odtavia
When? January 10, 2003 from 7pm to 9pm
What? Submissions are due early January.
Submissions still being accepted from LGBTQQI youth. If you are interested
in submitting, or if you do performance or spoken word and would like to
perform, please contact Linn at LYRIC: 415-703-6150 x24, or mailto:linn@lyric.org.
*********************************************
11. Gender and Sexuality Workshops for LGBT Families (SF)
COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere), Our Family Coalition, and the SF LGBT CENTER, with the financial support of the SF Department of Children Youth and Families, present:
Talking About Sexual Orientation, and Gender for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Families
Separate workshops for parents and children 12 and up.
Free childcare available for younger children.
Tuesday, December 10, 2002, 7 - 8:30 pm
SF LGBT Community Center
Corner of Market and Octavia Sts., San Francisco
REGISTRATION:
*Parents' Workshop - call OUR FAMILY COALITION (415) 865-5615 or e-mail
mailto:education@ourfamily.org,
http://www.ourfamily.orgAge
*12 and up workshop - call COLAGE (415) 861-5437
*Child Care for younger children- call KidSpace (415) 865-5632**
COLAGE WORKSHOP:
Lets Talk About Sexuality, Baby... -Sexuality and Gender- A Workshop
for kids (12 and up) with LGBT parents and our allies.
"We always talk about our parents' sexuality. Tonight we will talk about US. Dealing with sexuality, gender roles, and questions can be difficult for anyone- let's unravel some of that: Straight, Gay; Boy, Girl... we'll explore definitions, play games, and talk about ourselves in a safe and fun environment. Snacks included!" http://www.colage.org
PARENTS' WORKSHOP:
Led by Pnina Tobin, MPA. Parents Place. A forum to share your
experiences and gain resources, insight and support regarding talking to
your children about issues related to sexual orientation at different ages.
Parents Place is a nonsectarian program of Jewish Family and Children's
Services. http://www.parentsplaceonline.org
*********************************************
12. Multimedia Presentation from Loco Bloco (SF)
LOCO BLOCO IN CUBA: A multi-media Reportback
In the summer of 2002 an intergenerational delegation from Loco Bloco, Mission District's own award winning drum and dance ensemble traveled throughout Cuba. Come see, hear and get a taste of their mind-blowing adventure!
Sunday, November 24
5pm, Brava Theater Center
2789 24th Street in San Francisco
Admission is FREE
5pm Installations
6pm Performance
7pm Reception
For more info: 415-626-5222x 30
Or http://www.locobloco.org
Sponsored by: Brava for Women in the Arts, Community Bridges Beacon.
*********************************************
13. Dance-Along Nutcracker (SF)
Tickets are now on sale for the 2002 Dance-Along Nutcracker, the zany annual fundraiser for the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band.
Last year's production sold out before the first show opened, so we wanted to send you a heads up. Here's information on this year's show and how to get tickets:
Dance-Along Nutcracker 2002:
Saturday (2:30 & 7 pm), December 7 & Sunday (2:30 pm), December
8
Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum, 701 Mission Street (@ 3rd),
San Francisco
Box Office: 415/978-2797 (ARTS)
Tickets Online: http://www.yerbabuenaarts.org/b_ybca.html
Information: 415/255-1355
Website: http://www.sflgfb.org
or http://www.dancealongnutcracker.org
Opening Night Gala: Sat., December 7 at 7 p.m.: $40
Original Dance-Along: Sat., December 7 & Sun., December 8
at 2:30 p.m.: $20 adults/ $12 children & seniors
More than a zany San Francisco holiday tradition, the Dance-Along Nutcracker
is also the primary fundraiser for the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom
Band. The Band performs at 15-20 concerts, parades and civic events
throughout the year, and the Dance-Along - one of the only performances
for which the Band charges the audience an admission - supports all the
Band's activities. It's a show that brings music to the entire community
the whole year through!
*********************************************
14. Job Announcement: Youth Making a Change (Bay Area)
Y-MAC is Looking for Young Leaders!
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22nd!
Y-MAC is a youth leadership council for high school students ranging from ages 14 to 17. Our organization was founded in 1991 with a common goal: making San Francisco a more productive place for youth and working to get youth's voices heard. Y-MAC works to achieve Youth Rights. Y-MAC is a program sponsored by Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth. Coleman Advocates is an advocacy organization that works to improve the lives of children and youth in San Francisco by increasing community access and impact on city policies.
Y-MAC is searching for young adults that are ready to make a positive social change in our communities. Y-MAC members are paid hourly 4-6pm $ 6.75/hr and work after-school hours. Please mail, fax, e-mail or personaly deliver your aplication before the deadline. YMAC will be moving during the hiring proccess period so please read the special instructions on the back page. The Applicants will be contacted to set an interview. The Last interviews will take place on November 30, 2002. There are three positions available.
Y-MACers must be able to come on Mondays from 4-6 and come and at least one other day during the week (and some activities during weekends). Y-MAC currently has projects based around Juvenile Justice, Education, Youth Space, and Youth Vote, a mock election for High Schools throughout San Francisco. Please send completed applications by no later than FRIDAY NOVEMBER 22nd! Hired Y-MACers must be able to attend a MANDATORY retreat on January 18-20, 2003. The retreat starts early Saturday morning and continues until late Monday afternoon.
YOUTH MAKING A CHANGE (YMAC) APPLICATION
Today's Date:
Name:
Date of Birth:
Street Address:
Social Security # (Optional):
City & Zip Code:
Telephone:
Pager:
School:
Grade:
Parent/Guardian's Name:
Telephone:
YMAC is a youth leadership council that speaks out for the rights of youth, organizes other youth to speak out, and works to change the policies that govern the city and the school district.
1) How did you hear about YMAC?
2) Why do you want to be a member of YMAC?
3) How would you describe yourself? What are your strengths?
What would you like to improve about yourself?
4) What do you think are the three greatest challenges facing youth
today? (use back of page if you need more space & number your responses)
5) If you were the Mayor, what would you do to address these three
challenges to make the city a better place for youth?
6) If you were an advisor to the President, what advice would you give
him
about helping today's youth?
7) If you were the principal of your high school, what would you change
to make it better for youth?
8) In your opinion what is power? What do you think youth can do to
get more power?
9) Have you ever stood up to someone in power? Explain the situation.
10) Do you feel comfortable talking to and motivating youth at your
school or community to support YMAC campaigns?
11) Are you willing to recruit youth at your school or in your community
to become YMAC members?
12) Are you willing to build relationships with student leaders or
clubs at your school to support YMAC campaigns.
3) With the nesscesary support and training, are you willing to speak
in front of class rooms about YMAC issues to youth?
14) Are you willing to make phone calls to lists of other youth and
organizations to support YMAC campaigns?
15) Do you have any experience with any of the above?
16) How many hours per week can you commit to YMAC? (Note: Please attach
a copy of your school/after-school schedule).
Interested youth please fill in the aplication and submit it by November...
* By mail: mail your application to our new location at 459 Vienna
St. S.F. Ca. 94112.
* By fax: fax your application to 239-0584.
* By E-Mail: e-mail your application to mailto:nlee@colemanadvocates.org
* Questions? Call (415) 239-0161 x20.
*********************************************
15. NEWS: Students in Petaluma Plan Walkout to Protest War in Iraq
Press Release
November 20, 2002
Petaluma High School Students Walk Out
On Wednesday November 20, 2002 at 11:30 am Petaluma H.S. students will demonstrate their opposition to President Bush's push to attack Iraq by walking out of class. Students plan on speaking out against the Bush administration. The students call to "Drop Bush not Bombs." Rosie Steffie, Natalie Kauk, and Steven Cozza (founder of Scouting For All - http://www.scoutingforall.org/ - an organization working to end the Boy Scouts of America's ban on gay scouts), seniors at Petaluma High School, say "if the leaders of this country still can't get it straight, the youth of this country will. No more wars. We must act in the best interest of all people to help promote peace. We must not support the oil interests of this country as President Bush is trying to do. Killing innocent people over oil is immoral."
Date: November 20, 2002
Location: Petaluma H.S.
Time: 11:30
Contact:
Petaluma High School 707-778-4651
Rosie Steffie, student 707-792-6852
Natalie Kauk, student 707-658-1881
Steven Cozza, student 707-778-8505
GSA Network Highlight
Increasing Awareness About Transgender Issues
GSA Network Announcements
1. Upcoming GSA Leadership/Make It Real Trainings
2. Join the OHMY Steering Committee!
3. Transgender Rembrance Day Planning Meeting (SF)
Other Announcements
4. Counseling Services for LGBTQQ Youth (Bay Area)
5. COLAGE Youth Leadership Program (Bay Area)
6. Free Tickets To Film About Oakland Youth (SF)
7. Body Image & Gender Event (Santa Cruz)
8. Queer Youth Video Screening (SoCal)
9. Holiday Party (SoCal)
10. New Resource From National Mental Health Association
11. Social Change Mini-Grants for Youth
12. KarMel Scholarship
13. Southern Poverty Law Center Grants for Teachers
14. Job Announcement: Outlet Mentor Program Coordinator (Palo
Alto)
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Increasing Awareness About Transgender Issues
In the wake of Gwen Araujo's tragic murder last month, many activists are trying to raise awareness of transgender issues and fight gender oppression. Youth and adult organizers around the state are continuing to plan rallies, trainings, and educational programs focusing on gender and transphobia. Folks are also advocating for better media coverage of transgender people, particularly around the issue of pronouns.
For more information about how your GSA can get involved, visit http://www.gsanetwork.org/press/araujo.html and find out:
* the latest updates about vigils, marches, and rallies
being planned in response to Gwen's murder
* a comprehensive list of media coverage and resources,
including links to news articles
* information about the Gwen Araujo Bereavement Fund
A recent column in the San Francisco Chronicle, "What's in a Pronoun?" examines media coverage and pronoun usage in the wake of Gwen Arajuo's murder. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/11/07/DD116742.DTL
Transgender Day of Remembrance is November 20th - this is an annual day set aside to memorialize those who have been killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. Join GSAs around the country by recognizing this event in your schools and communities. For more information, visit http://www.gender.org/remember/day.
Aragon High School's GSA is one of many clubs currently organizing events to raise awareness about gender nonconformity and confront gender oppression and homophobia. GSA members at Aragon are planning to set up a powerful visual exhibit in the school courtyard, with tombstones displaying the names of people killed by anti-LGBTQ violence. The Aragon GSA is also sponsoring several other awareness, education, and visibility programs to make their school safer for all students.
Other Bay Area GSAs are meeting this weekend to plan events around the
Transgender Day of Remembrance. For more information, see announcement
#3 below.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. Upcoming GSA Leadership/Make It Real Trainings
Wanna learn about your legal rights as a GSA activist?
Wanna meet other people fighting homophobia?
Wanna learn how to improve your GSA?
Wanna become a leader?
Then attend one of our upcoming GSA Leadership Trainings!
This year, we've combined our Leadership and Make It Real (AB 537) materials to make our regional trainings better than ever!
Santa Cruz:
Sunday, November 17th, 10am-6pm
Barrios Unidos, 1817 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 95062
For more information or to RSVP, e-mail Emilie at mailto:emilie@gsanetwork.org
or call 415.552.4229.
Palm Springs:
Saturday, November 23, 10am - 6pm
Gay Associated Youth Center
45-645 Monterey Ave., Ste A, Rancho Mirage, 92270
For more information or to RSVP call CC Sapp at the GSA Network at
323.662.3160 or Angela at Gay Associated Youth Center at 760.776.1744.
Spread the word!
*********************************************
2. Join the OHMY Steering Committee!
Are you interested in planning a youth-led conference?
Do you want to fight homophobia and other oppressions in schools?
Would you like to meet other youth activists and improve your organizing
skills?
Then join the team that will plan OHMY 2003, LGBTQQ and straight-ally youth conference!
OHMY (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth) is an entirely youth-produced conference that brings youth from around CA together to address homophobia and other oppressions in the school environment.
The OHMY Steering Committee is the group of youth responsible for planning and leading the conference. All interested youth are encouraged to join!
The first OHMY planning meeting will be:
Saturday, November 16th
11:00 - 2:00 pm
at LYRIC (127 Collingwood St. in San Francisco)
Save the date! The tentative date for OHMY 2003 is February 15th.
The OHMY conference is co-sponsored by GSA Network and LYRIC.
*********************************************
3. Transgender Remembrance Day Planning Meeting (SF)
Attention Bay Area GSA Leaders!
Wanna join other Bay Area GSAs in remembering Gwen Arujo on Transgender Remembrance Day next week? Join us for the planning meeting on:
Saturday, November 16th
4-6 pm
LGBT Center (1800 Market Street @ Octavia)
MUNI: J,K,L,M,N,F or 6,7,9,10,14,21,26,47,49,66,71
Meet other Bay Area GSA leaders and enjoy free food! Questions???
Contact JVT at the Richmond Village Beacon: jvt@rvbeacon.org
or (415) 750-8554.
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
*********************************************
4. Counseling Services for LGBTQQ Youth (Bay Area)
The Outlet Program at the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula is offering...
Free Counseling for LGBTQQ youth
Mondays 4-6pm
Fridays 4-6pm
All youth who live in the Peninsula are welcome to participate in this program.
Contact Juan at Outlet to schedule an appointment.
650/494-0972 ext. 301
mailto:juan@ywcamid.org
http://www.ywcamid.org
*********************************************
5. COLAGE Youth Leadership Program (Bay Area)
Join COLAGE's newest program for youth with LGBT parents and our allies ages 14 to 22!
BE FAMOUS: Learn about speaking with TV, radio, newspaper, and magazine media about COLAGE issues
BE RADICAL: Learn to work on political campaigns, how to start groups, or build coalitions to affect change and raise awareness in your school, community, and society
BE AN EDUCATOR: Learn about speaking on panels to educate both youth and adults about homophobia and COLAGErs
BE A LEADER: Learn leadership skills that you can use in COLAGE and beyond
GET RICH: Ok well maybe not rich but by joining the youth leadership program at COLAGE you can earn a stipend
Sound too good to be true- come hear for yourself at the:
Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE)
Youth Leadership Program
Information Session & First Meeting
Sunday, November 17th * 3-5 PM
Columbia Park Boys and Girls Club, 450 Guerrero Street, San
Francisco
FREE FOOD and FUN!
We will be talking about the program, picking a cool name, working on a grant, and having fun- so don't miss out!
For more information or to RSVP contact Meredith at 415-861-5437 ext.
102 or mailto:Meredith@colage.org.
*********************************************
6. Free Tickets To Film About Oakland Youth (SF)
LYRIC is co-sponsoring a movie this coming Sunday at the Castro Theater, and they have 20 free tickets for youth to come watch it! It will be first come, first serve, so get back to Linn (email or call, mailto:linn@lyric.org or 415-703-6150 x24) as soon as you can.
***
NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT OAKLAND YOUTH SCREENS AT THE CASTRO THEATER, SAN FRANCISCO- Plus live performance by the Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 11 AM, TICKETS $5
The Film Arts Festival will feature a screening of the new documentary A Place Named Destiny, by Oakland filmmaker Paul Ginocchio. The documentary follows a diverse group of teenagers as they join up with the Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company, an after-school arts program that teaches young people theater, dance, spoken word, and martial arts. As the young people audition, rehearse, and finally put on an original public performance six months later, they also open up about issues like racism, violence, and homophobia. Through interviews, rehearsal footage, and a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the company members, the documentary shows the extent to which an arts program can go a long way toward helping young people transform themselves into powerful, intelligent human beings.
This is the San Francisco premiere screening of A Place Named Destiny. (68 minutes in length). It is co-presented by LYRIC (Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center), Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth, and San Francisco Art and Film For Teenagers
Sunday, November 17th, 11:00 AM
Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street at Market, San Francisco
Tickets $5. Available on-line at the Film Arts Festival website at
http://www.filmarts.org
or call 415-552-FILM.
To order a copy and/ or set-up a screening of A Place Named Destiny contact Paul Ginocchio at August Productions: 510-839-8911, mailto:paulginocchio@yahoo.com, http://www.augustprod.com.
For more info about the Destiny Arts Center call 510-597-1619 or visit
http://www.destinyarts.org.
*********************************************
7. Body Image & Gender Event (Santa Cruz)
B.I.G. (Body Image & Gender)
Fri. Nov. 22 from 6:30 to 9:30
Louden Nelson Community Center
301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
This event is dedicated to questioning and stepping beyond the mainstream views of body and gender. We will have performers, speakers addressing trans issues, fat phobia/myth, and women of color and body image. There will be three workshops: reconstructing barbie, safer sex kit making, and sex toy making, as well as a drag/fashion show.
$2 - $5 donation requested (no one turned away for lack of funds)
*********************************************
8. Queer Youth Video Screening (SoCal)
REACH LA PRESENTS:
Queer Youth Nation
A Video Screening of Queer Youth Produced Videos
Curated by Ana Lopez
Saturday, November 30, 2002 @ 3:00pm
This event will showcase:
A series of videos made by and for queer youth from covering a variety
of different issues that queer youth face throughout their youth experience.
This show was created to motivate teens to speak out for a better queer
future and to show the real queer world out there.
Made up of different videos dealing with different queer issues from the queer punk youth scene, being a gay teenager in the rural south, to love dramas in a LGTBQ group home in New York City, music video's, spoken word animation, and video diaries.
Video Artists include:
Appalshop, Paper Tiger, Video Machete. Emily Green, Elyse Montague,
Julie Whang, Scott Treleaven, Ana Lopez, Alma Barrera & Rocio Martinez,
Tiger with Youth Speaks and Man Lab Creative.
Taking Place:
LA Gay & Lesbian Center
At The Village Gould Plaza
1125 N. McCadden Place LA, CA 90038
For more information contact:
Gina Lamb, (213) 622-1650 Ext. 107 or visit http://www.freewaves.org
ADMISSION IS FREE
ADMISSION IS FREE ADMISSION
IS FREE
*********************************************
9. Holiday Party (SoCal)
Rainbow Youth Alliance presents:
Twisted Christmas
Saturday, December 7th, 7-11pm
Join the fun at this years holiday party! Food, Dancing and probably karaoke -it's twisted and festive!
Neighborhood Church
Room 23
301 N. Orange Grove Blvd.
Pasadena, Ca
Go to http://www.geocities.com/sgvrainbowyouth
for more information.
*********************************************
10. New Resource From National Mental Health Association
Check out "What Does Gay Mean?," a booklet published by The National Mental Health Association. This book is about how to talk with kids about sexual orientation and prejudice.
The book can be downloaded at:
http://www.nmha.org/whatdoesgaymean
*********************************************
11. Social Change Mini-Grants for Youth
YouthActionNet Announces 2003 Deadlines for Social Change Mini-Grants
Deadline: April 18, 2003; October 1, 2003
A program of the International Youth Foundation http://www.iyfnet.org/, YouthActionNet http://www.youthactionnet.org/ provides small grants to youth leaders and their emerging projects that promote social change and connect youth with local communities.
Youth-led projects supported by YouthActionNet will have clearly defined goals and have potential for growth or further replication. Award recipients will receive $500 and funds for a disposable camera to photo-document their project for an online photo gallery. Award recipients will also have the opportunity to take part in an online journal and contribute to a booklet of case studies highlighting the work of young people bringing positive change to their communities around the world.
The program is open to young people ages 18 to 24. Both individuals
and groups may apply. Individuals applying must have a leadership role
in a youth-led
initiative that works to create positive change in their community.
Groups/organizations applying must be youth-led and have as part of their
mission the goal of creating positive change in their community. In 2003,
ten recipients will be selected in each of two rounds.
Complete program guidelines and application forms are available at the YouthActionNet Web site. Applications may be submitted online.
RFP Link: http://www.youthactionnet.org/minigrants.php
*********************************************
12. KarMel Scholarship
KarMel Scholarship - Best Written/Artistic GLB Themed Work
The KarMel Scholarship will award individuals who show creativity and originality in expressing their views on the Gay/Lesbian/Bi (GLB) topic.
The two award categories are:
Best Written GLB Themed Work ($300) [i.e. personal stories,
fictional stories, poem, editorial]
Best Artistic GLB Themed Work ($400) [i.e. drawing, song, painting,
video, photo, comic strip].
The deadline is Feb 8, 2003.
For more info and application, go to http://www.karenandmelody.com/KarMelScholarship.html
*********************************************
13. Southern Poverty Law Center Grants for Teachers
Deadline: Open
GRANTS of up to $2,000 for K-12 teachers from the Teaching Tolerance
project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, a non-profit group that fights
discrimination. For activities promoting diversity, peacemaking, community
service, or other aspects of tolerance education. Include a typed, 500-word
description of the activity & the proposed budget.
Visit http://www.tolerance.org/teach/about/index.jsp
for more info.
*********************************************
14. Job Announcement: Outlet Mentor Program Coordinator (Palo Alto)
YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
Title: Outlet Mentor Program Coordinator
Start Date: January 6, 2003
Hours: 25-30 hours/ week
Location: Palo Alto, CA
Salary: $14 per hour
Description:
The YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula has been serving women and their families
since 1951 through support, education, and advocacy. With our
mission to
empower women and eliminate racism, we reach over 16,000 people per
year
through our YWCA programs and classes.
The Outlet program of the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula provides support
services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning
(LGBTQQ) youth ages 13-18 in the Mid-Peninsula area. Outlet's
mentor
program matches LGBTQ adults and youth in one-on-one mentoring
relationships. As one of two program in the country providing
this
opportunity, we seek to provide youth with strong, positive LGBTQ role
models.
Responsibilities:
· Recruit and screen potential mentors
· Recruit and screen interested youth
· Match mentor pairs
· Provide initial and on-going training for mentors
· Support and monitor mentor pairs individually and together
· Plan and run monthly mentor group meetings
· Other program related functions as necessary
Qualifications:
· Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or other related
field
preferred.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills
· Experience working with teens and volunteers
· Experience and deep understanding of LGBTQQ issues
· Sensitive to the needs of youth from diverse backrounds
· Prefer experience working with mentor programs
· Commitment to the YWCA mission
To apply: Mail or email a resume by Friday, November 22nd to:
Juan Barajas, Outlet Program Director
YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula
4161 Alma St.
Palo Alto, CA 94306
mailto:juan@ywcamid.org, http://www.ywcamid.org
Young people, people of color, and LGBTQ people are strongly encouraged
to apply.
GSA Network Highlight
Transgender Activist Leslie Feinberg to Speak in Fresno!
GSA Network Announcements
1. Upcoming Leadership/Make It Real Trainings
2. Join the OHMY Steering Committee!
3. Unite the South Bay GSAs!
4. Liberation Ink Posters Still Available
Other Announcements
5. New TGIQ Youth Group (Bay Area)
6. Gender Panel and Discussion (So Cal)
7. Beyond Tradition (So Cal)
8. Documentary About Oakland Youth (SF)
9. Creative Writing Workshop Series for LGBTQQ Youth (SF)
10. COLAGE Bowl-A-Thon Seeking GSA Teams (Bay Area)
11. Job Announcement: Young Women United for Oakland (Oakland)
12. Job Announcement: Day of Silence Project Specialist (NYC)
13. NEWS: Profile on Jack Thompson
14. NEWS: Kentucky GSA Sparks Student Boycott
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
Transgender Activist Leslie Feinberg to Speak in Fresno!
Transgender activist and author of the award-winning book, STONE BUTCH BLUES, will be giving a free lecture at the Fresno State University Satellite Student Union on Wednesday, November 13th at 7:30pm.
The GSA Network and others are sponsoring the event which is open to
the public. The event is of particular significance in light of the recent
murder of transgender youth, Gwen Araujo, in Newark. The event is also
an important part of the GSA Network's expanding focus on education and
awareness around gender identity issues. For more information contact Diana
at mailto:diana@gsanetwork.org.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
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1. Upcoming Leadership/Make It Real Trainings
Wanna learn about your legal rights as a GSA activist?
Wanna meet other people fighting homophobia?
Wanna learn how to improve your GSA?
Wanna become a leader?
Then attend one of our upcoming GSA Leadership Trainings!
This year, we've combined our Leadership and Make It Real (AB 537) materials to make our regional trainings better than ever!
Pasadena:
Saturday, November 9, 10am - 6pm
Neighborhood Church, 301 North Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, 91103
For more information or to RSVP call CC Sapp at the GSA Network at
323.662.3160.
Santa Cruz:
Sunday, November 17th, 10am-6pm
Barrios Unidos, 1817 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz, 95062
For more information or to RSVP e-mail Emilie at mailto:emilie@gsanetwork.org
or call 415.552.4229.
Palm Springs:
Saturday, November 23, 10am - 6pm
Gay Associated Youth Center
45-645 Monterey Ave., Ste A, Rancho Mirage, 92270
For more information or to RSVP call CC Sapp at the GSA Network at
323.662.3160 or Angela at Gay Associated Youth Center at 760.776.1744.
Spread the word!
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2. Join the OHMY Steering Committee!
Are you interested in planning a youth-led conference?
Do you want to fight homophobia and other oppressions in schools?
Would you like to meet other youth activists and improve your organizing
skills?
Then join the team that will plan OHMY 2003, LGBTQQ and straight-ally youth conference!
OHMY (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth) is an entirely youth-produced conference that brings youth from around CA together to address homophobia and other oppressions in the school environment.
The OHMY Steering Committee is the group of youth responsible for planning and leading the conference. All interested youth are encouraged to join!
The first OHMY planning meeting will be:
Saturday, November 16th
11:00 - 3:00 pm
at LYRIC (127 Collingwood St. in San Francisco)
Save the date! The tentative date for OHMY 2003 is February 15th.
The OHMY conference is co-sponsored by GSA Network and LYRIC.
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3. Unite the South Bay GSAs!
Wednesday, November 13th
5:30-7pm
Billy DeFrank Center
938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126
All South Bay GSA members and advisors are invited to come and network with other youth, share ideas, hang out, and learn more about how to have a kick-ass GSA.
This month, we're talking about gender and how GSAs can fight gender oppression and transphobia.
Snacks provided!
Co-Sponsored by GSA Network and the Billy DeFrank Center.
For more info, contact Emilie at GSA Network -- mailto:emilie@gsanetwork.org,
415-552-4229.
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4. Liberation Ink Posters Still Available
Poster orders are still being accepted. However, since the original November 1st deadline has passed, we cannot guarantee that all posters will be in stock.
Seven poster designs are available for GSAs, organizations, and individuals to make change by building a presence of youth voices for justice, peace, and youth empowerment and against hatred, harassment, and discrimination of all kinds.á Every GSA in California can receive 30 FREE posters to use at your school. You can order more than 30 for $1 each. From community organizations and individuals we request a donation of $5 each for 1-10 posters, $4 each for 11-30 posters, and large quantity discounts are available.
You can view the designs and order posters on the Liberation Ink website:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone/liberation
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
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5. New TGIQ Youth Group (Bay Area)
TRANSMISSION - NEW!
Support/Social/Discussion group for transgender, transexual, genderqueer,
intersex & questioning (TGIQ) young folks 20 & younger.
Co-facilitated by Youth Gender Project and The Pacific Center for Human Growth
Thursday evenings, 7:00-8:30, starting November 7, 2002
@ the Pacific Center for Human Growth in Berkeley
2712 Telegraph Avenue @ Derby Street, across from Andronico's Market,
on the #40 bus line
For directions, call the Pacific Center @ 510-548-8283
Questions? Call Youth Gender Project at 510-665-9234 or 415-865-5625
or visit
http://www.YouthGenderProject.org
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6. Gender Panel and Discussion (So Cal)
Ladyfest Los Angeles Presents: "Performing Gender"
Sunday, November 10 at 2:00pm
453 Spring St. on the corner of 5th St. in "The Study" (Basement)
"Performing Gender" is a panel and open discussion which will address issues of gender performance in visual culture. Presentations are based on modern and contemporary artist's, film's and theorical ideas which have contributed to pushing the boundaries of binary systems associated with traditional notions of gender. We encourage an open discussion and debate after the presentations.
Panelists Include:
Judith "Jack" Halberstam-Presenting on the work of Del LaGrace
Volcano, Jenny Saville and Linda Besemer.
Michael du Plessis- Presenting "Sex Change Shocker"- the 50th
anniversery of Christine Jorgensen.
Talia Bethcher- Presenting "Merrylegs gets a reality check"-
the process of making art through philosophical debate of instrinic being.
Jessica Lawless- Presenting exerpts of "Unhung Heroes" and discussing
ideas of Bi/Trans alliances.
Facilitating: Stephanie Rogerson- Presenting the work of Marcel
Duchamp, Claude Cahun, Adrien Piper, Lyle Ashton Harris and Orlan.
Beforeáthe "Performing Gender" panel there will be another panel discussing trans inclusion and Michigan Womyn's Music festival and after the "Performing Gender" panel Judith "Jack" Halberstam will be talking on riot grrrls, punk rock and drag kings.
There are many panels and workshops (as well as music!) throughout Ladyfest. Please check website for details http://www.ladyfestlosangeles.org
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7. Beyond Tradition (So Cal)
Beyond Tradition: Kids in the New Millenium
A microconference addressing topics such as school violence, gay parenting,
homophobia, foster parenting, and adoption issues.
Saturday, November 16th - 8:30am-12:15pm, lunch at 12:15pm.
Neighborhood Unitarian Univeralist Church, 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd.
in Pasadena
Students, parents, teachers, school administrators, support staff, and community members are all welcome to attend.
Please preregister by sending a $10 check (which includes lunch) made out to Neighborhood Church: "Beyond Tradition," Neighborhood Church, 301 N. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, CA, 91103.
For child care, please inform mailto:beyondtradition@uuneighborhood.org by November 9th.
Beyond Tradition is presented by the Neighborhood Alliance. For more information call 626-395-9758 or e-mail mailto:beyondtradition@uuneighborhood.org
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8. Documentary About Oakland Youth (SF)
NEW DOCUMENTARY ABOUT OAKLAND YOUTH SCREENS AT THE CASTRO THEATER, SAN
FRANCISCO- Plus live performance by the Destiny Arts Youth
Performance Company
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 11 AM, TICKETS $5
The Film Arts Festival will feature a screening of the new documentary A Place Named Destiny, by Oakland filmmaker Paul Ginocchio. The documentary follows a diverse group of teenagers as they join up with the Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company, an after-school arts program that teaches young people theater, dance, spoken word, and martial arts. As the young people audition, rehearse, and finally put on an original public performance six months later, they also open up about issues like racism, violence, and homophobia. Through interviews, rehearsal footage, and a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of the company members, the documentary shows the extent to which an arts program can go a long way toward helping young people transform themselves into powerful, intelligent human beings.
This is the San Francisco premiere screening of A Place Named Destiny.
(68 minutes in length). It is co-presented by LYRIC (Lavender Youth Recreation
and
Information Center), Coleman Advocates for Children and Youth, and
San Francisco Art and Film For Teenagers
Sunday, November 17th, 11:00 AM
Castro Theatre, 429 Castro Street at Market, San Francisco
Tickets $5. Available on-line at the Film Arts Festival website at
http://www.filmarts.org
or call 415-552-FILM.ááá
To order a copy and/ or set-up a screening of A Place Named Destiny contact Paul Ginocchio at August Productions: 510-839-8911, mailto:paulginocchio@yahoo.com, http://www.augustprod.com
For more info about the Destiny Arts Center call 510-597-1619 or visit http://www.destinyarts.org
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9. Creative Writing Workshop Series for LGBTQQ Youth (SF)
On the Page & On the Stage: Creative Writing for LGBTQQ Youth
facilitated by Chad Lange
6 Thursdays, Nov 14, 21, Dec 5, 12, 19, Jan 9; 6:30-9:30 pm
Location: SF LGBT Center, 1800 Market St @ Octavia
FREE, open to LGBTQQ youth age 23 and under
On the Page & On the Stage will focus on developing serious work by committed writers. The class is open to all genres: fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction for students ages 14-23. Students will receive exciting combinations of thoughtful readings and critiques by the class and instructor; hands-on help for developing craft elements such as point of view, characterization, plot, and setting; attend other writers' literary and spoken word events; guest speakers from the teaching, publishing, writing, and performance fields; tips on how to live as a writer and artist; and the chance for interested students to perform their work at several public performances, including the June 2003 National Queer Arts Festival
On the Page & On the Stage will also offer one-on-one sessions with the instructor so that students develop their writing both individually and in a group setting. Because class participation is vital to the success of a workshop, students are asked to attend each session. The atmosphere of the class will be fun and supportive while also providing constructive criticism and intense discussions. This class will meet six times, and itâÄôs part one of three. Students may join after the first session on a space-available basis.
Chad Lange is the California Arts Council artist-in-residence at Harvey Milk Institute for November 2002-August 2003. A graduate of the MFA program in Creative Writing at Saint MaryâÄôs College, Chad divides his time between writing and teaching. He wants his students to become rich and successful so they can support him in his old age. For four years he copublished a literary and art journal called asspants, and his fiction has appeared in fourteen hills and modern words.
More questions? Feel free to contact Chad at mailto:chadlange84@hotmail.com
To register, contact HMI: http://www.harveymilk.org 415.865.5633
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10. COLAGE Bowl-A-Thon Seeking GSA Teams (Bay Area)
Calling Bay Area GSAs:
Get your team together and Bowl for a good cause!
7th Annual COLAGE Bowl-a-Thon
Saturday, December 7th, 1-3 pm
Yerba Buena Bowling Center, 750 Folsom Street in San Francisco.
COLAGE engages, connects and empowers people to make the world a better place for children of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents and families. COLAGE, based in San Francisco, provides support, education and advocacy on both local and national levels. Our programs include local groups and activities for youth, media and advocacy work, national email chat lists, the Just For Us publication, extensive Information and Referral services on issues connected to LGBT families, over 30 chapters all over the world and more.
Our annual Bowl-a-Thon is a day for members of the Bay Area LGBT and ally communities to come together to celebrate the work of COLAGE in the name of fun, games and family. Your team would gather pledges and join us for bowling, fabulous prizes (including best score, highest fundraiser, greatest team spirit, best bowling outfit and prizes for every person that raises over $100), food and great company.
Additionally, COLAGE would be pleased to visit with your organization to talk about children with LGBT parents, resources that COLAGE provides and information on how your members can participate in the Bowl-a-Thon. Please contact Meredith at (415) 861-5437 ext. 102 or mailto:Meredith@colage.org to arrange for a presentation, to get a packet of Bowl-a-Thon pledge forms or to receive more information.
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11. Job Announcement: Young Women United for Oakland (Oakland)
Community Health Outreach Worker
SUMMARY
Under the director supervision of the Coordinators and ED, the outreach
workers conduct street outreach to young women living and working in Oakland
communities.
Duties and Responsibilities
¥ Provide street outreach to young women in Oakland including disturbing
educational materials, safe sex kits and hygiene kits during outreach
¥ Provide information and referrals to community resources
¥ Attending all mandatory meetings including weekly staff meetings
& outreach meetings, weekly supervision
¥ Attending all mandatory YWUFO trainings: both in-house and outside
trainings when designated
¥ Preparing outreach supplies and conducting street outreach, providing
peer-education, safety prevention supplies, referrals to young women in
our communities
¥ Completing daily field-notes of work experiences and recording daily
outreach
¥ Evaluating and researching community agencies
Qualifications
¥ The ability to communicate with a diverse group of young women
¥ Strong interest in Social Justice
¥ Desire to learn and teach
¥ Strong opinion about how to improve your community
¥ Knowledge of Community resources
¥ Strong interest in oppression with in Oakland communities i.e. racism,
sexism, ageism
¥ Open to political education and self -healing
¥ Interested in advocating for Oakland and womenÕs rights
¥ Works well alone, with community and with women
¥ Bilingual a plus!
Part-time (20 hours per week): $11.00 per hour plus health and stress prevention benefits.
Deadline to Apply: Friday, November 22, 2002-6:00 pm
For more information, call 510-452-0185.
YWUFO is a project of the Tides Center.
We are an equal opportunity employer
We are from the same experiences and places as you. We are young women
who are poor, lesbian, straight, writers, poets, speakers, athletes, revolutionaries,
activists, drug users, dancers, bisexual, rape and sexual abuse survivors,
survivors of the juvenile justice and foster care systems, street economy
leaders, working class, and artists. Realize that we donÕt care if youÕve
had a legal job or not, we value your experiences first and foremost. They
are assets to you & our organization.
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12. Job Announcement: Day of Silence Project Specialist (NYC)
GLSEN Announce New Job Position: the Day of Silence Project Specialist (DSPSII), part of GLSEN's Student Organizing Department in the organization's New York City office.
For more information see GLSEN's website at
http://www.glsen.org/templates/about/record.html?section=28&record=236
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13. NEWS: Profile on Jack Thompson,"Teen's journey to transgender
identity"
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2002/11/04/MN94464.DTL
Monday, November 4, 2002 (SF Chronicle)
Teen's journey to transgender identity
Berkeley student, born a girl, now sees himself as boy named Jack
Kelly St. John, Chronicle Staff Writer
Jack Thompson wears baggy cargo pants and steel-toed sneakers. He's a slender 16-year-old with a shaved head, tawny-colored skin and a swath of disarmingly cute freckles across his nose.
His bedroom walls are plastered with photographs of Blink 182, Eminem and Ozzy Osbourne. A Raiderettes calendar hangs on the wall, and his girlfriend is a cheerleader.
A regular Bay Area high school guy. But look again. Jack wore a dress to his second-grade birthday party and still has a collection of teddy bears in his room, which, with its pink trim, makes him wince.
There's the nagging struggle of his little sister and others calling him she. And a persistent fear that cruel insults -- or even the kind of violence that has taken the lives of other transgender teens -- could be right around the corner.
Jack, a 16-year-old Berkeley High School student, is biologically a girl but identifies as a boy. Five months ago, Jack told his family and friends that he wanted to stop using his given name, Devin.
He told them he considers himself a he, and asked stop calling him by female pronouns.
"You wouldn't call a regular guy a she, because it's not who he identifies as," he said. "I just want people to see me as any other guy."
Jack is among a small but growing group of teens who are living openly as transgendered in the Bay Area. Their exact numbers are unknown, but "we do know they are coming out more," said Wiggsy Sivertsen, director of counseling services at San Jose State University and an activist who works on behalf of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
"Sadly," Sivertsen said, "what we also know is that as a result of this, the consequences have been quite severe."
In many respects, Jack is one of the lucky ones. Born and raised in famously tolerant Berkeley, he has a supportive family, community and school. But one doesn't have to go far, even in the Bay Area, to find examples of transgender teens who have been killed for expressing what they believe is their true identity.
Last month, 17-year-old Eddie "Gwen" Araujo, a boy who dressed and lived as a girl, was beaten and strangled allegedly by three men who discovered the girl before them was biologically male, police say. In 1999, 19-year-old Alina Marie Barragan, a biological male who identified as female, was strangled in San Jose.
The most publicized case of rage against a transgender youth was the 1993 killing of Brandon Teena, 21, of Nebraska, who was born a female but identified as a male. Her murder was the subject of the movie "Boys Don't Cry."
"It's such a threat to a lot of the ways people think," said Lark Ashford, a longtime friend of Jack's family. "Living in Berkeley, going to Berkeley High, having liberal parents who are mixed race, (Jack) is very blessed to be living in the setting she is in to be who she is."
MORE THAN JUST A PHASE
Since grade school, Jack has struggled with many of the same identity issues and intolerance that Araujo faced, from cruelty at school to well- meaning adults who think he's just going through a phase he will grow out of.
It has been a process of self-discovery that involved coming out twice -- first as a lesbian and ultimately as transgender. Through it all, his parents have worked hard to be understanding, though they are the first to admit it hasn't been easy.
Jack "has guts and I take my hat off to her, but now I'm really scared," said Jack's mother, Corinne Thompson. "I'm just worried about how she'll be received. People are mean. She could get hurt. She could get killed."
The worst hate incident Jack endured was in eighth grade, he recalled, when he was once followed home by a group of older boys snickering words like "dyke" and "lesbian" behind his back. They pelted him with rocks, and he escaped by running home.
"I didn't want to cry," Jack said. "So I went home and lay on my bed and cried there."
Jack was born in 1986, the first daughter to Scott and Corinne Thompson, and he has lived in the same tidy Berkeley home his entire life.
He has always been different.
'I'VE ALWAYS LIKED GIRLS'
"I've always liked girls. I had a big crush on my preschool teacher's daughter. She was in kindergarten," he recalled.
In sixth grade, Jack began coming out to himself, acknowledging that he was attracted to girls and not boys.
In seventh grade, while attending Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, Jack was talking to a friend who asked him to tell his deepest secret. He sighed, took a deep breath and said that he had a crush on a girl at school.
He was outed as a lesbian.
"After a week, everybody knew," Jack said. "A lot of friends I'd had for so long stopped talking to me."
In the aftermath, Jack stopped attending school. His parents, who hadn't heard about the schoolyard outing, got him into counseling and helped him return to school.
A few months later, on Easter weekend, he blurted out to them that he was a lesbian.
"The night they found out, her mom stayed in her room crying all night, and her dad went out drinking," said a close family friend, Lark Ashford.
But after the initial reluctance, Jack's parents were supportive of their child. They helped Jack when he was battling deep depression, and then encouraged Jack when, as an eighth-grader, he helped found a Gay Straight Alliance club at King Middle School, one of the first such clubs at a middle school in the country.
"The level of intolerance and verbal harassment is at its worst in middle school because that is the time when adolescents are identifying a sense of sexual identity," said Carolyn Laub, executive director of the state network. "It's a really intense time."
When Jack was a freshman at Berkeley High, he met a man named Lawrence at a social function. Lawrence seemed outwardly to just be a "short, cute gay guy" but Jack soon learned that Lawrence had been born a woman and underwent hormone treatments and gender reassignment surgery.
"I didn't even realize you could do that. It just clicked. The whole cartoon bulb popped above my head," Jack said. "When I came out as a lesbian, I had felt better, but there was something missing. The outwards of me wasn't how I felt on the inside."
GENDER REASSIGNMENT OPTION
Jack did some research and decided that when he turns 18, he wants to begin taking male hormones that will deepen his voice and allow him to bulk up and start to grow facial hair. Ultimately, he hopes to have gender reassignment surgery.
He also decided to take a new name. His given name, Devin, can be a boy's name, but it doesn't feel right because it was given to him as a girl, he said.
So he settled on Jack.
"It's strong. It's singular," he said. "Jack sticks. Jack feels good."
But he waited until five months ago to tell his parents and family friends that he was transgender. He broached the subject with his father first, armed with a stack of papers explaining transgenderism.
"He was just quiet. He looked away," Jack recalled. "Then he said, 'As long as you're not hurting yourself or anyone else, I'm OK.' He said, 'It will be hard to think of you as my little boy, not my little girl.' "
"You love your kids. They are going to grow up and make their own decisions, " Scott Thompson said last week. "The concerns I really have are for her health and safety. I hope she's happy. I hope she's not discriminated against."
A month later, Jack told his mother. Her first words?
"She said, 'Oh Lord, give me strength. Oh Lord,' " he recalled. "She said, 'I had my baby girl, and I'm happy with my baby girl.' "
Corinne Thompson said she had just gotten used to the idea that her child was a lesbian when Jack came out to her as transgendered.
"It's kind of blowing my mind. Being gay is one thing, that's fine, but this is something completely different, and I'm trying to deal with it," she said.
Jack and his mother attend monthly counseling sessions together, and Corinne Thompson said she loves Jack unconditionally and could never "turn my kid out" like some parents of gay or transgender teens.
"My mom's really great," Jack said. "I could have gone through so much worse than I already went through."
Jack, who always has turned to humor to deal with his problems, has started performing as a stand-up comic. His routine has incorporated his experience as a transgender youth, and at one point during a recent performance he riffed, "I've lost so much thought of my own gender that I don't even know what's what anymore."
Jack gradually introduced the idea that he wanted to change his name and be addressed as a boy rather than a girl. While his close friends and girlfriend Ellessa have complied, some of his friends and most of his family slip up. Or like little sister Danielle, they simply refuse to give in.
On a recent afternoon, Jack sat in his bedroom next to his 11-year-old sister, who was not shy about crinkling up her nose and saying what she thinks about Jack.
Boys, said Danielle, don't have teddy bears in their rooms like Jack does. Boys, she said, don't wear dresses to their second-grade birthday parties, like Jack did.
"She's my sister," said Danielle, with a sigh of exasperation. "When I was born, she was my sister, and she's going to be my sister until I die."
Jack, who passed his high school equivalency exam and is taking independent study courses at Berkeley High, plans to enroll in a community college next semester and ultimately transfer to a four-year college and study sociology and biology.
In another sign of progress, Jack's father has recently started referring to him as "my son" instead of "my daughter," while his Berkeley High friends are also using the male pronoun.
"It's comforting that they're trying," Jack said. "There's no other way to say it. I'm your regular Joe."
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14. NEWS: Kentucky GSA Sparks Student Boycott
Tuesday, November 5, 2002
Gay-rights decision protested at E. Kentucky school
Allowing group to meet sparks student boycott
By Mark Pitsch
The Courier-Journal
Hundreds of Boyd County High School students stayed home yesterday to protest the school's decision to allow a gayrights student group to meet on school grounds.
Of the school's 990 students, 420 were not in school yesterday, said district superintendent Bill Capehart.
Most absent students were boycotting because of last week's vote by the school's teacher-parent council on the Gay-Straight Alliance, Capehart said.
The students will be counted as absent for the day, Capehart said.
A ministers' group is planning a community protest of the alliance Sunday.
The council's 3-2 vote was its third this year about the group. It rejected the group's application twice before student organizers contacted the American Civil Liberties Union, which sent a letter in September to the council saying it was violating the federal Equal Access Act by denying the alliance permission to meet at the school in Cannonsburg. The act says if schools allow some extracurricular groups to meet at school, it must allow all groups to do so.
Andrea Opell, 17, a senior from Rush, stayed out of school for part of the morning to participate in the protest, but later showed up because she wanted to attend swim practice later in the day.
"It's just quiet and gloomy,'' Andrea said. ''There's not a lot going on. Not a lot of cars in the parking lot. Not a lot of people in the hallway."
She said it was unclear how many students stayed away because they opposed the GayStraight Alliance and how many decided to just take a day off, especially with another free day today because of the election.
But she said ''parents are behind the kids 100 percent'' and the boycott could extend until tomorrow or later.
"The level of reaction or resistance they're encountering illustrates the need for a safe place for these kids to meet." James Esseks, of the ACLU.
Jenny Reese, mother of Lena Reese, a 15-year-old Catlettsburg sophomore who is a member of the alliance, called the boycott ridiculous.
''I just don't think it's a good idea for parents to let their children stay home from school,'' Reese said. ''It doesn't set a good example for tolerance.''
Reese said her daughter and other supporters of the alliance also were out of school yesterday on a school-sponsored trip.
James Esseks, litigation director for the ACLU's lesbian and gay-rights project, said the boycott represented ''the first time I've heard of a reaction of this kind or this size'' to the creation of a gay-straight alliance at a school.
''The level of reaction or resistance they're encountering illustrates the need for a safe place for these kids to meet,'' Esseks said. ''Can you imagine being a gay or lesbian student in a community where people feel so free in expressing their intolerance? That must be a difficult place to be.''
The boycott was the latest development in the battle to start an alliance and meet on school grounds.
After the council's vote last week on the Gay-Straight Alliance, more than 100 students walked out of school Wednesday, Capehart said. All but 24 returned, he said.
One student was arrested on charges of destroying student property and harassing a teacher, he said. That student is suspended indefinitely, he added.
Also last week, the Rev. Tim York, pastor at Heritage Temple Free Will Baptist Church in Cannonsburg, and the Rev. Bill Bentley, pastor at First United Methodist Church in Catlettsburg, appealed the council's decision. They urged the council to further study the legal issue.
Capehart said that appeal will first be considered by the council. If council members don't reverse their decision, opponents can appeal to him and ultimately to the district's school board.
But Capehart has said federal court rulings indicate that schools must allow gay-straight alliances to meet on school grounds if they also allow other noncurricular clubs access to school facilities.
York, president of the Boyd County Ministerial Association, said the association is planning a community rally against the Gay-Straight Alliance for Sunday. He said ministers that oppose the alliance did not organize the boycott of classes yesterday and have urged students to stay in school.
''The community is really upset,'' York said about the alliance meeting in the school. ''There's a moral issue here that's brought us to a place of discussion.''
Meanwhile, the alliance held its first Boyd County meeting Friday, with 19 students in attendance, teacher-adviser Kaye King said.
Reese said the meeting did not cause a disruption at school.
Andrea Opell said the class boycott was not an organized effort. The idea, she said, gained currency last week as students who opposed the alliance talked about how to voice their dissent.
After Wednesday morning's confrontation, the idea of staying home from school yesterday emerged as a nonviolent alternative. But she said she is worried that tensions at the school could escalate into violence.
''Anything could happen,'' Andrea said. ''A lot of people say it will die down, and I hope it does. I hope it doesn't get violent. I hope it doesn't get out of hand.''
Andrea Hildebran, executive director of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance, a Louisville-based gay-rights group, said she was ''really taken aback'' by the size of the protest.
''It sounds like a dramatic reaction to what in most schools isn't an earth-shattering development, to have a GSA formed,'' Hildebran said.
She said she hopes that the opposition to the Gay-Straight alliance doesn't deter the students who belong to it.
''There are hundreds of ways that gay kids are intimidated in school, and this could be one more,'' she said.
Capehart said classes went on as scheduled yesterday and attendance didn't fall at any of the county's other schools.
He said he welcomed students' and parents' desire to express their opinions
about the council's decision. But he said boycotting school is not a good
way to do it.