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Editorial Note: GSA Network is disheartened by the election results from yesterday.
However, we saw huge strength in the youth vote in this election. Furthermore,
people of all ages have been mobilized like never before. So, despite the disappointing
losses in yesterday's election, we hope that you will see this as an opportunity
to strengthen your organizing and build an even stronger progressive voice for
social change, equality, and justice.
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Transgender Day of Remembrance: Remembering the Dead and Awakening the Living
GSA Network Announcements
1. SPECIAL ALERT: GSA Network and Students Sue Los Angeles Unified School District
2. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
3. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
4. Theatre for LGBTQQI Justice in Schools (Southern California)
5. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
7. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
8. GSA Leadership Trainings (Mountain View, San Diego, Santa Cruz)
Other Announcements
9. Candlelight Vigil (Santa Ana)
10. New meeting time for GSA Coalition!! (Mid-Peninsula)
11. "Meet & Mingle" with the MTV crew in Modesto
12. The 2nd Annual Partnerships for Youth HIV Prevention Symposium (San Francisco)
13. Free Transgender Activist and Ally Media Advocacy Seminar (San Francisco)
14. 2005 eQUALITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
15. NEWS: When Gender Isn't a Given
16. NEWS: LA Youth: Gay and So Alone
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
Transgender Day of Remembrance: Remembering the Dead and Awakening the Living
On November 20, 2004, thousands of people will commemorate those who have fallen prey to senseless violence because of how we live and how we express our gender. This gathering is recognized as the Transgender Day of Remembrance. By bringing this event to your school, you are sharing these people's lives and experiences with other students, teachers, and administrators with the hope that people will recognize that gender justice is not optional, but crucial.
Feel free to use GSA Network resources in order educate yourself and your peers about the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Download Beyond the Binary: A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools at http://www.gsanetwork.org/BeyondtheBinary/toolkit.html or bring Sylvia Guerrero, mother of slain transgender teen, Gwen Araujo to your school. For more information on Sylvia Guerrero's educational speaking tour, see the announcement below.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS+++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. SPECIAL ALERT: GSA Network and Students Sue Los Angeles Unified School District
On October 28, 2004, two students from Washington Prep High School and GSA Network
sued the Los Angeles Unified School District and several Washington Preparatory
High School staff for harassing students on the basis of actual or perceived
sexual orientation. Students were subjected to ongoing harassment from peers
as well as administrators, teachers and security guards. The ACLU of Southern
California, ACLU National Lesbian and Gay Rights Project, and National Center
for Lesbian Rights are representing GSA Network and the students in the case.
To read the press release, legal complaint, and news articles about the case, visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/press/RamirezvLAUSD.html
*********************************************
2. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
GSA Network is honored to introduce a new program, Educating for Transgender Student Safety, which brings Sylvia Guerrero to speak with students, teachers, and staff at schools throughout the Bay Area about the experiences she and her family have endured over the last two years after the death of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. In the fall of 2002, Sylvia Guerrero was forced into the Bay Area's media spotlight by the murder of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. Even though it had only been a short time since Ms. Guerrero began accepting Gwen as her daughter, instead of the son she had thought she was raising, she suddenly found herself labeled a spokeswoman for respect and dignity for transgender people.
Coupled with Beyond the Binary: A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools, we hope that these opportunities offered through GSA Network will increase your gender-based organizing efforts in schools as well as contribute to the overall safety of all students.
If you would like to bring Ms. Guerrero to your school or want more information about the Beyond the Binary tool kit, please visit http://www.gsanetwork.org.
*********************************************
3. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
The annual Models of Pride conference (MOP XII) is around the corner. This
free conference, sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc., will be held on Saturday,
November 13, 2004, at Occidental College in Los Angeles. The conference focuses
on LGBT youth and their allies, ages 14-23. The day is filled with workshops,
a resource faire, round table discussions, food, networking, entertainment,
and a dance finale.
GSA Network will be conducting several workshops at the conference and will
have a table at the outreach fair. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please visit http://www.modelsofpride.org
for more information and to preregister.
*********************************************
4. Theatre for LGBTQQI Justice in Schools (Southern California)
Are you interested in collaborating to create performance pieces promoting understanding and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) youth in high schools?
**6 More Days to RSVP!**
Break the Silence!
A Theatre Activism Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQQI Issues in Schools
A 4-day Intensive Workshop
Nov. 20 & 21 and Dec. 4 & 11
Sponsored by:
Fringe Benefits Theatre, the Gay Straight Alliance Network and Cornerstone Theater
Company
Please RSVP by November 8 to: mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org
and mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net.
WHAT: In this intensive 4-day Theatre Activism Think Tank, we will collaborate to create several short scripts tackling homophobia and transphobia in high schools. These short plays will then be performed by GSAs at school assemblies in conjunction with The Day of Silence or Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, etc, or to add spice to talent shows or pep rallies. Some of the plays will also be presented in Health, History or English classes, incorporated in televised school announcements, or done as guerrilla theatre during lunch or passing periods! No theatre knowledge is necessary: we will be using brainstorming, discussion, freewriting and improvisation to create the plays.
WHO: This Theatre Activism Think Tank is designed primarily for Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) members from any/all California high schools. We also welcome allies, including youth, GSA sponsors, educators, parents, theatre artists and activists.
WHEN: The Theatre Activism Think Tank will meet from 11am to 5pm for
4 weekend dates only: November 20 & 21 and December 4 & 11.
(Yes, we will have lunch breaks!)
WHERE: Los Angeles. Specifics to be announced by November 12.
HOW: Please e-mail us - Bev Tang, GSA Network Southern California Public Ally,
and Norma Bowles, Fringe Benefits Artistic Director - with your brief answers
to the following questions. E-mail us by November 5, and we'll confirm with
you by November 12. Please don't stress about writing the perfect answers! The
GSANetwork and Fringe Benefits just want to do our best to ensure that the group
is committed and diverse (in LOTS of ways!). AAAAND if there's a question
you would rather not answer, just say so!
1. Name
2. School &/or Organization
3. GSA affiliation
4. Age &/or grade level
5. gender
6. race/ethnicity
7. sexual orientation
8. religion, if any
9. What LGBTQQI issues would you like to address? (What's happening in your
school?)
10. What are you into - Theatre? Science? Debate? Writing? Activism? Band? Or???
11. Are you available for and can you commit to all 4 Theatre Think days, 11am-to-5pm?
12. Contact information (e-mail, phone, mailing address, etc.) Please note if
confidentiality is desired.
13. Is there anything else you would like to let us know or to ask us?
So, again, please e-mail us by November 8: mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org
and mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net.
Fringe Benefits: Setting the Stage for Social Justice Fringe Benefits is a groundbreaking theatre company with a 13-year track record of collaborating with youth to create plays that promote constructive dialogue about diversity and discrimination issues. Fringe Benfits' theatre activism workshops and residencies, the two published anthologies of our plays, Friendly Fire and Cootie Shots, and the award-winning documentary film about our work, Surviving Friendly Fire, narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, have all received critical acclaim, support from educators & parents and RAVE REVIEWS from youth! http://www.cootieshots.org
The Gay Straight Alliance Network: Empowering Youth Activists to Fight Homophobia and Transphobia in schools Gay-Straight Alliance Network is a youth-led organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each other and community resources. Through peer support, leadership development, and training, GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSAs and builds the capacity of GSAs to: 1. create safe environments in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia and other oppressions, 2. educate the school community about homophobia, gender identity, and sexual orientation issues, and 3. fight discrimination, harassment, and violence in schools. http://www.gsanetwork.org
Cornerstone Theater Company: Cornerstone Theater Company is a multi-ethnic, ensemble-based theater company. We commission and produce new plays, both original works and contemporary adaptations of classics, which combine the artistry of professional and community collaborators. By making theater with and for people of many ages, cultures and levels of theatrical experience, Cornerstone builds bridges between and within diverse communities in our home city of Los Angeles and nationwide. http://www.cornerstonetheater.org
*********************************************
5. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.
"I think it was powerful and provocative and sparked good conversations."
- GSA Advisor
"There were at least 400 students that interacted with the exhibit. The
whole week while High Contrast was there, the GSA and other groups on campus
did workshops on hate crimes and ways to deal with it-letting students know
that it is an issue that needs to be addressed." - GSA student president
"Many students responded well to the universality of human issues and emotions.
The emotions weren't just linked to being gay, they were feelings we all have."
- GSA Advisor
In this exhibit we bring you our voices with hopes that you will hear us, see
us... and identify. We use art as a means for change -- to show people what
they might not choose to see, to incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation.
We want to make schools free from harassment, discrimination, and violence.
We don't want anyone to leave thinking, "this isn't my issue." Because
all kinds of people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Because there
are so many shades to our identities. Because we all deserve to be safe enough
to learn.
High Contrast is available for circulation as of October 1. If you are a GSA
in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast photo exhibit
to your school, email mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.
For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html
*********************************************
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!
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. 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.
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO USE LIBERATION INK TO MAKE CHANGE AT YOUR SCHOOL!
* Attach information about your GSA to the posters to advertise and recruit
members.
* Encourage teachers to hang the posters in their classrooms.
* Have GSA members lead discussions and activities related to the posters.
* Use the posters as part of an anti-slur campaign.
* Put the posters up in the courtyard with easels and/or use while you're tabling.
* Get the posters printed in your school or community newspaper with an article
or announcement about your GSA.
* Create an agreement for teachers to sign and give them posters to symbolize
their support.
* Display the whole Liberation Ink series in one place or fill a whole wall
with posters in a grid.
* Use the posters in conjunction with Day of Silence, Transgender Day of Remembrance,
LGBT History Month (October), LGBT Pride Month (June), Coming Out Day (October
11), or Diversity Day or Week at your school.
Liberation Ink was a collaborative project of GSA Network, LYRIC, and Mission
Grafica at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco. It
was supported by the Youth Initiatives Program of the Open Society Institute,
the San Francisco Arts Commission, and the Walter and Elise Haas Fund.
*********************************************
7. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
The new school year has begun! Welcome back!
Before you plan any more events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register
your group with the GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student
activism manuals, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future
GSA Network or LGBT related events. (Mailings will go out only to California
GSAs in middle and high schools.)
Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php
If you have any questions or concerns,
Sean Saifa M. Wall
mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229 (phone)
*********************************************
8. GSA Leadership Trainings (Mountain View, San Diego, Santa Cruz)
Mid-Peninsula GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Saturday, November 13, 2004 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: CHAC, 711 Church St, Mountain View, CA
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: Outlet/CHAC and GSA Network
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sean Saifa Wall at mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
or 415.522.4229.
San Diego GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 2004, 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Contact Dana Toppel 619.497.2920 x.113 or mailto:dtoppel@thecentersd.org
for directions to the location in San Diego
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: Hillcrest Youth Center and GLSEN-San Diego
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bev Tang, mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org
or 213.534.7162.
--
Santa Cruz GSA Leadership Training
STRANGE, The Santa Cruz County Queer Youth & Allies Network Organization &
GSA Network
Present...
On Saturday, December 4th, 2004
from 10 am - 4 pm
at The Resource Center for Non-Violence
Gay-Straight Alliance Leadership Training & FREE FOOD!!!
This IS An Amazing Opportunity for Your Enlightenment, Empowerment, & Enjoyment!!!
Please be kind and RSVP by December 1st (so we know how much food to get)...but
you could still just show up the day of the training.
DON'T MISS OUT...WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!
For more information or if you need a ride...contact Jorge Bru at (831) 295-6969
cell or mailto:sccstrange@yahoo.com
or Sean Saifa Wall at 415.552.4229 or mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network.
*********************************************
9. Candlelight Vigil (Santa Ana)
GLBT youth are 2-3 times more likely to attempt suicide. Two in our community
were successful in their attempt.
Forum's goal:
- Candlelight Vigil
- Empower Community
- Grief Counseling
- Community Planning
The Center OC, in conjunction with other community organizations, will be hosting
a community forum and Candlelight Vigil mourning the loss of GLBT youth in our
community, while promoting sensitivity, inclusion and education.
Sunday November 7, 2004 at 3pm-6pm
Christ Chapel MCC
720 N. Surgeon St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Join us at this important community gathering!
For more information, contact Bev Tang at mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org
or call 213.534.7162
*********************************************
10. New meeting time for GSA Coalition!! (Mid-Peninsula)
The official meeting time for the GSA Coalition group has been changed from every other Thursday to the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 6:30pm-7:30pm - it is still at Mt. View HS in room 314. Please pass the word on to anyone you think will be interested!!
The Wednesday meetings will begin in November. This month there is still a meeting this Thursday from 6:30-7:30pm. So the first Wednesday meeting will be Nov. 10th.
For more information, please contact:
Eileen Ross
mailto:eross@chacmv.org
phone 650-965-2020 x22
*********************************************
11. " Meet & Mingle" with the MTV crew in Modesto!
On Friday, November 5th Modesto Junior College's "Prism Club" presents
"Alive & Aware." A frank discussion with MTV's Rachel Robinson,
Veronica Portillo, and Shane Landrum. Topics include: Diversity, Tolerance,
Culture, and student life. A brief discussion will follow. In addition, our
guests will have the opportunity to " Meet & Mingle" with the
crew!
Location: The State Theater 1307 J st. Modesto, CA @ 7pm
Cost: $10 @ the door or http://www.tickets.com
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*********************************************
12. The 2nd Annual Partnerships for Youth HIV Prevention Symposium (San Francisco)
9am - 4pm
FREE EVENT
Breakfast & Lunch fully catered
register: http://www.ezplanning.us/p4y
Presented by The Center, Stop AIDS Project, Larkin Street Youth Services, UCSF
Connect to Protect, SF DPH AIDS Office, Youth Gender Project, Center for Aids
Prevention Studies, and Downtown Youth Clinic (Oakland)
The Purpose of the symposium will be to address the HIV Prevention needs of
youth in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Like last year's symposium we will
be focusing on three topics, they are: Transgender Youth, Rapid HIV Testing,
and Internet Sex Negotiating Risk and Outreach. This event will bring together
youth service providers, community leaders, and professionals engaged in prevention
activities to combat HIV/AIDS. Sharing information and discussing tactics for
dealing with specific sub-populations will build capacity among providers and
community leaders for effective, community-driven prevention efforts with youth.
The symposium will also foster networking, collaboration, skill development,
reduced duplication and linkages and referrals among service providers dealing
with youth and HIV prevention.
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*********************************************
13. Free Transgender Activist and Ally Media Advocacy Seminar (San Francisco)
Media Advocacy Sat, Nov 6th 1 - 5 pm
Location: MCC Church 150 Eureka (and 18th St) Room 205
Transgender Equality California (TransEQCA) and the Gay and Lesbian Alliance
Against Defamation (GLAAD) invite you learn the basics about, or polish your
skills for, talking to the media about issues that are important to transgender
communities.
This free seminar will focus on specific transgender health needs and the barriers
we potentially face when accessing health care in general. It offers an overview
of the skills involved in doing media advocacy, give participants effective
advocacy tips, and the time to practice these skills. While this seminar is
geared towards people who are beginners in these fields, it will be a good refresher
for people who have done some advocacy, but want to make sure they are doing
it most effectively.
We ask that people RSVP as space is limited. You can RSVP to Kaden at the Transgender
Law Center at mailto:kaden@transgenderlawcenter.org
or (415) 865-0135.
Media Advocacy - the media has largely ignored transgender health issues. Look
for that to change to in the coming year. This seminar will provide you with
techniques and media tools necessary to become a more effective spokesperson
on this issue. Participants will help to develop key messages and get to practice
interviewing on issues related to health care access.
Presenter: Eddie Gutierrez, Associate Director of Regional Media
Transgender Equality California - is a brand-new state-wide effort to strengthen
and increase transgender civil rights through the legislative process. Building
on a loose-knit network of activists and allies that formed to help pass the
California Gender Non-Discrimination Act of 2003, TEC is being coordinated by
staff people from Equality California, the National Center for Lesbian Rights,
and the Transgender Law Center Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation --
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting
and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events
in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on
gender identity and sexual orientation.
*********************************************
14. 2005 eQUALITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The eQuality Scholarship Collaborative is proud to announce the 15th Annual Joint Scholarship Program. This event is currently sponsored by PG&E's Pride Network, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network/San Francisco-East Bay (GLSEN SF-EB), Kaiser Permanente's KP Pride, GLOBES@Schwab, and Genentech Out and Equal. Please refer to the enclosed scholarship application for eligibility requirements.
Our 2004 program awarded 13 scholarships totaling more than $20,500 to graduating
high school students. We hope to be able to award the same amount or even a
greater number of scholarships this year.
We ask your assistance in publicizing the availability of the scholarships by
prominently posting the enclosed announcement and distributing the application
to interested students. We also encourage you to post this announcement in your
school newspaper, as it would be the best method of communicating this program
to the entire student body. Applications must be received no later than February
21, 2005.
If you have any questions, please contact the Committee at:
Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box #191311
San Francisco, CA. 94119-1311You can also email us mailto:equality@planetoutcast.net.
If you need additional applications, you are free to copy the one that we have
sent, go to our website: http://www.glsen-sfeb.org/scholarship/,
or contact us and we will be happy to send more. Thank you for your cooperation.
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*********************************************
15. NEWS: When Gender Isn't a Given
At the moment after labor when a mother hears whether her new child is a boy or a girl, Lisa Greene was told she had a son. She named her baby Ryan and went home. Ms. Greene learned five days after the birth that her baby was really a girl.
Doctors who ran tests diagnosed congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a condition that, put simply, can make baby girls' genitals look male. As the young mother struggled to get over her shock, to give explanations to relatives and put away the blue baby clothes, she also had to make a decision: whether to subject her daughter to surgery to reduce the enlarged clitoris that made her look like a boy, or leave it alone.
For more information, please visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/09/19/fashion/19INTE.html
*********************************************
16. NEWS: LA Youth: Gay and So Alone
Read an article, authored by Marvin Novelo, Franklin High School Student, in the October 2004 issue of LA Youth, a newspaper by and about teens. Visit http://www.layouth.com/4_29_04.htm to download the article. Also, note accompanying resources and a column for teachers.
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Fresno LGBT Rights Activists Protest The "Love Won Out" Conference
GSA Network Announcements
1. SPECIAL ALERT: GSA Network and Students Sue Los Angeles Unified School District
2. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
3. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
4. Theatre for LGBTQQI Justice in Schools (Southern California)
5. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
7. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
8. GSA Leadership Trainings (Mountain View, San Diego, Santa Cruz)
Other Announcements
9. GSA BBQ (Sacramento)
10. The Laramie Project: SLV High School - Nov 11 - 20 (Felton)
11. LA Shanti's C.I.T.Y. Project is hosting a Thanxgiving Social! (Los Angeles)
12. Open Conference Call for Transgender Day of Remembrance
13. Trans Remembrance Day fundraiser (San Francisco)
14. TRANSLATE Kicks Off GenderBlast!! (San Francisco)
15. LYRIC's Wellness Program gets a makeover (San Francisco)
16. Announcing: Genderblast Conference (San Francisco)
17. AB537 Forum in Santa Cruz
18. The Family Acceptance Project is ready to listen
19. 2005 eQUALITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
20. NEWS: Texas OKs Textbooks That Define Marriage
21. NEWS: Combating Gay Teen Suicide Risk
22. NEWS: Anti-Gay T-Shirt Suit Goes To Trial
23. NEWS: Fremont schools hope to end name calling, racial slurs and cheating
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
Fresno LGBT Rights Activists Protest The "Love Won Out" Conference
On Saturday, November 6, in Fresno, James Dobson's Focus on the Family and the conference, "Love Won Out" came to People's church to speak about homosexuality and how it is preventable. Local community activists, including several GSA Network Youth Council members, decided to form a committee, "Love Welcomes All," with a different loving perspective.
Demonstrators decided early to have a 12 hour protest, in the front of the church, with a message that the conference inside created self-hate, self-violence and hate crimes. Many protesters held signs that read, "This conference promotes suicide." One organizer, Baltimore Gonzalez stated, "I have seen too many people suffer from the self-hating messages that supposedly come from God." During the demonstration, many "ex-gay" conference attendees came to the protesters to look for connection, offer their perspective and wave The Bible in the face of those who continually suffer from the message of nonacceptance.
With the conference having over 1000 people in attendance, it was nice to know that our community organized over 100 volunteers to come out and offer a perspective that religious prejudice can no longer be the basis of discrimination against our community.
Love Welcomes All has planned their own conference, April 22-24 where they
will address their perspective.
For more information, please email mailto:speechadvice@yahoo.com
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS+++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. SPECIAL ALERT: GSA Network and Students Sue Los Angeles Unified School District
On October 28, 2004, two students from Washington Prep High School and GSA Network
sued the Los Angeles Unified School District and several Washington Preparatory
High School staff for harassing students on the basis of actual or perceived
sexual orientation. Students were subjected to ongoing harassment from peers
as well as administrators, teachers and security guards. The ACLU of Southern
California, ACLU National Lesbian and Gay Rights Project, and National Center
for Lesbian Rights are representing GSA Network and the students in the case.
To read the press release, legal complaint, and news articles about the case, visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/press/RamirezvLAUSD.html
*********************************************
2. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
GSA Network is honored to introduce a new program, Educating for Transgender Student Safety, which brings Sylvia Guerrero to speak with students, teachers, and staff at schools throughout the Bay Area about the experiences she and her family have endured over the last two years after the death of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. In the fall of 2002, Sylvia Guerrero was forced into the Bay Area's media spotlight by the murder of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. Even though it had only been a short time since Ms. Guerrero began accepting Gwen as her daughter, instead of the son she had thought she was raising, she suddenly found herself labeled a spokeswoman for respect and dignity for transgender people.
Coupled with Beyond the Binary: A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools, we hope that these opportunities offered through GSA Network will increase your gender-based organizing efforts in schools as well as contribute to the overall safety of all students.
If you would like to bring Ms. Guerrero to your school or want more information about the Beyond the Binary tool kit, please visit http://www.gsanetwork.org.
*********************************************
3. Models of Pride, November 13th (Los Angeles)
The annual Models of Pride conference (MOP XII) is around the corner. This
free conference, sponsored by Friends of Project 10 Inc., will be held on Saturday,
November 13, 2004, at Occidental College in Los Angeles. The conference focuses
on LGBT youth and their allies, ages 14-23. The day is filled with workshops,
a resource faire, round table discussions, food, networking, entertainment,
and a dance finale.
GSA Network will be conducting several workshops at the conference and will
have a table at the outreach fair. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please visit http://www.modelsofpride.org
for more information and to preregister.
*********************************************
4. Theatre for LGBTQQI Justice in Schools (Southern California)
Are you interested in collaborating to create performance pieces promoting understanding and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) youth in high schools?
**6 More Days to RSVP!**
Break the Silence!
A Theatre Activism Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQQI Issues in Schools
A 4-day Intensive Workshop
Nov. 20 & 21 and Dec. 4 & 11
Sponsored by:
Fringe Benefits Theatre, the Gay Straight Alliance Network and Cornerstone Theater
Company
Please RSVP by November 8 to: mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org
and mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net.
WHAT: In this intensive 4-day Theatre Activism Think Tank, we will collaborate to create several short scripts tackling homophobia and transphobia in high schools. These short plays will then be performed by GSAs at school assemblies in conjunction with The Day of Silence or Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, etc, or to add spice to talent shows or pep rallies. Some of the plays will also be presented in Health, History or English classes, incorporated in televised school announcements, or done as guerrilla theatre during lunch or passing periods! No theatre knowledge is necessary: we will be using brainstorming, discussion, freewriting and improvisation to create the plays.
WHO: This Theatre Activism Think Tank is designed primarily for Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) members from any/all California high schools. We also welcome allies, including youth, GSA sponsors, educators, parents, theatre artists and activists.
WHEN: The Theatre Activism Think Tank will meet from 11am to 5pm for
4 weekend dates only: November 20 & 21 and December 4 & 11.
(Yes, we will have lunch breaks!)
WHERE: Los Angeles. Specifics to be announced by November 12.
HOW: Please e-mail us - Bev Tang, GSA Network Southern California Public Ally,
and Norma Bowles, Fringe Benefits Artistic Director - with your brief answers
to the following questions. E-mail us by November 5, and we'll confirm with
you by November 12. Please don't stress about writing the perfect answers! The
GSANetwork and Fringe Benefits just want to do our best to ensure that the group
is committed and diverse (in LOTS of ways!). AAAAND if there's a question
you would rather not answer, just say so!
1. Name
2. School &/or Organization
3. GSA affiliation
4. Age &/or grade level
5. gender
6. race/ethnicity
7. sexual orientation
8. religion, if any
9. What LGBTQQI issues would you like to address? (What's happening in your
school?)
10. What are you into - Theatre? Science? Debate? Writing? Activism? Band? Or???
11. Are you available for and can you commit to all 4 Theatre Think days, 11am-to-5pm?
12. Contact information (e-mail, phone, mailing address, etc.) Please note if
confidentiality is desired.
13. Is there anything else you would like to let us know or to ask us?
So, again, please e-mail us by November 8: mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org
and mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net.
Fringe Benefits: Setting the Stage for Social Justice Fringe Benefits is a groundbreaking theatre company with a 13-year track record of collaborating with youth to create plays that promote constructive dialogue about diversity and discrimination issues. Fringe Benfits' theatre activism workshops and residencies, the two published anthologies of our plays, Friendly Fire and Cootie Shots, and the award-winning documentary film about our work, Surviving Friendly Fire, narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, have all received critical acclaim, support from educators & parents and RAVE REVIEWS from youth! http://www.cootieshots.org
The Gay Straight Alliance Network: Empowering Youth Activists to Fight Homophobia and Transphobia in schools Gay-Straight Alliance Network is a youth-led organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each other and community resources. Through peer support, leadership development, and training, GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening, and sustaining GSAs and builds the capacity of GSAs to: 1. create safe environments in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia and other oppressions, 2. educate the school community about homophobia, gender identity, and sexual orientation issues, and 3. fight discrimination, harassment, and violence in schools. http://www.gsanetwork.org
Cornerstone Theater Company: Cornerstone Theater Company is a multi-ethnic, ensemble-based theater company. We commission and produce new plays, both original works and contemporary adaptations of classics, which combine the artistry of professional and community collaborators. By making theater with and for people of many ages, cultures and levels of theatrical experience, Cornerstone builds bridges between and within diverse communities in our home city of Los Angeles and nationwide. http://www.cornerstonetheater.org
*********************************************
5. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.
"I think it was powerful and provocative and sparked good conversations."
- GSA Advisor
"There were at least 400 students that interacted with the exhibit. The
whole week while High Contrast was there, the GSA and other groups on campus
did workshops on hate crimes and ways to deal with it-letting students know
that it is an issue that needs to be addressed." - GSA student president
"Many students responded well to the universality of human issues and emotions.
The emotions weren't just linked to being gay, they were feelings we all have."
- GSA Advisor
In this exhibit we bring you our voices with hopes that you will hear us, see
us... and identify. We use art as a means for change -- to show people what
they might not choose to see, to incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation.
We want to make schools free from harassment, discrimination, and violence.
We don't want anyone to leave thinking, "this isn't my issue." Because
all kinds of people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Because there
are so many shades to our identities. Because we all deserve to be safe enough
to learn.
High Contrast is available for circulation as of October 1. If you are a GSA
in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast photo exhibit
to your school, email mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.
For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html
*********************************************
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!
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. 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.
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO USE LIBERATION INK TO MAKE CHANGE AT YOUR SCHOOL!
* Attach information about your GSA to the posters to advertise and recruit
members.
* Encourage teachers to hang the posters in their classrooms.
* Have GSA members lead discussions and activities related to the posters.
* Use the posters as part of an anti-slur campaign.
* Put the posters up in the courtyard with easels and/or use while you're tabling.
* Get the posters printed in your school or community newspaper with an article
or announcement about your GSA.
* Create an agreement for teachers to sign and give them posters to symbolize
their support.
* Display the whole Liberation Ink series in one place or fill a whole wall
with posters in a grid.
* Use the posters in conjunction with Day of Silence, Transgender Day of Remembrance,
LGBT History Month (October), LGBT Pride Month (June), Coming Out Day (October
11), or Diversity Day or Week at your school.
Liberation Ink was a collaborative project of GSA Network, LYRIC, and Mission
Grafica at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco. It
was supported by the Youth Initiatives Program of the Open Society Institute,
the San Francisco Arts Commission, and the Walter and Elise Haas Fund.
*********************************************
7. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
The new school year has begun! Welcome back!
Before you plan any more events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register
your group with the GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student
activism manuals, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future
GSA Network or LGBT related events. (Mailings will go out only to California
GSAs in middle and high schools.)
Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php
If you have any questions or concerns,
Sean Saifa M. Wall
mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229 (phone)
*********************************************
8. GSA Leadership Trainings (Mountain View, San Diego, Santa Cruz)
Mid-Peninsula GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Saturday, November 13, 2004 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: CHAC, 711 Church St, Mountain View, CA
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: Outlet/CHAC and GSA Network
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sean Saifa Wall at mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
or 415.522.4229.
San Diego GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 2004, 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Contact Dana Toppel 619.497.2920 x.113 or mailto:dtoppel@thecentersd.org
for directions to the location in San Diego
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: Hillcrest Youth Center and GLSEN-San Diego
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bev Tang, mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org
or 213.534.7162.
--
Santa Cruz GSA Leadership Training
STRANGE, The Santa Cruz County Queer Youth & Allies Network Organization &
GSA Network
Present...
On Saturday, December 4th, 2004
from 10 am - 4 pm
at The Resource Center for Non-Violence
Gay-Straight Alliance Leadership Training & FREE FOOD!!!
This IS An Amazing Opportunity for Your Enlightenment, Empowerment, & Enjoyment!!!
Please be kind and RSVP by December 1st (so we know how much food to get)...but
you could still just show up the day of the training.
DON'T MISS OUT...WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!
For more information or if you need a ride...contact Jorge Bru at (831) 295-6969
cell or mailto:sccstrange@yahoo.com
or Sean Saifa Wall at 415.552.4229 or mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network.
*********************************************
9. GSA BBQ (Sacramento)
GSA BBQ
November 6th 5:00-8:00 pm (set-up 4:30 clean-up 8:00-8:30)
Games-- Music-- Fun
Hiram Johnson High School Quad -- 6879 14th Avenue
Tickets $4.00 dollars in advance and $5.00 at the door
Includes hamburger or hotdog, chips, and soda.
$1.00 of ticket price will go towards paying for the custodian. Any extra money
will be used for future events.
All area GSA's are invited.
For more information, call Donna at GLSEN-GSAC at 916.505.3494 or email mailto:sacglsen@yahoo.com. Reply with names/numbers of people coming, number of veggie or meat eaters and what school you are with.
*********************************************
10. The Laramie Project: SLV High School - Nov 11 - 20 (Felton)
Students, teachers and community members from SLV High School are
asking for community support by attending ...
San Lorenzo Valley High School Drama presents
The Laramie Project
Directed by Dustin Leonard
San Lorenzo Valley High School Performing Art Center
7105 Hwy 9, Felton Ca 95018
November 11th - 20th
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7pm
Tickets $5 Students / $8 General
SLV High School Website: http://www.slvhs.slv.k12.ca.us/play.htm
To read the Santa Cruz Sentinel article "SLV High Stages Hate-Crime Play"
and to see images from the performance, visit: http://www.mbrtheatre.com/laramie.html
*********************************************
11. LA Shanti's C.I.T.Y. Project is hosting a Thanxgiving Social! (Los Angeles)
The event is free for queer youth and their allies. It will be held Sunday, November 21st at Plummer Park (located 7377 Santa Monica Blvd just west of La Brea) from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Join us and bring all your friends for free food, workshops, music, giveaways and more! This event is alcohol and tabacco free.
Visit our website for more information:
http://www.CITYproject.net
323.962.8197 x313
mailto:city@lashanti.org
*********************************************
12. Open Conference Call for Transgender Day of Remembrance
You've heard about Transgender Day of Remembrance. You're planning an action
around Transgender Day of Remembrance. You've seen the resources on Transgender
Day of Remembrance. You have registered online for Transgender Day of Remembrance.
NOW! Join us for an interactive student-led conference call dedicated to K-12
grade level students organizing the Transgender Day of Remembrance in their
schools & communities. This call will be led by the Jump Start National
Student Leadership Team, with the support of GLSEN Staff. Receive up to the
minute information on resources and products, network with students both a national
& local level and share ideas with other student organizers!
Transgender Day of Remembrance National Student Conference Call
Thursday, November 11 @ 9pm ESTTo join us for this special conference call you must contact Tony via email at talvarado-rivera@glsen.org no later than
Thursday, November 11 at 6pm EST to receive a special 800 number and call in
code. PLEASE
NOTE: This call is only open to K-12 grade level students organizing the Transgender
Day of Remembrance.
Time Zone Key
9:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
8:00 PM Central Standard Time
7:00 PM Mountain Standard Time
6:00 PM Pacific Standard Time
*********************************************
13. Trans Remembrance Day fundraiser (San Francisco)
The Queer Alliance presents:
Transstock: a Trans Day of Remembrance Fundraiser for the Gwen Araujo Memorial
Fund.
When: Thursday, November 18 with doors at 3:30pm/show at 4:00pm
Who:
--Lipstick Conspiracy
--Katastrophe
--Julia Serrano
--Shawna Virago and the Deadly Nightshade Family
Where: Jack Adams Hall in the Cesar Chavez
Student Center at SFSU
Cost: $5 students/staff/faculty/youth/seniors and
$7 General Admission
Contact: mailto:cour34@hotmail.com
*********************************************
14. TRANSLATE Kicks Off GenderBlast!! (San Francisco)
Calling all spoken word artists, poets, the musically inclined, and your friends and allies!!!
Youth Gender Project Presents:
TRANSLATE: A trans youth open mic
A space for trans/qenderqueer youth (25 and under) to express themselves through
poetry, spoken word, music or other similar performances. All Allies are welcome
to attend.
FREE COFFEE!!
November 19th, 2004
Sign up starts at 6:45pm/show is 7-9pm
Threedollarbill Café @ The LGBT Center
1800 Market St. San FranciscoFor more information contact Brooklynne or Courtney
at 415-865-5625 or email: mailto:Brooklynne@youthgenderproject.org
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15. LYRIC's Wellness Program gets a makeover (San Francisco)
As many of you know, LYRIC's Wellness Program has been in the operating room for several months. I am in no way endorsing plastic surgery or making reference to any television programs based on that whether real or fictional... but the bandages are off, a few bumps and bruises are still on the mend, and we have emerged from our extreme makeover feeling confident that we can face the future in full fabulousness. Most of the changes have been made on the inside and that has affected the way that we look on the outside.
One of the biggest differences is that the Wellness Program is now a collaborative between James Guay, aka Clinical Case Manager, Kristin Wygal, aka Wellness Co-coordinator and Jaedon (that's me), aka Wellness Co-coordinator and API Family Project Coordinator. We are expecting a new addition as well. As co-coordinators, we have developed a program that is more inclusive and available to all queer youth 23 and under and all transgender youth 25 and under.
We have removed gendered programming as has been requested by youth such as yourselves. This ensures that all youth are able to bring their friends along, without having to worry about whether or not they'll be allowed into the space (as long as they fit the age requirement and are queer-friendly). The only exception to this is the transgender group that will be meeting once a month. We are hoping to begin transgender groups again in January. If you are interested, please send me your name and contact information so that I can keep you up to date with the latest developments.
The Wellness Program will now be offering more workshops that address the issues that you think are important. Last month, we began gathering input from youth like you to learn what health issues are relevant for queer youth today and how we can help you learn more about them. As per the suggestions made by these youth, we are offering the following workshops during the months of November and December:
Wednesday, November 10:
It's All About Me: Knowing What You Want Out of Relationships
Friday, November 19:
Don't Hate the Player, Hate the Game: Dating 101
Wednesday, November 24:
Please Pass the Gravy… I'm Queer: Coming Out or Not Coming Out Over the
Holidays
Workshops are from 4-6 pm on the 2nd floor of LYRIC. They are free of charge and open to LGBQQ youth and their allies that are 23 and under and Transgender youth 25 and under. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Jaedon
mailto:Jaedon@lyric.org
415.703.6150 x13
or
Kristin
mailto:Kristin@lyric.org
415.703.6150 x 12
*********************************************
16. Announcing: Genderblast Conference (San Francisco)
GENDERBLAST CONFERENCE
Youth Gender Project presents
Genderblast V:
Gender Variety Makes a Better Society!
our 5th annual conference for and by transgender, genderqueer, gender-variant
and gender-questioning youth 25 and under, and our allies of all ages and genders.
(Adult Allies Welcome!)
When: Saturday, November 20, 2004, 9am-5:30pm
Where: Everett Middle School, 450 Church St. (at 16th St.), San Francisco,
CA
Performers include: rock performer Shawna Virago, hip-hop artists Katastrophe
and Jaycub Perez, drag queen Precious Moments, and the Ambassadors of San Francisco
Gay Men's Chorus.
*Keynote Speakers: Supervisorial Candidate Robert Haaland; Human Rights Commissioner
Cecilia Chung.
*Workshops include:Trans Patient Advocacy, Trans Ally 101, Self-Defense, BDSM/Leather/Kink
Panel, Anti-Racism for White Folks, Sex work, Junk Queer Youth Film Festival,
& Traditional Native American Gender Diversity
**FREE for youth 25 and under!**
(Everett is accessible by MUNI J & 22 lines; within 4 blocks of 14, 26, 33, 49, F, K, L, M & N lines, and 16th Street Mission BART.)
For more information, please call our office at (415) 865-5625, or email mailto:genderblast@youthgenderproject.org.
*********************************************
17. AB537 Forum in Santa Cruz
Marcia from Triangle Speakers is making a presentation to the School Board
of Santa Cruz City Schools about AB537, The California Student Safety &
Violence Prevention Act on
Wednesday, November 10
at 7:00 PM.
WE NEED TO PACK THE AUDIENCE!
AB537 adds sexual orientation and gender to list of those who are not to be
discriminated against.
The State of California had mandated that GLBT youth are to be safe while on
school campuses!
I will speak at the beginning of the meeting, during oral communications.
(No waiting until the wee hours of the evening.)
We should be out of there by 7:30.
YOU DON'T NEED TO SPEAK. JUST BE IN THE AUDIENCE!
The School Board Meeting is located at their District Office, which is now located
at Soquel High School, 401 Old San Jose Road. When you get to the school, drive
around the left side of the building to the third grouping of buildings. There
is a parking lot there - I think it is the second parking area that you come
to. Look for the room in the middle of an indoors hallway with lots of people.
Please come to the meeting to show the school district how much the community
wants them to keep GLBT youth safe!
For more information, please contact Marcia at 831.457.2934
Triangle Speakers
520 Mission Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(831) 457-2934
mailto:triangle@trianglespeakers.org
http://www.trianglespeakers.org
*********************************************
18. The Family Acceptance Project is ready to listen
Were You Harassed at School??
Have you or someone you know been victimized or harassed at school because someone
knew or thought you were gay?
Would you like an opportunity to share your experiences to help prevent school
harassment of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and heterosexual
youth who were harassed because someone thought they were gay?
Who Wants to Know?
Caitlin Ryan and Rafael Diaz at San Francisco State University are conducting
a study of school victimization of LGBT and heterosexual youth and their families.
We're looking for youth in California who would like to participate in the study.
We'll use the results to develop a resource guide to help parents advocate for
their children in schools to prevent school-based harassment, written in English
and Spanish.
The interview will take approximately 2 hours. All information you tell us is
confidential.
If you participate, you will receive $25 for your time.
Who Is Eligible?
Young people -- ages 13 -- 25 -- who :
--Identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or are a Heterosexual Youth
who was harassed because someone thought you were gay
--Has been harassed in school because someone knew or thought you were gay
--Has experienced ongoing harassment for at least 6 months that caused you to
miss days of school, change schools or drop out of school, or other negative
experiences.
--Has family members who know about your school experiences who would be willing
to talk with us.
For more information, call toll-free at: 1-888-354-4222 or visit our web page
at: http://familyproject.sfsu.edu
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*********************************************
19. 2005 eQUALITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The eQuality Scholarship Collaborative is proud to announce the 15th Annual Joint Scholarship Program. This event is currently sponsored by PG&E's Pride Network, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network/San Francisco-East Bay (GLSEN SF-EB), Kaiser Permanente's KP Pride, GLOBES@Schwab, and Genentech Out and Equal. Please refer to the enclosed scholarship application for eligibility requirements.
Our 2004 program awarded 13 scholarships totaling more than $20,500 to graduating
high school students. We hope to be able to award the same amount or even a
greater number of scholarships this year.
We ask your assistance in publicizing the availability of the scholarships by
prominently posting the enclosed announcement and distributing the application
to interested students. We also encourage you to post this announcement in your
school newspaper, as it would be the best method of communicating this program
to the entire student body. Applications must be received no later than February
21, 2005.
If you have any questions, please contact the Committee at:
Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box #191311
San Francisco, CA. 94119-1311You can also email us mailto:equality@planetoutcast.net.
If you need additional applications, you are free to copy the one that we have
sent, go to our website: http://www.glsen-sfeb.org/scholarship/,
or contact us and we will be happy to send more. Thank you for your cooperation.
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20. NEWS: Texas OKs Textbooks That Define Marriage
Texas OKs Textbooks That Define Marriage
Sat Nov 6, 2004
By NATALIE GOTT, Associated Press Writer
AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Board of Education approved new health textbooks after
the publishers gave in to last-minute pressure from some board members to define
marriage as a "lifelong union" between a man and woman.
The decision Friday, which involves two of the biggest textbook publishers,
is an example of Texas exerting its clout as the nation's second-largest buyer
of textbooks. Officials say the decision could affect hundreds of thousands
of books in Texas alone.
Board member Terri Leo, a Republican, said she was pleased with the publishers' changes. She led the effort to get the publishers to change the texts, objecting to what she called "asexual stealth phrases" such as "individuals who marry."
Leo charged that the proposed new books for the state's middle schools and high schools ran counter to a Texas law banning the recognition of gay civil unions because the texts used terms like "married partners" instead of "husband and wife."
To read the full article, visit:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&e=5&u=/ap/20041106/ap_on_re_us/textbooks_marriage
*********************************************
21. NEWS: Combating Gay Teen Suicide Risk
Organizers of a Santa Ana candlelight vigil point out danger signs for troubled
students.
By David Reyes
Times Staff Writer
November 8, 2004
Gordon Yeaton knows it cannot be easy being different.
As advisor to the Gay and Straight Coalition at Irvine High School, he offers
tolerance and acceptance to those who have found their world intolerant.
"We have to respect diversity," said Yeaton, who teaches art at the
school and also is an Episcopal clergyman. "For young gays and lesbians,
it's difficult just dealing with their own sexuality instead of trying to fit
the mold of high school jocks or cheerleaders."
High school can be difficult enough, but for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender
students, it can be an excruciating experience that can trigger depression and
sometimes leads to suicide.
Suicide is among the top three causes of death among 15- to 24-year-olds, and
gay teens are three times more likely to attempt it, according to the Trevor
Project, a suicide-prevention organization for gay teens.
To read more, please visit: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-vigil8nov08,1,3105481.story?coll=la-headlines-california
*********************************************
22. NEWS: Anti-Gay T-Shirt Suit Goes To Trial
by http://www.365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
(Poway, California) A lawsuit brought by a California high school student who
was suspended for wearing a T-shirt with a homophobic slogan will be allowed
to go to trial and judge has ruled.
Tyler Chase Harper, 16, filed the suit against the Poway School District in
June, accusing it of violating his civil rights.
Harper wore the T-shirt on The National Day of Silence in April. When he refused
to remove the T-shirt he was suspended and subsequently filed the lawsuit.
To read the full story, visit: http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/11/110704tshirt.html
*********************************************
23. NEWS: Fremont schools hope to end name calling, racial slurs and cheating
The Argus News
By Grace Rauh, Staff Writer
The 3 r's: reading, 'riting, respect
Fremont schools hope to end name calling, racial slurs and cheating
FREMONT -- Teaching students to read and write has long been an educational pillar that parents depend on. But teaching children to become good people?
It is a trend that has fallen by the wayside, some say.
Not for long in Fremont, where educators are teaching students about good character as part of a new program that is expected to hit every school by the fall of 2005. "I'm not sure what it's going to take to teach character education in the climate we're in, but I feel like we have to try," school board President Linda Widmar said Monday. The school board plans to hear a report on the district's character education programs at its meeting Wednesday.
Widmar says there was not a watershed moment that prompted the board to adopt the programs, but district spokesman Gary Leatherman said a 2001 survey may have fueled board members' efforts. It showed that name calling and racial slurs were more prevalent in Fremont schools "than anyone was comfortable with," Leatherman said.
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.theargusonline.com/Stories/0,1413,83%257E1968%257E2523226,00.html
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
GSA Network rocks Models of Pride XII
GSA Network Announcements
1. MEDIA ADVISORY: Tool Kit Released to Help Transgender Teens Create Safer
Schools
2. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
3. Genderblast Conference (San Francisco)
4. Transgender Day of Remembrance Memorial (Central Valley)
5. Last Call for Break the Silence!! (Southern California)
6. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
7. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
8. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
9. GSA Leadership Trainings (San Diego, Santa Cruz)
Other Announcements
10. Radio Show Looking to Interview Queer Youth with Disabilities
11. The Laramie Project: SLV High School - Nov 11 - 20 (Felton)
12. LA Shanti's C.I.T.Y. Project is hosting a Thanxgiving Social! (Los Angeles)
13. Gay Parents and Youth With Gay Parents--Let your voice be heard!
14. AQUA Workshops! (San Francisco)
15. Queer Punk Tour with Youth Invites (Statewide)
16. Trans Remembrance Day fundraiser (San Francisco)
17. TRANSLATE Kicks Off GenderBlast!! (San Francisco)
18. LifeSupport Program (ages 15-23)-a program of LifeWorks (Los Angeles)
19. Volunteer for SOUL's annual end of the year appeal (Oakland)
20. A Woman's Word workshop 2005 (San Francisco)
21. Apoyo para familia Latinas/Support for Latino families (San Francisco)
22. 2005 eQUALITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
23. NEWS: New Peninsula High group grows tolerance, safety
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
GSA Network Rocks Models of Pride XII
Project 10 held its 12th annual Models of Pride conference on November 13th. The conference drew in over 400 youth throughout California and across the nation. The day began with a keynote speaker and ended with a groovin' dance.
GSA Network rocked the conference with three successful workshops - Kick-Ass GSA: Organize Your Activism, Queer People of Color History: Re-Education, AB 537: Flaming Legal Activism. Kick-Ass GSA packed the house and the roundtable discussion on GSA strategies drew quite a crowd, reinforcing the fact that GSAs are important and widely needed clubs on high school campuses.
Despite the passing of repressive anti-gay marriage initiatives earlier this month, queer youth came out strong for the Models of Pride conference! Thanks to Project 10 and props to our GSA Network presenters: Vanessa, Moi, Lindsay, Jerome & Darcey!
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
*********************************************
1. MEDIA ADVISORY: Tool Kit Released to Help Transgender Teens Create Safer
Schools
MEDIA ADVISORY
CONTACT:
Karen Boyd, Communications Director
November 15, 2004
(415) 392-6257 ext. 324
Carolyn Laub, Executive Director,
Gay-Straight Alliance Network (415) 552-4229
Tool Kit Released to Help Transgender Teens Create Safer Schools
San Francisco, CA-In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, a coalition of
lesbian, gay and transgender rights advocates are hosting a news conference
at a San Francisco high school to announce the official launch of a new publication
called Beyond the Binary: A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools.
Designed for student leaders, teachers, activists, and gender non-conforming
people who want to challenge the gender binary system in schools, the tool kit
provides concrete steps about how to create gender-inclusive policies in schools
and raise awareness about gender through education of students and staff.
The news conference will feature:
* Sylvia Guerrero, mother of slain transgender teen Gwen Araujo
* Transgender youth who contributed to the project
* Students from the Beacon Center at Washington High School and their youth
advisor who have organized extensive Transgender Day of Remembrance activities
* Representatives of the organizations that created the tool kit: Gay-Straight
Alliance Network, Transgender Law Center and National Center for Lesbian Rights
WHAT:
News Conference to Announce Release of New Safe-Schools Tool Kit
WHEN:
Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 11 a.m.
WHERE:
Auditorium at George Washington High School
600 32nd Avenue, San Francisco
WHY:
In recognition of the National Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th
According to a survey conducted by the California Safe Schools Coalition, 27%
of all students reported being harassed because they weren't "masculine
enough" or weren't "feminine enough." Students facing harassment,
bullying and discrimination based on their gender expression need tools to create
a safer school environment.
VISUALS:
The Beacon Center at Washington High School's Transgender Day of Remembrance:
Members of the Beacon's go Youth Advisory Council will distribute black armbands
to students and faculty who wish to show their support for transgender issues
and display a mock grave site, posters, and the Queer Quilt with the names of
transgender individuals killed in hate crimes. Activities will conclude with
a noon-time speaking engagement with Sylvia Guerrero, mother of slain transgender
teen Gwen Araujo, who will speak about the death of her daughter and the issues
facing transgender communities.
DIRECTIONS:
Enter on 32nd Avenue between Anza and Balboa. Check in with security, then proceed
to the main office to sign in and get a yellow visitors sticker. Walk down the
hall to the Auditorium Lobby.
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2. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
GSA Network is honored to introduce a new program, Educating for Transgender Student Safety, which brings Sylvia Guerrero to speak with students, teachers, and staff at schools throughout the Bay Area about the experiences she and her family have endured over the last two years after the death of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. In the fall of 2002, Sylvia Guerrero was forced into the Bay Area's media spotlight by the murder of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. Even though it had only been a short time since Ms. Guerrero began accepting Gwen as her daughter, instead of the son she had thought she was raising, she suddenly found herself labeled a spokeswoman for respect and dignity for transgender people.
Coupled with Beyond the Binary: A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools, we hope that these opportunities offered through GSA Network will increase your gender-based organizing efforts in schools as well as contribute to the overall safety of all students.
If you would like to bring Ms. Guerrero to your school or want more information about the Beyond the Binary tool kit, please visit http://www.gsanetwork.org.
Sylvia Guerrero's speaking tour is done in collaboration with GLSEN-San Francisco/East Bay and CUAV.
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3. Genderblast Conference (San Francisco)
GENDERBLAST CONFERENCE
Youth Gender Project presents
Genderblast V:
Gender Variety Makes a Better Society!
our 5th annual conference for and by transgender, genderqueer, gender-variant
and gender-questioning youth 25 and under, and our allies of all ages and genders.
(Adult Allies Welcome!)
When: Saturday, November 20, 2004, 9am-5:30pm
Where: Everett Middle School, 450 Church St. (at 16th St.), San Francisco,
CA
Performers include: rock performer Shawna Virago, hip-hop artists Katastrophe
and Jaycub Perez, drag queen
Precious Moments, and the Ambassadors of San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.
*Keynote Speakers: Supervisorial Candidate Robert Haaland; Human Rights Commissioner
Cecilia Chung.
*Workshops include:Trans Patient Advocacy, Trans Ally 101, Self-Defense, BDSM/Leather/Kink
Panel, Anti-Racism for White Folks, Sex work, Junk Queer Youth Film Festival,
& Traditional Native American Gender Diversity
**FREE for youth 25 and under!**
(Everett is accessible by MUNI J & 22 lines; within 4 blocks of 14, 26,
33, 49, F, K, L, M & N lines, and 16th Street Mission BART.)
For more information, please call our office at (415) 865-5625, or email mailto:genderblast@youthgenderproject.org.
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4. Transgender Day of Remembrance Memorial (Central Valley)
You are invited to join as we...
Memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred and prejudice
+Transgender Day of Remembrance+
Saturday November 20th
4:00pm to 7:00pm
4403 E. Tulare (between cedar & Maple)
SHOWING: "Boys Don't Cry" (big screen)
ART INSTALLATIONS
PRAYER
DISCUSSION
hosted by Gay-Straight Alliance Network, a youth-led organization motivating youth activists to combat homophobia and transphobia in schools
For more info please call (559)453-9040 or email Ome at mailto:ome@gsanetwork.org.
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5. Last Call for Break the Silence!! (Southern California)
***Last Chance to Register***
Collaborate to create plays promoting understanding and respect
for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) youth in high schools!!Are
you interested in collaborating to create performance pieces promoting understanding
and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) youth in high
schools?
Break the Silence!
A Theatre Activism Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQQI Issues in Schools
A 4-day Intensive Workshop
Nov. 20 & 21 and Dec. 4 & 11Sponsored by:
Fringe Benefits Theatre, the Gay Straight Alliance Network and Cornerstone Theater
Company
Please RSVP by November 8 to: mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org and mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net.
WHAT: In this intensive 4-day Theatre Activism Think Tank, we will collaborate
to create several short scripts tackling homophobia and transphobia in high
schools. These short plays will then be performed by GSAs at school assemblies
in conjunction with The Day of Silence or Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, etc,
or to add spice to talent shows or pep rallies. Some of the plays will also
be presented in Health, History or English classes, incorporated in televised
school announcements, or done as guerrilla theatre during lunch or passing periods!
No theatre knowledge is necessary: we will be using brainstorming, discussion,
freewriting and improvisation to create the plays.
WHO: This Theatre Activism Think Tank is designed primarily for Gay-Straight
Alliance (GSA) members from any/all California high schools. We also welcome
allies, including youth, GSA sponsors, educators, parents, theatre artists and
activists.
WHEN: The Theatre Activism Think Tank will meet from 11am to 5pm for 4
weekend dates only: November 20 & 21 and December 4 & 11.
(Yes, we will have lunch breaks!)
WHERE: Los Angeles. Specifics to be announced by November 12.
HOW: Please e-mail us - Bev Tang, GSA Network Southern California Public Ally,
and Norma Bowles, Fringe Benefits Artistic Director - with your brief answers
to the following questions. E-mail us by November 5, and we'll confirm with
you by November 12. Please don't stress about writing the perfect answers! The
GSANetwork and Fringe Benefits just want to do our best to ensure that the group
is committed and diverse (in LOTS of ways!). AAAAND if there's a question
you would rather not answer, just say so!
1. Name
2. School &/or Organization
3. GSA affiliation
4. Age &/or grade level
5. gender
6. race/ethnicity
7. sexual orientation
8. religion, if any
9. What LGBTQQI issues would you like to address? (What's happening in your
school?)
10. What are you into - Theatre? Science? Debate? Writing? Activism? Band? Or???
11. Are you available for and can you commit to all 4 Theatre Think days, 11am-to-5pm?
12. Contact information (e-mail, phone, mailing address, etc.) Please note if
confidentiality is desired.
13. Is there anything else you would like to let us know or to ask us?
So, again, please e-mail us by November 8: mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org
and mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net.
Fringe Benefits: Setting the Stage for Social Justice Fringe Benefits is
a groundbreaking theatre company with a 13-year track record of collaborating
with youth to create plays that promote constructive dialogue about diversity
and discrimination issues. Fringe Benfits' theatre activism workshops and residencies,
the two published anthologies of our plays, Friendly Fire and Cootie Shots,
and the award-winning documentary film about our work, Surviving Friendly Fire,
narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, have all received critical acclaim, support from
educators & parents and RAVE REVIEWS from youth! http://www.cootieshots.org
The Gay Straight Alliance Network: Empowering Youth Activists to Fight Homophobia
and Transphobia in schools Gay-Straight Alliance Network is a youth-led
organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each
other and community resources. Through peer support, leadership development,
and training, GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening,
and sustaining GSAs and builds the capacity of GSAs to: 1. create safe environments
in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia and
other oppressions, 2. educate the school community about homophobia, gender
identity, and sexual orientation issues, and 3. fight discrimination, harassment,
and violence in schools. http://www.gsanetwork.org
mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net
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6. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.
"I think it was powerful and provocative and sparked good conversations."
- GSA Advisor
"There were at least 400 students that interacted with the exhibit. The
whole week while High Contrast was there, the GSA and other groups on campus
did workshops on hate crimes and ways to deal with it-letting students know
that it is an issue that needs to be addressed." - GSA student president
"Many students responded well to the universality of human issues and emotions. The emotions weren't just linked to being gay, they were feelings we all have." - GSA Advisor
In this exhibit we bring you our voices with hopes that you will hear us, see
us... and identify. We use art as a means for change -- to show people what
they might not choose to see, to incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation.
We want to make schools free from harassment, discrimination, and violence.
We don't want anyone to leave thinking, "this isn't my issue." Because
all kinds of people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Because there
are so many shades to our identities. Because we all deserve to be safe enough
to learn.
High Contrast is available for circulation as of October 1. If you are a GSA
in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast photo exhibit
to your school, email mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.
For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html
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7. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!
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. 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.
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO USE LIBERATION INK TO MAKE CHANGE AT YOUR SCHOOL!
* Attach information about your GSA to the posters to advertise and recruit
members.
* Encourage teachers to hang the posters in their classrooms.
* Have GSA members lead discussions and activities related to the posters.
* Use the posters as part of an anti-slur campaign.
* Put the posters up in the courtyard with easels and/or use while you're tabling.
* Get the posters printed in your school or community newspaper with an article
or announcement about your GSA.
* Create an agreement for teachers to sign and give them posters to symbolize
their support.
* Display the whole Liberation Ink series in one place or fill a whole wall
with posters in a grid.
* Use the posters in conjunction with Day of Silence, Transgender Day of Remembrance,
LGBT History Month (October), LGBT Pride Month (June), Coming Out Day (October
11), or Diversity Day or Week at your school.
Liberation Ink was a collaborative project of GSA Network, LYRIC, and Mission
Grafica at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco. It
was supported by the Youth Initiatives Program of the Open Society Institute,
the San Francisco Arts Commission, and the Walter and Elise Haas Fund.
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8. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
The new school year has begun! Welcome back!
Before you plan any more events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register your group with the GSA Network.
Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student activism manuals, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future GSA Network or LGBT related events. (Mailings will go out only to California GSAs in middle and high schools.)
Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php
If you have any questions or concerns,
Sean Saifa M. Wall
mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229 (phone)
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9. GSA Leadership Trainings (San Diego, Santa Cruz)
San Diego GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 2004, 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Contact Dana Toppel 619.497.2920 x.113 or mailto:dtoppel@thecentersd.org
for directions to the location in San Diego
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: Hillcrest Youth Center and GLSEN-San Diego
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bev Tang, mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org
or 213.534.7162.
--
Santa Cruz GSA Leadership Training
STRANGE, The Santa Cruz County Queer Youth & Allies Network Organization &
GSA Network
Present...
On Saturday, December 4th, 2004
from 10 am - 4 pm
at The Resource Center for Non-Violence
Gay-Straight Alliance Leadership Training & FREE FOOD!!!
This IS An Amazing Opportunity for Your Enlightenment, Empowerment, & Enjoyment!!!
Please be kind and RSVP by December 1st (so we know how much food to get)...but
you could still just show up the day of the training.
DON'T MISS OUT...WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!
For more information or if you need a ride...contact Jorge Bru at (831) 295-6969
cell or mailto:sccstrange@yahoo.com
or Sean Saifa Wall at 415.552.4229 or mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network.
*********************************************
10. Radio Show Looking to Interview Queer Youth with Disabilities
94.1 KPFA-FM in Berkeley, CA (http://www.kpfa.org) and the National Radio Project (http://www.radioproject.org) are working together to produce a series on the experiences of queer youth. The series is slated for broadcast on community radio stations around the country early in 2005.
As part of that project, Erica Bridgeman and Leroy Moore (producers at KPFA)
are putting together a segment on queer youth with disabilities. For this piece
we are looking to interview one or two young people who would be interested
in sharing their experiences and stories of growing up in today's society with
those identities.
Some of the topics we will focus on are issues such as peer pressure, body image,
family and friends, sexuality and dating, dealing with school and teachers,
diversity (racial, ethnic, class, religious, etc.) in the lgbt community, support
networks, and popular and artistic youth culture in general
Interviews would be done in person either at the KPFA studios in Berkeley or wherever is convenient for folks to meet.
If you are interested or want more information, please contact us by phone
at (510) 848-6767 ext. 242 or by
email at mailto:sfdamo@yahoo.com.
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11. The Laramie Project: SLV High School - Nov 11 - 20 (Felton)
Students, teachers and community members from SLV High School are
asking for community support by attending ...
San Lorenzo Valley High School Drama presents
The Laramie Project
Directed by Dustin Leonard
San Lorenzo Valley High School Performing Art Center
7105 Hwy 9, Felton Ca 95018
November 11th - 20th
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 7pm
Tickets $5 Students / $8 General
SLV High School Website: http://www.slvhs.slv.k12.ca.us/play.htm
To read the Santa Cruz Sentinel article "SLV High Stages Hate-Crime Play"
and to see images from the performance, visit: http://www.mbrtheatre.com/laramie.html
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12. LA Shanti's C.I.T.Y. Project is hosting a Thanxgiving Social! (Los Angeles)
The event is free for queer youth and their allies. It will be held Sunday, November 21st at Plummer Park (located 7377 Santa Monica Blvd just west of La Brea) from 6:30 - 8:30pm. Join us and bring all your friends for free food, workshops, music, giveaways and more! This event is alcohol and tabacco free.
Visit our website for more information:
http://www.CITYproject.net
323.962.8197 x313
mailto:city@lashanti.org
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13. Gay Parents and Youth With Gay Parents--Let your voice be heard!
Are you a teenager (age 13 -21) being raised primarily by Gay Parents?
Are you a Gay Parent raising a teenager (age 13 -21)?
If so, we want to hear your story!
"Teens with Gay Families" (working title) is an hour-long documentary
that will follow the lives of three teens whose primary parents are LGBTI. This
show is one episode of a documentary series entitled "Logo Lens" set
to air on Logo, the new gay-oriented network launching in February 2005.
Through this program we want to give a voice to this trailblazing generation of today's families. This is a unique opportunity to tell a true, nuanced story about the real-life similarities and differences faced by teens and the out gay parents raising them.
We are looking for articulate teens who are going through something major in
their lives and want to share their experience as it unfolds.
For example:
* A teen whose mom or dad is moving in with their same-sex lover for the first
time. Perhaps combining 2 families, you know, like the Gay Brady Bunch.
* A teen whose gay parents are getting married.
* A gay teen in the process of coming out to his / her gay parents.
* A straight teen bringing a date home to meet the gay parents for the first
time.
* A teen finding, or getting to know, or moving in with their egg or sperm donor.
There are so many variations of this ˆ let's discuss!
* A teen being raised by multiple parents (i.e. Mom-Mom-Dad, etc.) who is going
through something interesting
* A teen who has been adopted by gay parents and is at some kind of crossroads.
* A foster teen about to be placed with gay parents.
And any other story you think is important ˆ we'd love to hear from you!
We are a producing team of three understanding gay and bisexual women with extensive
documentary experience, specifically with teens. Samantha Kurtzman-Counter directed
"Totally In Tune" for Disney Channel and was the Co-Producer of a
sensitive documentary feature about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Lara Spotts created
Disney Channel's "Totally Hoops" after working with teens for many
years as a camp counselor. Leisha Hailey is a current star of Showtime's "The
L Word" and former member of the band "The Murmurs."
So if you‚re between the ages of 13 and 21 and have some interesting stuff
going on, call us at 213.250.5060 or email mailto:teenswithgayfamilies@hotmail.com
We can't wait to hear from you!
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14. AQUA Workshops! (San Francisco)
ARE YOU A&PI?
ARE YOU LGBTQ?
ARE YOU 25 and UNDER?
Did you answer yes to all these questions? Then you should come out to AQU25A's
upcoming workshops!
IDENTITY: Bein' Queer and API! Workshop
Facilitator: Jenny Hoang
on November 23, 2004 at 6pm - 8pm
We'll talk about LGBTQ labels & A&PI Labels.
We'll talk about stereotypes in the A&PI LGBTQ community.And we'll brainstorm
positive ways to make A&PI LGBTQ youth more visible in the community!
--
G E N D E R Q U E E R Workshop
Facilitator: Tommi Ko
on Dec 7, 2004 at 6pm - 8pm
Do you identify as something other than a woman or a man. Or both? Are you interested
in destroying gender roles?!?! Or maybe you just want to learn about gender
variance. Come to this workshop and we'll discuss gender as a construct,
transgender issues, and queering gender.
All workshops will be held @
A&PI Wellness Center
730 Polk St, 4rth Floor
San Francisco, Ca 94109Any questions please call:
Bryant Tan
AQUA Program Coordinator
TEL: 415-292-3420 ext.331
mailto:bryant@apiwellness.org
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15. Queer Punk Tour with Youth Invites (Statewide)
In less than one month, first-ever queer punk tour Queercore Blitz (http://www.queercoreblitz.com),
is kicking off its only West Coast tour, playing 7 shows in 9 days in Seattle,
Portland, Eugene, Arcata (CA), Pomona, LA and Berkeley.
All but one of these shows are ALL AGES SHOWS and we strongly encourage and
welcome kids of all ages and all identities to come to these shows to see strong,
diverse, talented queer-identified people play great music.
LINEUP:
-Legendary feminist hardcore/punk activist band DOMINATRIX from Brazil,
currently featured in this month's Maximum Rock N Roll
-Garage punks TRIPLE CREME (NYC)
-JACK QUEEN (Portland) feat. Emily Kingan from THE HAGGARD
-Cyclonic hardcore boy trio THE DEAD BETTIES (NYC)
-Melodic metal grrls SUGARPUSS (LA)
-Noise punks GANG-WAY! (San Francisco), feat. Tami Hart
Check out http://www.queercoreblitz.com
for more info and click on the BANDS link to listen to MP3s and read about all
the bands.
PLEASE PASS THE WORD ON! We hope to see you there!!!
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16. Trans Remembrance Day fundraiser (San Francisco)
The Queer Alliance presents:
Transstock: a Trans Day of Remembrance Fundraiser for the Gwen Araujo Memorial
Fund.
When: Thursday, November 18 with doors at 3:30pm/show at 4:00pm
Who:
--Lipstick Conspiracy
--Katastrophe
--Julia Serrano
--Shawna Virago and the Deadly Nightshade Family
Where: Jack Adams Hall in the Cesar Chavez
Student Center at SFSU
Cost: $5 students/staff/faculty/youth/seniors and
$7 General Admission
Contact: mailto:cour34@hotmail.com
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17. TRANSLATE Kicks Off GenderBlast!! (San Francisco)
Calling all spoken word artists, poets, the musically inclined, and your friends
and allies!!!
Youth Gender Project Presents:
TRANSLATE: A trans youth open mic
A space for trans/qenderqueer youth (25 and under) to express themselves through
poetry, spoken word, music or other similar performances. All Allies are welcome
to attend.
FREE COFFEE!!November 19th, 2004
Sign up starts at 6:45pm/show is 7-9pm
Threedollarbill Café @ The LGBT Center
1800 Market St. San Francisco
For more information contact Brooklynne or Courtney at 415-865-5625 or email:
mailto:Brooklynne@youthgenderproject.org
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18. LifeSupport Program (ages 15-23)-a program of LifeWorks (Los Angeles)
Are you a gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning youth in need of someone to
talk to, a safe place to talk or some new friends?
LifeSupport currently meets weekly at The Village every Thursday, 7-8:30 pm.
The Village is located at 1125 N. McCadden Place, Los Angeles (1 block east
of Highland Avenue, ∏ block north of Santa Monica Boulevard)
The Peer Support Groups are offered weekly and provide an opportunity for youth
to get together, talk, learn new skills, find new interests and develop a support
network. LifeWorks seeks to create increased self-esteem, confidence, social
skills, school performance, health and happiness. Youth determine the programming
in cooperation with LifeWorks staff.
The Workshop Series is an ongoing series of meetings arranged by LifeWorks‚
staff. For those interested in advocacy and community involvement or just learning
more about what opportunities and resources are available to them, workshop
sessions occur once a month. Community and government leaders, law enforcement,
corporate executives and professionals from diverse fields are some of the examples
of workshop leaders. Increased opportunities and decreased barriers to success
are the results.
--
LifeWorks is seeking Mentors! and Mentees (ages 18-23)!
A new organization dedicated to providing vital and innovative mentoring services
to LGBTQ youth. The program:
The LifeMentoring program includes One on One mentoring, group community service
projects and outings.
One on One LifeMentoring is designed to facilitate the sharing of resources
and guidance, provide support and offer action oriented goal achievement to
youth participants.
Group Community Service Projects allow for the mentoring pairs to meet each
other and participant in the betterment of their communities by giving back
to worthwhile community service projects.
Outings will occur twice a year and are designed to facilitate further socialization
for mentees and to create a mentoring community for all participants. These
are fun, exciting and a great opportunity for networking and play.
For more information, our website is: http://www.lifeworksmentoring.org/
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19. Volunteer for SOUL's annual end of the year appeal (Oakland)
Come on now, you know you love SOUL...and we love you too! That's why we're offering this once in a lifetime opportunity to help SOUL get our mailing out this year. It would be so dope, and SOUL would forever be grateful, if you could come through and help us stuff, seal, and stamp letters for our annual appeal. We are doing two, four hour slots. If you are kind enough to sign up, you do not have to stay for the full four hours. Just give as much as you can!
What: SOUL Mail Stuffing party
When: Thursday, Nov. 18th OR Monday, Nov. 23rd, 5-9 pm
Why: Because we need you, and your hands are long overdue for a nice paper-cut
What you get: Besides the satisfying feeling of being a good person, some yummy
food and drinks (of the non-alcholic persuasion), Malachi's great library of
music, and lots of laughs!
Please R.S.V.P to Moncha at mailto:moncha@youthec.org or 510.451.5466 x317
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20. A Woman's Word workshop 2005 (San Francisco)
A Woman's Word
Creative writing & performance workshop
Facilitated by Aimee Suzara and Jocelyn de Leon
Thursdays 4-6 pm, January 27-April 1
Free, open to young women ages 13-19
Youth Speaks
2169 Folsom Street Studio 100, San Francisco 94110
An exploration of issues affecting young women today, including the intersections
of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, culture, mass media, and identity. We will
collectively create a space for reflection, dialogue, and crafting your voice
through visual art, theater and performance exercises, movement, and sound.
We can
break open about the mothers, daughters, sisters, queens, warriors, sexism,
sex, relationships, and love in our lives. The 10 week session will culminate
in a
collaborative piece.
For more information, please contact Aimee Suzara at:
http://www.youthspeaks.org
mailto:aimee@youthspeaks.org
415-255-9035 x16
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21. Apoyo para familia Latinas/Support for Latino families (San Francisco)
The Richmond Village Beacon and George Washington H.S. are having its second Latino Families Support Meeting on December 2nd, 2004 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Boys and Girls Club located at 450 Guerrero Street (near 17th) in the Mission. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a space for Latino families to learn about what resources are available for them at Washington H.S. and in the community as a whole. Currently, we are seeking individuals and/or community organizations interested in giving brief presentations about their services and/or hosting an information table during the meeting.
If you are interested please call Yaromil at 415.750.8554 or email mailto:yaromilf@aol.com
no later than November 19th with the following information: name, organization,
email, phone number and whether you are interested in giving a presentation
and/or hosting a table. Each person will have 3-5 minutes to speak.
Thank you.
Paz y Fuerza,
Yaromil
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22. 2005 eQUALITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The eQuality Scholarship Collaborative is proud to announce the 15th Annual Joint Scholarship Program. This event is currently sponsored by PG&E's Pride Network, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network/San Francisco-East Bay (GLSEN SF-EB), Kaiser Permanente's KP Pride, GLOBES@Schwab, and Genentech Out and Equal. Please refer to the enclosed scholarship application for eligibility requirements.
Our 2004 program awarded 13 scholarships totaling more than $20,500 to graduating
high school students. We hope to be able to award the same amount or even a
greater number of scholarships this year.
We ask your assistance in publicizing the availability of the scholarships by
prominently posting the enclosed announcement and distributing the application
to interested students. We also encourage you to post this announcement in your
school newspaper, as it would be the best method of communicating this program
to the entire student body. Applications must be received no later than February
21, 2005.
If you have any questions, please contact the Committee at:
Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box #191311
San Francisco, CA. 94119-1311
You can also email us mailto:equality@planetoutcast.net.
If you need additional applications, you are free to copy the one that we have
sent, go to our website: http://www.glsen-sfeb.org/scholarship/,
or contact us and we will be happy to send more. Thank you for your cooperation.
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23. NEWS: New Peninsula High group grows tolerance, safety
Gay-Straight Alliance formed this fall draws response from 370 of the school's
3,000 students. A handful of other South Bay campuses have similar groups.
By Melissa Milios
Daily Breeze
On his second day at Peninsula High, Aidan Warriner scanned the students in
his fourth-period creative writing class, looking for clues: Who here is like
me?
The new kid from Delaware had expected his California home to be even more open,
more liberal, than the East Coast. After all, he thought: Isn't this where gays
were getting married?
When he saw a rainbow-striped ribbon poking from Lauren Goldsmith's binder,
Aidan decided to take a chance.
To read the full article, visit:
http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/1188656.html
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
GSAs Honor the Transgender Day of Remembrance
GSA Network Announcements
1. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
2. Last Call for Break the Silence!! (Southern California)
3. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
4. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
5. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
6. GSA Leadership Trainings (San Diego, Santa Cruz)
Other Announcements
7. Laramie Project Performance and Benefit - December 3rd (Mid-Peninsula)
8. Apoyo para familia Latinas/Support for Latino families (San Francisco)
9. A Woman's Word workshop 2005 (San Francisco)
10. Speaker's Bureau Training at CUAV (San Francisco)
11. LGBT Student of Color National Summit (Ohio)
12. Youth Opportunities in Orange County
13. Human Rights 101 for Service Providers (San Francisco)
14. FREE Computer Classes (South Bay)
15. 2005 eQUALITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
GSAs Honor the Transgender Day of Remembrance
The Transgender Day of Remembrance, like other nationally recognized LGBT events such as World AIDS Day and the Day of Silence, has come to the attention of GSAs statewide as a day to raise awareness on their respective campuses. This year, the Transgender Day of Remembrance is unique because GSA Network has integrated the Transgender Day of Remembrance into its gender identity programming.
In Northern California alone, five schools participated in the Day of Remembrance and one highlight of the day was a press conference with the Richmond Village Beacon at Washington High School in San Francisco.
At the press conference, Sylvia Guerrero, mother of Gwen Araujo, spoke about her daughter's death and addressed the need for gender equity in schools. Caleb Ryen, a member of GSA Network and trainer, conveyed his personal experience with "coming out" as transgender in high school. The organizations that wrote Beyond the Binary spoke about the laws and policies protecting transgender and gender non-conforming youth and tools that student activists can use to fight for gender justice in schools.
Then, at lunch time, Sylvia Guerrero, addressed an audience of more than 100 students from Washington High School. Throughout the day, teachers brought their classes through the auditorium to see the Queer Quilt, which was created by Washington High School student to honor people who have been killed in anti-LGBT hate crimes, and a mock grave site of people being commemorated during the Day of Remembrance.
GSA Network is pleased to see that schools are actively engaging in gender identity campaigns and using tools such as the Beyond the Binary tool kit to create change in their school environments.
If your GSA participated in the Transgender Day of Remembrance, write us back and let us know what you did and how it went at your school.
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS+++++++++++++
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1. Sylvia Guerrero and Beyond the Binary: Fighting for Gender Justice
GSA Network is honored to introduce a new program, Educating for Transgender Student Safety, which brings Sylvia Guerrero to speak with students, teachers, and staff at schools throughout the Bay Area about the experiences she and her family have endured over the last two years after the death of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. In the fall of 2002, Sylvia Guerrero was forced into the Bay Area's media spotlight by the murder of her transgender daughter, Gwen Araujo. Even though it had only been a short time since Ms. Guerrero began accepting Gwen as her daughter, instead of the son she had thought she was raising, she suddenly found herself labeled a spokeswoman for respect and dignity for transgender people.
Coupled with Beyond the Binary: A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools, we hope that these opportunities offered through GSA Network will increase your gender-based organizing efforts in schools as well as contribute to the overall safety of all students.
If you would like to bring Ms. Guerrero to your school or want more information about the Beyond the Binary tool kit, please visit http://www.gsanetwork.org.
Sylvia Guerrero's speaking tour is done in collaboration with GLSEN-San Francisco/East Bay and CUAV.
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2. Last Call for Break the Silence!! (Southern California)
***Last Chance to Register***
Collaborate to create plays promoting understanding and respect for
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) youth in high schools!!Are you
interested in collaborating to create performance pieces promoting understanding
and respect for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) youth in high
schools?
Break the Silence!
A Theatre Activism Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQQI Issues in Schools
A 4-day Intensive Workshop
Nov. 20 & 21 and Dec. 4 & 11Sponsored by:
Fringe Benefits Theatre, the Gay Straight Alliance Network and Cornerstone Theater
Company
Please RSVP to: mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net.
WHAT: In this intensive 4-day Theatre Activism Think Tank, we will collaborate
to create several short scripts tackling homophobia and transphobia in high
schools. These short plays will then be performed by GSAs at school assemblies
in conjunction with The Day of Silence or Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, etc,
or to add spice to talent shows or pep rallies. Some of the plays will also
be presented in Health, History or English classes, incorporated in televised
school announcements, or done as guerrilla theatre during lunch or passing periods!
No theatre knowledge is necessary: we will be using brainstorming, discussion,
freewriting and improvisation to create the plays.
WHO: This Theatre Activism Think Tank is designed primarily for Gay-Straight
Alliance (GSA) members from any/all California high schools. We also welcome
allies, including youth, GSA sponsors, educators, parents, theatre artists and
activists.
WHEN: The Theatre Activism Think Tank will meet from 11am to 5pm for 4
weekend dates only: November 20 & 21 and December 4 & 11.
(Yes, we will have lunch breaks!)
WHERE: Los Angeles. Specifics to be announced.
HOW: Please e-mail us - Bev Tang, GSA Network Southern California Public Ally,
and Norma Bowles, Fringe Benefits Artistic Director - with your brief answers
to the following questions. E-mail us by November 5, and we'll confirm with
you by November 12. Please don't stress about writing the perfect answers! The
GSANetwork and Fringe Benefits just want to do our best to ensure that the group
is committed and diverse (in LOTS of ways!). AAAAND if there's a question
you would rather not answer, just say so!
1. Name
2. School &/or Organization
3. GSA affiliation
4. Age &/or grade level
5. gender
6. race/ethnicity
7. sexual orientation
8. religion, if any
9. What LGBTQQI issues would you like to address? (What's happening in your
school?)
10. What are you into - Theatre? Science? Debate? Writing? Activism? Band? Or???
11. Are you available for and can you commit to all 4 Theatre Think days, 11am-to-5pm?
12. Contact information (e-mail, phone, mailing address, etc.) Please note if
confidentiality is desired.
13. Is there anything else you would like to let us know or to ask us?
Fringe Benefits: Setting the Stage for Social Justice Fringe Benefits is
a groundbreaking theatre company with a 13-year track record of collaborating
with youth to create plays that promote constructive dialogue about diversity
and discrimination issues. Fringe Benfits' theatre activism workshops and residencies,
the two published anthologies of our plays, Friendly Fire and Cootie Shots,
and the award-winning documentary film about our work, Surviving Friendly Fire,
narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, have all received critical acclaim, support from
educators & parents and RAVE
REVIEWS from youth! http://www.cootieshots.org
The Gay Straight Alliance Network: Empowering Youth Activists to Fight Homophobia
and Transphobia in schools Gay-Straight Alliance Network is a youth-led
organization that connects school-based Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) to each
other and community resources. Through peer support, leadership development,
and training, GSA Network supports young people in starting, strengthening,
and sustaining GSAs and builds the capacity of GSAs to: 1. create safe environments
in schools for students to support each other and learn about homophobia and
other oppressions, 2. educate the school community about homophobia, gender
identity, and sexual orientation issues, and 3. fight discrimination, harassment,
and violence in schools. http://www.gsanetwork.org
*********************************************
3. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.
"I think it was powerful and provocative and sparked good conversations."
- GSA Advisor
"There were at least 400 students that interacted with the exhibit. The
whole week while High Contrast was there, the GSA and other groups on campus
did workshops on hate crimes and ways to deal with it-letting students know
that it is an issue that needs to be addressed." - GSA student president
"Many students responded well to the universality of human issues and emotions.
The emotions weren't just linked to being gay, they were feelings we all have."
- GSA Advisor
In this exhibit we bring you our voices with hopes that you will hear us, see
us... and identify. We use art as a means for change -- to show people what
they might not choose to see, to incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation.
We want to make schools free from harassment, discrimination, and violence.
We don't want anyone to leave thinking, "this isn't my issue." Because
all kinds of people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Because there
are so many shades to our identities. Because we all deserve to be safe enough
to learn.
High Contrast is available for circulation as of October 1. If you are a GSA
in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast photo exhibit
to your school, email mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.
For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html
*********************************************
4. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs
LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!
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. 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.
HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO USE LIBERATION INK TO MAKE CHANGE AT YOUR SCHOOL!
* Attach information about your GSA to the posters to advertise and recruit
members.
* Encourage teachers to hang the posters in their classrooms.
* Have GSA members lead discussions and activities related to the posters.
* Use the posters as part of an anti-slur campaign.
* Put the posters up in the courtyard with easels and/or use while you're tabling.
* Get the posters printed in your school or community newspaper with an article
or announcement about your GSA.
* Create an agreement for teachers to sign and give them posters to symbolize
their support.
* Display the whole Liberation Ink series in one place or fill a whole wall
with posters in a grid.
* Use the posters in conjunction with Day of Silence, Transgender Day of Remembrance,
LGBT History Month (October), LGBT Pride Month (June), Coming Out Day (October
11), or Diversity Day or Week at your school.
Liberation Ink was a collaborative project of GSA Network, LYRIC, and Mission
Grafica at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco. It
was supported by the Youth Initiatives Program of the Open Society Institute,
the San Francisco Arts Commission, and the Walter and Elise Haas Fund.
*********************************************
5. Register Your Gay-Straight Alliance Club
The new school year has begun! Welcome back!
Before you plan any more events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register
your group with the GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student
activism manuals, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future
GSA Network or LGBT related events. (Mailings will go out only to California
GSAs in middle and high schools.)
Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.php
If you have any questions or concerns,
Sean Saifa M. Wall
mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229 (phone)
*********************************************
6. GSA Leadership Trainings (San Diego, Santa Cruz)
San Diego GSA Leadership Training
WHO: GSA Members and Advisors
WHEN: Saturday, December 4, 2004, 10 am - 4 pm
(BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED)
WHERE: Contact Dana Toppel 619.497.2920 x.113 or mailto:dtoppel@thecentersd.org
for directions to the location in San Diego
COST: Free!
Co-Sponsors: Hillcrest Youth Center and GLSEN-San Diego
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Bev Tang, mailto:bev@gsanetwork.org
or 213.534.7162.
--
Santa Cruz GSA Leadership Training
STRANGE, The Santa Cruz County Queer Youth & Allies Network Organization &
GSA Network
Present...
On Saturday, December 4th, 2004
from 10 am - 4 pm
at The Resource Center for Non-Violence
515 Broadway Santa Cruz, California 95060
Gay-Straight Alliance Leadership Training & FREE FOOD!!!
This IS An Amazing Opportunity for Your Enlightenment, Empowerment, & Enjoyment!!!
Please be kind and RSVP by December 1st (so we know how much food to get)...but
you could still just show up the day of the training.
DON'T MISS OUT...WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!
For more information or if you need a ride...contact Jorge Bru at (831) 295-6969
cell or mailto:sccstrange@yahoo.com
or Sean Saifa Wall at 415.552.4229 or mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not
sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views
and opinions of GSA Network.
*********************************************
7. Laramie Project Performance and Benefit - December 3rd (Mid-Peninsula)
Please join Los Altos High School performing the "Laramie Project" and hosting a benefit for Billy DeFrank Center on December 3rd at 7pm. Special tickets for the Billy DeFrank Center are available at $12 with $2 of proceeds going to the Center.
Los Altos High School is located at 201 Almond Ave in Los Altos.
Please contact James Gibbs to reserve your will-call tickets for pick up the
night of the event at mailto:James.Gibbs@mvla.net
or 650-960-8480.
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8. Apoyo para familia Latinas/Support for Latino families (San Francisco)
The Richmond Village Beacon and George Washington H.S. are having its second Latino Families Support Meeting on December 2nd, 2004 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at the Boys and Girls Club located at 450 Guerrero Street (near 17th) in the Mission. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a space for Latino families to learn about what resources are available for them at Washington H.S. and in the community as a whole. Currently, we are seeking individuals and/or community organizations interested in giving brief presentations about their services and/or hosting an information table during the meeting.
If you are interested please call Yaromil at 415.750.8554 or email mailto:yaromilf@aol.com
no later than November 19th with the following information: name, organization,
email, phone number and whether you are interested in giving a presentation
and/or hosting a table. Each person will have 3-5 minutes to speak.
Thank you.
Paz y Fuerza,
Yaromil
*********************************************
9. A Woman's Word workshop 2005 (San Francisco)
A Woman's Word
Creative writing & performance workshop
Facilitated by Aimee Suzara and Jocelyn de Leon
Thursdays 4-6 pm, January 27-April 1
Free, open to young women ages 13-19
Youth Speaks
2169 Folsom Street Studio 100, San Francisco 94110
An exploration of issues affecting young women today, including the intersections
of ethnicity, gender, sexuality, culture, mass media, and identity. We will
collectively create a space for reflection, dialogue, and crafting your voice
through visual art, theater and performance exercises, movement, and sound.
We can
break open about the mothers, daughters, sisters, queens, warriors, sexism,
sex, relationships, and love in our lives. The 10 week session will culminate
in a
collaborative piece.
For more information, please contact Aimee Suzara at:
http://www.youthspeaks.org
mailto:aimee@youthspeaks.org
415-255-9035 x16
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10. Speaker's Bureau Training at CUAV (San Francisco)
CUAV's next Volunteer LGBTQQ Speakers Training will be Sat /Sun Dec 4th &
5th in San Francisco.
To sign up folks can email mailto:connie@cuav.org
Or call 415/777-5500 ext. 303 to sign up
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11. LGBT Student of Color National SummitU.S. Student Association (USSA) Foundation
Presents
LGBT Student of Color National Summit
Hosted at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio
January 15-17, 2005
Interested in forming or strengthening lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
(LGBT) student of color organizations on your college campus? Learn to create
spaces for LGBT students of color to
meet.
Ready to amplify LGBT student of color voices and win concrete victories on
the campus, state, and national levels?
Build the skills, knowledge, and networks to make your vision a reality.
If you are an LGBT student of color and an up-and-coming or current campus
leader, then this
cutting-edge National Summit is for you. The summit will draw 30 to 50 college
students from across the country and will focus on capacity building and organizing
LGBT students of color locally while also providing opportunities for resource
sharing nationally. APPLY TODAY!
This summit is for lesbian, gay, bisexual, two-spirit, transgender, intersex, queer, same gender loving, and questioning college students of color (including but not limited to Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, Latina/o, Middle Eastern, and Native students of color). We encourage applications from students of color with disabilities, women, genderqueer, and transgender students of color.
For more information, please email:
mailto:lgbt@usstudents.org or call
Nick Sakurai at 202-347-8772
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12. Youth Opportunities in Orange County
Announcing Rainbow Nights! for Orange County LGBTQQ Youth. Every Wednesday night at The Center OC in Garden Grove, people aged 13-17 meet for the chance to Chat, Create, Laugh, Meet, and Belong! Come join us from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. to become a part of the fun. We are located at 12800 Garden Grove Blvd, Suite F, just east of the Emergency Pet Clinic.
For more information, call Vanessa or Michael at 714-534-0862, email us at:
mailto:mfouquette@thecenteroc.org, join
our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/occenteryouth,
or just stop by. Hope to c'ya there!
--
Sing your heart out and start something new for younger people to do in the
O.C.!
Men Alive, the gay men's chorus in Orange County and The Center OC, the Gay
and Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County, are looking for high-school-aged
people to form Orange County's first gay/straight alliance youth chorus. If
you can carry a tune, attend scheduled rehearsals, and make it all look and
sound good, then you can learn how the "pros" sing and perform before
large, live audiences with Men Alive - and make some great friends! Curious?
Psyched?
Contact us for the 411. By phone: 714-534-0862, X 206. By email: mailto:mfouquette@thecenteroc.org.
By website: http://www.thecenteroc.org.
By car/foot: 12800 Garden Grove Blvd, Suite F, Garden Grove, CA 92843, just
east of the Emergency Pet Clinic.
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13. Human Rights 101 for Service Providers (San Francisco)
Women's Institute for Leadership Development for Human Rights presents...
Human Rights 101 for Service Providers
Friday, December 10 (International Human Rights Day)
* Do you provide direct services for Bay Area communities?
* Does it get hard to stay grounded in a vision for social change under the
weight of meeting day-to-day needs?
* Do you want some pro-active tools for working within such reactionary times?
Take part in this free 2 1/2 hour interactive training about the role of service
providers in creating long-term social change. Learn how to use a human rights
framework and international law to demand services for our communities. A valuable
opportunity to network with other local service
providers and think outside the box. This is the first in a series of human
rights trainings for communities.
Please RSVP by email or phone by Monday, Dec. 6.
Training is limited to 15 participants. All genders are welcome.
When? Friday, December 10, 2004
What time? 10:00am -12:30pm
Where? The Women's Building, 3543 18th St, 4th floor (btwn Valencia St &
Guerrero St)
Mission District, San Francisco
FREE! Light snacks provided
Wheelchair accessible
For more info/RSVP: (415) 355-4744 x402/mailto:youmna@wildforhumanrights.org
Who is WILD for Human Rights? Women's Institute for Leadership Development for
Human Rights seeks to advance human rights in the United States to protect the
dignity of all people
regardless of their identity. We aim to end identity-based discrimination through
training and education, public advocacy, and partnering with communities and
individuals on the
implementation and monitoring of human rights standards in the
United States.
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14. FREE Computer Classes (South Bay)
Dear Friend,
In an effort to better educate and encourage the use of technology for the LGBT
community of Santa Clara County, the DeFrank Center is pleased to announce that
computer classes are now being offered. We are offering task oriented, one hour
long, one-on-one sessions that will consist of 30 min of instruction and a Q
and A for the second half. Because we are offering one-on-one sessions, we will
be able to tailor each session to your individual needs and teach you what
you want to learn. Time slots are available during the hours of 3pm to 7pm on
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and on Wednesday from 12pm to 5pm, which must be
scheduled one week in advance.
You may schedule classes online by emailing us at mailto:classes@defrank.org,
or call 408-
293-3040 x114 and leave a message. Classes will be held at the DeFrank Center's
Cyber Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126, and will be taught by Joel
Gilmore, the IT Manager for the DeFrank Center.
Please call 408-293-3040 x114, or email mailto:classes@defrank.org
to make an appointment.
This free service has been made possible by a generous grant from The David
Bohnett Foundation (http://www.bohnettfoundation.org),
and SBC Communications.
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15. 2005 eQUALITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The eQuality Scholarship Collaborative is proud to announce the 15th Annual Joint Scholarship Program. This event is currently sponsored by PG&E's Pride Network, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network/San Francisco-East Bay (GLSEN SF-EB), Kaiser Permanente's KP Pride, GLOBES@Schwab, and Genentech Out and Equal. Please refer to the enclosed scholarship application for eligibility requirements.
Our 2004 program awarded 13 scholarships totaling more than $20,500 to graduating
high school students. We hope to be able to award the same amount or even a
greater number of scholarships this year.
We ask your assistance in publicizing the availability of the scholarships by
prominently posting the enclosed announcement and distributing the application
to interested students. We also encourage you to post this announcement in your
school newspaper, as it would be the best method of communicating this program
to the entire student body. Applications must be received no later than February
21, 2005.
If you have any questions, please contact the Committee at:
Scholarship Committee
P.O. Box #191311
San Francisco, CA. 94119-1311You can also email us mailto:equality@planetoutcast.net.
If you need additional applications, you are free to copy the one that we have
sent, go to our website: http://www.glsen-sfeb.org/scholarship/,
or contact us and we will be happy to send more.
Thank you for your cooperation.