GSA Network News archives

GSA Network News Email Archive - November 2005

back to GSA Network News



Sign Up for GSA Network News! Email:

November 30, 2005

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

GSA Network Highlight
GSA Network Welcomes Our New Northern California Program Coordinator

GSA Network Announcements
1. THIS SATURDAY!! - YES Conference on Dec 3rd (San Francisco)
2. TOMORROW! - GSA Network Screens "RENT-THE MOVIE" in Exclusive Fundraiser (San Francisco)
3. South Los Angeles GSA Leadership Training & Film Screening
4. Loud, Proud, and on the Way to the Capitol!!!
5. Survey about Marriage Rights and School Safety: How Does Marriage Affect Students in School?
6. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!
7. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)
8. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

Other Announcements
9. Queer Movie Night! (Santa Monica)
10. McClatchy High School's Lesbian Gay Straight Alliance proudly sponsors..."The Other Side of the Closet" (Sacramento)
11. Do you or does someone you know qualify for a 2005-2006 eQuality Scholarship Award?
12. Lifeworks Mentoring Upcoming Events (Santa Monica)
13. NEWS: Anti-gay pamphlets given to Janesville students

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

GSA Network Welcomes Our New Northern California Program Coordinator

GSA Network is very pleased to announce that our past Northern California Program Coordinator Lai-San Seto has taken a new position at GSA Network as the Advocacy Coordinator (see "Loud, Proud, and on the Way to the Capitol!!!" for more info) and we are excited to add Marco Castro-Bojorquez to the GSA Network team as our new Northern California Program Coordinator.

Marco Castro-Bojorquez was born and raised in a fishing village by the Pacific in Sinaloa, Mexico. Marco received his Bachelor in Science degree in Communications from the "Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey" in Mexico. Marco has been living in San Francisco for the past 10 years. He worked as a Youth Program / Site Coordinator at Community Bridges Beacon (CBB) for the past 2 years. At CBB, Marco gained experience in youth development program planning, curriculum development, and evaluation. He also was able to create meaningful relationships with the youth and families of the Mission District by becoming their strongest advocate within the school environment. Marco lives with his partner of 4 years and two very special cats named "Lola and Kafka." He is honored to become part of the GSA Network.

back to top

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

**********************************************
1. THIS SATURDAY!! - YES Conference on Dec 3rd (San Francisco)

REGISTER NOW - so we know how much food to provide.

YES Conference 2005 - (Youth Empowerment Summit)

YES is a FREE conference for LGBTQQI youth activists and their allies who are dedicated to defeating homophobia and transphobia and creating safe and supportive schools for everyone. The target audience is high school & middle school students, and teachers & GSA advisors are welcome.

BE YOU! BE PROUD! STAND UP & FIGHT BACK!

Who? LGBTQQI youth activists & their allies
Where? Horace Mann Middle School, 3351 23rd Street, San Francisco
When? Saturday, December 3, 9:00 am -5:00 pm
Why? To meet other youth leaders, learn new skills, & share the strength!
How much? Everything, including food, is FREE!
What else? Get down & dance with everyone you’ve just met at a special youth-only dance at the SF LGBT Community Center, 8:00 pm-11:00 pm.

Pre-register for the GSA Network’s YES conference at www.gsanetwork.org/yes up until noon on Friday, Dec 2. On-site registration starts at 9 am on Saturday, Dec 3.

For more information:yes@gsanetwork.org or 415-552-4229

back to top

**********************************************
2. TOMORROW! - GSA Network Screens "RENT-THE MOVIE" in Exclusive Fundraiser (San Francisco)

VIP tickets SOLD OUT - General Admission and Student Tickets still remain!

Locally filmed in San Francisco, this Tony Award-winning musical sensation kicks off with a special VIP reception and a special performance from members of San Francisco's Gay Men's Chorus before unspooling on Sony Metreon's grand silver screen!

As GSA Network prepares to move into our eighth year supporting Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs in high schools, we are pulling out all the stops for an end of the year fundraising spectacle.

Thanks to a tiered-ticket structure, everyone from students to VIP underwriters will be able to enjoy an exclusive cinematic event together, all while helping raise much-needed funds for the only student-led organization that connects GSA clubs across California.

The pre-screening VIP reception, featuring cocktails, hors d'ouvres and a dazzling performance by Vocal Minority, a small ensemble of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, begins at 6:00 pm for VIP patrons followed by a short program for all at 7:30 pm. The movie screening starts at 7:40.

Individual tickets will be offered at three tiers: $50 (VIP), $35 (Adult), and $20 (Student). Those holding a VIP ticket will receive preferred seating while all tickets holders will enjoy free movie snacks-popcorn and a drink.

Location: Sony Metreon, 101 4th St., San Francisco

To purchase tickets, visit http://www.gsanetwork.org/rent

Volunteers Needed!
To volunteer, email justin@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

back to top

*********************************************
3. South Los Angeles GSA Leadership Training & Film Screening

GSA Network and Washington Prep High School's It's Okay Club are sponsoring a Leadership Training and Film Screening for GSA Members. Luther Mace, writer and director of the film- "ON THE LOW" will be on hand to screen his film and answer questions after the training. HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!!

Saturday, December 3, 2005
10am-5pm

Washington Prep High School
10860 S. Denker Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90047

GSA Leadership Trainings are Youth-Led trainings for GSA members and allies. Participants will learn everything they need to know about starting and running a GSA. There will be GSA members there from across the Los Angeles area, so it's a great time to meet other GSA members.

For more information or to RSVP e-mail or call.
Sandy Williams, GSA Network Southern California Program Coordinator
213-534-7162
sandy@gsanetwork.org

back to top

*********************************************
4. Loud, Proud, and on the Way to the Capitol!!!

LOUD, PROUD, & ON THE WAY TO THE CAPITOL!!!
Save the Date---Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2006!

Join GSA Network, EQCA, & hundreds of LGBTQ & straight ally youth for Queer Youth
Advocacy Day.

Who: You & your friends, your GSA members & hundreds of youth activists

Where: Sacramento, CA

When: Monday, March 6, 2006

Why: To unite with GSAS & youth from all over CA!
To learn how to lobby lawmakers & influence people
To help create safer schools & make sure everyone has a chance at an education.

What: On March 6, youth will sit down & talk with each & every CA Legislature member
about a proposed law that will make it clearer how schools can end discrimination and
harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Following a mass training &
a huge rally on the capitol steps, we're going to visit every legislator's office to share our
stories. This is your chance to make a difference that will affect schools in every corner
of CA,

You'll tell lawmakers what it's really like to be in school. Tell them what you need to feel
safe, supported, and ignored no more. They need to hear from you!

Share your story = Share your strength

More info: Email Lai-San Seto at advocacy@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

back to top

*********************************************
5. Survey about Marriage Rights and School Safety: How Does Marriage Affect Students in School?

Please take five minutes to participate in an important survey!

As you know, the right of same-sex couples to marry has been a hotly contested topic over the past few years. On one side, President Bush has proposed a constitutional ban on marriage for same-sex couples and many states have created their own laws banning marriage for same-sex couples or defining marriage as between one man and one woman only. On the other side, same-sex couples gained full marriage rights in Massachusetts and temporarily gained marriage rights in San Francisco and other cities. Most recently, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have extended full marriage rights to same-sex couples in California.

This flurry of activity combined with what we know will be a continued state-by-state struggle around marriage rights in the upcoming years raises an important question about how students are affected by the discussion around the issue at school and the media coverage on the political fight. The California Safe Schools Coalition, in partnership with GSA Network, has created this short survey in order to learn more about how students are affected by the fight over marriage for same-sex couples.

Please help us by clicking on the link below to take our survey.
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB224NVM7JWBM

back to top

*********************************************
6. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!

Before you plan any 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 contact:
Tanya Mayo, Program Director
tanya@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229

back to top

*********************************************
7. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)

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: 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 (April), Transgender Day of Remembrance (November), 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.

back to top

**********************************************
8. 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 highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to: www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

back to top

++++++++++++++++ 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. Queer Movie Night! (Santa Monica)

As part of the queer film series at Crossroads School, sponsored by FLAG (our gay/straight alliance), we will be having our next movie screening on Wednesday, Dec. 7th, from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. We've been getting great audience response at our films this year and we invite you to join us!

We'll be screening the hilarious film La Cage Aux Folles. This is the film that later spawned an American version called The Birdcage. Many people believe that this French version was even better than The Birdcage. If you’ve never seen this, you definitely should—it’s like a gay (or straight ally) rites of passage!

All students and faculty from gay/straight alliances and their friends are welcome. It's a great way to meet new friends, or see old ones.

The event is FREE and free pizza and drinks will be provided! But please e-mail us and let us know if you might come, so we have an idea of how much pizza to get. You can reach us at mailto:flag2@xrds.org

If you have any more questions, please feel free to e-mail and ask. Hope to see you there!

Directions:
Crossroads is at 1714 21st St. in Santa Monica, at the corner of 21st St. and Olympic Blvd.
The screening room we're meeting in is on the 2nd floor of the Arts Building.

Here's what you do--when you turn onto 21st from Olympic, take an immediate right onto
a driveway-looking street and find a place to park. You'll see our "quad" which looks like a parking lot
or an alley, and which we call (of course) the alley. Walk to the end of the alley to the tall building on the left, enter and climb the stairs to the 2nd floor. You should see people. Hope the directions aren't too confusing. It's not really that hard once you see it, and you can always ask people.

back to top

*********************************************
10. McClatchy High School's Lesbian Gay Straight Alliance proudly sponsors..."The Other Side of the Closet" (Sacramento)

"The Other Side of the Closet supports a safer school curriculum wherein students, teachers and parents can learn about diversity and acceptance in an innovative and engaging format."

Presented By: YouthAware Educational Theatre program at NCTC (www.nctcsf.org/Other.html)
Where can I go to see it?: C.K. McClatchy High School at 3066 Freeport Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95818.
Who can go?: Students, parents, teachers, community members, and anyone else that is supportive of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community and wants to learn more about how harassment effects all students.
When is it?: December 12th, 2005 @ 6:30pm

Cost: FREE but donations appreciated

Questions? Concerns?
Contact Yvonne Neis @ yvonneneis@comcast.net

The Lesbian Gay Straight Alliance at CKM High School would like to encourage everyone to come and show their support.

back to top

*********************************************
11. Do you or does someone you know qualify for a 2005-2006 eQuality Scholarship Award?

GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay is a sponsoring member of the eQuality Scholarship Collaborative, a joint effort of a group of Bay Area-based organizations that annually award scholarships to graduating high school students in Northern and Central California who have promoted understanding of and equality for LGBTQ people.

Applications, including transcripts and letter of recommendation, must be postmarked no later than February 28, 2006. Scholarship applicants will be notified of their application status by April 15.

To learn more about the Collaborative and current scholarship opportunities, visit: www.glsen-sfeb.org/scholarship/index.htm.

back to top

*********************************************
12. Lifeworks Mentoring Upcoming Events (Santa Monica)

LifeWorks Mentoring Band Showcase/ PSA Launch Event
Tuesday December 6, 2005 @ 9pm at Arena Nightclub
6655 Santa Monica Blvd Hollywood, Ca 90038
Join LifeWorks Mentoring for a night of music and dancing, hosted by Chad Allen and Honey Labrador. Featuring Jason and DeMarco, Jim Verraros, JenRo, Deadlee, Kelly Mantle, and Shitting Glitter. General Admission tickets are $10 at the door and V.I.P. Tickets are $25. Come be a part of this wonderful night. Youth ages 18-24 who attend Green Room or Apply Online for a mentor will get Free Admission.

LifeWorks Mentoring Movie Outing "The Chronicles of NARNIA"
Saturday December 10th, 2005 = Time and Location to be Announced
We have acquired movie passes and will be taking youth to a matinee that afternoon to see "The Chronicles of Narnia". If you're interested in attending please RSVP with Bobby BEFORE DECMBER 5th.

Weho Green Room Workshop "Merry Chris-Kwan-Hanukkah Solstice"
Thursday December 15, 2005 @ 7pm at LifeWorks Mentoring Office
People from all over our community will be coming to share about how they celebrate the holidays.

LifeWorks Mentoring "Holiday Party"
Thursday December 22, 2005 @ 7pm at the LifeWorks Mentoring Office
Join us for a movie, food, fun, and prizes.

Contact Bobby email: mailto:bridenour@lifeworksmentoring.org or call 310-724-6300

Also check out our Yahoo group. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LifeWorksMentoring/

back to top

*********************************************
13. NEWS: Anti-gay pamphlets given to Janesville students

Thursday, November 10, 2005
Janesville Gazette, WI

Craig High School students were handed pamphlets condemning homosexuality as they walked to school Tuesday morning.

Three or four people handed out pamphlets on the public sidewalk outside the school, and some students took offense, said Craig Principal Mike Kuehne.

"We had some students who did not appreciate receiving the literature, and then we handled it from there," Kuehne said.

"We made sure that they were not loitering as they distributed the material, and then we just monitored the situation," he said.

Various organizations have handed out religious materials on the public sidewalks around Janesville schools in the past.

Police heard of Tuesday's incident, but school officials did not ask for assistance, said Steve Kopp, deputy police chief.

"We always consider the free-speech aspect to things, and as long as they were not on school property and weren't being disruptive or littering or any of those sorts of things, there's not much we could do about it," Kopp said.

A parent of a Craig student called The Janesville Gazette to complain.

"Kids have a hard enough time these days. They don't need that in their face," the parent said.

"Why do they need an adult-whether they're a minister or not-telling them they're going to go to hell if they're different?" she continued.

The pamphlet states that homosexuals engage in "filthy practices," that homosexuality is a sin and that "the Bible warns that all sinners are sentenced to hell."

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.gazetteextra.com/anitgaypropaganda110905.asp

back to top

November 23, 2005

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

GSA Network Highlight
Seven Years of Transgender Remembrance and Our Work is Just Beginning

GSA Network Announcements
1. Register NOW for the YES Conference on Dec 3rd (San Francisco)
2. GSA Network Screens "RENT-THE MOVIE" in Exclusive Fundraiser (San Francisco)
3. Loud, Proud, and on the Way to the Capitol!!!
4. Survey about Marriage Rights and School Safety: How Does Marriage Affect Students in School?
5. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)
7. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
8. JOB: GSA Network - Central Valley Program Associate

Other Announcements
9. Become a Fab 5, Jr. on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
10. Gay Sex in the 70s Documentary (Los Angeles)
11. Bike Out Trip in Sycamore Canyon (Los Angeles)
12. Spring Internships with COLAGE
13. NEWS: Broward sidesteps classroom discussion of homosexuality, saying it's family issue
14. NEWS: Latinos need strong education, not Army

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

Seven Years of Transgender Remembrance and Our Work is Just Beginning

Hundreds of schools and organizations across the state, country, and world planned activities for the week on November 14-20 to honor the 7th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, which officially took place on Sunday, November 20. See www.rememberingourdead.org for more info about the worldwide events. At least 25 schools in California participated in the event -- the largest number ever -- including high schools in Wilmington, South Pasadena, Santa Rosa, San Jose, Northridge, Oak Park, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego, Long Beach, Napa, Chula Vista, and Bakersfield.

The GSA at Windward High School, in Southern California, made posters of people killed through hate crimes for being or looking transgender, such as Brandon Teena and Gwen Araujo, and several people read the posters and definitions of LGBT sexuality that were on display at a centralized location on campus.

The GSA at The Athenian School, a private school in Danville, was busy almost all semester working on different activities trying to educate students on gender identity. The GSA recruited 30 volunteers to design and put up posters, kick off classroom conversations, create cut-outs and chalk outlines around campus memorializing victims of transphobic violence, and organize a film screening. Many students came to school on November 21 wearing black to mark Transgender Day of Remembrance. The goals behind all of this work, explained Katie Taylor, Athenian's GSA president, were: "To have less ignorance in our community. I want people to have discussions around gender while still being respectful."

Raul, president of his GSA at Ida B. Wells in San Francisco, thinks many of the students don't know much about transgender issues or people, but the club's recent school-wide screening of "Boys Don't Cry" turned out well. "A lot of people were cool about it. A lot of people said they got more educated after watching the film and after the talk that we had."

In Oakley, CA it was the first year that Freedom High School's GSA did a Transgender Day of Remembrance event. Chelsea Bruton, a Northern California Youth Council Member, was surprised with the overall support coming from the staff. She commented: "I believe that overall it was a good experience for the students because it helped open their minds to what was really happening, and I look forward to doing it again next year."

YOUR ACTIVISM IS MORE THAN A ONCE A YEAR AFFAIR
California and federal laws protects transgender and gender non-conforming students from harassment, but if we don't keep up the fight for gender justice year round many trans and gender non-conforming youth will be discriminated against and harassed by not only their peers but also teachers and administrators.

THE LAW SAYS
-Students are allowed to wear clothing that matches their gender identity.
-School officials cannot refuse to call students by the name and pronoun consistent with their gender identity.
-Students must have a safe and appropriate restroom and locker room to change for gym.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
-Educate yourself, your classmates and school officials.
-Hold an assembly or rally at lunch.
-Ask the administration if you can do trainings for students and teachers.
-Organize your GSA to mount a campaign for gender neutral bathrooms.

For help with all of these strategies, go to http://www.gsanetwork.org/BeyondtheBinary/toolkit.html to download a copy of "Beyond the Binary - A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools."

back to top

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

**********************************************
1. Register NOW for the YES Conference on Dec 3rd (San Francisco)

YES Conference 2005 - (Youth Empowerment Summit)

YES is a FREE conference for LGBTQQI youth activists and their allies who are dedicated to defeating homophobia and transphobia and creating safe and supportive schools for everyone. The target audience is high school & middle school students, and teachers & GSA advisors are welcome.

BE YOU! BE PROUD! STAND UP & FIGHT BACK!

Who? LGBTQQI youth activists & their allies
Where? Horace Mann Middle School, 3351 23rd Street, San Francisco
When? Saturday, December 3, 9:00 am -5:00 pm
Why? To meet other youth leaders, learn new skills, & share the strength!
How much? Everything, including food, is FREE!
What else? Get down & dance with everyone you’ve just met at a special youth-only dance at the SF LGBT Community Center, 8:00 pm-11:00 pm.

Pre-register for the GSA Network’s YES conference at www.gsanetwork.org/yes.

For more information:yes@gsanetwork.org or 415-552-4229

back to top

**********************************************
2. GSA Network Screens "RENT-THE MOVIE" in Exclusive Fundraser Event on Thursday, December 1, 2005 (San Francisco)

Locally filmed in San Francisco, this Tony Award-winning musical sensation kicks off with a special VIP reception and a special performance from members of San Francisco's Gay Men's Chorus before unspooling on Sony Metreon's grand silver screen!

As GSA Network prepares to move into our eighth year supporting Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs in high schools, we are pulling out all the stops for an end of the year fundraising spectacle.

Thanks to a tiered-ticket structure, everyone from students to VIP underwriters will be able to enjoy an exclusive cinematic event together, all while helping raise much-needed funds for the only student-led organization that connects GSA clubs across California.

The pre-screening VIP reception, featuring cocktails, hors d'ouvres and a dazzling performance by Vocal Minority, a small ensemble of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, begins at 6:00 pm for VIP patrons followed by a short program for all at 7:30 pm. The movie screening starts at 7:40.

Individual tickets will be offered at three tiers: $50 (VIP), $35 (Adult), and $20 (Student). Those holding a VIP ticket will receive preferred seating while all tickets holders will enjoy free movie snacks-popcorn and a drink.

Location: Sony Metreon, 101 4th St., San Francisco

To purchase tickets, visit http://www.gsanetwork.org/rent

Volunteers Needed!
To volunteer, email justin@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

back to top

*********************************************
3. Loud, Proud, and on the Way to the Capitol!!!

back to top

*********************************************
4. Survey about Marriage Rights and School Safety: How Does Marriage Affect Students in School?

Please take five minutes to participate in an important survey!

As you know, the right of same-sex couples to marry has been a hotly contested topic over the past few years. On one side, President Bush has proposed a constitutional ban on marriage for same-sex couples and many states have created their own laws banning marriage for same-sex couples or defining marriage as between one man and one woman only. On the other side, same-sex couples gained full marriage rights in Massachusetts and temporarily gained marriage rights in San Francisco and other cities. Most recently, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have extended full marriage rights to same-sex couples in California.

This flurry of activity combined with what we know will be a continued state-by-state struggle around marriage rights in the upcoming years raises an important question about how students are affected by the discussion around the issue at school and the media coverage on the political fight. The California Safe Schools Coalition, in partnership with GSA Network, has created this short survey in order to learn more about how students are affected by the fight over marriage for same-sex couples.

Please help us by clicking on the link below to take our survey.
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB224NVM7JWBM

back to top

*********************************************
5. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!

If you have any questions or concerns contact:
Tanya Mayo, Program Director
tanya@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229

back to top

*********************************************
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

back to top

**********************************************
7. 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.

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to: www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

back to top

*********************************************
8. JOB: GSA Network - Central Valley Program Associate

Central Valley Program Associate: GSA Network is looking for a part-time (20 hours/week) Program Associate to work in our Fresno office. The Program Associate will assist the Central Valley Program Coordinator with grassroots community organizing and program implementation throughout the region. A demonstrated passion for LGBTQ youth leadership and empowerment, experience in policy advocacy, and a commitment to social justice are required for this position.

See website for the full job description and how to apply:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/index.html#jobs

back to top

*********************************************
9. Become a Fab 5, Jr. on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy

Become a Fab 5, Jr. - Bravo TV’s Queer Eye for the Straight Guy Seeks Young Talented Gay Proteges

Emmy winning “Queer Eye” is looking for accomplished, creative, gay male high school or college students who aspire to be one of the Fab 5. If you’re all about making the world a better, more beautiful place -- say you’ve got a knack for interior design or can whip up a gourmet meal in minutes or friends come running to you for grooming tips or you know all the in’s and out’s of men’s fashion or you’re the neighborhood advice guru… then we want to speak to you because the Fab 5 may want to mentor you on-air in an upcoming episode of QE.

We’re looking for individuals with lots of personality that live within 25 miles of NYC. Those who live outside of NYC may send in a videotape for possible consideration. Anyone under 18 must obtain parental permission before applying.

Call 212-500-6278 or email castingcall2@thequeereye.com with questions or for deadlines. Good luck!

back to top

*********************************************
10. Gay Sex in the 70s Documentary (Los Angeles)

Lovett Productions www.lovettproductions.com is proud to announce the L.A release of our new documentary Gay Sex in the 70s about gay men in New York City in the era of free love between Stonewall and Aids. The cast includes Larry Kramer, photographer Tom Bianchi, artist Barton Benes and GMHC founder and Gill Foundation E.D. Rodger McFarlane among others.

We would like to extend an invitation to your youth/student group to come and see this important historical piece. We can extend discounted or comp. tickets for the Monday thru Friday matinee screenings, and the Monday thru Thursday evening screenings. Please contact Colin Weil colin@lovettproductions.com 2-3 days before you would like to attend or with any questions.

Gay Sex in the 70s
Renberg Theatre
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza
1125 N. McCadden Place
Los Angeles, CA 90038
www.gaysexinthe70s.com

Want to get out of the city and have fun with other queer, trans & allied youth?

Bike Out leads challenging outdoor expeditions to promote health, self esteem and leadership in LGBT youth and straight allies. On December 3-4, we are having an overnight mountain biking trip in Sycamore Canyon! We will leave from Santa Monica on Saturday morning, bike up the trail as a team, do games and workshops, work together to camp and cook, have a good time, and be back in L.A. by Sunday night.

This trip is...
-Open to all LGBT youth and allies ages 14-23
-You don't need to be an athlete - if you can ride a bike, you can do this trip
-We provide all the bikes, gear, food, and help with transportation if you need it
-Fees are sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds
If you are interested in this trip, please call Sarah at (310) 453-5040 x3 or email sarah@bikeout.org as soon as possible - space is filling up!

Sarah Schreiber
Bike Out
2811 Pico Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
(310) 453-5040 ext. 3

Bike Out builds health, self-esteem, and leadership in lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgender youth and their straight allies through challenging
outdoor activities, life skills education, and mentoring.

Bike Out foresees a world where everyone is respected, healthy and empowered
regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

back to top

*********************************************
12. Spring Internships with COLAGE

Want to make a different in the lives of people with LGBT parents?
Want to learn about working in a grass-roots, non-profit organization?

Come intern at COLAGE!

COLAGE engages, connects and empowers people to make the world a better place for children of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or transgender parents and families.

COLAGE Internship Program
We are looking for interns for Spring 2006 (Anytime between January and May) to support our ongoing work to engage, connect and empower people with LGBT parents. Internships are half-time (20 hours per week) positions for a period of 20 weeks at a time, OR can be full-time for a period of at least 10 weeks at a time, and aim promote development of young leadership, allow participants a hands-on look at the non-profit field, teach interns about LGBT families issues, and promise to be a lot of fun!

COLAGE is the only national organization serving people with LGBT parents, therefore presenting a unique perspective on LGBT issues, and providing a once in a lifetime opportunity for interns. This is a hands-on job: you won’t just be filing, you’ll get to use your creativity and initiative. We are looking for team players who are self-motivated and enjoy working hard. Interns will assist the staff on current or new projects that fit their interests and skills. COLAGE is in a small office staffed by a combination of full-time staff, part-time staff, and a bunch of volunteers where energy, enthusiasm and competence are abundant.

Preferred qualifications
·         Computer literate (especially on PC’s), knowledge of Office 97/2000, FileMaker Pro, HTML, and desktop publishing programs a plus.
·         Experience and comfort with email and phone-based organizing and networking.
·         Experience and comfort working with youth and families
·         Self-motivated, flexible, and full of initiative.
·         People with LGBT parent/s.

Requirements
Interns receive a $1,500 stipend for a twenty-week, half time internship including some evenings and weekends. We will try to help you find low-cost or free housing if you need it.
·         Must make at least a twenty-week, half-time commitment. Or a ten plus, full-time commitment.
·         Must be 18 or over if not from the Bay Area, 15 or over from the Bay Area.
·         Must be LGBT-positive.
·         People of color, people with disabilities, and people with LGBT parents especially encouraged to apply.

How to Apply
Please mail, email, or fax us the following information:
1.       Your resume;
2.       A cover letter sharing your interest in working for COLAGE and qualifications;
3.       Contact information for two people who will serve as references and can attest to your experience and skills.

NOTE we also offer the Felicia Park Rogers Summer Internship Prorgram Each Summer. Stay tuned to http://colage.org/programs/academic/internship.htm for more information

Need more info? Want to apply? COLAGE, 3543 18th St, #1 SF CA 94110
phone: 415-861-5437
fax (415) 255-8345
colage@colage.org
www.colage.org

back to top

*********************************************
13. NEWS: Broward sidesteps classroom discussion of homosexuality, saying it's family issue

Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel
By Bill Hirschman & Elizabeth Baier
November 17, 2005

Broward County public school children are taught the names of their private body parts in first grade. In second grade, they learn that AIDS kills. By high school graduation, they have read about birth control.

But homosexuality appears nowhere in the curriculum. Unless a student asks, it simply does not exist.

How to deal with homosexuality has become a quandary for Broward public schools.

Even though Broward schools prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, administrators prefer to keep issues of gay relationships out of the classroom -- even classes dealing with sex, health and social issues.

Broward administrators say they do not want educators mired in the struggle between a parent's right to shape a child's social values and a school's responsibility to produce students knowledgeable enough to deal with the outside world.

"You can't teach everything and there are some things that we are not in the best place to teach," Superintendent Frank Till said. "We have to stop pretending that we can be all things to all people."

Relative tolerance of the gay community has helped make Broward County home to an estimated 40,000 to 60,000 homosexuals, said Paul Hyman, executive director of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center. Homosexuality has become a part of the social fabric, even prime-time television fare.

On the school grounds, however, some teachers and students say the district should remain silent on homosexuality because acknowledging gay relationships tacitly endorses them. Others say issues of same-sex relations reflect social and religious values that should be taught only at home.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-csklsexnov17,0,1563058.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines

back to top

*********************************************
14. NEWS: Latinos need strong education, not Army

by Carlos Moran
Guest Columnist
CSUN Daily Sundial
November 22, 2005

As the Department of Defense intensifies the war in Iraq, there has been an increased push by the military to enlist and train young men and women to engage in military combat.

Historically, Chicano/Latinos have been focused targets of recruitment efforts and those who disproportionately die in the front lines of war.
Latest records show that over 37,000 enlisted men and women are not U.S. citizens, and at least 60,000 others are recent immigrants.
During the Vietnam War over 80,000 Chicano/Latinos served in the Armed Forces.

According to a study by Pew Hispanic Research Center, Latinos make up 9.7 % of enlisted personnel; however a disproportionate 17.74 % are infantrymen and directly handle guns (March, 2003). Because of the repeated discriminatory efforts of the U.S. military, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlan resists any military policy that continues the detriment of a people.

Recognizing the low percentages of enlisted Chicano/Latinos, the Department of Defense is clearly trying to close this gap. Waging an intense recruitment effort to target the poor and Chicano/Latino communities, the U.S. Army Recruiting Command’s Strategic Partnership Plan for 2002-2007 had this in mind, “Priority areas [for recruitment] are designated primarily as the cross section of weak labor opportunities and college-age population as determined by both [the] general and Hispanic population.”

To read the full story, visit:
http://sundial.csun.edu/vnews/display.v/ART/2005/11/22/438363629f486

back to top

November 16, 2005

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

GSA Network Highlight
Loud, Proud & On the Road to the Capitol

GSA Network Announcements
1. Register NOW for the YES Conference on Dec 3rd (San Francisco)
2. GSA Network Screens "RENT-THE MOVIE" in Exclusive Fundraiser (San Francisco)
3. Survey about Marriage Rights and School Safety: How Does Marriage Affect Students in School?
4. 2005 South Bay Transgender Day of Remembrance@ DeFrank Center (San Jose)
5. South Los Angeles Leadership Training & Film Screening
6. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!
7. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)
8. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
9. JOB: GSA Network - Central Valley Program Associate

Other Announcements
10. Transgender Day of Remembrance Events: Hayward, San Francisco
11. Do you or does someone you know qualify for a 2005-2006 eQuality Scholarship Award?
12. Bike Out Youth Events (Southern California)
13. NEWS: Students win fight to print stories about gay teens
14. NEWS: Oprah's show to feature lesbian Point Foundation scholar

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

Loud, Proud & On the Road to the Capitol

Join GSA Network for Queer Youth Advocacy Day (March 6, 2006)

Every day, lawmakers pass laws and enact policies that affect the daily lives of you and thousands of other school students in classrooms all across California. Now, it’s time for you your voice to be heard! Elected officials don’t work in a vacuum; they need to hear from you about how to make schools safer and more supportive for LGBTQ youth.

Queer Youth Advocacy Day (March 6, 2006) is your chance! This day of advocacy and lobbying will be an opportunity for hundreds of LGBTQ and straight ally youth to unite and educate lawmakers on the importance of safe schools legislation. On Queer Youth Advocacy Day, youth activists from every corner of California will rally on the capitol steps and lobby on behalf of AB 606, the Safe Place to Learn Act, authored by Assemblyman Lloyd Levine (Southern CA).

The Safe Place to Learn Act carries on the mid-1990s work of youth activists who lobbied legislators to pass AB 537 which prohibits discrimination and harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity in California public schools. AB 537 has been in effect for almost six years. Many GSAs have used it as an organizing tool to convince their schools to make learning environments safer. But, implementation across the state has been inconsistent; some school districts have failed to comply with the law and have faced costly lawsuits. Furthermore, a recent CA Safe Schools Coalition study revealed that harassment based on sexual orientation and/or gender identity is still pervasive in many schools and serves to lock out students from a fair and equal chance at an education.

The Safe Place to Learn Act builds on AB 537 and provides clarification to school districts and the state’s Department of Education regarding what is necessary to ensure legal compliance. It also seeks to reaffirm the State Superintendent’s right to withhold funding from schools that are non-compliant which will help to ensure that current school safety standards are being fully and properly implemented.

GSA Network seeks to mobilize more than 500 youth to come to the capitol as part of Queer Youth Advocacy Day, to show our power in numbers. GSA Network will identify and train 80 to 100 youth from all over the state to lead the lobbying visits we will make with each and every state assemblymember and senator on March 6th. Additionally, we are currently raising funds in order to subsidize transportation costs and meals for the youth who will be traveling to Sacramento to be a part of this awesome event. We also strongly encourage GSAs to raise funds on their own in order to send as many members as possible.

Do you want to join hundreds of other youth activists in putting some teeth into AB 537? Do you want to learn key lobbying and speaking skills that will benefit you as an activist for years to come? Do you want to share stories about what happens every day in your school! Then email Lai-San Seto at advocacy@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229 to find out more about how you can take part in Queer Youth Advocacy Day!

Queer Youth Advocacy Day is co-sponsored by GSA Network and Equality California.

back to top

back to top

*********************************************
3. 2005 South Bay Transgender Day of Remembrance@ DeFrank Center (San Jose)

Sunday, November 20

The South Bay Transgender Day of Remembrance, will be held on Sunday, November 20th at 3:00 PM at the DeFrank Center. While this is a solemn event, remembering those killed by hate crime violence, it is also seen as a day of empowerment for members of the community to gather and draw support from one another.

This year we have some special guest speakers, drawn from the transgender community, the LGBT Community, and our families and friends. Speaking at the event will be, Cecilia Chung from the Transgender Law Center, and Joanne Keatley of Trans San Francisco. Anticipated to speak are a representative of the City of San Jose, and also one of the family members of Gwen Araujo. Jana Marcus, a local artist will be showing a slide presentation called, Transfigurations: The Making of a Man, and there will be a dance presentation by the group, Ladies of Passion.

This is NOT only a transgender identified event, because anyone that doesn't fit society's appropriate gender norms could be a hate crime victim. We invite the public and the rest of the LGBT Community to come and join us in remembering those killed for their gender presentation or other's perception of their gender.

You can find additional information and updates as they are available at the following website:Reel Freedoom
http://www.ReelFreedom.com/DOR_Info_2005.htm

This event hosted by: Billy DeFrank Gay and Lesbian Center and is sponsored in part by GSA Network, TransVision, at Tri-City Health Center, Alameda County, Peninsula MCC, Spirit Connection MCC, Lavendar Seniors, New Community of Faith, TCOPS, Reel Freedom Films, Island Goddess Pages, GLSEN, Rainbow Gender Association, Carla’s Boutique, PFLAG ( Newark-Fremont-Union City Chapter), Transgender San Francisco

back to top

*********************************************
4 . Survey about Marriage Rights and School Safety: How Does Marriage Affect Students in School?

Please take five minutes to participate in an important survey!

As you know, the right of same-sex couples to marry has been a hotly contested topic over the past few years. On one side, President Bush has proposed a constitutional ban on marriage for same-sex couples and many states have created their own laws banning marriage for same-sex couples or defining marriage as between one man and one woman only. On the other side, same-sex couples gained full marriage rights in Massachusetts and temporarily gained marriage rights in San Francisco and other cities. Most recently, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have extended full marriage rights to same-sex couples in California.

This flurry of activity combined with what we know will be a continued state-by-state struggle around marriage rights in the upcoming years raises an important question about how students are affected by the discussion around the issue at school and the media coverage on the political fight. The California Safe Schools Coalition, in partnership with GSA Network, has created this short survey in order to learn more about how students are affected by the fight over marriage for same-sex couples.

Please help us by clicking on the link below to take our survey.
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB224NVM7JWBM

back to top

*********************************************
5. South Los Angeles Leadership Training & Film Screening

GSA Network and Washington Prep High School's It's Okay Club are sponsoring a Leadershp Training and Film Screening for GSA Members.

Saturday, December 3, 2005
10am-5pm
Washington Prep High School
10860 S. Denker Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90047

After the training watch the film "On The Low" and meet director Luther Mace.

Leadership Trainings are Youth-Led trainings for GSA Members and allies. Participants will learn everything they need to know about starting and running a GSA. There will be GSA members there from across the Los Angeles, so it's a great time to meet other GSA members.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!!

For more information or to RSVP e-mail or call.
Sandy Williams
213-534-7162
sandy@gsanetwork.org

back to top

*********************************************
6. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!

If you have any questions or concerns contact:
Tanya Mayo, Program Director
tanya@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229

back to top

*********************************************
7. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

back to top

**********************************************
8. 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.

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to: www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

back to top

*********************************************
9. JOB: GSA Network - Central Valley Program Associate

back to top

*********************************************
10. Transgender Day of Remembrance: Hayward, San Francisco

***
Organize and Educate for Student Safety! (Hayward)

This year on November 20, 2005, thousands of people across the globe will observe the 7th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance in order to raise awareness about anti-transgender and gender related hate crimes.

On November 16, 2005, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, founder of Transgender Day of Remembrance will be a featured speaker at a GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay event in Hayward. This event will provide youth and their allies with cutting-edge resources for organizing and educating around student safety in Bay Area schools.

The event will be held from 4 pm to 5:30 pm at the Lighthouse Community Center located at 1217 A Street in Hayward, California, within blocks of Hayward BART station on B Street. For more information, contact Ravi, (925) 685-5480 or emailto: ravi@glsen-sfeb.org

GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

***
San Francisco Transgender Day of Remembrance
Sunday, November 20th

Candlelight march to begin at
The Center
1800 Market Street
6:30pm

This candlelight march and memorial event will honor twenty-seven individuals killed in the last year due to anti-transgender violence. March will conclude at the Harvey Milk Civil Rights Academy (19th & Collingwood) at 7:30pm. Memorial event will include members of the family of Gwen Araujo and music by the Transcendence Gospel Choir and others.

This San Francisco event is one of over 240 Transgender Day of Remembrance events worldwide. The Transgender Day of Remembrance began in San Francisco in 1999, and is coordinated by the Remembering Our Dead project.

Visit www.rememberingourdead.org for more info.

back to top

*********************************************
11. Do you or does someone you know qualify for a 2005-2006 eQuality Scholarship Award?

GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay is a sponsoring member of the eQuality Scholarship Collaborative, a joint effort of a group of Bay Area-based organizations that annually award scholarships to graduating high school students in Northern and Central California who have promoted understanding of and equality for LGBTQ people.

Applications, including transcripts and letter of recommendation, must be postmarked no later than February 28, 2006. Scholarship applicants will be notified of their application status by April 15.

To learn more about the Collaborative and current scholarship opportunities, visit: www.glsen-sfeb.org/scholarship/index.htm.

Bike Out Youth Advisory Board Meeting
November 19, 2005, 4pm
Youth Advisory Board is a group open to all Bike Out youth under 25. We take a leadership role in Bike Out's work through doing outreach to other youth, planning events, advising the organization... and being cool. ;) If you'd like to be involved with Y.A.B., call Sarah at (310) 453-5040 x3.

Bike Out Overnight Bike Trip in Sycamore Canyon
December 3-4
Ok, a few words on what you can get from a Bike Out trip - feel strong, experience community, get out of the city, speak your mind, have fun with other youth... If you want to experience these things, join us on our upcoming December 3-4 overnight. As always, we provide all the bikes, food & gear, costs are sliding scale (that means you pay what you're able to), and we can help with transportation needs. So what's holding you back? Open to all youth ages 14-23. To register, contact Sarah at 310-453-5040 x3 or sarah@bikeout.org. Be sure to leave a message with your name, telephone number, mailing address, email and whether or not you are out at home.

Contact Becca at becca@bikeout.org or 310-453-5040 x2 for more details.

back to top

*********************************************
13. NEWS: Students win fight to print stories about gay teens

November 5, 2005
By Olivia Munoz
ASSOCIATED PRESS

FRESNO - High school journalists who fought to publish a series of articles on sexual orientation were finally able to distribute the stories Friday.
Editors of the Kernal, the student-run monthly publication of East Bakersfield High School, wrote the articles earlier this year based on interviews with homosexual students.

Principal John Gibson banned the articles before they could be published last school year. He said that he feared the students profiled in the stories would be harassed or hurt.

The students sued the school district, but a judge backed the principal's decision until there was a full review of the school's concerns. In October, school officials relented and gave the student paper permission to run the stories.

"The principal was wrong to censor these well-researched, balanced articles about a topic that affects teenagers today," said Christine Sun, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, which filed on behalf of the students and the Gay-Straight Alliance Network.

To read the full story visit:
http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/news/state/13089823.htm

back to top

*********************************************
14. NEWS: Oprah's show to feature lesbian Point Foundation scholar

The Advocate
November 16, 2005

The Thursday episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show will feature University of California, Los Angeles, lesbian freshman Amanda Jessen and her mother, Kimberly, on a show titled "When I Knew I Was Gay." Jessen is a Point Foundation scholar. The group provides financial support and mentoring to LGBT students who are marginalized due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Jessen was born and raised in Orange County, Calif., and after coming out to her mother, she was removed from the home that she had known for her entire life. The core of her senior year consisted of nomadic conditions, moving from her mother's to her grandmother's and finally settling in with her father.

Amanda has maintained a cumulative GPA of 4.12 while lettering in softball. As an out lesbian senior at her high school, Amanda worked to further gay rights and other progressive causes by helping solidify the first gay-straight alliance since her high school disbanded the group three years ago.

Check local listings for showtimes. (Advocate.com)

back to top

November 9, 2005

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

GSA Network Highlight
It's Okay Club Marched into the History Books Participating in Their First Homecoming Parade

GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Network is having its FIRST EVER Leadership training in the San Fernando Valley
2. Register NOW for the YES Conference on Dec 3rd (San Francisco)
3. GSA Network Screens "RENT-THE MOVIE" in Exclusive Fundraiser (San Francisco)
4. Survey about Marriage Rights and School Safety: How Does Marriage Affect Students in School?
5. 2005 South Bay Transgender Day of Remembrance@ DeFrank Center (San Jose)
6. Join GSA Network at Creating Change in Oakland! (Oakland)
7. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!
8. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)
9. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
10. JOB: GSA Network - Central Valley Program Associate

Other Announcements
11. Transgender Day of Remembrance, Organize and Educate for Student Safety! (Hayward)
12. Teen Line LGBT Party (Los Angeles)
13. Do you or does someone you know qualify for a 2005-2006 eQuality Scholarship Award?
14. Film Arts Festival presents TILT(ED): SHORTS BY YOUTH FREE SCREENING (San Francisco)
15. National LGBT Asian & Pacific Islander Town Hall (San Francisco)
16. The 9th International Latino Film Festival (San Francisco)
17. Volunteers Needed - at Creating Change annual conference (San Francisco)
18. Teen Tolerance Drama Coming to area High Schools Week of November 14th (El Dorado County )
19. NEWS: More gay-themed books targeted by right-wing censors, library group says

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

It's Okay Club Marched into the History Books Participating in Their First Homecoming Parade

"It's okay to be gay, it's okay to be gay" was the chant loudly and proudly repeated on Friday afternoon by the two dozen enthusiastic members of the It's Okay Club at Washington Prep High School in South Los Angeles. The students, clad in matching rainbow wristbands, marched their way into the history books by becoming the first openly gay club members to participate in the over thirty year history of the school's homecoming parade.

"It was a moment in history," remarked Susan Turner, the club's GSA Advisor. "I mean it took so long for something like this to happen in West Hollywood and here we were in the heart of South L.A., passing atleast four churches along the way and these kids were laughing and singing and dancing in the streets. It was amazing!"

Susan Turner, driving a car decorated with rainbow-colored streamers and posters, led the way as the parade made its way through the neighborhood streets surrounding the school. It's Okay Club members carrying signs that proudly announced their club and demanding an end to homophobia tossed out lollipops and handed out flyers on AB 537 to spectators lining the streets.

"At first when I got in the car I wanted to stay in there and not roll down the windows," said Andrea an 11th grader, "not that I was ashamed, but because I thought we would be booed. But instead people cheered."

The only negative response came from one male student who heckled the marchers from the sidelines, shouting "you're going to hell," until he was forced to stop by a faculty member. The rest of the reactions were positive. Mothers and fathers smiled and waved. Teachers took pictures. Passersby in cars honked their horns. Even the police officers lining the route gladly accepted the lollipops offered to them by the club members.

"I'm proud of all of the support we received," said Raul, a 12th grader and the It's Okay Club's President. "I'm proud that people saw us and then showed love and support to our GSA. We all enjoyed contributing to our Homecoming Parade and seeing that we got a chance to join something as big as this means that we are taking a big step into acceptance and equality."

Angelina, a 10th grader added, "It was cool that the straight people got involved and supported us. We even had one straight boy support us. That's cool because it's hard to find acceptance from straight boys. Usually they talk bad."

Susan Turner was worried that there might be resistance to the students marching, "I thought it might be scary or maybe touch and go since we would be walking through the neighborhood," so she invited GSA Network and ULOAH (United Lesbians of African Heritage) to lend their support by marching along with the members.

But their support wasn't necessary. The It's Okay Club was out and loud and proud all on it's own. "Our It's Okay Club has spirit," said Raul, their President. "Being the biggest club there means we are doing something right, and we're headed the right way."

back to top

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

**********************************************
1. GSA Network is having its FIRST EVER Leadership training in the San Fernando Valley

GSA Network Leadership Trainings are Youth-Led trainings for GSA Members and allies. Participants will learn everything they need to know about starting and running a GSA. There will be GSA members there from across the San Fernando Valley, so it's also a great time to meet other GSA members.

Saturday, November 12, 2005
10am-5pm
Kennedy High School
Room E-100
11254 Gothic Avenue
Granada Hills, CA 91344

HELP SPREAD THE WORD!!!

For more information or to RSVP e-mail or call.
Sandy Williams
213-534-7162
sandy@gsanetwork.org

back to top

**********************************************
2. Register NOW for the YES Conference on Dec 3rd (San Francisco)

YES Conference 2005 - (Youth Empowerment Summit)

YES is a FREE conference for LGBTQQI youth activists and their allies who are dedicated to defeating homophobia and transphobia and creating safe and supportive schools for everyone. The target audience is high school & middle school students, and teachers & GSA advisors are welcome.

BE YOU! BE PROUD! STAND UP & FIGHT BACK!

Who? LGBTQQI youth activists & their allies
Where? Horace Mann Middle School, 3351 23rd Street, San Francisco
When? Saturday, December 3, 9:00 am -5:00 pm
Why? To meet other youth leaders, learn new skills, & share the strength!
How much? Everything, including food, is FREE!
What else? Get down & dance with everyone you’ve just met at a special youth-only dance at the SF LGBT Community Center, 8:00 pm-11:00 pm.

Pre-register for the GSA Network’s YES conference at www.gsanetwork.org/yes.

For more information:yes@gsanetwork.org or 415-552-4229

back to top

**********************************************
3. GSA Network Screens "RENT-THE MOVIE" in Exclusive Fundraser Event on Thursday, December 1, 2005 (San Francisco)

Locally filmed in San Francisco, this Tony Award-winning musical sensation kicks off with a special VIP reception and a special performance from members of San Francisco's Gay Men's Chorus before unspooling on Sony Metreon's grand silver screen!

As GSA Network prepares to move into our eighth year supporting Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) clubs in high schools, we are pulling out all the stops for an end of the year fundraising spectacle.

Thanks to a tiered-ticket structure, everyone from students to VIP underwriters will be able to enjoy an exclusive cinematic event together, all while helping raise much-needed funds for the only student-led organization that connects GSA clubs across California.

The pre-screening VIP reception, featuring cocktails, hors d'ouvres and a dazzling performance by Vocal Minority, a small ensemble of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, begins at 6:00 pm for VIP patrons followed by a short program for all at 7:30 pm. The movie screening starts at 7:40.

Individual tickets will be offered at three tiers: $50 (VIP), $35 (Adult), and $20 (Student). Those holding a VIP ticket will receive preferred seating while all tickets holders will enjoy free movie snacks-popcorn and a drink.

To purchase tickets, visit http://www.gsanetwork.org/rent Volunteers Needed!
To volunteer, email justin@gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

Metreon is located at
THE CORNER OF FOURTH AND MISSION STREETS in the heart of San Francisco.
R ight next to Yerba Buena Gardens, Moscone Center, Zeum, and just blocks from Union Square and the cable car lines.
The street address is 101 Fourth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103.
Located just across the street from the Yerba Buena Garage, with over 2,500 parking spaces. Additional parking can be found around the neighborhood. Taking public transportation to Metreon is easy! Metreon is just a few blocks from both Powell and Montgomery BART and Muni stations; close to over thirty transit stops; within walking distance of the Transbay Terminal and the Ferry Building; and a short ride from Caltrain. For transit information, call 817-1717 in any Bay Area area code. Or visit http://www.transitinfo.org/ for maps and schedules of Bay Area public transit.

back to top

*********************************************
4 . 2005 South Bay Transgender Day of Remembrance@ DeFrank Center (San Jose)

Sunday, November 20

The South Bay Transgender Day of Remembrance, will be held on Sunday, November 20th at 3:00 PM at the DeFrank Center. While this is a solemn event, remembering those killed by hate crime violence, it is also seen as a day of empowerment for members of the community to gather and draw support from one another.

This year we have some special guest speakers, drawn from the transgender community, the LGBT Community, and our families and friends. Speaking at the event will be, Cecilia Chung from the Transgender Law Center, and Joanne Keatley of Trans San Francisco. Anticipated to speak are a representative of the City of San Jose, and also one of the family members of Gwen Araujo. Jana Marcus, a local artist will be showing a slide presentation called, Transfigurations: The Making of a Man, and there will be a dance presentation by the group, Ladies of Passion.

This is NOT only a transgender identified event, because anyone that doesn't fit society's appropriate gender norms could be a hate crime victim. We invite the public and the rest of the LGBT Community to come and join us in remembering those killed for their gender presentation or other's perception of their gender.

You can find additional information and updates as they are available at the following website:Reel Freedoom
http://www.ReelFreedom.com/DOR_Info_2005.htm

back to top

*********************************************
5 . Survey about Marriage Rights and School Safety: How Does Marriage Affect Students in School?

Please take five minutes to participate in an important survey!

As you know, the right of same-sex couples to marry has been a hotly contested topic over the past few years. On one side, President Bush has proposed a constitutional ban on marriage for same-sex couples and many states have created their own laws banning marriage for same-sex couples or defining marriage as between one man and one woman only. On the other side, same-sex couples gained full marriage rights in Massachusetts and temporarily gained marriage rights in San Francisco and other cities. Most recently, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have extended full marriage rights to same-sex couples in California.

This flurry of activity combined with what we know will be a continued state-by-state struggle around marriage rights in the upcoming years raises an important question about how students are affected by the discussion around the issue at school and the media coverage on the political fight. The California Safe Schools Coalition, in partnership with GSA Network, has created this short survey in order to learn more about how students are affected by the fight over marriage for same-sex couples.

Please help us by clicking on the link below to take our survey.
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB224NVM7JWBM

back to top

*********************************************
6. Join GSA Network at Creating Change in Oakland!

GSA Network at Creating Change!
November 9 -13, 2005
Oakland Marriott Civic Center
Info: http://www.thetaskforce.org/ourprojects/index.cfm

Join GSA Network staff and youth leaders at the largest annual LGBTQ activist conference of its kind in the United States. The Creating Change conference is sponsored by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF). It offers folks invested in social justice for the LGBTQ community a chance to gather, grow and learn together. GSA Network will be co-presenting workshops about the legal rights of transgender youth in schools, the latest in safe schools legislation and litigation, and developing youth-adult partnerships when working for policy change.

This conference is a great chance to meet and network with other activists---both adults and youth---acquire new skills, and learn about many different ways you can fight for LGBTQ rights.

If you are interested in joining GSA Network at the conference, please email Lai-San Seto at lai-san@gsanetwork.org and ask about volunteering and scholarship opportunities.

For additional information email:youthcreatingchange@gmail.org

back to top

*********************************************
7. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!

If you have any questions or concerns contact:
Tanya Mayo, Program Director
tanya@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229

back to top

*********************************************
8. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

back to top

**********************************************
9. 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.

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to: www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

back to top

*********************************************
10. JOB: GSA Network - Central Valley Program Associate

back to top

*********************************************
11. Transgender Day of Remembrance, Organize and Educate for Student Safety! (Hayward)

This year on November 20, 2005, thousands of people across the globe will observe the 7th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance in order to raise awareness about anti-transgender and gender related hate crimes.

On November 16, 2005, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, founder of Transgender Day of Remembrance will be a featured speaker at a GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay event in Hayward. This event will provide youth and their allies with cutting-edge resources for organizing and educating around student safety in Bay Area schools.

The event will be held from 4 pm to 5:30 pm at the Lighthouse Community Center located at 1217 A Street in Hayward, California, within blocks of Hayward BART station on B Street. For more information, contact Ravi, (925) 685-5480 or emailto: ravi@glsen-sfeb.org

GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

back to top

*********************************************
12. NEW DATE! Teen Line LGBT Party (Los Angeles)

A get together for new and old GLO (Gay-Lesbian Outreach) Panelists and to meet TEEN LINE's new GLO Outreach Coordinator, Sylvia Weisenberg. All Youth interested in participating with TEEN LINE are invited to come.

Saturday, November 12
noon - 2pm
Cafeteria Conference Room B (1609)
Cedars-Sinai South Tower, Lobby Level
8700 Gracie Allen Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Parking is available in Lot 10, on the corner of George Burns and Alden Drive, enter on George Burns Drive.
RSVP 310-423-3401 X7 or teenlineca@hotmail.com

back to top

*********************************************
13. Do you or does someone you know qualify for a 2005-2006 eQuality Scholarship Award?

GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay is a sponsoring member of the eQuality Scholarship Collaborative, a joint effort of a group of Bay Area-based organizations that annually award scholarships to graduating high school students in Northern and Central California who have promoted understanding of and equality for LGBTQ people.

Applications, including transcripts and letter of recommendation, must be postmarked no later than February 28, 2006. Scholarship applicants will be notified of their application status by April 15.

To learn more about the Collaborative and current scholarship opportunities, visit: www.glsen-sfeb.org/scholarship/index.htm.

back to top

*********************************************
14. Film Arts Festival presents TILT(ED): SHORTS BY YOUTH FREE SCREENING (San Francisco)

The perfect thing to do on a broke and lazy Saturday. Don't miss this! Spread the word...
Check out this free screening for and by youth (a couple by queer youth including AQUA's very own Caroline Le).

From Hip hop to love triangles, this rich collection of shorts made by local youth is about the brilliance and resilience necessary to make sense of the chaos and contradictions that shape young people today.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 at 12noon
Little Roxie Theatre 3117 16th St (near Valencia), SF

EVERYTHING (2002 8 min)
Harjant Gill

EACH ONE TEACH ONE (2005 20 min)
Streetside Productions

DRIVE THROUGH SOCIETY (2005 7 min)
YouthLink 21 with BAVC

THINGS I'LL NEVER SAY (2005 30 min)
Caroline Le

R.I.P. OAKLAND (2004 10 min)
Streetside Productions

Harjant Gill's EVERYTHING (2002 8 min) is a fast paced, heart-throbbing journey through the life of a young Sikh boy who struggling with his sexual and cultural identity. Contrary to popular belief, Hip Hop is still a labor love, as revealed by Streetside Productions' EACH ONE TEACH ONE (2005 20 min), where gifted MCs, graf writers, breakers and DJs get nurtured from the roots up in the midst of East Oakland's cultural renaissance of resistance. YouthLink 21's DRIVE THROUGH SOCIETY (2005 7 min) goes beyond breaking down the connection between obesity and capitalism to offering local solutions in progress like the People's Grocery. Caroline Le's THINGS I'LL NEVER SAY (2005 30 min) does justice to Asian American teen angst and love triangles in this tender coming of age narrative. Streetside Productions' R.I.P. OAKLAND (2004 10 min), honors the stories of Oakland youth beyond death toll numbers and news articles, as they cope with street violence on a daily basis.

Length of program: 76 min
On Public Transportation?
MUNI: 14, 22, 33, 49, 53
BART: 16th Street

For more information about the Film Arts Festival of Independent Cinema, running November 3-9, 2005 please go to http://www.filmarts.org

back to top

*********************************************
15. National LGBT Asian & Pacific Islander Town Hall (San Francisco)

"INTERSECTIONS: Where Queer APIs and Social Justice Meet"
Building a Roadmap to the Future

Want to meet community leaders and express what's on your mind as a queer API youth? Then come to this historic townhall! Bryant, AQUA coordinator, will be on the panel so come support and represent!

If you'd like to attend and need transportation or want to go with a group, contact Bryant at bryant@apiwellness.org or 415-292-3420 x315

November 11, 2005
7:30 - 9:30pm
This event is FREE and open to all
Oakland Mariott City Center
Calvin Simmons Ballroom
1001 Broadway
Oakland, CA 94607

Join us for the first-ever National Asian & Pacific Islander Town Hall Meeting. Panelists will speak on topics ranging from immigrant rights to marriage equality, and focus on how these issues intersect to create a strong foundation for our movement. The evening will feature a moderated, open forum. Members of the audience are encouraged to speak out on the multi-layered intersections of our realities and experiences. From this dialogue, we hope to develop a complex and inclusive queer API, national agenda.

Join us for this historic event!

For more information, please email APITownHallMeeting@gmail.com

back to top

*********************************************
16. The 9th International Latino Film Festival (San Francisco)

The 9th International Latino Film Festival - San Francisco Bay Area will be taking place from Nov. 4-20, 2005 in San Francisco, San Jose, Marin, Berkeley, Sonoma, and Belmont. The International Latino Film Festival - San Francisco Bay Area promotes Latino culture by showcasing the best and most recent works produced by or about Latinos in the United States and internationally.

We specifically think you might be interested in our Queer Latino Cinema Program.
Please visit our website www.latinofilmfestival.org and check out our LGBT films this year!

Cazuza - o tempo não para (Cazuza - Time Doesn't Stop)
dir. Sandra Werneck and Walter Carvalho ., 2004, Brazil, 97 min.
11/4/2005 @ 9:30 PM - Castro (San Francisco)
11/9/2005 @ 8:35 PM - Rialto (Santa Rosa )
This musical biography tracks the life of young, gay and defiant Cazuza, Brazil‚s superstar rock musician from the 80s until his death from AIDS in 1990. Cazuza symbolized the middle class youth rebellion that, with its strong desire to experience life to the fullest, embraced a hedonistic, creative, bohemian lifestyle.
Co-presented with: Frameline and Face to Face-Sonoma.

Historias del desencanto (Stories of Disenchantment)
dir. Alejandro Valle and Felipe Gomez., 2005, Mexico, 120 min.
11/5/2005 @ 10:10 PM - Castro (San Francisco)
An erotic, surreal love story where three characters meet in the labyrinths of their dreams:
Ainda, a bat-winged conceptual artist; Diego, a video artist whose innocence resides in his belly button; and Ximena, an adolescent in full sexual awakening. Together, they experience a mystical, post-modern ménage-a-trois and a sign of enlightenment.
Co-presented with: Consulate General of Mexico in San Francisco and SF Independent Film Festival.

back to top

*********************************************
17. Volunteers Needed - at Creating Change annual conference (San Francisco)

Hi, my name is Sarah Hayes and I am the Volunteer Coordinator for Creating Change, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's annual conference. This year, our event is taking place in Oakland on November 9 through November 13 and we are in desperate need of some friendly, enthusiastic people to help us out during these days. We have a great volunteer program in place: for every 4 hours that you volunteer, you can attend a day of the conference for free! You also get to meet great people and eat our awesome snacks. Again, we really, really need your help this week. If you're interested and able to work with us any time between 8 am and 9 pm this week, please be in touch with me - either at shayes@thetaskforce.org or 510.452.9134. And if you have any questions about the conference or want to see the different programs that we're offering this year, check us out online, at www.creatingchange.org.

back to top

*********************************************
18. Teen Tolerance Drama Coming to area High Schools Week of November 14th (El Dorado County)

The drama, Other Side of the Closet, supports a safer schools curriculum wherein students, teachers and parents can learn about diversity and acceptance in an innovative and engaging format. Each performance is followed by a facilitated discussion with the cast. Designed for 7th – 12th graders, The Other Side of the Closet is coming to area schools week of November 14th, 2005.

Set in and around a high school, this hard-hitting play tells the story of five teens who are grappling with issues of peer pressure, youth violence, homophobia, behavior norms, expectations, discrimination and identity. Supporting Chuck in his efforts to promote safer schools for students is the El Dorado County Chapter of the national organization, PFLAG (parents, families and friends of lesbians and gays).

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE
Mon. 11/7 7:00 pm South Tahoe MS ($5.00 Adults $2.00 Students) Community Performance
Tues. 11/8 8:30 am South Tahoe HS Freshman
Tues. 11/8 1:00 pm Juvenile Treatment Center SLT

WESTERN SLOPE
Mon 11/14 7:30 pm Golden Sierra HS Multi-Purpose Room
Tues. 11/15 7:00 pm Ponderosa HS Theater
Wed. 11/16 PV Juvenile Hall Setup 12:00 / 7:00 pm Union Mine HS Theater

Note: ALL EVENING PERFORMANCES ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY

For more info contact: Chuck Newport, Health Education Coordinator (HIVD, STDs, Hepatitis) @ 530.621.7569

back to top

*********************************************
19. NEWS: More gay-themed books targeted by right-wing censors, library group says

Bay Area Reporter
by Charla Bear
November 3, 2005

In the novel, The Gilda Stories , Gilda is a lesbian vampire who travels through time to find herself and a community with which to connect.
San Francisco author Jewelle Gomez said she didn't expect how controversial writing about a "complicated" lesbian character would be.
Would-be censors have targeted her book and others that have gay or lesbian content, according to Beverly Becker, associate director of the Office of Intellectual Freedom.

Three of the top 10 most challenged books in 2004 were disputed for homosexual themes, a higher percentage than in any other year in the last decade, said Becker. Her office is a division of the American Library Association that compiles the annual list.

To read the full story, visit:
http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=328

back to top

November 2, 2005

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

GSA Network Highlight
Central Valley Teens Seek Expression Not Suppression

GSA Network Announcements
1. Register NOW for the YES Conference on Dec 3rd
2. Survey about Marriage Rights and School Safety: How Does Marriage Affect Students in School?
3. Join GSA Network at Creating Change in Oakland!
4. Gay Youth Night at CCA (Fresno)
5. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)
7. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
8. JOB: GSA Network - Central Valley Program Associate

Other Announcements
9. Transgender Day of Remembrance, Organize and Educate for Student Safety! (Hayward)
10. Teen Line LGBT Party (Los Angeles)
11. Announcing Free Respect for All Diversity Trainings (San Jose)
12. Youth Speaks Writing Workshop titled Fluidity: An exchange of words and movement (San Francisco)
13. Do you or does someone you know qualify for a 2005-2006 eQuality Scholarship Award?
14. Join Empowerment Leadership Group and Queer Youth Action Team (Contra Costa)
15. GLSEN Student Organizing - San Francisco Students 4 Change Summit (San Francisco)

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

Central Valley Teens Seek Expression Not Suppression

"This was my first gay event ever! My first time to be around other gay people!" exclaimed Brandon Brown from Yosemite High. The event was the GSA Network's Central Valley conference, Expression NOT Suppression, held in Fresno, CA on Saturday, October 29. With over 40 youth in attendance this conference had something for everybody. The morning started with the movie Fairies, followed by a keynote address from Aj Kruth, a business professional and community organizer. He talked about ways to be expressive in a suppressive society. We ended the morning with an update on Queer Youth Advocacy Day and the film Ryan's Life. The afternoon included 8 different workshops like Queer Youth and the Struggles with Drugs and Depression, How to Do Drag, Trans 101, and Activism Before and After High School. The day concluded with a safer sex workshop and a Halloween Dance and Drag Show. For some this was the first time ever to experience the LGBT community, while for others it was another moment to express ourselves proudly in a society typically full of suppression.

back to top

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

**********************************************
1. Register NOW for the YES Conference on Dec 3rd

YES Conference 2005 - (Youth Empowerment Summit)

YES is a FREE conference for LGBTQQI youth activists and their allies who are dedicated to defeating homophobia and transphobia and creating safe and supportive schools for everyone. The target audience is high school & middle school students, and teachers & GSA advisors are welcome.

BE YOU! BE PROUD! STAND UP & FIGHT BACK!

Who? LGBTQQI youth activists & their allies
Where? Horace Mann Middle School, 3351 23rd Street, San Francisco
When? Saturday, December 3, 9:00 am -5:00 pm
Why? To meet other youth leaders, learn new skills, & share the strength!
How much? Everything, including food, is FREE!
What else? Get down & dance with everyone you’ve just met at a special youth-only dance at the SF LGBT Community Center, 8:00 pm-11:00 pm.

Pre-register for the GSA Network’s YES conference at www.gsanetwork.org/yes.

For more information:yes@gsanetwork.org or 415-552-4229

back to top

*********************************************
2 . Survey about Marriage Rights and School Safety: How Does Marriage Affect Students in School?

Please take five minutes to participate in an important survey!

As you know, the right of same-sex couples to marry has been a hotly contested topic over the past few years. On one side, President Bush has proposed a constitutional ban on marriage for same-sex couples and many states have created their own laws banning marriage for same-sex couples or defining marriage as between one man and one woman only. On the other side, same-sex couples gained full marriage rights in Massachusetts and temporarily gained marriage rights in San Francisco and other cities. Most recently, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have extended full marriage rights to same-sex couples in California.

This flurry of activity combined with what we know will be a continued state-by-state struggle around marriage rights in the upcoming years raises an important question about how students are affected by the discussion around the issue at school and the media coverage on the political fight. The California Safe Schools Coalition, in partnership with GSA Network, has created this short survey in order to learn more about how students are affected by the fight over marriage for same-sex couples.

Please help us by clicking on the link below to take our survey.
http://www.zoomerang.com/survey.zgi?p=WEB224NVM7JWBM

back to top

*********************************************
3. Join GSA Network at Creating Change in Oakland!

GSA Network at Creating Change!
November 9 -13, 2005
Oakland Marriott Civic Center
Info: http://www.thetaskforce.org/ourprojects/index.cfm

Join GSA Network staff and youth leaders at the largest annual LGBTQ activist conference of its kind in the United States. The Creating Change conference is sponsored by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF). It offers folks invested in social justice for the LGBTQ community a change to gather, grow and learn together. GSA Network will be co-presenting workshops about the legal rights of transgender youth in schools, the latest in safe schools legislation and litigation, and developing youth-adult partnerships when working for policy change.

This conference is a great chance to meet and network with other activists---both adults and youth---acquire new skills, and learn about many different ways you can fight for LGBTQ rights.

If you are interested in joining GSA Network at the conference, please email Lai-San Seto at lai-san@gsanetwork.org and ask about volunteering and scholarship opportunities.

For additional information email:youthcreatingchange@gmail.org

back to top

*********************************************
4 . Gay Youth Night at CCA (Fresno)

You are invited to CCA's Youth Night on November 5th. Hear a panel of Gay/Straight Alliance students on their choice to come "out." Meet the young gay leader who made international news when he stood up to his verbally gay bashing math teacher and got him removed, challenged his local school board's policy on Gay/Straight Alliance clubs and rankled the fruit-cake fundamentalist homophobe, Rev. Fred Phelps.

Bring someone you know to hear GSA Network's Central Valley Coordinator Robin McGehee explain the GSA phenomenon that has swept the nation's schools during the last five years. These clubs provide support and leadership training opportunities to gay students, while promoting tolerance and understanding between gay and straight students and educators. Polls show that today's youth are much more open to the fair and equal treatment of gays and lesbians than were their parents. That sort of changing demographic starts in our schools, and the GSA movement is a big part of that transformation.

Place: The Adobe Clubhouse, 5555 N. West Ave., Fresno Ca.
Date: Saturday, November 5th
Time: Dinner at 6pm. The meeting starts at 7pm.
Cost: CCA Members $10.00; Non-Members $15.00; Students with ID Free. Add $5.00 to sponsor a meal for a student. Space is limited, so reservations are required for all seating.

Go to http://www.ccafresno.org to reserve your place today.

back to top

*********************************************
5. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!

If you have any questions or concerns contact:
Tanya Mayo, Program Director
tanya@gsanetwork.org
415-552-4229

back to top

*********************************************
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

back to top

**********************************************
7. 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.

For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to: www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html

back to top

*********************************************
8. JOB: GSA Network - Central Valley Program Associate

back to top

*********************************************
9. Transgender Day of Remembrance, Organize and Educate for Student Safety! (Hayward)

This year on November 20, 2005, thousands of people across the globe will observe the 7th annual Transgender Day of Remembrance in order to raise awareness about anti-transgender and gender related hate crimes.

On November 16, 2005, Gwendolyn Ann Smith, founder of Transgender Day of Remembrance will be a featured speaker at a GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay event in Hayward. This event will provide youth and their allies with cutting-edge resources for organizing and educating around student safety in Bay Area schools.

The event will be held from 4 pm to 5:30 pm at the Lighthouse Community Center located at 1217 A Street in Hayward, California, within blocks of Hayward BART station on B Street. For more information, contact Ravi, (925) 685-5480 or emailto: ravi@glsen-sfeb.org

GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.

back to top

*********************************************
10. Teen Line LGBT Party (Los Angeles)

A get together for new and old GLO (Gay-Lesbian Outreach) Panelists and to meet TEEN LINE's now GLO Outreach Coordinator, Sylvia Weisenberg. All Youth interested in participating with TEEN LINE are invited to come.

Saturday, November 16
noon - 2pm
Cafeteria Conference Room B (1609)
Cedars-Sinai South Tower, Lobby Level
8700 Gracie Allen Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90048

Parking is available in Lot 10, on the corner of George Burns and Alden Drive, enter on George Burns Drive.
RSVP 310-423-3401 X7 or teenlineca@hotmail.com

back to top

*********************************************
11. Announcing Free Respect for All Diversity Trainings (San Jose)

You are invited to attend free diversity trainings hosted by the San Jose Children's Discovery Museum November 14 and 15, 2005 for the Respect For All Project films Let's Get Real and That's a Family!.

"These are among the best resources I've seen for teaching about diversity." --Jill Moss Greenberg, former executive director, National Association of
Mulitcultural Education

Who should attend:
Teachers
Youth-service providers
After-school care program leaders and coordinators
Community center staff
Social workers, school counselors and nurses
Staff from community-based organizations who work directly with children in grades 6-9

Participants can learn strategies for using these films with youth as part of diversity education in schools or through community organizations.
Download invitations here:
<http://www.womedia.org/newsletter/images/CDMSanJose_LGR_Invite.pdf>Let's Get Real Invitation
<http://www.womedia.org/newsletter/images/CDMSanJose_TAF_Invite.pdf>That's a Family! Invitation

Let's Get Real is the powerful anti-bullying film featuring over 50 middle school students speaking honestly about the epidemic of name-calling and bullying.

That's a Family! is the award-winning film for young children about different family structures, including divorced families, mixed-race families, families headed by gay and lesbian parents and more.

Women's Educational Media
2180 Bryant St., Suite 203 · San Francisco, CA 94110 · 1-800-405-3322
info@respectforall.org www.respectforall.org

back to top

*********************************************
12. Youth Speaks Writing Workshop titled Fluidity: An exchange of words and movement (San Francisco)

Facilitated by Youth Speaks staff member Khalil Anthony and spoken word artist Jocelyn de Leon, this workshop is centered around sexuality, movement, and spoken word. Participating youth will engage in exercises that investigate sexuality in a critical context and develop poetry and movement that relates to these discussions. This workshop strives to find the connection between the personal and the political.

This ongoing workshop meets Wednesdays at The LGBT Center (1800 Market St. @ Gough) from 4-6 pm. There are 5 workshops left this quarter, so we hope to see some youth present! Please spread the word to anyone you think would be interested.

Visit our website, www.youthspeaks.org for further information on this workshop and others.

back to top

*********************************************
14. Join Empowerment Leadership Group and Queer Youth Action Team (Contra Costa)

The Empowerment Program of the Center for Human Development is looking for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Two-Spirit, Queer and Questioning Youth 23 and under for its Empowerment Leadership Group (ELG) and Queer Youth Action Team (QYAT)!

We work in the large diverse communities of Contra Costa County. We work in collaboration with GLSEN SF-EAST BAY and RAINBOW COMMUNTIY CENTER.

Contact MARIO if you are interested 925.687.8844 x 304 or Mario@chd-prevention.org
Applications are being accepted through November.
Get involved! Limited Stipends are Available.

back to top

*********************************************
15. GLSEN Student Organizing - San Francisco Students 4 Change Summit (San Francisco)

San Francisco Students 4 Change Summit - November 5Have you ever heard "that's so gay" or "dyke" while walking through the halls? Have you ever watched a teacher do nothing while a student is being harassed? Do you want to meet other students from Philadelphia and around the region who are working to create safer-schools for all students? Do you want to be trained in strategies you can use to make your school safer for all people - Teacher Training, Starting a Student Club, LGBT History, or How to Make Your Student Club Trans-inclusive?

If so, you should check out the San Francisco Students 4 Change Summit on November 5, 2005 from 10:30 am - 3:30 pm at the Women's Building. Discover ways that you can change the harassment and name-calling that
occurs in your school. Registration is free and lunch will be provided.

For more information, contact Lynly at: legyes@glsen.org or (212) 727-0135 x8065.

To register, check out: www.studentorganizing.com/so/regform_regionalsummit.php.

The Women's Building is located at 3543 18th Street in San Francisco, CA.

Take the BART to the 16th Street Station.

This summit is being sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).

back to top

back to GSA Network News

HOME