GSA Network Highlight
Mariposa Unified Holds Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity
Training
GSA Network Announcements
1. Vote No on Proposition 54 on October 7!
2. GSA Network Fresno Office Is Moving
3. Gender PAC Fundraiser Benefits GSA Network (Bay Area)
4. GSA Leadership Trainings (Northern & Southern CA)
Other Announcements
5. APIHR's Events October 2003 (Los Angeles)
6. LGBTQ&O Social/Support Group (Santa Monica)
7. Youth Recognition Day Nominations (San Francisco)
8. Youth Community Forum (Los Angeles)
9. CA Assembly Select Committee on LGBT Families (Bay Area)
10. Get Your Safe Zone Stickers
11. A Commemoration for Gwen Araujo (Newark)
12. Community Forum on Prop H (San Francisco)
13. Where the Girls Are! (Bay Area)
14. Spirit in Motion Workshop for Social Activists (Bay Area)
15. YouthActionNet Social Change Mini-Grants
16. NEWS: Father Sues Pacifica School District
17. NEWS: Profile on APIHR's Youth Program Coordinator
18. NEWS: Massachusetts Law Would Make Forming GSAs More Difficult
Mariposa Unified Holds Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Training
Central Valley GSA Network staff and students joined with the ACLU of
Northern California on September 24th to present a 3 hour training to administrators
and teachers on the prevention of harassment and discrimination based on
sexual orientation and gender identity in Mariposa County schools. Recent
Mariposa High School graduate, Kevin Johansen, pressed for the training after
experiencing repeated harassment at his school in the foothill town. The
district has made a commitment to continue to train teachers and school site
staff as well. It was the student panel portion of the training that left
the most lasting impression on those in attendance. Way to go Jordan, Ty,
and Wendell!
********************************************* 1. Vote No on Proposition 54 on October 7!
Gay-Straight Alliance Network recognizes the damage that Proposition
54 would have on our civil rights, health, and schools. We encourage
you to get mobilized and vote no on Prop 54.
Hear what some of our allies have to say about the issue:
What is Proposition 54?
Proposition 54 will ban California state agencies from collecting or
using any information on race, ethnicity, or national origin.
What does this mean?
It means public health programs that save lives will be eliminated.
It means accountability in school reform will be eliminated.
It means safeguards against racial discrimination in housing, law enforcement
and education will be eliminated.
Ward Connerly and other conservatives are backing this initiative. While
Connerly claims his initiative would protect "racial privacy," in fact it
would destroy our ability to fight discrimination.
Prop. 54 Threatens Public Health
Breast cancer. Heart disease. Infant mortality. Teen
pregnancy. These are just a few of the health conditions
where race plays a critical role in community-oriented
health care. Prop. 54 will prohibit medical professionals
from accessing critical information on these and all other
health care issues. That's why the California Medical
Association, the California Nurses Association and many
other medical professionals urge you to Vote No on 54.
Prop. 54 Increases School Inequities
Unsafe, decaying buildings, year-long substitute teachers,
no college prep. courses-these are the inequalities faced
by students of color every day in California schools. But
without data, we won't be able to track our failures-or our
successes-when it comes to educating all our children.
Prop. 54 Allows Racial Profiling
Ever been stopped for "driving while black or brown"?
Connerly's initiative allows California police to continue
the practice of "racial profiling"-yet it specifically exempts
them from releasing this information. In other words,
Prop. 54 will eliminate police accountability on racial
discrimination.
Prop. 54 Turns a Blind Eye to Hate Crimes
We must fight hate-not turn a blind eye. Yet Connerly's
initiative would prevent the state Attorney General and
public agencies from analyzing and reporting on hate
crimes trends, limiting their ability to track hate groups or
to provide resources to stop them.
Prop. 54 is an Attack on Civil Rights
Without data on race, California will not be able to
monitor or prove even the most blatant discrimination.
Eliminating statistics on race, ethnicity, and national
origin will prevent civil rights protection agencies from
fighting discrimination in public employment,
contracting, and education-areas where we have plenty
of evidence that discrimination goes on!
What can YOU do to stop the initiative?
Volunteer! 510.452.2728 or mailto:info@caljustice.org
Inform other people in your community about the dangers of this initiative.
On October 7, 2003, Vote NO on Proposition 54!
********************************************* 2. GSA Network Fresno Office Is Moving
GSA Network's Central California Regional Office is moving from its
N. Van Ness home in Fresno. Anyone with a car or truck and some extra
room in it would be greatly appreciated as we move our office this Saturday,
October 4th beginning at 1pm. Please meet at the old address 985 N. Van
Ness between Olive and Belmont.
Date: Sunday, October 19
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: The Home of Julie Dorf and Jenni Olson
2978 Folsom St.
San Francisco,
CA
Tel: 415.824.5526
RSVP: October 15, 2003
To RSVP call 202.462.6610
~ GSA Network is a beneficiary of this fundraiser ~
Host Committee
The Honorable James C. Hormel
Miguel Bustos
Judith Butler
Mira Coluccio
Julie Dorf and Jenni Olson
Jeff Jones
Kate Kendell
Tracy Kronzak
Carolyn Laub
Lyman Miller and Avis Boutell
Dr. Douglas Ousterhout
Shelly Prevost and Suzanne Padilla
Dana Rivers
Tickets:
Suggested donation $150*
All major credit cards accepted. GenderPAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the
law.
*Also 10% of the proceeds will go to Gay-Straight Alliance Network
For more information
Go to http://www.gpac.org Or call GenderPAC 202.462.6610
The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (GenderPAC) works to end discrimination
and violence caused by gender stereotypes by changing public attitudes,
educating elected officials and expanding legal rights. GenderPAC also promotes
understanding of the connection between gender discrimination and that based
on age, race, sexual orientation, and class.
Sacramento GSA Leadership Training
When: Saturday, October 11
9am - 4pm
Where: San Juan Teachers' Association
5820 Landis Ave.
Carmichael, CA 95608
Co-sponsor: GLSEN Greater Sacramento
++++++++++++++++ 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.
********************************************* 5. APIHR's Events October 2003 (Los Angeles)
Saturday, October 4th, 3 - 6pm - Hawaiian Roots: Basic Hula Dancing
Skills
Mariko Braun, Queer Ally and former Kanani Kalama Hula Studio dancer
Greetings and Aloha!!! We are informing anyone who might be interested
in our Hawaiian Hula Workshop. Experience what it means to speak and express
with your body and hands. The workshop will teach you the basic steps like
the vamp, ami, and other graceful hand, body, and foot movements. No dance
experience required.
Open to all Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexual, Queer
and Questioning (LGBTIQ) APIs.
Saturday, October 11th, 2 - 4pm - Truth and Consequences: The Impact
of API Lesbian and Bisexual Women in the LGBT Movement
Surina Khan, former Executive Director of the International Gay &
Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC)
The US LGBT movement continues to be dominated and lead primarily by
well-intentioned middle-class, middle-aged, white people. What are the implications
of a people of color led movement that meaningfully integrates youth and
working class people? How can we work within the limits of non-profit structures
to change the frameworks that allow API lesbians and bisexual women to take
leadership roles in the movement and be supported in those leadership positions?
Surina Khan, a longtime activist and leader in the LGBT movement will lead
a discussion that will help surface and delve deeper into some of these
questions and raise other questions that relate to the experiences of API
lesbians and bisexual women.
Monday, October 6th, 6:30 - 8:30pm - Young Women's Support Group
Friday, October 10th, 6:30 - 8:30pm - Young Men's Support Group
Are you struggling with coming out? Are you confused or uncertain
how to integrate your cultural and sexual identities? Uncertain of
how or where to even begin addressing the issue of sexuality with your family?
You are not alone. Come to the support groups at 'Ohana House.
Meet peers that relate to your own struggles in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.
Discussions will vary and have as a goal to create a healthy and empowered
API community. The young women's group will meet every 2nd Monday
of the month, and the young men's group will meet every 2nd Friday of the
month.
Open only to LGBTIQ API youth 24 and under.
Thursday, October 16th, 6:30pm - Movie & Popcorn Night at 'Ohana
House
Every 3rd Thursday, 'Ohana House is open to queer APIs for an evening
of coffee, cinema, and chat. We will be showing and discussing film
as it relates to members of the API and LGBTIQ communities. Find out about
the many resources available in the Los Angeles area, meet local community
members, and expand your perspective! Film begins at 6:30pm.
Saturday, October 18th and 25th, 3 - 6pm - 'Ohana Hangout
Every 3rd and 4th Saturdays of the month, come hang out at 'Ohana House!
We have films, books, music, and munchies to fill all of your Saturday afternoon
desires. Meet and mingle with other Asian/Pacific Islanders, 24 and
under, who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexual, Queer and
Questioning. Take this chance to relax, have fun, and create your
own community in a space designed specifically for you.
At our Saturday Hang Outs you can:
- Make friends
- Watch movies
- Listen to music
- Relax
- Build a community
- Be yourself
- Have your tarot cards read - Access resources, books,
and magazines
Tuesday, October 28th, 6:30pm - Women's Film Night at 'Ohana House
Every last Tuesday, 'Ohana House offers films to queer API women only.
Come for a night of coffee and cinematic stimulation, stay for the discussion
afterward! We will view and discuss film as it relates to women in
the LGBTIQ and API communities. Find out about the many resources available
in the Los Angeles area, meet local community members, and expand your
perspective! Film starts at 6:30pm.
********************************************* 6. LGBTQ&O Social/Support Group (Santa Monica)
To be a young person who is questioning her/his sexuality and/or who
is attracted to the same sex is not always easy. At Common Ground - The Westside
HIV Community Center we are creating a safe place for YOU! We will provide
a safe and cozy place for you to come to chat with us about your needs,
interests and concerns. Young people (ages 12-24) of all sexual identities
are invited to come and participate in our focus group.
DAY: Wednesday, October 1st, 2003
TIME: 5:30pm-8:30pm
SPOT: Common Ground
Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica Ca. 90405
Contact: Karla or Carlos @ (310) 314-5480
Check out our website at http://www.commongroundwestside.org
Common Ground is and HIV community center located in Santa Monica and
we
are starting an LGBTQ&O social/support group. Everyone who comes
next
Wednesday October 1st will get 10-dollars cash, plus food and drinks.
Please take a look at the flyer and distribute it as you see fit.
********************************************* 7. Youth Recognition Day Nominations (San Francisco)
The San Francisco Board of Supervisors and the San Francisco Youth
Commission are proud to be sponsoring the 3rd Annual Youth Recognition
Day
to be held Tuesday, December 16, 2003.
Youth Recognition Day is an opportunity for the City and County of San
Francisco to celebrate the contributions made each and every day by
San
Francisco's young people. Throughout the world, youth are making
valuable
contributions to improving schools, neighborhoods, and communities.
On
December 16th San Francisco will honor young people who have demonstrated
the kind of leadership and courage that deserves our recognition.
Eleven young people, one from each of San Francisco's Supervisorial
Districts, will be selected and recognized at a ceremony and reception
at
City Hall on Tuesday, December 16. In order to be considered
for this
honor, nominees must be between the ages of 12 and 23 years old.
Nomination forms will be submitted to the Members of the San Francisco
Board of Supervisors. Those honorees selected will be contacted by October
31.
Be a part of this important day by nominating a young person to be honored
at Youth Recognition Day! Get your nomination form by visiting
the Youth
Commission's website at http://www.sfgov.org/youth_commission
...but
hurry...nomination forms are due by 5:00pm on Wednesday, October 1st,
so
get yours in today!!!
For more information, please contact Colleen Montoya, Director, or Ron
McCan, Program & Policy Coordinator, at the San Francisco Youth
Commission
at (415) 554-6446.
********************************************* 8. Youth Community Forum (Los Angeles)
The LAPD, under Chief Bratton and Sharon Buck (of the Juvenile Division),
have
assembled a Youth Community Forum (15 youth) which meets quarterly.
They would
like to invite no more than 2 youth that represents the LGBT/Queer youth
community (between ages, 14-18) in the L.A. area.
The first meeting will be on October 15th, at 4 p.m. (as of right
now, LAPD is trying to secure a location here for that date) and LAPD can
help transport anyone that is accepted as a participant. More details will
be forthcoming.
This is a great opportunity for interested youth to give direct input
to the
LAPD on youth issues, and in particular, police issues that affect the
LGBT
youth community in the city of L.A.
Please let me know if you or other interested you are interested. I
will forward names/contact information to Sharon Buck.
Thank you,
Gail Rolf
Project 10 Adviser, LAUSD
Gail Rolf
Project 10 Adviser,LAUSD
355 So. Grand Ave., 10th Fl.
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Tel: 213.633.7826
Fax: 213.633.7838 mailto:grolf@lausd.k12.ca.us
********************************************* 9. CA Assembly Select Committee on LGBT Families (Bay Area)
It is in the interest of the State of California to support families
in all their diversity. As social units developed around love, families promote
the well being of individuals and provide a vital safety network for those
in need. Families are a source of economic, cultural, psychological and
emotional support that are vital to the well being of society.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people have families and
make families with their partners, parents, relatives, children, and an
array of groupings built around love. But despite their positive benefit,
these families are challenged by discrimination in law and social circumstance.
The mission of the California State Assembly Select Committee on LGBT
Families will be to address these inequities.
HEARING SUBJECT: Issues Confronting Youth in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual
and Transgender Families.
DATE OF HEARING: Thursday, October 9th, 2003
TIME OF HEARING: 6:00 P.M.
LOCATION: The State Building
San
Diego Room
455
Golden Gate Avenue
San
Francisco, CA 94102
********************************************* 10. Get Your Safe Zone Stickers
The "Safe Zone" symbol is a message to LGBTQ youth and adults that they
are in an environment where they will find understanding and support related
to their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. If you are interested
in ordering Safe Zone stickers or posters, please contact Joseph Truong,
NYAC's Resource Coordinator at 202.319.7596 x12 or by email at mailto:joseph@nyacyouth.org.
********************************************* 11. A Commemoration for Gwen Araujo (Newark)
Transgendered Silicon Valley (TSV), in coordination with several other
organizations, is planning a commemoration to honor Gwen Araujo and to increase
community awareness of hate crimes, to take place on October 4th at the
Newark Memorial High School Cafeteria.
Several Not In Newark members are assisting in planning and volunteering
at the time of the vigil. Anyone else interested should contact Shelly
Prevost, our liaison to TSV, at mailto:shelly@noFreeTime.org.
Oct. 15: Next meeting of 'Not In Newark'
Our next meeting of Not in Newark will be held at the Newark Memorial
High School Career Center. NMHS is on Cedar Blvd. across from
the
NewPark Mall. The meeting will be at 7-9 pm.
What is 'Not in Newark'?
The murder of our our neighbor, transgender youth Gwen Araujo in Newark,
and the controversy surrounding Newark Memorial High Schoolís
production
of the Laramie Project brought to the fore the longstanding harassment
and violence directed against Newark students and residents who happen
to be sexual or gender minorities.
In response to this hate crime directed against a GLBT youth, the city
and school district organized a public forum, intended by the city as
"a
first step to identify ways to promote respect, tolerance and
acceptance" of all Newark residents. At that meeting Mayor David
Smith
challenged all of us to put forward proposals for positive change.
'Not
in Newark' was founded to promote tolerance in Newark and to
specifically address ways to better protect the safety of gay, lesbian,
bisexual and transgender kids and adults.
Other communities around the country have successfully organized using
the 'Not In Our Town' model to prevent hate crimes in their midst.
ìNot
In Our Townî is a national movement that encourages community
response
to hate crimes. To learn more about NIOT, and the PBS coverage
of
Newark's response to the Araujo murder, see http://www.pbs.org/niot and http://www.pbs.org/niot/citizens_respond/newark.html.
'Not In Newark' is based on this model and seeks to identify and
implement substantive measures for preventing further violence in our
homes, schools, neighborhoods and city.
Contact Info:
Until we get our own phone number, the local PFLAG chapter Helpline
operator, Pat Skillen, has graciously agreed to let us use the PFLAG
Helpline. To contact other Not in Newark members you can leave
a
message at 510-226-6816 and either they or Pat will get back to you.
********************************************* 12. Community Forum on Prop H (San Francisco)
How can youth and parents hold the police ACCOUNTABLE?
A Community Forum on the police reform measure Prop H
Thursday, October 16th
6:30-8pm at
Coleman Advocates,
459 Vienna St., San Francisco
Between Persia & Brazil in SF's Excelsior District. Take bus #29
or 54 from Balboa BART.
Even before last year's incident of police violence at Thurgood Marshall
Academic High School, young people and youth advocates shared a longstanding
concern about the lack of police accountability when young people are unfairly
harassed, arrested or even killed by the police.
Over the past few years, San Franciscans have witnessed a near total
Breakdown in police accountability mechanisms. This November, police reform
measure Prop H will be on the ballot to address this issue.
At this forum we will hear more about Prop H and how it will impact
young people in San Francisco.
Co-sponsored by Coleman Advocates, Youth Making a Change, Parent Advocates
for Youth, Bay Area Police Watch, San Franciscans for Police Reform &
Oversight (SFPRO).
Prop H is a police accountability measure on the November Ballot. For
more info about Prop H, call 621-2493 or go to http://www.policereformnow.org/.
Contact Coleman at 239-0161.
********************************************* 13. Where the Girls Are! (Bay Area)
Where the Girls ARE!
A conference for lesbian, bisexual, queer and
questioning young women and trans/gender/queer youth,
25 and younger.
San Francisco CA - Oct 18th 2003
Please join us at LYRIC's 9th annual conference!
This is a free all day event where LGBTQ girls, young women and transgender
youth can come together to learn and talk about sex, our bodies, relationships,
gender, activism, drug use, self defense, expression (poetry, art, writing),
homophobia, racism coming out, spirituality, mental health, butch/femme,
plus guest speakers and performers.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided plus plenty of snacks.
Want to volunteer or have a workshop idea?
Call Megan or Kristin at 415-703-6150 x12 as soon as possible and we
will send you a workshop proposal form or give you volunteer information.
When & Where is it?
Saturday, October 18, 2003
10am until 4pm
@ The San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Center
1800 Market St
********************************************* 14. Spirit in Motion Workshop for Social Activists (Bay Area)
The Spirit in Motion program of the Movement Strategy Center hosts:
Staying Awake
in the Midst of Oppression
A Workshop for Social Activists
Led by Earthlyn Marselean Manuel
Date: October 18th, 2003
Time: 9am - 5pm
Place: Naropa University
2141 Broadway (between 21st and 22nd St.)
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 835-4827
Cost: $25 - $50 sliding scale
The goal of this workshop is to deepen our understanding of the interrelationship
between healing, spirituality, social activism and oppression. Participants
will awaken to how one exists and acts in the midst of oppression. We will
explore the nature of oppression and its effects on our lives; the process
of releasing a consciousness of inferiority and struggle; and the development
of intimacy within a healthy and conscious warriorship.
To Register: call 510-444-0640 and speak with Lisa Charley x311 or Micah
Bazant x309
Registration Deadline: October 11th
Earthlyn Marselean Manuel is the author and illustrator of the Black
Angel Cards, published by Harper San Francisco, and her self-published book
Seeking Enchantment: A Spiritual Journey of Healing from Oppression. She
holds a Masters degree from UCLA and a PhD in Integral Studies from the
School of Transformation and Consciousness at the California Institute of
Integral Studies. For the last ten years, she has published numerous articles
on the integration of spirtituality, healing and oppression, giving her attention
to healing the effects of oppression on African Americans and other people
of color. Her workshops and guest speaking engagements focus on developing
the capacity to integrate the personal, cultural, spiritual and socio-political
aspects of the human experience.
Spirit in Motion is a program supporting the integration of spirit and
health on an individual, organizational and community level, to create a
stronger, more sustainable movement for social change.
********************************************* 15. YouthActionNet Social Change Mini-Grants
YouthActionNet Social Change Mini-Grants
Due on October 1st
YouthActionNet provides small grants to youth leaders to support projects
that promote social change and connect youths with local communities. Projects
must have clearly defined goals and the potential for growth or further
duplication.
Award recipients will receive $500, funds for a disposable camera to
document their project for an online photo gallery, and an opportunity to
participate in an online journal.
Who may apply: individuals and groups of individuals between the ages
of 18 and 24. Applicants must have a leadership role in a youth-led project
designed to create positive change in their community.
********************************************* 16. NEWS: Father Sues Pacifica School District
San Jose Mercury News
Posted on Thu, Sep. 25, 2003
Father: District allowed anti-gay slurs against son By Nicole C. Wong
Mercury News
The father of a 12-year-old competitive ballroom dancer has filed a
claim against the Pacifica School District, alleging that educators failed
to stop classmates from physically abusing and taunting his son with anti-gay
slurs.
The claim, for damages in excess of $100,000 and probably a prelude
to a lawsuit, contends teachers and the principal at Ingrid B. Lacy Middle
School allowed more than 30 students to harass the boy last year. The daily
name-calling, presumably because the boy has danced since age 5, started
during his first week in sixth grade and escalated into a death threat at
the end of the school year.
The complaint is similar to a suit that another 12-year-old boy and
his mother filed in 1997, alleging that the boy was harassed and discriminated
against by students, teachers and administrators at the same middle school
based on their perception that he was gay. The district, then called Laguna
Salada Union Elementary, tentatively agreed to pay the family $160,000
and to offer sensitivity training. The conclusion to that case could not
be confirmed Wednesday.
The superintendent did not return two requests for comment Wednesday
afternoon. The district's attorney could not be reached late in the day.
School board President Mike O'Neill declined to comment on the pending claim.
And Lacy Principal Kitty Mindel referred questions to her higher-ups, adding
that, "I'm not aware of this" claim.
Mark Shaposhnikov, the boy's father, filed the claim Sept. 15, after
Shaposhnikov and his son met with the principal and district administrators
dozens of times and documented more than 120 incidents of abuse. The father
said he plans to sue if the district does not settle the claim.
"I was talking to a wall and wondering how long I should talk," Shaposhnikov
said Wednesday. "We went through hell."
The boy, now in seventh grade, is still at the school. His father said
he's being teased again this year.
The seven-page claim, which refers to the student as John Doe, details
the teasing and aggression that allegedly happened at least once a week
-- sometimes in front of teachers. The taunting apparently occurred because
the straight-A student wore nice clothes and appeared on TV doing the tango
and cha-cha.
For example, the claim says, a classmate confronted the dancer in the
boys bathroom, saying, "You don't belong in this one." Some students called
him a "gay fashion model."
In November, the claim continues, when the 12-year-old entered the locker
room after PE, other boys loudly sang a refrain that he "is gay." About
a week later, a classmate threw gum in his hair as he left the school gym.
Because of the torment, Principal Mindel suggested the boy work in the
school office during physical education class, according to the claim. By
year's end, the verbal bullying became physical. Classmates ripped the boy's
backpack and almost kicked him to the ground, the claim states.
According to the claim, the school said it had taken steps to respond
to the harassment. It allegedly suspended a boy, disciplined others, sent
letters to the offenders' parents and alerted the Pacifica Police Department.
Shaposhnikov said he doubts the school and noted the backlash against
his son did not cease.
Carolyn Laub, executive director of the San Francisco-based Gay-Straight
Alliance Network, said boys who participate in non-traditional activities
often become targets of anti-gay remarks.
"There are thousands of kids in California who receive harassment every
day based on sexual orientation, whether they're gay or not," said Laub,
who works with 350 Gay-Straight Alliance clubs at California schools.
The network and other groups dealing with sexual orientation are analyzing
data from a student survey about school safety. At Sunnyvale's Fremont High
School, a third of the students said they heard homophobic slurs directed
at specific students or teachers daily.
Harassed students "are more likely to skip school because they fear
for their safety," she said. "They're more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol
as an escape mechanism. They're more likely to carry a weapon at school
perhaps in self-defense."
********************************************* 17. NEWS: Profile on APIHR's Youth Program Coordinator
Community Member Profile
Featured Interview: Sumiko Braun
APIHR's Youth Program Coordinator shares her struggles with depression,
drugs, and suicide attempts while coming to terms with being a transgender
Asian Pacific Islander.
Sumiko Braun is a 19-year-old bisexual transgender multiracial Japanese-Hawaiian
American who shares with us her story of gender and racial identity.
To celebrate National Coming Out Day, we recognize Sumi for coming out as
transgender this past September.
On behalf of Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights, we would also
like to congratulate Sumi for receiving GLSEN's Anita May Rosenstein Student
Leadership Award. Her active participation in the LGBTIQ community
for the past several years proves that this award is well deserved.
In the following in-depth interview, Sumi will paint for you a picture of
struggle, pain, and perseverance, all faced before she can say she is not
a teenager anymore.
Sumi is a sophomore at Scripps College, majoring in Queer Ethnic Studies.
She is the Youth Program Coordinator for APIHR and can be contacted at mailto:sbraun@apihr.org.
How did you get involved in the API LGBTIQ community?
It all started in high school when I came out as bisexual to a couple
of my friends. My friend Tony came out to me after I had told him,
and we instantly connected. I was the only person he was out to for
most of high school and it was him that made me want to start a GSA and
build an accepting community at CAMS (California Academy of Mathematics and
Science). I founded the GSA during my junior year and I was outed to
my entire school during an open forum on the issue of tolerance, a forum
that was put together because the school's new GSA was so controversial.
Like many youth, I lost friends, was called names, and had rumors spread
about me.
The school and the administration just did not support the GSA.
We would try to put announcements on the school bulletin, and sometimes
they would purposely leave it out even though we had all the signatures.
We would bring speakers in, and after confirming the rooms, they wouldn't
let us use the rooms and we would have to be outside. That was during winter.
It was just really bad. After many more unjust occurrences, I put up
a bulletin board display explaining the different homophobic, heterosexist,
and insensitive things that had happened. I think that rose somewhat
of an awareness on those issues. Then, I got pulled in by the principal,
and was told I was using the GSA for my own agenda, and was threatened to
be kicked out of school even though my GPA was fine and I was captain of
the water polo team, the first CAMS team to ever go to CIF. They ended
up putting me in therapy instead.
It was not until my senior year that I became more conscious of the
LGBT movement and found a spot as California State Organizer on GLSEN's
Day of Silence Project Youth Leadership Team in 2002. I was flown
out to New York to get leadership training with GLSEN. It was good,
but I didn't feel like they really helped me in terms of what we were really
trying to do: publicize the Day of Silence and try to get the word out.
They didn't really give the resources to do that. I had to figure out
how to do it myself. So, I worked with the GSA network to send information
to all the GSA's in California. I also joined the GSA Network's Southern
California Youth Council, representing my school's GSA. These are
experiences that I treasure, but it wasn't until I became a part of APIHR's
family that I really felt accepted and saw myself grow as a person and as
a potential leader.
A week before the Day of Silence, early April of 2002, my GSA advisor
sent me an email about APIHR's first youth retreat. When I arrived,
I was the only high school student, one out of three women, the only multiracial,
and one of two bisexuals. So, I really felt like an outcast and wasn't
really sure that this is where I should be. I had never done anything
API specific, but I thought it couldn't hurt to see what was there.
Before that I didn't realize how large the API community really was, that
it included South Asians and Pacific Islanders. I used to be against
affirmative action, but this past spring I flew to Washington D.C. for the
Affirmative Action march. I would have been for Proposition 54, but
I realize that was my own ignorance and wanting to get rid of racial categories
because I never fit them. Of course, I know now how detrimental it
would be to every aspect of life from healthcare to hate crimes if race was
not counted. I knew I was Asian, but I just didn't feel Asian.
And it wasn't until I could live as queer and as Asian that I really was able
to embrace my identity.
I am involved in the API LGBTIQ community because no else is doing this
work and it needs to be done. Although I have had my share of rough
times, I am aware of my own privilege. I am out and have found the
support that I needed to get through this part of my life. But there
are so many youth out there who do not know who to turn to or where to go,
which is why LGBT youth have the highest suicide rates, highest homelessness
rates, and though I don't know for a fact, probably the highest drug abuse
rates. It's disturbing that youth are out on the street and sleeping
around for money to survive, but it is a reality that can't be ignored.
********************************************* 18. NEWS: Massachusetts Law Would Make Forming GSAs More Difficult
Mass Law Would Require Parental Approval For Gay Straight Clubs by Michael J. Meade
365Gay.com Newscenter
Boston Bureau
Posted: September 25, 2003 12:01 a.m. ET
(Boston, Massachusetts) State lawmakers are considering legislation
that would require parental approval for sex-education classes or for students
joining extra-curricular clubs such as the Gay Straight Alliance.
Current law requires schools to notify parents of sexual education classes
or curriculum involving the subject, but does not require the parent's permission.
Parents may opt to pull their children out of the classes without punishment
and must have the curriculum "reasonably accessible" to them for review.
Presently parental approval is not needed for GSA.
The author of one bill before the legislature, Democrat Mark Carron,
says the parental consent would increase communication between teachers
and parents and give parents a bigger voice in their child's education.
"We might be able to take away some of the fear and negative reaction
to some things because parents just don't know about it."
Republican Leader Bradley Jones has filed a similar bill.
The Massachusetts Teachers Association says both pieces of legislation
go too far.
Julie Johnson, consultant for the Association's Division of Governmental
Services said the bills "would undermine educational programs established
to promote respect for all individuals."
Johnson said that as important as parental involvement is, "this law
change could give parents the right to block certain groups or programs
they do not agree with."
She said that requiring permission for participation in GSA could endanger
students who are not yet out.
"[These are] students who are isolated or at high risk for suicide on
account of their sexual orientation," said Johnson.
The proposed law also requires all sexual education to be offered in
"non-mandatory elective courses," eliminating the curriculum from health
education classes.'
That provision has angered AIDS care organizations which believe teenagers
could miss learning about safe-sex.
GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Network Fresno Office Moves
2. Gender PAC Fundraiser Benefits GSA Network (Bay Area)
3. Marin County-Wide GSA Meeting (Marin)
4. GSA Network at the ACT-UP Youth Conference (Central CA)
5. GSA Network presents at Models of Pride XI (Southern CA)
Other Announcements
6. CA Assembly Select Committee Meeting Postponed (Bay Area)
7. Outlet Program Has Moved (South Bay)
8. Westmont High GSA Invitational Picnic (South Bay)
9. Triangle Speakers Training (Santa Cruz)
10. Billy DeFrank Events (South Bay)
11. Youth Expressions: 4x4 Community Dialogues (Bay Area &
Peninsula)
12. Open House & Transgender March (Santa Cruz)
13. Teachers' Ice Cream Social (Peninsula, South Bay)
14. Diversity Center Reading Group (Santa Cruz)
15. INTERNSHIP: Youthspace Internships
16. NEWS: A Year After Gwen Araujo's Death
The number of GSAs are growing in California, and quickly reaching the
400 mark. GSA Network wants to welcome the newest GSAs in the state,
and wish them good luck in the upcoming months. Remember, get your
free Liberation Ink posters! (http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone/liberation/index.html)
Arroyo Valley High School, San Bernardino
Brea-Olinda High School, Brea
Colton High School, Colton
Leland High School, San Jose
Marina High School, Huntington Beach
Millikan High School, Long Beach
Morningside High School, Inglewood
Nevada Union High School, Grass Valley
Oxnard High School, Oxnard
Pacific Collegiate School, Santa Cruz
Sanger High School, Sanger
Santa Barbara High School, Santa Barbara
Saugus High School, Saugus
Savanna High School, Anaheim
Troy High School, Fullerton
University High School, Fresno
West High School, Bakersfield
The regional office of the Gay-Straight Alliance Network in Fresno is
moving to a new location. Please make a note of our new address and
phone number.
4403 E. Tulare Ave.
Fresno, CA 93702
phone: 559.453.9040
fax: 559.453.9060
Date: Sunday, October 19
Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Location: The Home of Julie Dorf and Jenni Olson
2978 Folsom St.
San Francisco,
CA
Tel: 415.824.5526
RSVP: October 15, 2003
To RSVP call 202.462.6610
~ GSA Network is a beneficiary of this fundraiser ~
Host Committee
The Honorable James C. Hormel
Miguel Bustos
Judith Butler
Mira Coluccio
Julie Dorf and Jenni Olson
Jeff Jones
Kate Kendell
Tracy Kronzak
Carolyn Laub
Lyman Miller and Avis Boutell
Dr. Douglas Ousterhout
Shelly Prevost and Suzanne Padilla
Dana Rivers
Tickets:
Suggested donation $150* !!FREE FOR YOUTH!!
All major credit cards accepted. GenderPAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the
law.
*Also 10% of the proceeds will go to Gay-Straight Alliance Network
For more information
Go to http://www.gpac.org
Or call GenderPAC 202.462.6610
The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (GenderPAC) works to end discrimination
and violence caused by gender stereotypes by changing public attitudes,
educating elected officials and expanding legal rights. GenderPAC also promotes
understanding of the connection between gender discrimination and that based
on age, race, sexual orientation, and class.
Monday, October 20th is the first Marin County-wide GSA meeting!!
Every year GSAs start strong with people, energy and ideas, but sadly
energy and enthusiasm, as well as leadership often decline.
This year SPECTRUM & GSA Network are offering technical support
and a space for all the GSAs in Marin County to meet and help each other.
We are asking that at least two people from each school's GSA come to
this meeting to:
- Connect with other GSA's
- Learn how to get members and keep them
- Bring your problems, questions and ideas
- Plan a countywide GSA week for next semester
- Get technical support from SPECTRUM & GSA Network
When: Monday, October 20th 6:00-8:00pm
Where: 1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd #10,
San Anselmo
Who: All and any GSA participants and advisors
Hosted by: Spectrum and GSA Network
********************************************* 4. GSA Network at the ACT-UP Youth Conference (Central CA)
The ACT-UP Youth Conference for youth empowerment and social change will
be
held on the Fresno State University campus on October 25th and 26th and
will
feature music jams, presentations and workshops. The conference is expected
to
attract student activists from Bakersfield to Sacramento and runs from
10am
until 9:30pm on Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday.
GSA Network will be presenting a workshop on Saturday on "Organizing
in High Schools." The conference is open to all middle school through college
students throughout the central valley and includes all meals over the 2
days for just $10. Scholarships are available.
The conference is sponsored by the California Fund for Youth Organizing.
For
registration forms or more information contact mailto:Dianabohn@aol.com
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++ GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network.
Events, resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are
not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect
the views and opinions of GSA Network.
********************************************* 6. CA Assembly Select Committee Meeting Postponed (Bay Area)
The organizers of the California Assembly Select Committee on LGBT Families
wish to inform you that the committee's meeting on October 9, 2003 has
been postponed. We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced
because of this change. The select committee's meeting is due to
be scheduled during the California Assembly's next session.
If you are still interested in speaking at this hearing, please contact:
Toni Broaddus mailto:toni@eqca.org
Sacramento: 916.554.7681
San Francisco: 415.581.0005
Los Angeles: 213.427.0079
********************************************* 7. Outlet Program Has Moved (South Bay)
Dear Friends,
I have exciting news to share! After 3 months of work involving
numerous
volunteers, the Outlet Program for LGBTQQ youth found a new home.
On
October 1, 2003 we officially transferred operations to the Community
Health
Awareness Council (CHAC), a counseling agency in Mountain View, CA.
Our
former parent organization, the YWCA of the Mid-Peninsula, closed on
August
31, 2003.
CHAC, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 organization, has been providing counseling
and education services for children and their families since 1973.
The
organization serves Mountain View, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and the
surrounding communities. With a large therapy intern-training program,
CHAC
services operate in 25 public schools in addition to counseling services
in
their Mountain View office. The transfer to CHAC will merge the
Outlet
Program with CHAC's counseling for gay youth. According to CHAC
Executive
Director, Monique Kane, "We are very pleased that Outlet will be an
additional program offered at CHAC. It will greatly enhance and
increase
our services to these youth."
The Outlet program, providing support, leadership development, outreach
and
education for LGBTQQ teens, has thrived in Silicon Valley despite the
financial and leadership struggles of its former parent, the YWCA.
Program
participants are thankful and relieved that the services will continue
and
even expand, as one 16-year-old participant stated, "The Outlet Program
has
literally saved my life....It helped through tough times and through
it, I
helped others with theirs."
The program is a lifeline for hundreds of teens, as recent studies have
demonstrated that feelings of isolation and depression, experiences of
physical and verbal harassment, and suicide attempts are markedly greater
in
lesbian and gay youth compared with their straight peers. Outlet offers
a
safe, confidential place for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer
and
questioning youth (LGBTQQ) to find community. Through peer and community
support, mentoring, information, advocacy and leadership development,
Outlet
is a unique program helping LGBTQQ youth become healthy, happy, and
productive members of our community.
For more information about CHAC and Outlet, call: (650) 965-2020
ext. 22 or
email me at juan@chacmv.org. Eileen Ross, the Program Coordinator,
can be
reached at the same phone number and extension or at mailto:eross@chacmv.org. You
can also check out CHAC's website at http://www.chacmv.org
Outlet's website can
still be found at http://www.ywcamid.org/outlet.htm
Thank you for you concern and support as we made this transition to a
new
agency and preserved services for LGBTQQ youth on the Peninsula!
Outlet is
looking forward to yet another successful year of empowering LGBTQQ youth
and cultivating leaders to eradicate homophobia.
Juan Barajas
----
Juan Barajas
Outlet Program Director
Community Health Awareness Council
711 Church St., Mountain View, CA 94041
(650) 965-2020 ext. 22 mailto:juan@chacmv.org
**The Outlet Program is empowering lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
queer and questioning youth and cultivating leaders to eradicate
homophobia.**
********************************************* 9. Triangle Speakers Training (Santa Cruz)
Youth should be safe.
Youth who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or perceived to be
queer,
face harassment and slander every day.
Information breaks down prejudice, creating a safer community for everyone.
Triangle Speakers panels provide information, dispel myths and stereotypes,
and provide a direct connection with a group of LGBT individuals.
Increase safety
Have a tangible effect
on attitudes about people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender
by becoming a volunteer Triangle Speaker.
Attend a one day training
Saturday, November 8
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
at Cabrillo College
All you have to do is talk about your own life experiences.
And you are not alone. There are 3-5 speakers on every panel.
For more information or to register for the training,
call Triangle Speakers at (831) 457-2934.
Triangle Speakers is a Santa Cruz County based gay, lesbian, bisexual,
and transgender speaker education project.
********************************************* 10. Billy DeFrank Events (South Bay)
OUT FOR BRUNCH
October 11th, is National Coming Out Day and the DeFrank Center is holding
an Out for Brunch event. All ages are welcome!
$5-15 sliding scale (if you can't pay but would still like to go, please
contact me to make arrangements)
10:00am-noon
catered by the Red Rock Grill
938 The Alameda, San Jose, CA, 95126
It is highly encouraged to RSVP for this event if you are planning on
attending. RSVPs can be made to mailto:adultprog@defrank.org or you
may write to Rick Oculto at mailto:youthprg@defrank.org if you have financial
difficulties, or you can register on the website at http://www.defrank.org/events/index.html
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
DeFrank Center is hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday October 11,
2003,
from 10 a.m. until Noon to celebrate who we are. Please come join us
for
pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee and more. There will be speakers,
reflections on coming out, prizes and lots of fun!
Catering by Red Rock Grill. Sliding scale cost is $5-$15 payable at the
door. Space is limited. Please RSVP online using the web page listed
to
reserve your spot NOW. http://www.defrank.org/events/index.html
or call
us at 408-293-2429.
PASTA POMODORO
Pasta Pomodoro of San Jose is inviting you, your friends and family to
dine
with them on October 10th through the 12th. Pasta Pomodoro will donate
$1 to
the DeFrank Center for every pasta or entrée ordered. Drop by
the Center to
pick up your donation card or go to our events page to downoad and print
one
from your computer.
Pasta Pomodoro, 1205 The Alameda, (408) 292˜9929
Given that the HP Pavilion will be hosting the Promise Keepers event
that
weekend, it is vital for LGBT folks and their allies to show that we
are
here and part of the fabric of our community!
********************************************* 11. Youth Expressions: 4x4 Community Dialogues (Bay Area & Peninsula)
A four part mini-series in which youth share their perspectives on identity,
diversity and community, through video, audio and spoken word art.
Join us for a series of FREE events in San Francisco, Oakland and the
Peninsula. A reception will precede each event.
Who Are Youth? Exploring Individuality of Youth and the Labels Put
on Them
Wednesday, October 22
5:00pm - 7:30 pm
@ the San Francisco Main Library
Koret Auditorium
100 Larkin St. and Grove
San Francisco
Neighborhoods Divided: Forging Communities
Tuesday, November 18
5:30pm - 8:00pm
@ the Oakland Main Library
West Auditorium
125 14th St., Downtown Oakland
What's So Good About Being Bad?
Moving Beyond Violence and Negativity
November 2003
Time and Place: TBA on the Peninsula
Identity, Diversity, and Community
Tuesday, December 16
5:00pm - 7:30pm
KQED 261 Mariposa St.
Between Bryant and York, San Francisco
********************************************* 12. Open House & Transgender March (Santa Cruz)
What: National Coming Out Day Events - Downtown Santa Cruz
1. Transgender March and Rally
2. Diversity Center LGBT & Ally Open House
When: Saturday, October 11. March & Rally 3-6 p.m., Open House
6-8 p.m.
The youth group STRANGE and The Diversity Center bring you the third
annual Transgender March, Rally, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender
& Ally community Open House at The Diversity Center.
Schedule of events for the day:
2:00 p.m. Sign painting gathering at Caffe Pergolesi, 418 Cedar
St.
3:00 p.m. March steps off from Metro Center
4:00 p.m. Rally: Speakers, Spoken Word, near Post Office
5:00 p.m. Open Mic: go live and come out to a crowd!
6:00 p.m. LGBT & Ally Open House at D.C. food, friends, entertainment,
information, community and YOU!
Transgender March and Rally
The Santa Cruz Trans March was founded by local youth Kevin West and
this year the spirit carries on. Two years ago, Kevin took action to make
a difference in the community by getting involved. His vision was to bring
visibility and education to the broader community on Trans issues.
National Coming Out Day
NCOD was born out of the second March on Washington where 500,000 people
marched for Gay and Lesbian equality in Washington D.C. That March was
on October 11, 1987. The NAMES Project quilt commemorating those who have
died from AIDS was first presented at the March.
For more information, call the Center at (831) 425-5422 or STRANGE at
(831) 425-3155.
********************************************* 13. Teachers' Ice Cream Social (Peninsula, South Bay)
GLSEN Peninsula/South Bay
invites you to a
TEACHERS' ICE CREAM SOCIAL!
Wed., October 15, 7-9 pm
658 Fuller Avenue in San Jose
near the 280 - Bird Avenue exit
link to Yahoo Maps at bottom
Come celebrate Back-to-School, the last warm days of the season, and
the
large number of recent, awesome victories for GLBT rights!
For example, did you know that under the new AB 205, domestic partner
benefits are now REQUIRED BY LAW* for public school teachers? We
have a lot
to talk about while we pig out over ice cream!
No formal meeting -- just a group of educators (partners/spouses are
welcome, of course) getting together to chat about gay & lesbian
issues in
the classroom, being in or out at work, DP benefits, GSA's, stopping
harassment of GLBTQ youth, or whatever else is on our minds.
This is a free event, and all goodies will be provided. Street
parking is
ample and free; a Caltrain station is nearby. Thanks to Lisa Jantzen
and
Ann Begay for opening up their home for this event. Please RSVP
to Lisa at:
mailto:lisajantzen@yahoo.com or (408) 295-7889 so we know how much ice
cream to
get!
********************************************* 14. Diversity Center Reading Group (Santa Cruz)
The Diversity Center has formed a reading group in Santa Cruz County.
While
the center focuses on serving the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex,
Transgender, and Questioning community, reading is for everyone and so
we invite our
straight allies to join us also.
The reading group's goal is to expose a diverse group of people of all
ages
to a broad collection of works and authors (both Queer & non-Queer
identified).
Meetings are held in a 'heart circle' format, ensuring every individual
has
the opportunity to share their insights and opinions.
The Diversity Center Reading Group meetings are held the 3rd Wednesday
of
every month, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., at the Santa Cruz Diversity Center,
177
Walnut Ave.
October 15th Book:
"The Last Time I Wore A Dress"
By Daphne Scholinski with Jane Meredith Adams, 1997
" ... an extraordinary, dramatic document, tracing a young girl's incarceration
in institutions for the mentally ill because she was not considered appropriately
'feminine.' Daphne Scholinski's story is horrifying, but ultimately triumphant.
It makes you want to go through the country's psychiatric wards, finding
and freeing the girls whose only 'illness' is a refusal to wear makeup or
dresses, curl their hair, sit 'like a lady,' or bat their eyelashes. This
book is a wake-up call for all of us." -- Phyllis Burke, author of
Family Values and Gender Shock
Locating the book:
The Santa Cruz County Library has a copy in Felton, Aptos, Central Branch,
and Capitola (4 total). The Diversity Centers library has 1 copy.
Bookshop
Santa Cruz has 2 copies and will special order more if needed.
In paperback,
this book costs $13.00. In addition to these locations, please
check with your
local community center and/or book store.
Reviews of the book:
Google Search: "the last time i wore a dress daphne scholinski"
Please join us:
Wednesday, October 15th * 7 - 8:30 pm
LGBTI, Questioning & Allies Reading Group
Diversity Center
177 Walnut Ave
Downtown Santa Cruz
* Please bring suggestions for the November 19th book.
Are you:
In MIDDLE or HIGH school?
Energetic & Motivated?
INVOLVED w/ your COMMUNITY?
Interested in MAKING positive CHANGE?
Wanting to LEARN new SKILLS?
Open to working in a DIVERSE environment?
THE YOUTHSPACE at the LGBTQQ Community Center is currently accepting
applications for OURTREACH INTERNSHIPS.
Applications must be Middle or High School aged.
Paid INTERNSHIP for LGBTQQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer,
& Questioning) youth & their ALLIES (friends, supporters).
No experience needed, training available.
Part-time, 5 (five) hours/week.
Help create a safe space at the YOUTHSPACE for all youth.
Gain inter-personal & team building skills.
OUTREACH to other youth in teh community.
Assist in designing events & activities for the YOUTHSPACE.
Work in a team with other Youthspace Interns.
For applications or further information,
please contact:
Aldo Rodriguez
Youthspace Coordinator
415.865.5614 mailto:aldo@lyric.org
********************************************* 16. NEWS: A Year After Gwen Araujo's Death
San Jose Mercury News
Posted on Fri, Oct. 03, 2003
A year later, slaying of teen still echoes
TRANSGENDER ISSUE BRINGS A MEASURE OF HEALING
By Yomi S. Wronge
Mercury News
One year later, the death of 17-year-old Gwen Araujo, a transgender girl
born as Eddie Araujo Jr., is still sending ripples of change across the
Bay Area.
The brutal killing of the Newark teenager galvanized the transgender
community as never before. For many others, Gwen's story educated them
about a segment of society that they didn't know or understand.
And in her hometown, her memory has fostered a measure of acceptance
of transgender people that she rarely received in her own short life.
``People are very open and willing to talk about issues of sexual orientation
and in particular the safety of kids in the school,'' said Paul Clifford,
a business owner in Newark and member of the local chapter of Parents,
Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. ``They don't care what gender
she was. They think Gwen should have been better taken care of in our community
and in our schools.''
Prosecutors say Gwen was killed Oct. 4, 2002, in a Newark home after
four local men discovered she was anatomically male. At least two had a
sexual relationship with the teen. Witnesses say the men beat and strangled
Gwen, then buried her body near South Lake Tahoe.
One defendant has pleaded guilty. Three others face first-degree murder
charges with a hate crime enhancement because of Gwen's transgender identity.
Their trial is scheduled to start in March.
But more than the sensationalism of the crime itself, it seems that Gwen's
life -- once promising, but rife with pain -- is what lingers on the collective
consciousness.
``The pictures I saw in the paper is not what I saw in the coffin,''
said Rachael Janelle Light, a 56-year-old transgender activist from Sunnyvale
who attended her funeral. ``That could have been my child.''
Light never knew Gwen but said she got butterfly tattoos in her honor.
Other transgender people say Gwen's legacy has prompted them to do more
outreach, trying to establish social networks to support transgender youth.
``A lot more people are looking at themselves and thinking, `There but
for the grace of God go I,' '' said Roxy Carmichael-Hart, a Hayward resident
and president of Transgender San Francisco, one of the largest transgender
groups in the country.
In 2002, -- the deadliest year on record, according to transgender activists
-- 25 people were killed in the United States because of their real or
perceived transgender status.
``What the murder of Gwen Araujo did was gave the rest of us a look into
the everyday realities that transgender people experience,'' said Chris
Daley, co-director of the Transgender Law Center in San Francisco.
Daley points to the passage of a bill that bans transgender discrimination
in housing and the workplace as a sign that, at least in California, attitudes
are shifting.
Newark shows shift
But nowhere has that shift been more evident than in Newark, a blue-collar
city of 43,000.
Kate Lyness, 18, a recent graduate of Newark Memorial High School was
stunned that the hate that fueled Gwen's slaying was home-grown.
Friends and her family -- which has declined interview requests -- say
that Gwen experimented with make-up and feminine clothing through early
adolescence, until she came out with her transgender identity in the ninth
grade. She gave herself the name Gwen after singer Gwen Stefani of the group
No Doubt.
Gwen's family and friends accepted the change. Others ostracized her
for it.
Lyness said it chills her to think how that climate of intolerance may
have inspired four local men to commit murder.
``These kids went to the same school as I did, sat at the same desks,
went to same community parks, did same things I did. . . . They were just
normal kids, and that scares me.''
After the arrest of Michael Magidson, Jose Merel, Jason Cazares and Jaron
Nabors, the community was forced to face itself.
``This whole town was in denial that this could happen here,'' said Judy
Mellberg, 61, a resident and school volunteer. ``I don't think any town
this size is aware that there's really a gay, lesbian and transgender population
here.''
Some accused city leaders of being slow to react. But nothing of this
magnitude had ever hit Newark, a city which counted only this one homicide
for all of 2002.
Signs of tolerance
In December, three months after the slaying, Mayor Dave Smith held a
community forum to address issues of safety and intolerance toward gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens. He called for residents to
suggest ways the city could be more inclusive. There are signs of that
happening now, particularly in the schools.
On the Newark Memorial High campus, where homophobic slurs used to punctuate
students' casual conversations, nary an abusive word is openly heard, said
drama teacher Barbara Williams. She said the school's Gay/Straight Alliance
club grew from five members prior to the slaying into a thriving group
of 20 with twice-monthly meetings.
And since last year, community members have launched Not In Newark, based
on the Not In Our Town national movement that encourages community response
to hate crimes.
Last week, Not In Newark proposed five recommendations to the Newark
City Council, including a local law banning sexual and gender discrimination
in city hiring and contracting; special training for police and other employees
on anti-gay harassment and bias; and establishment of a Newark human rights
commission.
Police Chief Ray Samuels said his officers already receive special training.
But he also acknowledged that the impact of Gwen's slaying was something
no one could have prepared for.
``Maybe that's the eternal optimist trying to make something good out
of something terrible,'' Samuels said. ``It was a horrible crime and I'd
like to think we've moved forward.''
GSA Network Highlight
Welcome to new GSA Network Board Members!
GSA Network Announcements
1. Central CA Youth Council Meeting (Central CA)
2. Sign-up for the High Contrast Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
3. GSA Leadership Trainings (Northern & Southern CA)
4. Training for Trainers (Northern CA)
5. Marin County-Wide GSA Meeting (Marin)
6. PFLAG Sonora Seeking Students (Central CA)
7. Gender PAC Fundraiser Benefits GSA Network (Bay Area)
8. Let's Get Real Film Premiere (San Francisco)
9. GSA Network at the ACT-UP Youth Conference (Central CA)
Other Announcements
10. Thriller Night Dance (South Bay)
11. COLAGE Youth Leadership and Action Program (Bay Area)
12. Speak Out: Community Meetings for API Queer Youth (Southern CA)
13. Theatre Think Tank at Models of Pride (Southern CA)
14. Young Queer Women's Health Conference (Bay Area)
15. SOUL Training for Trainers Workshop (Bay Area)
16. Workshop for Social Justice Activists (Bay Area)
17. SCHOLARSHIP: Anita May Rosenstein Student Leadership Awards (Southern
CA)
GSA Network would like to welcome and congratulate the newest additions
to our Governing Board. There are 6 new youth and 2 adults who have
recently joined the board. Welcome to everyone!
Vanessa Coe is currently a senior at Troy High School in Fullerton,
California. This is the first year Troy has had a GSA. Along
with being club president, she also spent the summer up in San Francisco
interning under the Young Women's Program at LYRIC. She has also volunteered
for GLAAD, HRC, and other various LGBT organizations. She is happy
to be helping and taking part in the GSA Network.
Yve Laris Cohen is the founder and Chair of the Scripps Ranch High
School GSA in San Diego. She is a second-year member of the GSA Network
Southern California Youth Council and is also a Make It Real trainer. In
addition to her involvement with GSA Network, Yve serves as a Co-Chair for
the GLSEN 2003-2004 Jump-Start National Student Leadership Team, Board Member
for the San Diego GLSEN Chapter, and the LGBT Committee Chair for the National
Conference for Community and Justice's Youth Coalition, I.M.P.A.C.T. (Improving
Minds through Peaceful Actions to bring Communities Together).
Bill Herman is 17 years old and is currently a senior at Miramonte
High School in Orinda, CA. He has been a member of his GSA for two
years. While on exchange in Australia from January to July of 2003,
he founded one of the first GSAs in Australia at his host-school, Nowra High.
Bill worked with his GSA while protesting in Sydney for the passage of an
amendment equalizing the Age of Consent in New South Wales. The amendment
passed soon after. Now that Bill is back in the US he has taken position
as Co-President of the MHS GSA, attended GSA Activist Camp, and become a
member of the GSA Network Northern California Youth Council.
Alyn Libman, a freshman at UC Berkeley, graduated from North Hollywood
High School in 2003. Alyn, an 18 year old female-to-male transgender student,
began his transition during high school. He co-founded and presided over
his school's GSA for 2 years and worked with school administration to educate
faculty and students on AB 537 and LGBT issues. He has been active on GSA
Network's Southern California Youth Council for the past year and recently
was a counselor at the Southern California GSA Activist Camp. He hopes to
pursue an interdisciplinary degree at Berkeley as well as minor in LGBT
Studies with the intent of becoming a lawyer to represent those who are
currently under-represented in our legal system.
Frankie Martinez is a very involved and active sophomore at Sunnyside
High School. On top of fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ ("and all those
lost in between") community, he is involved in such clubs as Youth in Action,
H.O.S.A., Mock Trial, and on and on. While trying to maintain grades, he
is also in his school's Color/Winter Guard and Orchestra. Frankie is involved
in the Central California Youth Council for GSA Network. Even though
Frankie aims for the top, he never forgets who he is, which is why activism
is his call.
Lasse Thorenfeldt is an 18 year old, openly gay, senior at Burlingame
High School. He was born and raised in Denmark, and moved to the United
States right before 8th grade. Coming from liberal Denmark, where gay marriage
has been legal since 1989, to comparatively conservative California was
a bit of a culture shock for him. However, he's dealt with this shock by
becoming involved his school's GSA and working as a liaison between the
administration and the GSA. In addition, he is a peer counselor at his school.
He believes that it is imperative for all of us who are facing intolerance
to get up and do something about it.
Ben Bowler has over 7 years of experience in non-profit accounting,
strategic planning, operations and fundraising. Prior to the GSA Network
Governing Board, Ben served over five years as the Treasurer for Bay Area
Young Positives - a San Francisco based non-profit that provides peer-based
services to HIV+ youth. Ben currently works as an IT project manager for
the County of Santa Clara and lives in San Francisco with his partner.
Robert A. Pérez has more than nine years' experience in nonprofit
and political communications and a background in grassroots organizing and
legislative advocacy. Before joining Fenton Communications, Pérez
was the communications director for the California League of Conservation
Voters and the public affairs director of its Education Fund. He has served
as an outreach manager for KQED on health-related community initiatives and
as the communications director for the STOP AIDS Project. In 1999, Pérez
acted as a communications strategist for the coalition working to pass a
law protecting students in California public schools based on real or perceived
sexual orientation and gender identity.
********************************************* 2. Sign-up for the High Contrast 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.
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 will be available for circulation beginning November 17,
2003. If you are a GSA in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing
the High Contrast Exhibit to your school, email mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.
San Jose GSA Leadership Training
When: Sunday, October 26
10am - 6pm
Where: Billy DeFrank Center
938 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
Co-sponsor: Billy DeFrank Center
San Diego GSA Leadership Training
When: Saturday, November 8
10am - 4pm
Where: Hillcrest Youth Center
3777 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA
Co-sponsor: Hillcrest Youth Center
Marin GSA Leadership Training When: Saturday, November 8
10am - 6pm
Where: SPECTRUM
1000 Sir Francis Drake Ave.
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Co-sponsor: Spectrum
Santa Cruz GSA Leadership Training
When: Sunday, November 9
10am - 6pm
Where: Barrios Unidos
1817 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Co-sponsor: STRANGE
********************************************* 4. Training for Trainers (Northern CA)
Mark your calendars!
GSA Network Training for Trainers (T4T)
Saturday, November 15 and
Sunday, November 16
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Price: FREE! FREE! FREE!
Accommodations: Lodging can be arranged for youth who require it.
Every school year, GSA Network coordinates peer-led workshops and trainings
on AB 537, GSA organizing, and student leadership. We also receive
requests from other organizations to facilitate workshops or trainings in
various parts of California. The Training for Trainers fulfills GSA
Network's mission to empower youth by preparing them on how to teach other
students to become better leaders and organizers.
Take your leadership skills to the next level.
- Become a Make It Real trainer, and teach students about AB 537 and how
to make
their schools enforce nondiscrimination laws and policies.
- Learn how to facilitate workshops on Gender Identity, or How to Have
a
Kick-Ass GSA.
- Learn to teach others about race/ethnic and class issues through activities
and discussions.
Only 15 spaces available!
Requirements:
- prior leadership experience that includes public speaking and/or training
(e.g. speakers bureau, peer education, workshop facilitation, debate)
- current middle or high school-age student
Commitment:
- attend Training for Trainers
- complete two (2) trainings in one (1) year
Perks:
- $50 stipend for Make It Real trainers
To receive a copy of an application, send a message to:
John Mendoza mailto:john@gsanetwork.org or
Call 415-552-4229
Monday, October 20th is the first Marin County-wide GSA meeting!!
Every year GSAs start strong with people, energy and ideas, but sadly energy
and enthusiasm, as well as leadership often decline.
This year SPECTRUM & GSA Network are offering technical support
and a space for all the GSAs in Marin County to meet and help each other.
We are asking that at least two people from each school's GSA come to this
meeting to:
- Connect with other GSA's
- Learn how to get members and keep them
- Bring your problems, questions and ideas
- Plan a countywide GSA week for next semester
- Get technical support from SPECTRUM & GSA Network
When: Monday, October 20th 6:00-8:00pm
Where: 1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd #10,
San Anselmo
Who: All and any GSA participants and advisors
Hosted by: Spectrum and GSA Network
Date: Sunday, October 19 Time: 2:00pm - 4:00pm Location: The Home of Julie Dorf and Jenni Olson
2978 Folsom St.
San Francisco, CA Tel: 415.824.5526
RSVP: October 15, 2003 To RSVP call 202.462.6610
~ GSA Network is a beneficiary of this fundraiser ~
Host Committee
The Honorable James C. Hormel
Miguel Bustos
Judith Butler
Mira Coluccio
Julie Dorf and Jenni Olson
Jeff Jones
Kate Kendell
Tracy Kronzak
Carolyn Laub
Lyman Miller and Avis Boutell
Dr. Douglas Ousterhout
Shelly Prevost and Suzanne Padilla
Dana Rivers
Tickets:
Suggested donation $150* !!FREE FOR YOUTH!!
All major credit cards accepted. GenderPAC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
*Also 10% of the proceeds will go to Gay-Straight Alliance Network
For more information
Go to http://www.gpac.org
Or call GenderPAC 202.462.6610
The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition (GenderPAC) works to end discrimination
and violence caused by gender stereotypes by changing public attitudes,
educating elected officials and expanding legal rights. GenderPAC also promotes
understanding of the connection between gender discrimination and that based
on age, race, sexual orientation, and class.
********************************************* 8. Let's Get Real Film Premiere (San Francisco)
* Get Tickets for "Let's Get Real" - New Film by Chasnoff and Cohen *
Sign Up Now to Get Your Tickets to the Benefit Screening and Sponsor Reception
"Let's Get Real" - Film Premiere
Tuesday, October 21st
Herbst Theatre
San Francisco
*Gay-Straight Alliance Network is a proud sponsor of this film.*
Academy Award-winning Director Debra Chasnoff and Executive Producer Helen
S. Cohen present the world premiere of their powerful new documentary film,
"Let's Get Real," on October 21, 2003, at the Herbst Theatre, San Francisco.
"This film is our most important documentary yet for encouraging educators
to address diversity issues with youth. Like our earlier films, 'It's
Elementary' and 'That's a Family!,' 'Let's Get Real' will help create
learning environments that are safe for all children, regardless of their
race, ethnicity, perceived sexual orientation, gender, religion or ability.
As a supporter of important social justice issues, we would like to invite
you to be a part of the 'Let's Get Real' world premiere."
- Debra Chasnoff & Helen S. Cohen
* General Tickets are $25.00 and can be purchased through City Box Office
- http://www.cityboxoffice.com
or 415.392.4400. ($2.50 service charge)
* Sponsorship tickets start at $100 per ticket and will help underwrite
distribution of the film to public schools and community groups, as well
as
provide trainings to educators and youth-service providers.
* More About "Let's Get Real" - This film is unique among anti-bullying
resources because it features middle school-age youth - not adults -
speaking frankly about their varied and often painful experiences at school.
The 35-minute film includes interviews with targeted kids, as well as the
youth who do the bullying and the allies who intervene when they witness
harassment.
Through their moving stories, the film addresses many important social
issues in young people's lives today, including:
* Bullying based on race, immigration status, national
origin and English
proficiency;
* Anti-gay name-calling;
* Sexual harassment;
* Hostility toward gender-nonconforming students;
* Stigmatization of learning-disabled and special-needs
students;
* Put-downs based on physical appearance, dress and body
size;
* Targeting of Muslim, Sikh and Jewish students;
* Tensions between and within ethnic and racial groups.
The result is a fresh approach to the problem of bullying that is honest
and
real, not euphemistic or prescriptive.
Teaching guides and training resources will accompany the film, ensuring
that parents, teachers and youth-service providers have the tools they
need
to foster diversity awareness and respect among today's youth.
For more information on "Let's Get Real," contact The Respect for All
Project at 800-405-3322 or visit http://www.respectforall.org
********************************************* 9. GSA Network at the ACT-UP Youth Conference (Central CA)
The ACT-UP Youth Conference for youth empowerment and social change will
be
held on the Fresno State University campus on October 25th and 26th and
will
feature music jams, presentations and workshops. The conference is expected
to
attract student activists from Bakersfield to Sacramento and runs from
10am
until 9:30pm on Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday.
GSA Network will be presenting a workshop on Saturday on "Organizing in
High Schools."
The conference is open to all middle school through college students throughout
the Central Valley and includes all meals over the 2 days for just $10.
Scholarships are available.
The conference is sponsored by the California Fund for Youth Organizing.
For
registration forms or more information contact mailto:Dianabohn@aol.com
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++ GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network.
Events, resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are
not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect
the views and opinions of GSA Network.
********************************************* 10. Thriller Night Dance (South Bay)
Don't be afraid...
'cause this is THRILLER
THRILLER NIGHT!
Billy DeFrank LGBT Community Center Proudly Presents
Thriller Night
LGBTQ & Allies Youth Dance
Friday, October 24, 2003
7:00pm-11:00pm
Sunnyhills United Methodist Church
355 Dixon Road
Milpitas, CA 95035
$2.00 entrance
Ages 13-20
DJ Joel playing your choices of R&B, Hip-Hop, Rock, Pop, Alternative,
Techno
This is a drug, alcohol, and smoking free event.
Costumes and creativity welcome, lewdness and lack of attire is not.
********************************************* 11. COLAGE Youth Leadership and Action Program (Bay Area)
Join the COLAGE Youth Leadership And Action Program
Our first meeting was great- Now what's missing is YOU. Join other
high-school and college- aged youth with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and/or
transgender parents for community, leadership training, and making a difference.
While gaining new skills, and earning a stipend, YLAP youth pick and work
on action projects to raise awareness about our experiences as youth with
LGBT parents in schools and our communities. Don't miss out!
YLAP is a skill building and action based group for youth ages 14-22 with
LGBT parents. We meet once a month on Sundays in San Francisco. Participants
are eligible to earn a stipend and/or community service hours through their
involvement.
Save the date for our next meeting:
Sunday, October 19th at 2 PM at the Columbia Park Boys and Girls Club in
San Francisco. {we'll be ending at 6 pm at the Women's Building/COLAGE Office,
3543 18th Street) For details or more information about YLAP, please contact
Meredith Fenton, COLAGE Program Coordinator at 415-861-5437 x102 or mailto:Meredith@colage.org.
Thanks!
********************************************* 12. Speak Out: Community Meetings for API Queer Youth (Southern CA)
Speak Out: Community Meetings for API Queer Youth
Los Angeles, Calif. (September 17, 2003) ˆ Asian Pacific Islanders for
Human Rights (APIHR) calls community meetings for Asian and Pacific Islander
(API) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual, queer and questioning
(LGBTIQ) youth 24 and under to ensure its Youth Program is addressing the
needs of the community. The community meetings give a great opportunity
for youth to have their voices heard in helping to expand and define the
Youth Program.
APIHR's Youth Program established by API youth aims to further investigate
and address the needs of API youth through input from the retreats, Youth
Advisory Board, youth interns, and most recently, the community meetings.
Offering a safe haven for API youth, the Youth Program provides a space
for API youth to meet other youth in the community as well as a way to link
together their sexuality and heritage through arts and culture programs.
Furthermore, the Leadership Institute, another aspect of the Youth Program,
trains and molds youth so they can successfully and actively become involved
with and hold leadership roles within their communities. The community meetings
are open to API LGBTIQ youth under age 24˜no prior experience is necessary
to become a model for change.
"APIHR is committed to creating a youth program that is ultimately defined
by youth," proclaims Sumiko Braun, Youth Program Coordinator of APIHR.
"Being a 19 year old bisexual transgender multiracial Japanese-Hawaiian American
college student demonstrates who manages the Youth Program, I am able to
foster the ideas of activism in the youth."
The young women's Community Meeting will be Sunday, October 19th
from 3-6pm, and the young men's Community Meeting will be Sunday,
October 26th from 3-6pm. Both will be held at ŒOhana House: 6115
Selma Avenue, Ste 207, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Open only to API LGBTIQ
youth 24 and under.
Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights (APIHR) has established 'Ohana
House, the nation's first API LGBTIQ center. APIHR works to advance the human
rights of the Pan Asian/Pacific Islander lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
intersexual, queer and questioning (LGBTIQ) community. To find out more,
call Sumiko Braun at (323) 860-0876 or visit http://www.apihr.org.
********************************************* 13. Theatre Think Tank at Models of Pride (Southern CA)
Join Us!
on Saturday, October 25, from 11am to 12:30pm
at our Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools
at Project 10's 11th Annual Models of Pride on the Occidental College campus.
We will lead FUN theatre games and improvisations and brainstorm ideas
for creative ways to address LGBT issues in schools - through plays, assembly
presentations, video PSAs and perhaps even Pep Rally skits.
The Think Tank is open to all youth (14 and older), parents, educators,
theatre artists, therapists, activists, thinkers and allies interested in
creating &/or collaborating on performance pieces dealing with LGBTQ issues.
Occidental College is located at 1600 Campus Road in the Eagle Rock district
of Los Angeles, CA 90041.
For more information about FREE REGISTRATION as well as Driving & Parking
information, please go to http://www.modelsofpride.org.
Also at Models of Pride, Fringe Benefits will present a brand new,
collaboratively developed piece:
GENDER TRANS-DANCE!
Check it out October 25 at 5pm.
The Think Tank will continue to meet throughout the year on the following
dates from 2-to-5pm at GLASS, 735 S. La Brea Blvd., Los Angeles.
(1/2 block south of Wilshire Blvd.. Metered street parking and some
residential parking are available.)
Nov. 8 * Dec. 13 * Jan. 10 * Feb. 14 * Mar. 13 * Apr. 17 * May 15 * June
6
Join us whenever and as often as you can!
Please contact Natalya Brusilovsky at mailto:natalya2k@earthlink.netor
call (213) 252-8112 for more information and to RSVP as space is limited.
********************************************* 14. Young Queer Women's Health Conference (Bay Area)
The 9th Annual Young Queer Women's Health Conference
"Where the Girls...Are"
October 18, 2003
10am-4pm
San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Center
1800 Market Street (@Octavia)
FREE!!!!
For all young women ages 25 and under
Lunch and Snacks provided
A day dedicated to the health and wellness of young lbtqq women. There
will
be several workshops to choose from, ranging from songwriting to dating,
and
from substance use to pelvic exams. Come and join us and meet other women
in
your community!
You can either pre-register or register on the day of the conference. To
register, volunteer, or get more information, please call Kristin or Megan
at 415-703-6150 x12 or email mailto:womens_conference_2003@yahoo.com.
********************************************* 15. SOUL Training for Trainers Workshop (Bay Area)
3-day Training for Trainers Workshop
Thursday, November 6 - Saturday, November 8
9:00am - 6:00pm each day in Oakland
Our peple do not learn about our history, our struggles, our communities,
and our legacies or resistance. It is our responsibility to teach
one another.
Training includes the following topics:
-What is facilitation?
-The role of the facilitator
-Understanding popular education
-The workshop process
-Workshop Intake and Assessment
-Tailoring Curriculum to specific needs
-Workshop Preparation
-Facilitation do's & don'ts
-Types of workshop activities
-Using visuals and butcher paper
-Tools of facilitators
-Giving task instuctions
-Dealing with difficult situations
-Curriculum Documentation
-Working with a co-trainer
-Developing a personal training style
-Deconstructing difficult topics
-Curriculum development & documentation
-Workshop evaluation
-Challenges facilitating political education
-Hands-on facilitation practice
Designed both for experienced facilitators who want to refine their skills
and for beginners who want to develop them.
Each participant will receive SOUL's Political Educatoin Workshop Manual,
SOUL's Trainers Manual, breakfast and lunch for all 3 days, and one-on-one
follow-up consultation to continue your development as a facilitator.
This training is strictly limited to 25 people. Ten (10) of these
spaces will be reserved for participants outside of the Bay Area. Housing
and travel scholarships are not provided, but please contact SOUL if you
need assistance with these items.
A short application is required.
People of color, working class people, women, young people, and LGBTQ people
are especially encouraged to apply. Training priced on a sliding scale
from $100-$800 based on organizational budget or individual income.
Please contact SOUL for specifics. No one turn away for lack of funds.
To apply for this training, call 510.451.5466 x317 or email mailto:moncha@youthec.org. Please
call early to ensure space! Space is wheelchair accessible.
********************************************* 16. Workshop for Social Justice Activists (Bay Area)
The Spirit in Motion program of the Movement Strategy Center hosts:
Staying Awake in the Midst of Oppression
A Workshop for Social Justice Activists
Led by Earthlyn Marselean Manuel
Date: Saturday, October 18th, 2003
Time: 9am - 5pm
Place: Naropa University
2141 Broadway (between 21st and 22nd St.)
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 835-4827
Cost: $25 - $50 sliding scale
The goal of this workshop is to deepen our understanding of the interrelationship
between healing, spirituality, social activism and oppression. Participants
will awaken to how one exists and acts in the midst of oppression. We will
explore the nature of oppression and its effects on our lives; the process
of releasing a consciousness of inferiority and struggle; and the development
of intimacy within a healthy and conscious warriorship.
To Register: call Micah at 510-444-0640 x309
Earthlyn Marselean Manuel is the author and illustrator of the Black Angel
Cards, published by Harper San Francisco, and her self-published book Seeking
Enchantment: A Spiritual Journey of Healing from Oppression. She holds a
Masters degree from UCLA and a PhD in Integral Studies from the School of
Transformation and Consciousness at the California Institute of Integral
Studies. For the last ten years, she has published numerous articles on the
integration of spirtituality, healing and oppression, giving her attention
to healing the effects of oppression on African Americans and other people
of color. Her workshops and guest speaking engagements focus on developing
the capacity to integrate the personal, cultural, spiritual and socio-political
aspects of the human experience.
Spirit in Motion is a program supporting the integration of spirit and
health on an individual, organizational and community level, to create a
stronger, more sustainable movement for social change.
Southern California Students Apply Before Oct. 31st for Anita May Rosenstein
Scholarships!
The Anita May Rosenstein Student Leadership Awards were created through
the generosity of the May Rosenstein Foundation, who agreed to contribute
funds to the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) for leadership
development and college scholarships.
Scholarships will be awarded to student leaders working on safe schools
issues from Southern California by a competitive application and interview
process by GLSEN with a maximum of $10,000 awarded each year to student leaders.
I. All scholarship applicants shall be:
1. A resident of Southern California from the following counties:
* San Diego
* San Bernardino
* Orange
* Los Angeles
* Ventura
* Santa Barbara
2. Provide proof of having obtained a General Education Degree
(GED) or have
a high school diploma from an accredited
high school
3. Must demonstrate a need for financial assistance
II. Applicants shall meet at least one of the following requirements:
1. Has taken a leadership role, for at least nine months,
with a Southern
California GLSEN Chapter (at least one of
the following)
* Active chapter board leader
* Active chapter member
Southern California
Students Apply Before Oct. 31st for Anita May
Rosenstein Scholarships!
2. Has taken the lead on a chapter event or project
3. Has taken a leadership role with a student club, commonly
known as a
gay-straight alliance (GSA), in middle and/or
high school (at least one of
the following):
* Started a student club that deals with LGBT issues
* Has taken a leadership role in a student club event
or project
* Has lead trainings for students, staff or teachers
in the school
* Has participated and taken the lead for Day of Silence
* Has participated in a GLSEN student leadership team
III. Applicants must also meet the following minimum requirements.
1. Applicant must have applied or accepted to, or enrolled
in, a two- or
four-year accredited college
2. To remain eligible the recipient must:
* Continue to maintain a minimum of a C grade point
average.
* Maintain a class schedule of at least nine units per
semester/quarter.
GSA Network Announcements
1. Orange County GSA Night (Orange County)
2. Contra Costa County-Wide GSA Summit (Contra Costa)
3. Sign-up for the High Contrast Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
4. GSA Leadership Trainings (Northern & Southern CA)
5. Training for Trainers (Northern CA)
6. GSA Network at the ACT-UP Youth Conference (Central CA)
Other Announcements
7. APIHR's Events October 2003 (Los Angeles)
8. Thriller Night Dance (South Bay)
9. Creepy Dreams Costume Party/Dance (Contra Costa)
10. Theatre Think Tank at Models of Pride (Southern CA)
11. Film Series @ LYRIC (San Francisco)
12. Q Action Event (San Francisco)
13. Lunafest (Fresno)
14. Spectrum Does Transgender Day of Remembrance (Marin)
15. Welcome to the LGBT Center Youthspace (San Francisco)
16. INTERNSHIP: APIHR Youth Program Internships (Southern CA)
17. NEWS: Mother Now Speaks Out Against Hate Crime
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++ Visalia: One Year Later
In August of 2002 the Visalia Unified School District agreed to settle a
lawsuit brought by George Loomis and GSA Network, in which we were represented
by the ACLU and a pro-bono law firm in San Francisco. The lawsuit was
the first filed after the California Student Safety and Violence Prevention
Act went into effect. The case involved harassment of students, including
George Loomis, based on actual or perceived sexual orientation. In August
2002, Visalia Unified agreed to settle the case and entered into a 3-year
court-ordered consent decree. The consent decree requires that the K-12
district conduct mandatory staff training, conduct mandatory student training,
designate school safety compliance coordinators, and convene a community
advisory committee to monitor anti-LGBT harassment and safety issues.
For more background, visit http://www.gsanetwork.org/press/visalia.html
Visalia Unified must report every year to GSA Network and our attorneys
on their progress in complying with the terms of the consent decree.
Among other items, the annual reports must include a listing of the complaints
filed within the district related to harassment on the basis of actual or
perceived sexual orientation, and evidence of the work of a community advisory
committee responsible for monitoring the district's implementation of the
consent decree.
GSA Network received the first of these annual reports in September. That
report documented 56 complaints of harassment! The district demonstrated
their compliance with activities such as the mandatory student training and
staff training. However, there was no student representation on the
community advisory committee. Beginning this month, however, student members
of the Redwood High School GSA have been invited to attend the meetings of
the implementation committee! Their voices will strengthen the process and
add to the positive change already underway in the district.
********************************************* 2. Contra Costa County-Wide GSA Summit (Contra Costa)
On Saturday, November 8th at noon Gay-Straight Alliances from all over Contra
Costa County will convene at the Rainbow Community Center (RCC) in Concord
to discuss what issues are facing them and how local community groups can
help. Come join us and help shape the services GSAs receive in Contra
Costa County.
Please RSVP by October 31st
What: Gay-Straight Alliance Summit
When: Saturday, November 8th
What Time: 12PM to 2PM
Where: The Rainbow Community Center of Conta Costa County
2118 Willow Pass Road, Suite 500
Concord, CA 94520
********************************************* 3. Sign-up for the High Contrast 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.
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 will be available for circulation beginning November 17, 2003.
If you are a GSA in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast
Exhibit to your school, email mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.
Send your members to this annual event to get have them learn:
- Their rights as students under AB537.
- How to address slurs in your schools.
- How to have/start a kick-ass GSA.
- How to publicize and get more members.
- How to address racism, classism, and transphobia.
- AND to have them network with students from other GSAs
Please remember to RSVP for the trainings listed below (especially so you
can be notified if dates or times change):
Northern CA: John Mendoza, mailto:john@gsanetwork.org,
415-552-4229
Southern CA: Stephanie Cho, mailto:stephanie@gsanetwork.org,
415-552-4229
BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED
San Jose GSA Leadership Training
When: Sunday, October 26
10am - 6pm
Where: Billy DeFrank Center
938 The Alameda
San Jose, CA 95126
Co-sponsor: Billy DeFrank Center
San Diego GSA Leadership Training
When: Saturday, November 8
10am - 4pm
Where: Hillcrest Youth Center
3777 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA
Co-sponsor: Hillcrest Youth Center
Marin GSA Leadership Training
When: Saturday, November 8
10am - 6pm
Where: SPECTRUM
1000 Sir Francis Drake Ave.
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Co-sponsor: Spectrum
Santa Cruz GSA Leadership Training
When: Sunday, November 9
10am - 6pm
Where: Barrios Unidos
1817 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Co-sponsor: STRANGE
Oakland GSA Leadership Training
When: Sunday, November 23 (NEW DATE!!)
10am - 6pm
Where: Youth Together
1611 Telegraph Ave., Suite 203
Oakland, CA 94612
Co-sponsor: Youth Together
********************************************* 5. Training for Trainers (Northern CA)
Mark your calendars!
GSA Network Training for Trainers (T4T)
Saturday, November 15 and
Sunday, November 16
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Price: FREE! FREE! FREE!
Accommodations: Lodging can be arranged for youth who require it.
Every school year, GSA Network coordinates peer-led workshops and trainings
on AB 537, GSA organizing, and student leadership. We also receive requests
from other organizations to facilitate workshops or trainings in various
parts of California. The Training for Trainers fulfills GSA Network's
mission to empower youth by preparing them on how to teach other students
to become better leaders and organizers.
Take your leadership skills to the next level.
- Become a Make It Real trainer, and teach students about AB 537 and how
to make
their schools enforce nondiscrimination laws and policies.
- Learn how to facilitate workshops on Gender Identity, or How to Have a
Kick-Ass GSA.
- Learn to teach others about race/ethnic and class issues through activities
and discussions.
Only 15 spaces available!
Requirements:
- prior leadership experience that includes public speaking and/or training
(e.g. speakers bureau, peer education, workshop facilitation, debate)
- current middle or high school-age student
Commitment:
- attend Training for Trainers
- complete two (2) trainings in one (1) year
Perks:
- $50 stipend for Make It Real trainers
To receive a copy of an application, send a message to:
John Mendoza mailto:john@gsanetwork.org or
Call 415-552-4229
********************************************* 6. GSA Network at the ACT-UP Youth Conference (Central CA)
The ACT-UP Youth Conference for youth empowerment and social change will
be
held on the Fresno State University campus on October 25th and 26th and
will
feature music jams, presentations and workshops. The conference is expected
to
attract student activists from Bakersfield to Sacramento and runs from 10am
until 9:30pm on Saturday and 10am-3pm on Sunday.
GSA Network will be presenting a workshop on Saturday on "Organizing in
High Schools."
The conference is open to all middle school through college students throughout
the Central Valley and includes all meals over the 2 days for just $10. Scholarships
are available.
The conference is sponsored by the California Fund for Youth Organizing.
For
registration forms or more information contact mailto:Dianabohn@aol.com
++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++ GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events,
resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not sponsored
or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions
of GSA Network.
********************************************* 7. APIHR's Events October 2003 (Los Angeles)
Saturday, October 18th and 25th, 3 - 6pm - 'Ohana Hangout
Every 3rd and 4th Saturdays of the month, come hang out at 'Ohana House!
We have films, books, music, and munchies to fill all of your Saturday afternoon
desires. Meet and mingle with other Asian/Pacific Islanders, 24 and
under, who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersexual, Queer and
Questioning. Take this chance to relax, have fun, and create your own
community in a space designed specifically for you.
At our Saturday Hang Outs you can:
- Make friends
- Watch movies
- Listen to music
- Relax
- Build a community
- Be yourself
- Have your tarot cards read - Access resources, books,
and magazines
Tuesday, October 28th, 6:30pm - Women's Film Night at 'Ohana House
Every last Tuesday, 'Ohana House offers films to queer API women only.
Come for a night of coffee and cinematic stimulation, stay for the discussion
afterward! We will view and discuss film as it relates to women in the
LGBTIQ and API communities. Find out about the many resources available
in the Los Angeles area, meet local community members, and expand your perspective!
Film starts at 6:30pm.
The Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County and the Center for Human
Development's Empowerment Project Proudly Presents
Creepy Dreams
Halloween Dance for LGBTQ & Allied Youth 21 and Under
Saturday, November 1, 2003
7:30pm-11:00pm
The United Methodist Church of Walnut Creek
1543 Sunnyvalle Ave.,
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
THIS IS A FREE EVENT!
DJ Mike will be spinning
Are you the most fabulously dressed? Prizes for funniest costume,
most authentic, most creative, etc..
Safe sex Demo's and contests as well
This is a drug, alcohol, and smoking free event.
Costumes and creativity welcome, lewdness and lack of attire is not.
For more information contact Ken at (925) 692-0090 or Ashley at (925) 687-8844
x 310 or e-mail <mailto:KenLevin_rcc@yahoo.com>KenLevin_rcc@yahoo.com
or <mailto:Ashley@chd-prevention.org>Ashley@chd-prevention.org
********************************************* 10. Theatre Think Tank at Models of Pride (Southern CA)
Join Us!
on Saturday, October 25, from 11am to 12:30pm
at our Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools
at Project 10's 11th Annual Models of Pride on the Occidental College campus.
We will lead FUN theatre games and improvisations and brainstorm ideas for
creative ways to address LGBT issues in schools - through plays, assembly
presentations, video PSAs and perhaps even Pep Rally skits.
The Think Tank is open to all youth (14 and older), parents, educators,
theatre artists, therapists, activists, thinkers and allies interested in
creating &/or collaborating on performance pieces dealing with LGBTQ
issues.
Occidental College is located at 1600 Campus Road in the Eagle Rock district
of Los Angeles, CA 90041.
For more information about FREE REGISTRATION as well as Driving & Parking
information, please go to http://www.modelsofpride.org.
Also at Models of Pride, Fringe Benefits will present a brand new,
collaboratively developed piece:
GENDER TRANS-DANCE!
Check it out October 25 at 5pm.
The Think Tank will continue to meet throughout the year on the following
dates from 2-to-5pm at GLASS, 735 S. La Brea Blvd., Los Angeles.
(1/2 block south of Wilshire Blvd.. Metered street parking and some
residential parking are available.)
Nov. 8 * Dec. 13 * Jan. 10 * Feb. 14 * Mar. 13 * Apr. 17 * May 15 * June
6
Join us whenever and as often as you can!
Please contact Natalya Brusilovsky at mailto:natalya2k@earthlink.net
or call (213) 252-8112 for more information and to RSVP as space is limited.
********************************************* 11. Film Series @ LYRIC (San Francisco)
outLoud radio Queer Youth Film Series presents
"Piki and Poko Adventures in Starland" and "Bus 24"
Come watch the movie, eat popcorn, and kick it with other LGBTQQI youth!
Plus, if you want to be on the radio and get free tickets to the Castro
Theater, all you have to do is review one of these movies for ouLoud radio.
You will get two free tickets to a movie at the Catro Theater, and your
review will be broadcast on outLoud radio. The time commitment is about
two
hours outside of watching the movie. Sign up in advance to be a reviewer!
Send an email to info@outloudradio.org or talk to Denny at LYRIC.
TIME: Thursday, October 23rd at 3:30 p.m. PLACE: The Lavender Youth Recreation and Information Center (LYRIC),
127
Collingwood Street, between 18th and 19th in the Castro
FILM DESCRIPTIONS:
"Piki and Poko Adventures in Starland"
Starland once enjoyed a harmonious, astrologically aligned paradise where
everyone danced to Celestial Grooves spun by Zodiac DJs. Now, this Eden
is
in trouble. Meet Piki and Poko, the prophesied Eternal Martial Arts Warriors
from Another World. Piki and Poko must save the universe by drawing on that
special love only two girls can share!
"Bus 24"
This film shares the experience of young filmmakers ages 10-16 as they
journey on the MUNI Bus 24 across diverse neighborhoods, from the rougher
edges of Bayview Hunters Point to the affluent corners of Pacific Heights.
********************************************* 14. Spectrum Does Transgender Day of Remembrance (Marin)
Hello! I am pleased to announce an exciting event that Spectrum will
be
holding in honor of the national Transgender Day of Remembrance on November
20th. We will be showing a film called "Georgie Girl" from 6:45pm-8:15pm
and
then we will provide a forum for discussion regarding the film as well as
transgender issues in general.
Please mark your calendars for Thursday, November 20th, 6:45-9:00pm!
Thank you and feel free to pass the word along to anyone you know who might
be interested.
Below is a brief description of the film:
Meet Georgina Beyer. A one-time sex worker of Maori descent turned public
official, Georgina stunned the world in 1999 by becoming the first
transgendered person to hold national office. Born George Beyer, this
unlikely politician grew up on a small Tarankai farm and later became a
small-time celebrity on the cabaret circuit in Auckland. With charisma,
humor and charm, Beyer unapologetically recounts her fascinating life story,
shares how she overcame adversity and discloses the reasons she decided
to
run for office in a mostly all white, conservative electorate. Incorporating
an unbelievable montage of colorful archival images dug up from Georgina‚s
days as an exotic dancer, theatre and television performer, this absorbing
documentary breaks down stereotypes and promotes greater understanding of
transgendered people.
********************************************* 15. Welcome to the LGBT Center Youthspace (San Francisco)
The LGBT community center of San Francisco would like to WELCOME all youth
25 and under to the new, bigger, and better equipped Youthspace that just
opened! Please feel free to drop by the center and check out the space!
I am also looking for ideas from all of you regarding what kind of social,
cultural, and educational events you would like to see happen in the space.
We want your feedback! This is your space, so please please help us make sure
it is a safe comfortable space that celebrates diversity, a place where people
from different backgrounds can grow with each other. We want as many ideas
from the youth as possible, of all genders, sexualities, races, ethnicities,
and religious backgrounds. All ideas are welcomed and there are no such things
as "dumb" ideas.
My e-mail address is: mailto:pamelag@sfcenter.org
My phone number is: 415-865-5530
If I'm not in, leave me a voice message and I will get back to you as soon
as I can! I hope to hear from all of you soon.
********************************************* 16. INTERNSHIP: APIHR Youth Program Internships (Southern CA)
Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights
Founded in October 2000, Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights‚
(APIHR) purpose and goals are to advance the human rights of Pan Asian/Pacific
Islander (API) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual, queer and
questioning (LGBTIQ) people. APIHR offers the API/LGBTIQ community a range
of programs and services ˆ from public education of gay and lesbian issues
from an API perspective, youth outreach and leadership development, API-specific
Anti-homophobia campaigns, and proactive policy development focusing on improving
and securing the human rights of API/LGBTIQ people at local, state and national
levels. APIHR is the first agency in the nation with the purpose of
advancing the rights and well being of this underserved population.
And, with the opening of ŒOhana House in July 2003, APIHR is the first agency
in the nation to offer a Community Center created by and for API/LGBTIQ people.
Join Us
We are proud to announce the launching of our Internship Program through
APIHR's Youth Leadership Institute. APIHR offers exciting opportunities for
youth in the fields Public Policy and Program Administration. All of
these opportunities are available to interested high school, undergraduate
and graduate students who identify API and queer. Please read the following
for more detailed descriptions and how to apply.
Youth Program Internships (3)
The APIHR Youth Program Intern assists staff in daily implementation of
youth program outreach, implement APIHR's Needs Assessment Surveys, Peer
Education, Hang Outs and works with APIHR Youth Board.
Qualified candidates will be able to devote a minimum of 4-6 months, and
a minimum of 15 hours per week, subject to staff needs and intern availability.
Youth Program Interns must have a working knowledge of event production.
Experience with program development, a working knowledge of community outreach,
coordination, implementation and evaluation a plus.
To apply, please submit the following:
1) A cover letter that expresses your interest area and qualifications
2) A current resume
3) A writing sample (5 pages maximum)
4) Two names of individuals who are willing to serve as references
Applicants should send materials by October 31, 2003 to:
APIHR Internship Program
6115 Selma Ave.
Suite 207
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 860-0876
Or email : mailto:intern@apihr.org
SAN FRANCISCO - Wearing an elegant lavender evening gown, Sylvia Guerrero
faced the lights at a downtown hotel here Thursday night to accept an award
no mother wants to receive - one honoring the memory of her slain child.
In what authorities are calling a hate crime, her 17-year-old was bludgeoned
to death at a party last October in the suburban East Bay community of Newark.
Born Eddie Araujo Jr., the teenager was a transgender high school senior who
was often living and dressing as a girl and using the name Gwen.
Araujo was kicked, beaten in the head, smashed with a shovel and strangled
with a rope. The body was found buried in a forest in the Sierra foothills,
police say.
Three men are being held without bail in connection with Araujo's murder
and are scheduled to go on trial March 15. Michael Magidson, Jason Cazares
and Jose Merel, all 23, have been charged with murder and a hate-crime enhancement
that could increase their sentence.
The three, who authorities say killed Araujo after having sex with the teenager
and then learning of the victim's gender, face 29 years in prison if convicted.
A fourth man, Jaron Nabors, 20, has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and
testified against the other three in a preliminary hearing.
Guerrero has spent the last year coping with the tragedy. A colorful, talkative
woman, she has separated from her boyfriend, lost her job as a legal assistant
and seen her 13-year-old son leave to live with his father, her lawyer says.
Yet she has also made the unsteady transition from grieving mother into
a no-nonsense spokeswoman for issues involving the transgender community.
On Saturday, Guerrero attended a public memorial marking the first anniversary
of Araujo's death. And last week, she accepted the award for her child from
a Bay Area gay and lesbian rights foundation.
Taking the podium to a standing ovation, she wiped away tears and admitted
that the anniversary of her child's death had made the last few days very
difficult.
"But my daughter didn't die in vain," Guerrero said. "She was only 17, beautiful
and intelligent, with her whole life ahead of her. She didn't get that chance.
But I want to make sure that other transgender kids do have that chance."
Part of Guerrero's transformation has been to embrace her child's sexual
identity. In an interview with The Times soon after the murder, Guerrero said
she had always known that her child was different.
She said that dressing like a girl "took guts, especially in this town"
and said that the two had many conversations about Araujo's sexual identity
and desire to live as a woman. "He felt like a girl trapped in a man's body,"
Guerrero said then, admitting that she refused to use the name "Gwen" until
a sex-change operation had been performed. It never was.
Now Guerrero gets angry when people call her child anything but "Gwen" and
bristles at news accounts of the case, many of which have referred to the
victim as Eddie "Gwen" Araujo.
She told the award audience last week that she was petitioning a judge to
legally change her child's name to Gwen Amber Rose Araujo.
"She was never 'Eddie,' " Guerrero said. "I feel so disrespected for her
every time I hear that name."
Family attorney Gloria Allred said Guerrero lives "every mom's worst nightmare."
"The words have changed, but the love never has," said Allred, referring
to Guerrero's references to her child. "This teen was the victim of a hate
crime, murdered over issues of sexual identity. How does a mother live with
that?"
Tina D'Elia, a program director for the nonprofit Community United Against
Violence, said she has watched Guerrero blossom into an outspoken messenger
for the cause of tolerance.
"In the beginning, she was uncomfortable about talking about her child as
a son or daughter," D'Elia said of Guerrero. "But now, she speaks publicly
about how her daughter's spirit is with her. She doesn't shake hands; she
hugs when she says hello. She's become an ally to hate-crime families."
At a preliminary hearing in February, Nabors testified about the night of
the killing after the four men learned that Araujo was biologically male.
He said Araujo was struck in the head with a soup can and a frying pan, and
then struck so hard in the face that a plaster wall behind the victim's head
"indented and cracked."
Nabors said the men bound Araujo's hands and feet and threw the semiconscious
victim into the bed of a pickup truck. They drove to the Sierra foothills
several hours away and buried Araujo in a three-foot-deep grave before going
to McDonald's for breakfast.
Nabors later led police to Araujo's body. His attorney says Nabors has no
second thoughts about testifying against the others. The hate-crime enhancement
has been dropped as part of his plea agreement, and he remains in jail in
Alameda County.
"He definitely believes he did the right thing here," said Robert J. Beles.
"It's been a cathartic thing, to get it all off his chest and tell what actually
happened that night."
Chris Lamiero, an Alameda County deputy district attorney who is prosecuting
the case, doesn't think a jury will blame the victim.
"One can debate the propriety of one choosing to identify with a gender
other than the one they were born with," he said. "But I trust juries to
understand that people don't get to make life or death decisions simply based
on someone's lifestyle. That's not a world in which I want to live or most
people want to live in."
Lamiero respects Guerrero for the way she has handled her loss. "This mother
has lost a child," he said. "Add the fact that she's now under an immense
public pressure, and that takes her pain to a different level. But I see Sylvia
as a very strong woman. She has accepted the spotlight, the life that has
been foisted upon her by others."
Guerrero declined to be interviewed for this story. But her attorney, Allred,
agreed that the mother has changed. "She has the courage to speak out and
encourage people to support and love their children, whatever their sexual
identity," she said. "This woman has evolved."
In her acceptance speech last week, Guerrero spoke about her dead child.
"She's my angel," she said. "She's our angel. She's watching over us."
GSA Network Highlight
Models of Pride Conference 2003: LGBTQ Youth Train and Learn!
GSA Network Announcements
1. Contra Costa County-Wide GSA Summit (Contra Costa)
2. Training for Trainers (Northern CA)
3. Sign-up for the High Contrast Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
4. GSA Leadership Trainings (Northern & Southern CA)
Other Announcements
5. LYRIC Masquerade (Bay Area)
6. Creepy Dreams Costume Party/Dance (Contra Costa)
7. NYAC Transgender Youth Action Kit
8. Theatre Think Tank: Fun While Addressing LGBTQ Issues (Southern
CA)
9. SCHOLARSHIP: Rosenstein Scholarship
10. SCHOLARSHIP: KarMel Scholarship
11. JOB: Assistant Coordinator, Higher Learning Youth Organizing Program
12. INTERNSHIP: outLoud Radio Internships (Bay Area)
13. INTERNSHIP: APIHR Youth Program Internships (Southern CA)
14. NEWS: Anti-Gay School Rejected For Voucher Program
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++ Models of Pride Conference 2003: LGBTQ Youth Train and Learn!
The Annual Models of Pride conference was attended by hundreds of LGBTQ youth
from the Los Angeles area this weekend past. GSA Network sponsored three
workshops at the conference addressing topics such as the implementation
of AB 537 in schools, conducting school climate surveys, starting and maintaining
a GSA, and combating slurs on your school campus.
GSA Network would like to thank everyone that attended and participated in
Models of Pride, which was sponsored by Friends of Project 10. We would also
like to give special recognition to the Youth Trainers who gracefully excelled
at facilitating a large and diverse group of workshop participants. The Models
of Pride Youth Trainers are: Yve Laris Cohen, Jerome Calimquim, Alyn Libman
and Darcey Zoller. You all made the conference fun for everyone and insightful
to those who attended your workshops. Thanks!
********************************************* 1. Contra Costa County-Wide GSA Summit (Contra Costa)
On Saturday, November 8th at noon Gay-Straight Alliances from all over Contra
Costa County will convene at the Rainbow Community Center (RCC) in Concord
to discuss what issues are facing them and how local community groups can
help. Come join us and help shape the services GSAs receive in Contra
Costa County.
Please RSVP by October 31st
What: Gay-Straight Alliance Summit
When: Saturday, November 8th
What Time: 12PM to 2PM
Where: The Rainbow Community Center of Conta Costa County
2118 Willow Pass Road, Suite 500
Concord, CA 94520
********************************************* 2. Training for Trainers (Northern CA)
This is a great opportunity to develop your skills that you can bring back
to your GSAs and train new leaders for your school!
GSA Network Training for Trainers (T4T)
Saturday, November 15 and
Sunday, November 16
Location: UC Berkeley Campus
Price: FREE! FREE! FREE!
Accommodations: Lodging can be arranged for youth who require it.
Every school year, GSA Network coordinates peer-led workshops and trainings
on AB 537, GSA organizing, and student leadership. We also receive
requests from other organizations to facilitate workshops or trainings in
various parts of California. The Training for Trainers fulfills GSA
Network's mission to empower youth by preparing them on how to teach other
students to become better leaders and organizers.
Take your leadership skills to the next level.
- Become a Make It Real trainer, and teach students about AB 537 and how
to make
their schools enforce nondiscrimination laws and policies.
- Learn how to facilitate workshops on Gender Identity, or How to Have a
Kick-Ass GSA.
- Learn to teach others about race/ethnic and class issues through activities
and discussions.
Only 15 spaces available!
Requirements:
- prior leadership experience that includes public speaking and/or training
(e.g. speakers bureau, peer education, workshop facilitation, debate)
- current middle or high school-age student
Commitment:
- attend Training for Trainers
- complete two (2) trainings in one (1) year
Perks:
- $50 stipend for Make It Real trainers
To receive a copy of an application, send a message to:
John Mendoza mailto:john@gsanetwork.org or
Call 415-552-4229
********************************************* 3. Sign-up for the High Contrast 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.
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 will be available for circulation beginning November 17, 2003.
If you are a GSA in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High
Contrast Exhibit to your school, email mailto:highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.
Send your members to this annual event to get have them learn:
- Their rights as students under AB537.
- How to address slurs in your schools.
- How to have/start a kick-ass GSA.
- How to publicize and get more members.
- How to address racism, classism, and transphobia.
- AND to have them network with students from other GSAs
Please remember to RSVP for the trainings listed below (especially so you
can be notified if dates or times change):
Northern CA: John Mendoza, mailto:john@gsanetwork.org, 415-552-4229
Southern CA: Stephanie Cho, mailto:stephanie@gsanetwork.org, 415-552-4229
BREAKFAST & LUNCH PROVIDED
San Diego GSA Leadership Training
When: Saturday, November 8
10am - 4pm
Where: Hillcrest Youth Center
3777 4th Ave.
San Diego, CA
Co-sponsor: Hillcrest Youth Center
Marin GSA Leadership Training
When: Saturday, November 8
10am - 6pm
Where: SPECTRUM
1000 Sir Francis Drake Ave.
San Anselmo, CA 94960
Co-sponsor: Spectrum
Santa Cruz GSA Leadership Training
When: Sunday, November 9
10am - 6pm
Where: Barrios Unidos
1817 Soquel Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Co-sponsor: STRANGE
Oakland GSA Leadership Training
When: Sunday, November 23 (NEW DATE!!)
10am - 6pm
Where: Youth Together
1611 Telegraph Ave., Suite 203
Oakland, CA 94612
Co-sponsor: Youth Together
++++++++++++++++ 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.
LYRIC is hosting its 5th Annual Masquerade Ball at
the SF LGBTQQ Center
1800 Market Street (@ Octavia)
2nd Floor - Rainbow Room
October 30, 2003
8pm - 12am
Costume contest, talent show and amazing prizes 9-10 pm
(Register to perform soon, slots are filling up!)
Local celebrity judges and guest DJs!!!
VIP Room!!
Free, NO COVER!
* This is CLEAN & SOBER event for youth 23 and younger (25 for Trans
youth)
Open to anyone, LGBTQQ folks and Straight ALLIES!
So tell every young person you know out there, FORWARD far and wide!
Performers wanted....sign-up NOW to win PRIZES!! ROCK ON!
If you have any questions, want to make a donation, want to sign-up to VOLUNTEER
(name your own hours!), OR want to perform: Contact Aldo & come have
a Fabulously creepy time with us!!!
Aldo Rodriguez
Youthspace Coordinator
LYRIC/SF LGBTQQ Center
1800 Market Street, #403
SF, CA. 94102
415.865.5614
415.703.6153 fax http://www.lyric.org mailto:aldo@lyric.org
NYAC is developing a Transgender Youth Action Kit. This is an amazing
project and that will serve as a great resource for LGBT youth.
However, we still need more youth voices in the kit, especially women, people
of color, and genderqueer folk. If you know any young people 18 &
under that
are trans/genderqueer/gender variant please forward
this email to them.
The Transgender Youth Action Kit is a joint project between Lambda Legal
and NYAC and is slated for publication before the end of the year.
We need more youth voices in the kit, especially women, people of color,
and genderqueer folk. We are looking for youth testimony to include
in the kit, telling personal stories to empower and inspire other youth across
the country. Not everyone who responds will be included in the kit,
but your time and shared stories are important background to have. Please
take your time and fill out the following survey, don't worry about getting
every word perfect because if you are included I'll be in touch by phone
as well. Remember we're trying to capture a story, and a sense of what
trans youth face today.
If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact me
at mailto:aleong@lambdalegal.org
or 404-897-1880.
I give permission for Lambda Legal and NYAC to use any
information given on this survey for publication in a
Transgender Youth Action Kit for nationwide release.
Name:
Signature/Initial:
Age:
Grade (high school or college):
Race/Ethnicity:
Address/City: State:
Phone: Email:
I'm willing to have a photo of myself included in the
action kit (circle one) yes no
How do you identify your sexual orientation?
What is your gender identity (ex. Transgender, MTF,
FTM, genderqueer, etc.)?
When (how old, what grade) did you come out as
trans/genderqueer/intersex?
What was that experience like?
How did your community (as you define it) respond to
your transition?
How was transitioning at school?
Have you ever been discriminated, teased or harassed
because of your gender identity?
Have you ever been discriminated, teased or harassed
because of your sexual orientation?
What did you do about the discrimination?
What are the biggest problems facing transgender youth
today?
Was there a GSA at your high school?
What is your strongest high school memory?
Who are your role models?
What is your favorite quote by or pertaining to
transgender people?
Why are proud to be transgender/MTF/FTM/genderqueer?
********************************************* 8. Theatre Think Tank: Fun While Addressing LGBTQ Issues (Southern CA)
Please join us
on Saturday, November 8, from 2 to 5pm
at our Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools!
We will lead FUN theatre games and improvisations and brainstorm ideas for
creative ways to address LGBT issues in schools - through plays, assembly
presentations, video PSAs and perhaps even Pep Rally skits.
The Think Tank is open to all youth (14 and older), parents, educators, theatre
artists, therapists, activists, thinkers and allies interested in creating
&/or collaborating on performance pieces dealing with LGBTQ issues.
Please contact Natalya Brusilovsky at mailto:natalya2k@earthlink.net
or call (213) 252-8112 for more information and to RSVP as space is limited.
**Contact Norma Bowles at mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net
or call (323) 953-9036 if you would like Fringe Benefits to go to your school
or community center and work with a group there to develop an original play
about LGBT or other discrimination issues.**
Fringe Benefits is a groundbreaking theatre company with a 12-year track
record of collaborating with youth to fight discrimination. Two published
anthologies of our plays, Friendly Fire and Cootie Shots, and the award-winning
documentary film about our work, Surviving Friendly Fire, narrated by Sir
Ian McKellen, have all received critical acclaim, support from educators
& parents and RAVE REVIEWS from youth!
Are you from southern California? While you were in high school, were
you a student leader working to create safe schools? Are you currently
enrolled in a two or four year college program? If you said yes to
these questions you should consider applying for GLSEN's Anita May Rosenstein
scholarship!
The Anita May Rosenstein Student Leadership Awards were created through the
generosity of the Anita May Rosenstein Foundation, who agreed to contribute
funds to the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) for leadership
development and college scholarships. Scholarships will be awarded to student
leaders working on safe schools issues from Southern California by a competitive
application and interview process by GLSEN with a maximum of $10,000 awarded
each year to student leaders.
Applications are now available for students currently enrolled in a two or
four year college program. The deadline is Friday, October 31. For more information
or to apply, check out: <http://www.glsen.org/templates/student/record.html?section=11&record=1624>http://www.glsen.org/templates/student/record.html?section=11&record=1624
GLSEN strongly encourages people of color, people of diverse gender identities,
women and non-LGBT persons to apply.
The KarMel Scholarship was created to encourage students to write/create
something that will express their views on the gay/lesbian/bi/transgender
topic. It is designed to challenge students to create something unique
and to showcase the many talented artisans/writers.
ELIGIBILITY:
Scholarship applicants must be a senior in high school, or be attending or
planning to attend a college, university, vocational or trade school.
You may reside anywhere in the world, but you must be attending or planning
to attend a college, university, vocational or trade school in the United
States.
You do not need to be gay/lesbian/bi/transgender to apply for the scholarship.
AWARD CATAGORIES:
Your work must include gay/lesbian/bi/transgender content.
You may submit up to 3 works in each category
Written work of any length will be accepted
Artistic work must meet US Postal Service requirements for size and
content.
Best Written Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transgender Themed Work ($200)
Some examples are:
Personal Story
Poem
Fictional Story
Editorial
Best Artistic Gay/Lesbian/Bi/Transgender Themed Work ($300)
Some examples are:
Drawing
Video
Song
Photo
Painting
Comic Strip
Be creative and come up with you own artistic idea.
********************************************* 11. JOB: Assistant Coordinator, Higher Learning Youth Organizing Program
Position Title: Assistant Coordinator, Higher Learning Youth Organizing
Program
YUCA (a project of the Tides Center) is a grassroots community organization
created, led, and run by young people of color, majority from low-income
communities, providing a safe space for young people to empower ourselves
and work on environmental and social justice issues to establish positive
systemic change through grassroots community organizing. In East Palo Alto,
YUCA is working with youth of color to challenge environmental racism and
gentrification through two campaigns.
Position Overview
Be third person in team of three to facilitate and coordinate a youth-led
organizing program
Assist in the supervision and support of high school youth in organizing
campaigns and education projects in the community
Participate in developing youth membership base
Mentor high school youth
Work with other staff to develop political education, training and skills
curriculum for youth
Work with other staff to develop computer skills of youth
Meet with foundations and funders
Coordinate Fun Nights
Coordinate Family Nights and other events
Attend Staff Meetings and Retreats for Evaluation, Planning and Programmatic
and Organization Development
Participate in Staff Development Trainings and Workshops
Higher Learning administration and paperwork
Drive youth to YUCA related events and meetings
Collaboration with Ally and Community Organizations
Creating a safe space for youth
Aid youth in campaign strategy, project planning, and decision making as
a facilitator
Qualifications
The ideal candidate should have experience in community organizing, developing
the political consciousness of and working with low-income young people color.
Candidate should be patient, detail oriented, possess good time management
skills, have basic computer skills, be a "people person", able to work under
pressure and in a fast-paced environment. Candidate should be politically
conscious and have a commitment to the empowerment of low-income young people
of color and environmental justice. Fluency in Spanish, Tongan or Samoan
is also desired.
The Higher Learning Assistant Coordinator will be supervised by the Higher
Learning Coordinator. Salary starts at $12.98/hour and goes up to range between
$14.42 to 16.83 [depending on experience and performance] after three months
with pro-rated medical and dental benefits. Position is 30 to 40 hours per
week throughout the year with four weeks of paid vacation. Specific
hours may vary and will include some weekends and holidays. Position
Starts May 1, 2004
Please submit resume and cover letter by February 1, 2004 to:
ATTN: Le Tim Ly, Higher Learning Coordinator
YOUTH UNITED FOR COMMUNITY ACTION
1836 Bay Road, Ste. C, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
Phone: (650) 322-9165 Fax: (650) 322-1820 mailto:le@youthunited.net http://www.youthunited.net
********************************************* 12. INTERNSHIP: outLoud Radio Internships (Bay Area)
PAID Internship Opportunities @ outLoud Radio!
The following job opportunities are open to San Francisco residents 14-21
years old with proof of work authorization. Under 18? Parental/Guardian
permission required.
These internship opportunities are part of the OutBound Internship Program
at LYRIC.
Please send an application and your resume to:
outLoud Radio
127 Collingwood St
San Francisco, CA 94114
If you are 14-17 years old, the hourly stipend is $6.75
If you are 18-21 years old, the hourly stipend is $8.25
All interns will receive monthly MUNI fast passes for the duration of internship.
JOB DESCRIPTIONS:
outLoud radio Film Series Reviewer and Facilitator
The outLoud radio Film Series is a new every-other-week event featuring films
with relevance to queer youth. We will hold preview screenings of upcoming
films at the LYRIC house, followed by discussions. These are press screenings
sponsored by outLoud radio, the queer youth radio project, and for each film,
one or more youth will act as film reviewer(s).
The Film Series Reviewer and Facilitator will:
- help choose films for the Film Series
- work with film publicists to arrange screenings
- publicize the screenings to the Bay Area queer youth community
- set up the screening space and clean up afterward
- help facilitate discussion after the screening
- write and record reviews, or work with other youth to write and record
reviews
On screening weeks, the Film Series internship will involve 3-5 hours. On
other weeks, the internship will involve 2-3 hours.
Other requirements: interest in film; punctuality; some experience facilitating
discussions is helpful.
outLoud radio is the queer youth radio project. We cover the news from a
queer youth perspective, with a special focus on queer youth events and issues.
We broadcast news as part of our live local weekly show, and also produce
news reports for broadcast on other local and national outlets.
We are looking for a reporter, whose responsibilities will include:
- adapting news from outside sources for weekly newscasts
- original reporting, including researching stories, interviewing people,
recording sound, writing and voicing stories
- helping edit other outLoud pieces
- keeping on top of queer youth news
This is a 3-5 hour/week position, with the possibility of greater involvement.
This position requires an interest in current events/journalism and good
people skills. Experience with internet research is helpful.
outLoud radio is the queer youth radio project. We have a live local weekly
show, which is mainly music. We also produce reviews, interviews, and documentaries
for local and national broadcast. All of our programming comes from
a queer youth perspective.
Our Music Coordinator:
- maintains outLoud's music library
- contacts labels and artists to get music
- keeps track of upcoming performances, releases, etc.
- writes and records music reviews for broadcast
- suggests music to outLoud's DJs and producers
- arranges for artist interviews
This is a 2-3 hour/week position.
Other requirements: knowledge of current music, appreciation of a wide range
of music, good people skills, good organizational skills.
********************************************* 13. INTERNSHIP: APIHR Youth Program Internships (Southern CA)
Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights
Founded in October 2000, Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights‚
(APIHR) purpose and goals are to advance the human rights of Pan Asian/Pacific
Islander (API) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual, queer and
questioning (LGBTIQ) people. APIHR offers the API/LGBTIQ community a range
of programs and services ˆ from public education of gay and lesbian issues
from an API perspective, youth outreach and leadership development, API-specific
Anti-homophobia campaigns, and proactive policy development focusing on improving
and securing the human rights of API/LGBTIQ people at local, state and national
levels. APIHR is the first agency in the nation with the purpose of
advancing the rights and well being of this underserved population.
And, with the opening of ŒOhana House in July 2003, APIHR is the first agency
in the nation to offer a Community Center created by and for API/LGBTIQ people.
Join Us
We are proud to announce the launching of our Internship Program through
APIHR's Youth Leadership Institute. APIHR offers exciting opportunities for
youth in the fields Public Policy and Program Administration. All of
these opportunities are available to interested high school, undergraduate
and graduate students who identify API and queer. Please read the following
for more detailed descriptions and how to apply.
Youth Program Internships (3)
The APIHR Youth Program Intern assists staff in daily implementation of youth
program outreach, implement APIHR's Needs Assessment Surveys, Peer Education,
Hang Outs and works with APIHR Youth Board.
Qualified candidates will be able to devote a minimum of 4-6 months, and
a minimum of 15 hours per week, subject to staff needs and intern availability.
Youth Program Interns must have a working knowledge of event production.
Experience with program development, a working knowledge of community outreach,
coordination, implementation and evaluation a plus.
To apply, please submit the following:
1) A cover letter that expresses your interest area and qualifications
2) A current resume
3) A writing sample (5 pages maximum)
4) Two names of individuals who are willing to serve as references
Applicants should send materials by October 31, 2003 to:
APIHR Internship Program
6115 Selma Ave.
Suite 207
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 860-0876
Or email : mailto:intern@apihr.org
********************************************* 14. NEWS: Anti-Gay School Rejected For Voucher Program
Anti-Gay School Rejected For Voucher Program
by http://www.365Gay.com Newscenter Staff
Posted: October 23, 2003 11:59 a.m. ET
(Denver, Colorado) A Denver private school that rejects gay students
has been turned down for the city's school voucher program.
Silver State Baptist School was refused by Denver Public Schools and Jefferson
County officials for its discipline policy calling for automatic dismissal
for premarital sex, homosexuality and "sexual perversion."
Under the state voucher program, a school board can reject a private school's
application if it advocates or fosters unlawful behavior or teaches hatred
of a person or group.
"The board's interpretation of the statute is that a school cannot promote
hate," said school board president Elaine Berman. "We believe that this school's
policy toward various groups does promote hate and discrimination."
Rodolfo Gomez, the school's principal said that an appeal will be launched.
He said the 202-student school has not had an openly gay student in its 39-year
history. Gomez said that an openly gay student would be "counseled as to
the Biblical understanding as to what it is that is appropriate and inappropriate
in that situation."
"Because we don't have a history, I would say we would treat it like other
students caught with a smoking problem," Gomez said. "We work with them through
the process and once we see they don't have any desire to correct the problem
or they don't want to deal with it appropriately, then we make those determinations"
about expulsion.
