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Greetings!
May brings the excitement of summer break and perhaps offers a few moments to reflect on what this past school year brought for SFUSD's Student Support Services for LGBTQ Youth. Thanks to the School Board and District Administrative support, we completed a number of outreach and education events this year. As a response to the tragic deaths this fall from school-based bullying, SFUSD implemented a successful "Respect Week" delivering new curriculum, posters, buttons, and suggestions for intervention to every school in the District. In addition, we redoubled efforts in anticipation of the District Gay Pride Celebration, which happens each April.  | | Day of Silence Sticker |
We are just now receiving the completed logs from the LGBTQ Support Liaisons, and we are delighted that schools completed a broad range of successful events. One of the most popular events is the Day of Silence. We distributed the District stickers students wore to announce their participation. Burton High School had such a successful event that it drew the interest of local television stations, interviewing students and faculty. We are already planning for next year, and have resources ready in time for the students' return! All the best,
Kevin Gogin and Ilsa Bertolini |
Teaching Educators To Keep Our LGBTQ Youth Safe
Educators and administrators funded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from all over the country came to San Francisco for a National Professional Development HIV event called "Strengthening Our Practice: Reaching Our Target" in mid-March.
 | | Kevin Gogin, along with Ilsa Bertolini (not pictured) demonstrates ways to keep our LGBTQ youth safe in schools. |
Co-presenters Ilsa Bertolini and Kevin Gogin, who spearhead Support Services for LGBTQ Youth for SFUSD gave a three-hour workshop designed to showcase the work they've been doing in San Francisco to over 60 people.
The cornerstone of their presentation was the "Student Safety Data" which showed sobering statistics: higher incidence of alcohol and marijuana use; elevated mental health indicators for depression and suicide; and an increase of threats at school. "When educators see these stats they feel overwhelmed," said Kevin Gogin, "but after we offer them ways and insight on how they can help create a safe space for their LGBTQ students, they feel relieved and empowered."
Download Student Safety Data presentation.The presentation also included activities that can be replicated in other districts as well as a review of present curriculum, much of which can be downloaded on our website at healthiersf.org/lgbtq.
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Voices from our Schools
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Susan Kitchell, RN, MS, PNP
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Susan Kitchell, RN, MS, PNP Burton High School Wellness Program Q: What inspired you to be a mentor?
I don't see myself as much a mentor as an advocate. People ask me what a middle-aged straight lady is doing working on behalf of LGBTQ youth. As a child of Holocaust survivors, I was brought up to believe and I strongly believe that everybody not only deserves but is entitled to equal rights. It all comes back to my belief that everyone's entitled to an equally safe, equally loving, equally equal environment.
Q: In your role as a school nurse what have you done to create a safer climate?
My office is known as a confidential space. I advertise that safety through the visual impact of the posters and signs I have on the entry way and walls of my office. My students also know that I will advocate with them and for them. I think that's a very important part to play in their lives.
Q: What's an activity you've done for LGBTQ?
There have been so many activities over the years! At the high school level is we bring the New Conservatory Theater every year to perform "The Other Side of the Closet." Students then have an opportunity to hold a discussion afterward with the director and actors to further illustrate how to challenge myths and stereotypes and create safer schools. I have organized a "Rainbow Café" during the month of April where each day guest speakers come during lunch to address a different topic. For example, Monday might be gays in the military, Tuesday might be gay parents, the next day might be gays and religion, and then it might be legislating civil rights for gays.
We participate in the Day of Silence every year and this year we also did "Pink Tsunami" where the winner of the "pinkest homeroom" contest received a special luncheon.
Q: What are some challenges or barriers you've encountered?
I think any time you talk about sexuality and sexual behavior to youth or as it relates to youth, there are barriers to overcome. Those may be personal barriers or family barriers or environmental (school, community, culture) barriers. I don't think they're insurmountable - I have always managed to jump the hurdles and, I hope, teach my students something about overcoming challenges and resiliency in the face of adversity to boot!
Read other interviews from SFUSD teachers, counselors and other educational professionals in
Voices From Our Schools.
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Support Services for LGBTQ Youth
Student Support Services Department
San Francisco Unified School District |
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