Dear GSA Activist,
We welcome students from the GSA at Diamond Ranch High School in Pomona!
This week we are also reminded that our Safe Schools movment has much work to do. We'd like to take a moment to honor the lives of Eric Mohat, Carl Walker-Hoover, Jeheem Herreraall and all the LGBT Youth who felt they had not other option but to take their own lives.
In this issue, we highlight Queer Youth Advocacy Day, and the upcoming Leadership Trainings for GSA Activsits as we continue to build the capacity of young people and our movment to fight for safe and equal access to education.
In Solidarity,
GSA Network
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GSA NETWORK NEWS HIGHLIGHT: Youth Activists Call for Equality at Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2009
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Youth Activists Call for Equality at Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2009
An inspiring crowd of LGBT students and allies rallied at the State Capitol in Sacramento on Monday, April 20th, to demonstrate their support for key legislation to honor Harvey Milk and to increase access to mental health services for at-risk youth. Youth activists traveled from as far as San Diego to attend the annual event, many traveling by bus through out the night.
"I wanted to help with the movement of LGBTQ issues while it is happening. I don't want to look back and think, why didn't I help?" - Youth participant
"Nik and Molly from GSA Network and Kristina from TLC with Senator Mark Leno after his rousing rally speech!"
Outspoken and inspiring, these fierce youth activists passionately shared their stories and called on lawmakers to make California's schools safer. Student speakers were joined on stage by trail-blazing LGBT legislators, including Senator Mark Leno, Senator Christine Kehoe and Assemblymembers Bonnie Lowenthal and Tom Ammiano.
"The most powerful part was hearing everyone's personal stories that had to do with LGBTQ issues. Also, just being around this many gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people has inspired me to do more for the LGBTQ community." - Youth participant
Following the rally, youth went in small groups to meet with elected officials representing their hometowns. In total they met with an impressive 56 legislative offices! In the meetings, students shared their stories of harassment, bullying and discrimination in school, reminding lawmakers that much work still needs to be done to insure that California's schools are safe places to learn for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and gender-nonconforming students.
 Youth activists asked lawmakers to pass the Harvey Milk Day Bill (SB572) in order to educate all Californians about the important contributions of LGBT leaders to our state's history. Clearly inspired by Milk, the first openly gay man elected to a major public office, students created signs honoring the legendary leader with phrases like "We are all Harvey Milk" in English and Spanish.
"I will try to be more active in my community by speaking about Harvey Milk and other LGBTQ leaders." - Youth participant
An overwhelming number of students had very personal reasons for imploring state legislators to pass The Mental Health Services for At-Risk Youth Bill (SB 543). This important bill would allow youth ages 12-17 to consent to mental health treatment or counseling without parental permission. Requiring parental consent is a major barrier for LGBT youth who can find themselves in emotionally damaging and sometimes physically threatening situations if they come out to their parents prematurely and without support. Student after student spoke about times when they were seriously depressed or suicidal but were unable to seek counseling because they weren't ready or didn't feel safe coming out to their parents. They urged their representatives to address this issue by passing SB 543.
Student leaders also conducted successful meetings with the California Department of Education and California School Boards Association, reminding them once again that it is not enough to pass laws protecting LGBT students; the laws must be enforced!
Best part of the event? "Actually meeting with my representatives and convincing them successfully to co-author the bills." - Youth participant
Prior to Monday's activities, over 60 youth leaders attended an intensive 3-day training called the GSA Advocacy & Youth Leadership Academy (GAYLA). This training covered the legislative process, policy and administrative advocacy, media activism, and other important leadership skills for students working to fight homophobia and transphobia in school.
"I think the most valuable was learning how to tell my story in a way that people outside the LGBTQ community could understand." - Youth participant
"The most valuable part was meeting all of the other LGBTQ youth. They really inspired me and reminded me of why I'm a straight ally." - Youth participant
The workshops were facilitated by youth leaders, along with staff from the awesome organizations that sponsored GAYLA and Queer Youth Advocacy Day. These organizations included Gay-Straight Alliance Network, Equality California Institute, BIENESTAR, Transgender Law Center, The Trevor Project, and the National Association of Social Workers California Chapter.
A big thanks to all the donors, volunteers, college mentors, staff and sponsoring organizations that made GAYLA and Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2009 a huge success!
Check out photos from the event Below.
Thanks to Cam Sanders and Ariel Bustamante-Lupton for volunteering their time to take these gorgeous pictures!
NBC Sacramento's coverage of the event:
http://www.kcra.com/video/19241701/index.html
Cam's photos: Cam's Picasa Album
Ariel's photos: Ariel's Picasa Album
*** If you did not sign a photo release form, contact us immediately to have your photo removed. We did our very best to remove the 5 of you who did not sign forms, but if we missed you, please let us know asap [email protected].***
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GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS
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1. GSA2! - Greater Sacramento Area GSA Summit, May 9th
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Hello Advisers and GSA/QSA Members,
I am happy to invite you all to the first ever Greater Sacramento Area, Gay Straight Alliance Summit or GSA2.
This is an event being presented by the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center with partnerships by the GSA Network, The Rainbow Chamber Foundation, and the Greens Hotel.
I encourage you all to attend, we will be having workshops for Junior High, High School, and College students. Advisers, we will have workshops for you as well, and also some time for allof you to meet and network with each other.
One of the other goals is to create a college mentor program, a program for junior and senior high school student, to meet and connect with a college student so that when that high school student gets to college, they will have some one to help them out. This will also help with the fear of trying to find there place in college; as well as, be able to continue with there involvement in the LGBTQI community but this time in a QSA!
A fun twist to the event is we would like to recognize those High School seniors who have been parts of your GSA's; with that we will be having a graduation ceremony for them in the evening.
The Summit will be on Saturday, May 9th at the Greens Hotel. Please visit our website, or download the brochure for further information and to register.
www.saccenter.org/programs/youth-services
Please feel free to contact me with any furhter information!
Sincerely
--
Enrique Manjarrez
Youth Program Coordinator
Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center
1927 L Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
916-442-0185 Office
916-726-3648 Fax
916-595-3399 Cell
[email protected]
www.saccenter.org
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2. Upcoming Free South LA GSA Summit
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Saturday, May 9
South LA GSA Summit
10am - 5pm
Expo Park/Bethune Library
3900 S. Western Ave.
LA, CA 90062
To register for these Summits go to:
http://www.myspace.com/socalgsanetwork
For More Info Contact: [email protected]
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3. GSA Activist Camps! Save the Dates!
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Southern California/Central
Valley Camp: July 17-19, 2009 (Fri-Sun) - at the
University of Southern California
Northern California
Camp: August 14-16, 2008 (Fri-Sun) at the
Headlands Institute in Marin
The GSA Activist Camp is a youth-planned
and youth-led 3-day event that features intensive community building,
skill-building, political education, and leadership training for GSA
members and potential members. All LGBT and straight ally youth can
apply. Youth who will be in a high school or middle school GSA next
year will be given priority.
Youth of color, trans youth, and
low-income youth are especially encouraged to apply.
Cost: $20-$100 sliding scale - no
one turned away for lack of funds; scholarships available.
www.gsanetwork.org/camp (Southern California/Central Valley Camp Appilcations Open Now! Nor Cal Camp Applications will
Open May 1st so check back soon!
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4. March with GSA Network at PRIDE 2009! Save the DATE! (S.F.)
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March with GSA Network at PRIDE 2009!
Because we all know that SF has THE BEST pride parade around, you are all invited to come march with us in our GSA Network pride contingent. It's totally free, you can bring as many of your GSA members and adult supporters that you want, and we have snacks and water for you!
But that's not all! The first 50 GSA members to show up to the Pride Parade will get a free whistle to use and keep. There will also be hundreds of bead necklaces to pass out to the crowd while walking down the parade route. Youth who want their GSA recognized in a sign should either make it themselves or email/call me to let me know they want a sign made for them. Then just show up and we'll have a sign waiting for you.
San Francisco Pride Parade, Sunday, June 28th
Check www.gsanetwork.org for exact location and time when it gets closer to the June 28th date
Questions? Contact Kiely Hosmon, Northern California Program Coordinator
415-552-4229 or [email protected] Kiely Hosmon,
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OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS
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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. |
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CA STATEWIDE
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5. GET ON THE BUS, MEET IN THE MIDDLE!
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 GET ON THE BUS, MEET IN THE MIDDLE
There are 4 buses from across the state - headed to a statewide event, on the
FIRST Saturday AFTER the Prop 8 verdicts are announced. The buses are FREE
for youth and the organizers of Meet in the Middle would be TOTALLY hip to the
idea of them being completely full, as a youth party bus to Fresno, CA!!!
If you are interested in learning more about this FREE, charter bus ride to
help build a rally cry for the multiple issues that LGBTPQQI are not treated equally,
then - GET ON THE BUS to Meet in the Middle for Equality.
Join us on that FIRST Saturday AFTER, shoulder to shoulder, fist in the air - saying, 8 is no longer enough - everyone deserves safe schools and you're the voice to help make that happen.
To learn more about the bus locations available and how to RSVP, please contact:
www.meetinthemiddle4equality.com
[email protected]
559-730-3833
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6. Project Classifieds! taking over statewide classifieds in CA Newspapers
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Want to get the same-sex marriage issue back in the media in a positive way?
Want to make a memorable statement in a way that's never been done before?
Join us in taking over statewide newspapers on Sunday, May 3rd!
http://tinyurl.com/gaynewspaper
WHO:
The LGBT community and their allies
WHAT:
Taking over statewide classifieds in the CA newspapers
WHEN:
The
ads will need to be in the May 3rd paper, so make sure you submit yours
with enough time to meet the deadline. Make sure your ad is not printed
early!
WHERE:
All publications in CA that have classifieds
HOW:
We
need as many people as possible to submit marriage equality classified
or personal ads to publications in CA. Be as creative as you can, but
make sure it is obvious you are talking about marriage equality. If you
can submit multiple ads or hit numerous publications, please do so. We
want to make sure no one will miss our ads, so the more that are
submitted the better. If you want to submit half page or full page
adds, please do that as well. If you can write in a foreign language,
please consider submitting ads in newspapers that are published in
different languages. Be creative, witty, sarcastic, and/or humorous;
however please do not attack or point fingers at any group.
WHY:
Classifieds
are read by numerous people across the state. This is our chance to
reach out to people in a humorous, non-confrontational way that will be
remembered. While protests are great, they can't be the only way we
fight back. In order to keep our issue in the media, we will need to be
more creative.
Here are some examples of the types of ads you can submit to the newspaper of your choice:
WANTED
The
right to marry the person I love. If anyone has a right to marry that
they are not using, please let me know. This right must be
non-revocable and available to all people regardless of their sexual
orientation. Please call ASAP if you can help me secure equality for
all.
TEMPORARY HOME NEEDED
My right to marry the person I
love needs a good home since I am temporarily displaced from my
Constitutional Protections. If you know of a place where I can protect
my dream to marry him/her until I can get my rights back, please
contact me.
PERSONALS
Seeking responsible committed right to
visit my spouse in the hospital when I travel out of state, ability to
give my social security benefits to my spouse and seeking the 1,138
other federal rights denied my spouse at present . No flakes or
substitutes need apply!
LOST AND FOUND
Lost - my right to
marry the person I love. Last seen on November 4th, 2008. If seen,
please return to law abiding, taxpaying citizen. It is dearly missed.
FOR SALE
My Rights
FOR SALE
Equal rights for minorities.
Sponsors include:
Marriage Equality USA - http://www.marriageequality.org
Students for Equality - http://studentsforequality.com/
Equality Action NOW - http://www.EqualityActionNOW.org
Erase the H8 - http://www.erasetheh8.com
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7. 13LoveStories.com Multi-Media Project for LGBT Organizations
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13LoveStories.com is a unique multimedia advocacy project that
profiles the moving stories of thirteen Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and
Transgender couples whose lives were profoundly affected by Proposition
8- the recent California ballot initiative that eliminated the right of
same-sex couples to marry.
13LoveStories.com is available in two forms: a 45-minute film and
stunning mobile exhibition, both featuring a diverse cross-section of
loving LGBT families in and around Los Angeles.
*(Individual videos can be viewed online at www.13LoveStories.com)
The goal of 13LoveStories.com is to raise awareness for the civil
rights of LGBT unions.
London-based photographer Gideon Mendel contributed portraits of each
couple and still-life pictures in their homes. UCLA students worked
with the couples to unearth an array of snapshots from their personal
archives. The result is a project that is moving, funny, inspirational,
and perfect to share with your community.
What You Can Get:
45 minute DVD with all 13 stories. (Discussion guide and flier
template to advertise your screening/event included)
How To Get it:
Contact Robert Gordon at 310-794-9208 or [email protected]
Mail a $ 50 check *made out to the Regents of the University of
California
to the following address:
UCLA Art | Global Health Center
Attention: Cathryn Dhanatya
120 Westwood Plaza
Glorya Kaufman Hall Suite 150
Box 951608
Los Angeles, CA 90095-1608
Give us your mailing address, and we'll send all of the materials.
*If you are interested in receiving the DVD, but are unable to afford
the cost of the materials, please get in touch with us, and we'll try to
work something out.
How to Get the Exhibition:
Contact Robert Gordon at 310-794-9208 or [email protected] to work out specifics of date, number of portraits, and cost.
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8. Take Action for LGBT Immigration Rights
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Take Action for LGBT Immigration Rights
The Uniting American Families Act (UAFA -H.R. 1024/S. 424) was introduced as a Valentine's Day gift this year to same-sex, binational couples by Rep. Jerrold Nadler and Sen. Patrick Leahy.
As you may be aware, the U.S. government discriminates against gay and lesbian binational couples by not allowing us to sponsor our foreign-born life partners for immigration. Because of this, we face the terrible choice of separating from the person we love or leaving our country.
The UAFA would fulfill the pledge of family unification under current U.S. immigration policy by allowing gay and lesbian Americans to sponsor their life partners for immigration to the United States.
The Washington Post and The San Francisco Chronicle have both recently endorsed passage of the UAFA, and the American Bar Association has also just recently adopted a resolution endosrsing the UAFA.
Please contact your Senators and Representatives to help spread the word about this very important issue. In order for this bill to move forward, it needs the support of as many members of Congress as possible. Reaching out to your Senators and Representatives in Congress by calling, faxing and emailing them to ask for their support can help to ensure this bill will pass!
Learn more and take action at National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) website: http://www.nclrights.org/site/PageServer?pagename=issue_immigration_uafa
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NOR CAL
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9. Standing Up For Individuality (SUFI) Youth Awareness Conference-- May 23, 2009! (Sacto)
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The Inderkum High School GSA, along with their Black Student Union (BSU), Christians In Action (CIA), Club Live, and Think Globally, will be hosting our first youth awareness conference, SUFI. There will be guest speakers, an amazing catalog of classes to participate in, and a DANCE!
The event will take place on May 23rd at
Inderkum High School
4500 New Market Dr.
Sacramento CA, 95835
for more information please contact:
Morgan Sonnenfeld at
[email protected]
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10. Help GSA Members Earn $25 and Support Other LGBT Youth (Bay Area)
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Are you a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender youth? Are you
between the ages of 13 and 18? Do you live in or around the Bay Area?
Would you like an opportunity to earn $25 for community
participation?
If so, the Family Acceptance Project wants to hear your opinions about
our research findings and how you think they may impact teens and
their families.
To participate you must be willing to take part in an individual 60-90
minute interview at our Mission office (near BART). You must be open
to hearing more about our findings and be willing to share your
feedback. You will be given $20 cash for your time and $5 to cover
your transportation costs.
If you are interested in sharing your opinions with us please contact
Andrea or Andrew by phone: 1.888.354.4222, or by email:
[email protected] |
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11. PFLAG Oakland-East Bay invites GSA advisors to a Sunday brunch!
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PFLAG Oakland-East Bay invites GSA advisors to a Sunday brunch!
(Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) invites you to join us and other GSA advisors in the area for Brunch on Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 11am at the home of Ginny Irving and Larry Moll in Oakland.
PFLAG is eager to support GSA efforts and want to connect with as many East Bay GSA advisors as possible. Please feel free to pass along this invitation to other high schools/middle schools in your district. You are also welcome to bring another teacher or administrator with you. We look forward to meeting you.
Please RSVP (and to get the address) by May 8th to: [email protected]
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12. BAYCAT Summer Media Camp (Bay Area)
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BAYCAT Summer Media Camp is a fun educational experience that focuses on producing a TV show, animation shorts, theater art pieces, music and vocal performances, fieldtrips and presentations by Bay Area media talent and artists, and personal manifestos regarding social justice issues.
We are looking for students who are talented, willing to work hard, and eager to use arts, technology and digital media as a form of expression. At the end of this intensive 9-week camp, we will showcase all the media created during the summer for families and friends.
Who: BAYCAT
What: Summer Media Camp, ages 11-17
When: June 22 - August 20 - Mon to Thurs 2:00 - 6:00pm
Where: BAYCAT - 2415 Third Street, Suite 230 San Francisco, CA 94107
Contact: Marco Castro-Bojorquez, Program Manager at 415-701-8228 ext. 205
NOTE: Please go to our Web site www.baycat.org for complete information. If you prefer, you may call 415-701-8228 X 205 for information.
BAYCAT is a non-profit community media producer that educates, empowers and employs underserved youth and adults in the digital media arts. By bridging the digital divide, BAYCAT inspires students to stay in school and become lifelong learners, and to use the power of digital media and design to shape their communities and tell their unique stories.
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13. Fremont/East Bay PFLAG and GSA Pool Party!! May 23rd.
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On Saturday, May 23rd, from 1 - 5 pm, the Fremont/East Bay chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will host a BBQ/Pool Party for all members of local GSAs.
There'll be lots of great food, volleyball, a DJ, supportive parents, and many fun, fellow GSA members. Party will be at the home (condo complex pool and cabana) of PFLAG member Dave Ellison in Fremont, near BART. There will be an informal shuttle to and from BART (1.25 miles away) for all those who'd prefer not to walk.
GSA moderators should RSVP to Dave with numbers attending via email: [email protected]. For day-of shuttle, call (510) 684-6506.
All GSA members, their moderators/advisers, their parents are welcome.
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14. SOUL Summer School
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June 15th to August 6th 2009
San Francisco Bay Area
SOUL Summer School is an intensive 8-week introduction to community organizing and social change, designed for young activists who have been involved with social justice organizing for at least one year. SOUL is dedicated to building the skills of young women, young people of color, working class, and queer people as the next generation of leaders in the social justice movement.
SOUL Summer School provides a structured time to work full-time to develop your grassroots organizing skills and your political analysis. SOUL Summer School has three components:
ORGANIZING INTERNSHIPS with local organizations that work within working class communities and communities of color, fighting alongside people for their rights. Through these internships, you'll get on-the-ground experience with the work it takes to build community power.
ORGANIZING SKILLS TRAINING so you can learn the concrete tools you'll need to organize for power in our communities. The trainings provide space to build the skills you will use in your internships. SOUL's trainings will develop skills like outreach & recruitment, action planning, and facilitation.
POLITICAL EDUCATION to think more deeply about the current political and economic context, especially the issues impacting working-class communities of color. We'll also look at local and global fights to win justice for our people, to help develop a strategic vision for building our movement today.
The summer program is eight weeks long, starting on June 15th and ending with a closing celebration on August 6th. SOUL Summer School is a full-time commitment for the whole eight weeks. You will not have time for another job or for summer classes. You'll spend at least 30 hours a week in your organizing internship and 10 hours in our political education & skills training sessions. SOUL provides need-based stipends- up to $2000- for your living costs during the summer. Applications for SOUL Summer School 2009 are due by April 17th. If you have any questions about SOUL Summer School, please email us at [email protected] or call 510. 451. 5466 x 300.
SOUL School Of Unity & Liberation
287 17th Street, Suite 225
Oakland, CA 94612
www.schoolofunityandliberation.org
a school to build a movement
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15. Gay Prom (Bay Area) June 13th!
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Does your prom cost too much? Do you want to go to a prom where you can be yourself and dress as you choose? Do you want to enjoy your LGBTQQ community with others? Want to play fun games and win cool prizes? WELL COME ENJOY THE GAY PROM!!! Project Eden Lambda Youth project would like to invite all LGBTQQ and straight ally youth to our 15th annual Gay Prom!!! THEME: "A Walk in Wonderland" WHEN: Saturday, June 13, 2009 from 7-12p.m. WHERE: Centennial Hall in Hayward, CA; 22292 Foothill Blvd. Hayward Ca. 94541 HOW MUCH: $25.00 per person at the door OR advance tickets (pre paid) of groups 10 or more $20.00 (MUST CONTACT 510-247-8200 FOR ADVANCE TICKETS) AGE: 20 and younger CONTACT: Dana Johnson, MSW, 510-247-8221 or www.gayprom.org or www.myspace.com/gayprom Note; If your GSA is interested in any special presentations please contact me ASAP!!! THIS IS A SUBSTANCE FREE EVENT!!!!!!!
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16. GSA "Rent" Sing-a-long! (Bay Area)
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On May 1st, the Aragon High School GSA in San Mateo will be hosting a GSA Rent Sing-a-long! It is at 7:00 in the Memorial Theater at Aragon which is located at 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, San Mateo, CA. The suggested donation value for entry is $5. We will watch the great movie-musical and sing a long to it and have a great time. There will also be food and drinks for sale for $1.
If you will be able to attend, please RSVP by GSA with the number of students expected to attend. Please RSVP by email to [email protected]Thank you!
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17. PFLAG Berkeley wants to bring YouthAware Educational Theatre to YOUR* GSAs School!
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PFLAG Berkeley wants to bring YouthAware Educational Theatre to YOUR* GSAs School!
PFLAG Berkeley is looking for an *East Bay school to donate money to have the YouthAware Educational Theatre present at their school. If you would like PFLAG Berkeley to sponsor your GSA and get you this theatre piece for FREE, please contact Sharon Lewis at [email protected].
YouthAware Educational Theatre at the New Conservatory Theatre Presents. . .
YouthAware Educational Theatre at the New Conservatory Theatre Presents. . .
OutSpoken by Prince Gomolvilas
A Diversity & Safe Schools Play for Teens
Touring Northern California Schools and Communities
Mondays through Thursdays from April 6th - May 14th 2009
OutSpoken by Prince Gomolvilas is based directly on the voices of young people, and looks at the many reasons teens feel ostracized in school, at home and in their community including race, religion, sexual orientation & body type. This original YouthAware script has been presented to bay area teens since 2005. OutSpoken takes a unique look at issues of diversity from many different perspectives. The play and discussion get teens to talk and think about stereotypes, labels, self-esteem, peer pressure, homophobia and school safety. Through OutSpoken, we hope young people will find new ways to move past their differences to a real place of tolerance and understanding. This is a great program for your GSA or other diversity based club to sponsor on campus. OutSpoken is available to perform up to two times a day at your school. We are available to present community performances of this program on Monday and Tuesday evenings during the run of the tour. Each performance includes a facilitated discussion with the cast and handouts are provided for teachers to continue discussion in the classroom.
You may download a preview copy of the script at http://www.nctcsf.org/outspoken.html .
For more information or to book a tour date for your school, email [email protected] or call (415) 694-6149.
YouthAware Educational Theatre at NCTC is Supported in Part By: CA Wellness Foundation, James Irvine Foundation, Grants for the Arts, William & Flora Hewlett Foundation, MAC AIDS Fund, Academy of Friends, Macy's West (Passport), Morris Family Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, San Francisco Unified School District, Small Change Foundation, Travelers Foundation, Until There's A Cure Foundation, Van Loben Sels/Rembe Rock Foundation, Wells Fargo Foundation, David B. Gold Foundation, Fleishhacker Foundation, Western Union Foundation, Alexander & Baldwin, Inc., The Lucius & Eva Eastman Foundation, Google, and the generous contributions of our individual donors.
Sara Staley
YouthAware Program Director
New Conservatory Theatre Center
25 Van Ness Ave. LL (@ Market St.)
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 694-6149 (415) 861-6988 (fax)
www.nctcsf.org
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18. Camp Courage is Coming to Downtown Oakland on May 2-3, 2009
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The Bay Area Camp Courage is a weekend-long training in grassroots organizing. The goal of camp is to empower individuals to lead and grow the movement for marriage equality. Based on the organizing model used in the Obama campaign, Camp Courage engages individuals from diverse communities to share their stories, uncover their common struggles and goals, and then train in the skills necessary to take action. It is a weekend in community building, designed for the new activist, as well as the seasoned veteran.
Camp Courage is free, and attendees are asked to contribute $10 towards food (breakfast and lunch will be provided both days). This fee can be waived for anyone who needs it - just request a waiver when you register.
To learn more or register, visit: http://www.couragecampaign.org/BayArea
Space is limited and filling up fast, so register today to reserve your spot!
Sincerely,
Hope Wood
Community Engagement Coordinator
Bay Area Camp Courage
Couragecampaign.org/BayArea
[email protected]
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19. Prop 8 Decision Day Actions (S.F.)
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Fellow Marriage Equality Supporters
While we wait anxiously here in California for the Supreme Court to issue their decision, we celebrate the unanimous decision in Iowa, the override of the Governor's Veto in Vermont and the unanimous vote to recognize marriage equality in D.C. which gives us hope that California will restore marriage equality soon too! No matter what the decision from the court, momentum is on our side, and we must be prepared.
TAKE ACTION ON DAY OF DECISION
Win or lose, we want to provide our community with an outlet to express their emotions, show support for marriage equality, and contextualize this moment within the larger civil rights movement.
The Evening that the Court rules on Prop 8
5-6pm Pre-March Rally @ San Francisco City Hall
6-7pm March to MLK Memorial at Yerba Buena Gardens
7-8:30 Post -March Rally @ Yerba Buena Gardens (4th@Mission)
To volunteer for Decision Day email Dolores at [email protected]. Please join the Facebook event and forward to everyone you know. Go to facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=56341968089&ref=ts
The Court provides 24 hours notice of when it will issue its decision. Typically the Court has issued its decisions on Thursday and Mondays. The court will rule anytime in the next 60 days. The last possible date is June 3rd , but the rumor is that the Court will rule earlier on this decision - no one knows for sure.
We are assisting the legal groups with locating available couples (married and want to be married) to speak out on Decision Day and share their story.
In particular we are seeking for couples who are able to be at the California Supreme Court steps at 10:30am as the decision is handed out.
If interested, please contact [email protected] with the couples name(s), phone number, ethnicity, and languages spoken.) Thank you for ensuring that we have diverse real-life stories to share with the media on the day of decision. |
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20. Youth Calendar (S.F.)
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San Francisco's LYRIC Youth Center hosts events almost everyday for LGBTQQ youth.
LYRIC
LYRIC's
mission is to build community and inspire positive social change
through education enhancement, career trainings, health promotion, and
leadership development with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer,
and questioning youth, their families, and allies of all races,
classes, genders, and abilities.
Calendar of Events
http://lyric.org/calendar.html
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Central Valley
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21. Community Links Youth Meetings Every Friday (Fresno)
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So Cal
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22. Youth Pride Volunteers Needed (S.D.)
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San Diego Pride is looking for volunteers to help in either the Parade or the Festival this year.
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, July 17/18, 2009
Volunteers will: March in the Parade, work the activities during the festival and do check-in and/or sell tickets.
Anyone interested should contact San Diego Pride at myspace.com/sdyouthpride2007, or [email protected]
Entire GSAs are encouraged to volunteer!
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23. IE GSA Advisors Summit & potluck (Inland Empire)
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IE GSA Advisors Summit (& potluck)
Wednesday, 6 May 2009
5-7pm
Location: Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance
860 East Gilbert Complex (Gilbert at Paseo)
San Bernardino, CA 92404
***NOTE: This address does not come up correctly on MapQuest, Yahoo Maps etc! We are in a complex of County of San Bernardino buildings off of Gilbert.
Please call if you need directions: 951.833-1329 (cell).
This will be a potluck dinner, so bring your favorite dish, salad or bag of chips. We will provide drinks.
Tentative Agenda:
Roundtable of IE GSA activities
Report back and discussion on Riverside and San Bernardino County School District Policies
Discussion of possible IE GSAs collaborative events (LGBTQ Health Week, LGBTQ History month, QCamp, GSA Socials etc)
IE Resources for GSAs
Please contact Maggie Hakwkins if you have any questions, [email protected]
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24. 1st Annual Queer Latino/a Conference (Santa Ana)
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Come in support and solidarity to empower our queer latina/latino hermanos in Orange County. An injustice to one is an injustice to all. Let's gather the correct tools to fight social, cultural, and political oppression and create a more dignified place for the latina/latino LGBT community en el Condado de la Naranaja (Orange County)!
When: April 25, 2009
Where: El Centro Cultural De Mexico
310 W. 5th St.
Santa Ana, CA 92701
For more info contact Jorge Gutierrez: [email protected] or 714-414-8171
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25. LA LGBTQ Youth Prom (L.A.) May 15th!
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LA LGBTQ Youth Prom
When: Friday, May 15, 2009
Where: Friendship Auditorium, LA
PRE-PAY TICKET: $40
AT DOOR TICKET: $50
PRE-PAY TICKETS MUST BE BOUGHT BY FRIDAY, MAY 8, 2009
For More Info Visit:
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26. SOCAL Youth Groups
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Orange County LGBT Youth Group (O.C.)
The Center OC is a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community center in Orange County.
They offer a Rainbow youth night open to all youth ages 14-22 on Wednesday nights from 7-8:30pm.
For location and directions see their website at www.thecenteroc.org
*****************************************
Riverside Queer Youth Group
JOCC Youth Group Meets Every Friday 6pm to 8pm.
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27. LGBT Youth Calendars (L.A. and San Diego)
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Check out these new calendars for LGBT Youth!
Los Angeles Youth
http://lalgbtcalendar.pbwiki.com/
http://www.virsil.com/
San Diego Youth
www.ourlgbtevents.org/
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JOBS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
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28. Social Innovation Summer Fellowship Program (SISFP)
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Weber Shandwick and the Gill Foundation have partnered on the first Social Innovation Summer Fellowship Program (SISFP). The objective of the 2009 SISFP is to develop innovative solutions and resources to foster mutual understanding, collaboration and strategic giving between companies and non-profit organizations addressing LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) issues.
Specifically, two students will be chosen as SISFP Fellows to work together under the direction of the Social Innovation team at Weber Shandwick - and with the guidance of the Gill Foundation and SISFP Advisory Board - to create a communications toolkit that provides strategic and practical recommendations on how stakeholders at corporations and non-profit organizations can access and utilize resources in mutually beneficial partnerships that advance LGBT equality.
Each SISFP Fellow will be given a stipend, and must be able to live and work full-time at the Weber Shandwick offices in either New York, NY or Washington, DC in the summer of 2009.
NUMBER OF FELLOWSHIPS: 2
STIPEND: $7500 (per Fellow)
DURATION: June 1 - August 31, 2009 (3 months)
LOCATION: New York, NY or Washington, DC
ELIGIBILITY: Applicants must be US citizens ages 18-30, and currently enrolled either part-time or full-time in an accredited 2- or 4-year college, university or graduate school. No employee of Weber Shandwick or the Gill Foundation is eligible.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: May 1, 2009
For the application or any questions please email: [email protected]
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29. SCHOLARSHIPS:
2009 Los Angeles Frontrunners LGBT Athletic Scholarship Award Competition
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Los Angeles Frontrunners
Announces
The 2009 Los Angeles Frontrunners
LGBT Athletic Scholarship Award Competition
Los Angels Frontrunners (LAFR) will award to scholarships for $1000 each to one (1) make and one (1) female LGBT athlete who have demonstrated the following criteria for eligibility:
-Graduating H.S. Senior or Current Undergraduate College Student (Freshman thru Junior only)
-Participation in Athletics
-Academic Excellence
-Participation in Extra-Curricular Clubs, Activities, or Community Service
-Participation/Involvement in LGBT Community Activities or Organizations
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30. CAPPAC 2009 Scholarship Application (Greater Sacto)
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CAPPAC is a non-partisan political action committee formed to promote the civil rights and ensure the equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people through the political process. CAPPAC focuses on California's capital region and on races and initiatives of statewide importance to the LGBT community.
CAPPAC invites submissions for our annual scholarship award. CAPPAC will give 2 $500.00 scholarships to students selected by the CAPPAC Board. Applications must be received by JULY 31, 2009.
Eligible applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
� Currently enrolled in, or planning to enroll in a post-secondary education program, including any college or accredited trade program.
� High school graduate by July, 2009.
� Graduate from either (1) a high school located in the Sacramento Region (Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, Sutter, Yuba, and El Dorado), or (2) plans to pursue their post-high school education in one of these counties.
� All scholarship money will be used toward post-high school education.
� Active in school or the community in the effort to defeat Proposition 8 prior to the November 4, 2008 election.
The purpose of the CAPPAC scholarship is to recognize outstanding people from the Sacramento Region for their involvement in the LGBT community, with a special emphasis on involvement in the effort to defeat Proposition 8. CAPPAC's scholarship is intended to foster local youth leadership to help fulfill its mission to assure LGBT equality, and encourage post-secondary education for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and allies.
Payment of the scholarship award will follow receipt of satisfactory college/school enrollment verification. The deadline for winners to submit their proof of enrollment is December 31, 2009.
For the full applicaiton or questions please contact: [email protected]. Please send completed applications to: CAPPAC, Attn: 2009 Scholarship Award, 1008 10th Street, Suite 255, Sacramento, CA 95814.
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31. GAY AND LESBIAN ARMENIAN SOCIETY Scholarship
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GAY AND LESBIAN ARMENIAN SOCIETY
8721 Santa Monica Blvd. Box #654
West Hollywood, CA 90069-4511
(310) 203-1587
www.galasla.org E-mail: [email protected]
GALAS Scholarship Guidelines
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Students from all fields of study are encouraged to apply
- $1000 scholarship
- Deadline to submit application packet: Friday May 15, 2009. Recipient will be announced on or before May 29, 2009. Award will be given out at the awards ceremony in June 2009. (Must be present to receive the award.)
ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION
- For undergraduate studies
(High School Seniors and College students who are accepted/enrolled in accredited colleges/universities)
- Active involvement in an organization that benefits the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Transgender (GLBT) community
REQUIREMENTS:
- School acceptance letter/class registration
- Transcripts
- Minimum GPA 3.0 (special circumstances taken into consideration)
- Letters of recommendation (at least 2)
- (1) from an instructor/academic setting
- (1) from an organization that benefits the GLBT community
- Autobiography including statement of intent (500 word minimum)
For an Application, please contact: www.galasla.org E-mail: [email protected]
The application packet must be complete to be considered by the review committee.
Please mail application packet to:
GAY AND LESBIAN ARMENIAN SOCIETY
8721 Santa Monica Blvd. Box #654
West Hollywood, CA 90069-4511
(310) 203-1587
E-mail: [email protected]
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32. Premiere Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Essay Competition (S.D.)
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Premiere Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast
Essay Contest (Video or Written)
Essay Deadline: May 4, 2009 at 6pm.
(Essay Contest is sponsored by San Diego LGBT Pride)
The Harvey Milk Video Essay Contest is open to high school and college students, ages 14-24. All applicants need to submit the attached application with their entry. If they are under 18, please ensure the parental consent portion of the application is filled out. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Essays are due by 6 pm on May 4, 2009 and the winner of the contest will be announced on May 10, 2009. The winner will receive a $750 prize and will be featured at the Premiere Harvey Milk Breakfast on May 22, 2009. Please note: the winner is required to attend the breakfast on May 22, 2009..
Please contact Dana Toppel for the Essay application or more information [email protected] or 619-692-2077x103
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33. Asian Pacific Islander PFLAG Essay Contest
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Asian Pacific Islander
Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (API-PFLAG) presents:
"Think, Write, Win: Choose Love"
A College Scholarship Essay Contest
What: Over $5,000 in college scholarships will be awarded to the best student essays on why should same-sex marriage be a fundamental civil right? Essays are to be limited to no more than 1000 words (1500 characters for Chinese and Korean essays).
Why: To discover, give voice to, and recognize the voices of talented youths on the important civil rights issue, the freedom to marry. Essays accepted in English, Chinese, or Korean. Winning essay writers will receive cash scholarships.
Who: High school and college students who will enroll part-time or full-time at an accredited two-year or four-year college of university in the Fall of 2009. Must be residents of Los Angeles or Orange counties.
How: Essays should be submitted to [email protected]
When: Deadline for essay submission is April 24, 2009.
Winners to be announced May 15, 2009.
For additional contest rules and more information visit
http://apipflag.blogspot.com/
A portion of the prize winnings was donated by the PFLAG National Diversity Outreach Chapter Assistance Program. |
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34. The 2009 GALAA Scholarship Award Competition
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The 2009 GALAA Scholarship Award Competition
This year the Gay and Lesbian Allied Administrators (GALAA) will award scholarships ranging from $500 to $1000 to any Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) graduating seniors who have demonstrated the following criteria for eligibility:
� Academic Excellence or Progress
� Excellent School Attendance
� Participation in Extra-Curricular Clubs or Activities
� Participation in Community Service
� A Commitment to Advance the Civil Rights of the LGBT Population
For consideration of a scholarship award, please fill out the enclosed application.
Applications here!
The deadline for submission is Friday, May 8, 2009. Please mail your application to:
GALAA
3510 Garden Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90039
For further information, please contact Stephen Jimenez, Project 10 Specialist at (213) 241-7614, or email at [email protected]
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35. MODELS OF EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP
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The Models of Excellence scholarship is given annually for LGBTQ youth and allies who are currently graduating from a Southern California senior high school (private, public, or parochial).
The scholarship program began in 1994 as a single award named in memory of Peter Kaufman, the son of Alvin and Irene Kaufman. As time passed, more commemorations were made, and the name was changed to the Models of Excellence Scholarship competition.
Awards of $1,000 and $500 are given each year to high school seniors who have been accepted to colleges and universities.
The presentations are made at a special ceremony held the last weekend of June, 2009 (TBA), for the recipients and their sponsors. Winners must be present!
In considering recipients, the scholarship committee looks for students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, who have demonstrated a commitment to the advancement of civil rights in LGBTQ communities. Scholarships are funded by private donations and organizations.
Many donors have expressed an interest in sponsoring a scholarship in their name, on behalf of an organization, or in memory of someone else. Please contact our office at 626.577.4553 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.
Visit http://modelsofpride.org/scholarships/index.html
for more information and to download a scholarship application.
All applications are due no later than Saturday, May 16, 2009. NO EXCEPTIONS!
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36. Sacramento PFLAG Scholarship for 2009
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The Sacramento Chapter of PFLAG is offering a $1000 scholarship to a graduating senior in the Sacramento area. The scholarship is named in honor of two of the founders of the local chapter, the Rev. and Mrs Merrill Follansbee, who began the chapter over 23 years ago in honor of their gay son, to offer support to others, to educate an ill in formed public and to advocate for equal civil rights for all members of the GLBT community.
This scholarship is offered for graduating high school seniors attending college in the fall and first year students already enrolled in college. The applicant must identify as LGBT.
Application packets are available by contacting the chapter at (916) 978-0410, or going on the web site at community.pflag.net, or writing to PFLAG Sacramento, P.O. Box 661855, Sacramento, CA 95866-1855.
A request can be made also by e-mail address, [email protected] to Audrey Barth.
The application deadline is May 1st.
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37. The R. Scott Hitt Foundation Internships for 2009
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 The R. Scott Hitt Foundation is offering funding for qualified candidates who want to be leaders in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) movement.
You and the pro-LGBT organization that you choose can apply to receive funding for your internship position while you build your resume and gain valuable skills towards becoming a leader of the future.
* POST-GRADUATE*
THE SCOTT HITT INTERNSHIP IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
Application Deadline: May 8, 2009
Post graduate students with strong academic record
Duration: 7-9 months, 40 hours/week
Location: An established 501(c)3 nonprofit in the United States with a commitment to the advancement of LGBT equality
Applicants will identify and contact host organization to co-develop a successful curriculum encompassing key elements: communications, fundraising, board development and grassroots policy organizing
2-4 recipients per year
* UNDERGRADUATE *
THE A.N.G.L.E. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INTERNSHIP
Application Deadline: April 17, 2009
Current undergraduate students with strong academic record
Duration: 8 weeks, 40 hours/week
Location: An established 501(c)3 nonprofit in Southern California with a commitment to the advancement of LGBT equality
Applicants will identify and contact host organization to co-develop a successful curriculum encompassing key elements of non-profit operations and program development
Named for the nonprofit ANGLE (Access Now for Gay & Lesbian Equality) which inspired and provided the funding for these internships
3-5 recipients per year
TO APPLY:
1. Visit www.scotthittfoundation.org for details.
2. Meet with a pro-LBGT 501(C)3 non-profit organization to sponsor your internship.
3. Agree to the terms of your internship, scope of work. Draft a sponsor agreement.
4. Submit your cover letter, personal essay, r�sum� and sponsor agreement
by the above deadline to www.scotthittfoundation.org.
5. Check www.scotthittfoundation.org for the grant award dates.
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NEWS
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38. NEWS: Suffering in silence
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Suffering in silence
On April 8, gay students, their straight allies and some teachers at several area high schools drew attention to the harassment, abuse and bullying of lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender (LGBT) youth by participating in the National Day of Silence.
By Phillip Zonkel
Long Beach Telegram
4/15/2009
LA MIRADA - Edy Ruvalcaba, a 16-year-old junior at La Mirada High School, says he was verbally harassed and called "faggot" by some of his physical education classmates after he told them he is gay.
Ruvalcaba also says he was physically abused after his announcement in February. At least one student in the class shoved Ruvalcaba against a gym-room locker.
The bullying, ridicule and torment continued for a week, until Ruvalcaba asked his counselor to take him out of the class and re-assign him as a teacher's assistant, he said.
"I didn't feel safe," Ruvalcaba said.
Ruvalcaba's harassment isn't an isolated incident, say other local gay, lesbian and bisexual high school students.
On April 8, these students, their straight allies and some teachers at several area high schools drew attention to the harassment, abuse and bullying of lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender (LGBT) youth by participating in the 13th annual National Day of Silence.
The event officially is this Friday, but most area school districts held it early because they are on spring break this week.
Nationwide, students have registered more than 8,000 schools to participate, said Daryl Presgraves, spokesman with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), which sponsors the National Day of Silence.
Students collaborated in the event in a variety of ways, such as wearing "Day of Silence" T-shirts and not speaking for the entire day, symbolic of the silence that gay students suffer when they are harassed and bullied. When someone asks why they are not talking, the person receives a note card explaining the student's solidarity with gay classmates.
Some students are holding events in memory of Carl Walker-Hoover, an 11-year-old from Springfield, Mass., who hanged himself April 6 after enduring constant bullying at school. Walker-Hoover, who did not identify himself as gay, is an example of students who are bullied because they are perceived to be gay.
He would have turned 12 Friday.
Carl's death was the fourth suicide of a middle-school child linked to anti-gay bullying this year, Presgraves said.
"Day of Silence is not about changing beliefs or values, but changing the behavior that causes bullying and causes students to feel alienated and that schools don't care about them. This is a preventable problem," Presgraves said.
Gay, lesbian and bisexual students from several area high schools, including Cabrillo and Wilson in Long Beach, Dominguez in Compton, and Lakewood, Paramount, and Norwalk, say they are targeted for harassment and abuse because of their sexual orientation. The students also feel that some teachers and school administrators minimize or ignore the problem.
Some teachers agree with that assessment.
"The homophobia is boiling under the surface, but the school administration avoids talking about it," said Andrea Hoover, an English teacher at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School.
Administrators at area school districts, however, say they are unaware a problem exists, but if one does, it would be prohibited by each district's anti-sexual harassment or anti-bullying policies.
"That harassment and bullying should not be happening," said Ginger Shattuck, superintendent of Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District. "It's annoying that no one has come forward to report this. Students are supposed to report harassment and bullying to teachers. If an adult has not listened to them, the students need to go to administrators."
Adds Christopher Steinhauser, superintendent at Long Beach Unified School District: "If it was epidemic, we would know about it. You are always going to have individual cases of things that have happened."
Thousands harassed
A recent California Healthy Kids Survey by the California Department of Education found that more than 245,000 students statewide are harassed because they are gay or lesbian or perceived to be.
GLSEN's 2007 National School Climate survey of LGBT students found that more than 86 percent of them heard "faggot" or "dyke" or the slang phrase, "that's so gay" - meaning stupid or worthless - at school and more than one-third reported being physically harassed or assaulted.
That negative behavior also contributes to serious academic and health risks. Other studies have reported that 28 percent of LGBT youth drop out of high school and one-third attempt suicide.
Much of this harassment, however, goes unreported, especially from students who are not open about their sexual orientation or those, such as La Mirada's Ruvalcaba, who are afraid of retaliation, experts say.
Students at several local high schools have confronted the anti-gay climate by forming gay-straight alliances, which are chartered student clubs, with a faculty adviser, whose members devise ways of addressing harassment and homophobia.
More than 50 percent of California public high schools have such clubs, said Carolyn Laub, executive director of the Gay-Straight Alliance Network, a youth leadership group that helps students organize the alliances.
Students who have been harassed, bullied or abused can learn how to file a complaint from their gay-straight alliance faculty adviser, a support school-staff member or at www.gsanetwork.org/resources/ ab537.html.
"It's not fair to be discriminated against," said Kamie Valenzuela, 16, a junior and straight ally at La Mirada High School. "If I can do something to stop my friends from facing discrimination, why shouldn't I?"
Legal protection
One school district has been proactive in combating anti-gay behavior.
The Los Angeles Unified School District's Project 10 is a districtwide program that, among other things, has provided sensitivity training on sexual-orientation issues and how to recognize and prevent discrimination, bullying and harassment of students to more than 35,000 teachers and administrators.
The program was launched in 1984 at Fairfax High School by Virginia Uribe, a lesbian teacher, after a gay male student, who had been verbally abused and assaulted, was transferred to another high school, Uribe said.
Three years later, the program was expanded to the entire district.
Long Beach, ABC, Paramount, Downey, Cerritos and Norwalk-La Mirada school districts do not have programs like Project 10. Some administrators, such as La Mirada's Assistant Principal Ron Carroll, don't think "indoctrinating" teachers and staff with similar programs is necessary.
"First and foremost, my job is to educate these students. Anything else is secondary. You can take that however you like," Carroll said.
In 1988, LAUSD was one of the first school districts in the state to pass a student and staff nondiscrimination policy that included sexual orientation. Since then, California has passed two student-protection laws, making California one of 10 states that protect students from bullying based on sexual orientation and one of five to protect students based on gender expression and identity.
Enforcement of these laws, however, has been challenging, experts say.
"There's this idea that you don't have to deal with LGBT issues unless a student is out of the closet or he or she comes to the administration with a problem," said Daniel Solis Martinez, Southern California program coordinator with the Gay-Straight Alliance Network.
To read the full story, visit:
www.presstelegram.com/ci_12152696
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