GSA Network News: November 23, 2005

2005
In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
Seven Years of Transgender Remembrance and Our Work is Just Beginning

GSA Network Announcements
1. Register NOW for the YES Conference on Dec 3rd (San Francisco)
2. GSA Network Screens "RENT-THE MOVIE" in Exclusive Fundraiser (San Francisco)
3. Loud, Proud, and on the Way to the Capitol!!!
4. Survey about Marriage Rights and School Safety: How Does Marriage Affect Students in School?
5. Re-Register your GSA today - get new resources & keep informed!!
6. Liberation Ink Posters - Free For GSAs (Statewide)
7. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
8. JOB: GSA Network - Central Valley Program Associate
Other Announcements
9. Become a Fab 5, Jr. on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy
10. Gay Sex in the 70s Documentary (Los Angeles)
11. Bike Out Trip in Sycamore Canyon (Los Angeles)
12. Spring Internships with COLAGE
13. NEWS: Broward sidesteps classroom discussion of homosexuality, saying it's family issue
14. NEWS: Latinos need strong education, not Army

Read GSA Network News online:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/news/networknews.html


+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT+++++++++++++++
Seven Years of Transgender Remembrance and Our Work is Just Beginning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
-Educate yourself, your classmates and school officials.
-Hold an assembly or rally at lunch.
-Ask the administration if you can do trainings for students and teachers.
-Organize your GSA to mount a campaign for gender neutral bathrooms.
For help with all of these strategies, go to http://www.gsanetwork.org/BeyondtheBinary/toolkit.html to download a copy of "Beyond the Binary - A Tool Kit for Gender Identity Activism in Schools."


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


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

YES Conference 2005 - (Youth Empowerment Summit)

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

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

Pre-register for the GSA Network's YES conference at http://www.gsanetwork.org/yes.
For more information: mailto:yes [at] gsanetwork.org or 415-552-4229

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Volunteers Needed!
To volunteer, email mailto:justin [at] gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

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

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

Join GSA Network, EQCA, & hundreds of LGBTQ & straight ally youth for Queer Youth Advocacy Day.
Who: You & your friends, your GSA members & hundreds of youth activists
Where: Sacramento, CA
When: Monday, March 6, 2006
Why: To unite with GSAS & youth from all over CA!
To learn how to lobby lawmakers & influence people
To help create safer schools & make sure everyone has a chance at an education.
What: On March 6, youth will sit down & talk with each & every CA Legislature member about a proposed law that will make it clearer how schools can end discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Following a mass training & a huge rally on the capitol steps, we're going to visit every legislator's office to share our stories. This is your chance to make a difference that will affect schools in every corner of CA.

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

Share your story = Share your strength
More info: Email Lai-San Seto at mailto:advocacy [at] gsanetwork.org or call 415-552-4229.

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

Please take five minutes to participate in an important survey!

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

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

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


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

Before you plan any events for your GSA, remember to register or re-register your group with the GSA Network. Do it NOW to make sure you receive our student activism manuals, FREE posters, other resources, and notifications of future GSA Network or LGBT-related events. (Mailings will go out only to California GSAs in middle and high schools.)
Register online at http://www.gsanetwork.org/register/index.html

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

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

LIBERATION INK POSTERS AVAILABLE
FREE FOR GSAs IN CALIFORNIA!!

Seven poster designs are available for GSAs, organizations, and individuals to make change by building a presence of youth voices for justice, peace, and youth empowerment and against hatred, harassment, and discrimination of all kinds. Every GSA in California can receive 30 FREE posters to use at your school. You can order more than 30 for $1 each. From community organizations and individuals we request a donation of $5 each for 1-10 posters, $4 each for 11-30 posters, and large quantity discounts are available.

You can view the designs and order posters on the Liberation Ink website: http://www.gsanetwork.org/freezone/liberation.

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO USE LIBERATION INK TO MAKE CHANGE AT YOUR SCHOOL!
* Attach information about your GSA to the posters to advertise and recruit members.
* Encourage teachers to hang the posters in their classrooms.
* Have GSA members lead discussions and activities related to the posters.
* Use the posters as part of an anti-slur campaign.
* Put the posters up in the courtyard with easels and/or use while you're tabling.
* Get the posters printed in your school or community newspaper with an article or announcement about your GSA.
* Create an agreement for teachers to sign and give them posters to symbolize their support.
* Display the whole Liberation Ink series in one place or fill a whole wall with posters in a grid.
* Use the posters in conjunction with Day of Silence (April), Transgender Day of Remembrance (November), LGBT History Month (October), LGBT Pride Month (June), Coming Out Day (October 11), or Diversity Day or Week at your school.

Liberation Ink was a collaborative project of GSA Network, LYRIC, and Mission Grafica at the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts in San Francisco. It was supported by the Youth Initiatives Program of the Open Society Institute, the San Francisco Arts Commission, and the Walter and Elise Haas Fund.
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7. Sign-up for the High Contrast Photo Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)

GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.

"I think it was powerful and provocative and sparked good conversations." - GSA Advisor
"There were at least 400 students that interacted with the exhibit. The whole week while High Contrast was there, the GSA and other groups on campus did workshops on hate crimes and ways to deal with it-letting students know that it is an issue that needs to be addressed." - GSA student president
"Many students responded well to the universality of human issues and emotions. The emotions weren't just linked to being gay, they were feelings we all have." - GSA Advisor

In this exhibit we bring you our voices with hopes that you will hear us, see us... and identify. We use art as a means for change -- to show people what they might not choose to see, to incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation. We want to make schools free from harassment, discrimination, and violence. We don't want anyone to leave thinking, "this isn't my issue." Because all kinds of people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Because there are so many shades to our identities. Because we all deserve to be safe enough to learn.

High Contrast is available for circulation as of October 1. If you are a GSA in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast photo exhibit to your school, email highcontrast [at] gsanetwork.org.
For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to: http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html


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8. JOB: GSA Network - Central Valley Program Associate

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

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



++++++++++++++++ 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.


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

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

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

We're looking for individuals with lots of personality that live within 25 miles of NYC. Those who live outside of NYC may send in a videotape for possible consideration. Anyone under 18 must obtain parental permission before applying.
Call 212-500-6278 or email mailto:castingcall2 [at] thequeereye.com with questions or for deadlines. Good luck!


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

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

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

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


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11. Bike Out Trip in Sycamore Canyon (Los Angeles)

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

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

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

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

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

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


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12. Spring Internships with COLAGE

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

Come intern at COLAGE!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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14. NEWS: Latinos need strong education, not Army

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

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

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

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

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

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

--


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empowering youth activists to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools

Carolyn Laub
Executive Director
Gay-Straight Alliance Network
160 14th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
ph: 415.552.4229
fax: 415.552.4729
carolyn [at] gsanetwork.org
http://www.gsanetwork.org/
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