In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:
GSA Network Highlight
GSA Network Gives Thanks!
GSA Network Announcements
+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++
GSA Network Gives Thanks!
GSA Network would like to offer a HUGE thank you and heartfelt gratitude to the hundreds of individuals and numerous foundations that have supported GSA Network in the past year. We hope that you will also think of us in your year-end gifts. To make a donation and support GSA Network in empowering youth to fight homophobia and transphobia in schools, please visit http://www.gsanetwork.org/donationform.pdf
A special thanks to all of the foundations that gave us grants in 2003!
Abelard Foundation
Ashoka
California Fund for Youth Organizing
East Bay Community Foundation
Echoing Green Foundation
Funding Exchange - OUT Fund
Gill Foundation
Haas, Jr. Fund
Horizons Foundation
Kicking Assets Fund, Tides Foundation
Laine Family Foundation
Langendorf Foundation
Liberty Hill Foundation
Open Society Institute
Peninsula Community Foundation
Philanthropic Ventures Foundation
Queer Youth Fund, Tides Foundation
San Francisco Foundation
Small Change Foundation
Vanguard Public Foundation
+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++
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1. LGBT and Straight Ally Winter Formal (Fresno)
The Central California Region of GSA Network along with the Imperial Dove Court de Fresno/Madera presents Winter Formal, an LGBT and Straight Ally dance and show.
Saturday, December 13 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Fresno (4144 N. Millbrook just south of Ashlan) Doors open at 6pm. Tickets are $10. Scholarships are available.
Contact Diana at (559)453-9040 or diana@gsanetwork.org
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2. OHMY Conference: Save The Date, Join the Steering Committee
!!SAVE THE DATE!!
The OHMY Conference (Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth Conference) will take place on February 14 at Horace Mann Middle School in San Francisco!!
!!JOIN THE STEERING COMMITTEE!!
Get involved in one of the best LGBT & ally youth conferences in the Bay Area!
GSA Network and LYRIC are organizing youth, 23 years old and under, to be part of the Steering Committee for Overcoming Homophobia Meeting for Youth (OHMY).
OHMY is an entirely youth-produced conference that brings youth from around CA together to address homophobia and other oppressions in the school environment.
The OHMY Steering Committee is the group of youth responsible for planning and leading the conference. All interested youth are encouraged to join!
To join, call or email Denny David at LYRIC or Andy Duran at GSA Network.
Denny David
denny@lyric.org
(415) 703-6150 x28
Andy Duran
andy@gsanetwork.org
(415) 552-4229
All Steering Committee meetings are at LYRIC
127 Collingwood St.
San Francisco, CA 94114
December 6, 11-3p
December 13, 11-3p
December 20, 11-3p
January 10, 11-3p
January 17, 11-3p
January 24, 11-3p
January 31, 11-3p
February 7, 11-3p
February 13, 5-7p
February 14, CONFERENCE -- ALL DAY
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3. Celebrate the Difference: a GSA Network Fundraiser! (So Cal)
Date: Sunday, December 14th, 2003
Time: 11:00 am- 1:00 pm
Place: ACLU of Southern California
1616 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90026-5752
Come to a brunch reception to celebrate and support the difference Gay-Straight Alliances are making on middle and high school campuses across California. Speakers will include members of the GSA Network Southern California Youth Council and Carolyn Laub, GSA Network's Executive Director.
Suggested Donation
Youth: $10
Adult Allies: $25
If you are unable to attend but wish to contribute and support the great work youth in
GSA Network are doing, you can send make a donation by visiting:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/donationform.pdf
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4. Sign-up for the High Contrast Exhibit at your school (Bay Area)
GSA Network's High Contrast photo exhibit is on the move again!
A photo-narrative exhibit by youth and for youth.
In this exhibit we bring you our voices with hopes that you will hear us, see us... and identify. We use art as a means for change -- to show people what they might not choose to see, to incite dialogue, and to inspire transformation. We want to make schools free from harassment, discrimination, and violence. We don't want anyone to leave thinking, "this isn't my issue." Because all kinds of people are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. Because there are so many shades to our identities. Because we all deserve to be safe enough to learn.
High Contrast will be available for circulation beginning November 17, 2003. If you are a GSA in the Bay Area and are interested in bringing the High Contrast Exhibit to your school, email highcontrast@gsanetwork.org.
For more information on, and pictures of, High Contrast go to:
http://www.gsanetwork.org/highcontrast/index.html
++++++++++++++++ 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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5. Orange County GSA Youth Meeting (Orange County)
Orange County GSA Youth Meeting
Sponsored by: The Center Orange County
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6. Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools (LA)
Please join us
on Saturday, December 13, from 2 to 5pm
at our Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools
We will lead FUN theatre games and improvisations, and brainstorm ideas for creative ways to address LGBT issues in schools - through plays, assembly presentations, video PSAs and perhaps even Pep Rally skits.
The Think Tank is open to all youth (14 and older), parents, educators, theatre artists, therapists, activists, thinkers and allies interested in creating &/or collaborating on performance pieces dealing with LGBTQ issues.
Bring in issues you're dealing with at your school!
Bring ideas or even drafts of scripts, poems or speeches!
Bring your sense of humor, your outrage, your passion!
Or just come as you are!
The Think Tank will continue to meet throughout the year on the following dates from 2-to-5pm at GLASS, 735 S. La Brea Blvd., Los Angeles.
(1/2 block south of Wilshire Blvd. Metered street parking and some residential parking are available.)
Jan. 10 * Feb. 14 * Mar. 13 * Apr. 17 * May 15 * June 6
Join us whenever and as often as you can!
Please contact Natalya Brusilovsky at natalya2k@earthlink.net or call (213) 252-8112 for more information and to RSVP as space is limited.
**Contact Norma Bowles at normabowles@earthlink.net or call (323) 953-9036 if you would like Fringe Benefits to go to your school or community center and work with a group there to develop an original play about LGBT or other discrimination issues.**
Fringe Benefits is a groundbreaking theatre company with a 12-year track record of collaborating with youth to fight discrimination. Two published anthologies of our plays, Friendly Fire and Cootie Shots, and the award-winning documentary film about our work, Surviving Friendly Fire, narrated by Sir Ian McKellen, have all received critical acclaim, support from educators & parents and RAVE REVIEWS from youth!
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7. Spoken Word & Music on Intersections of Race, Gender, and Sexuality (So Cal)
Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights (APIHR) Youth Program presents:
'Ohana Xposed: A Night of Spoken Word and Music on the Intersections of Race, Gender, and Sexuality
When?
Friday, December 12th, 2003 from 8-11pm
Where?
Motley Coffeehouse, Scripps College
1030 Columbia Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711
Dark lighting, cool music, and rare, hard-to-find performances by queer people of color. What more could you ask for on a Friday night?
APIHR's Youth Program is hosting 'Ohana Xposed: A Night of Spoken Word and Music on the Intersections of Race, Gender, and Sexuality at Scripps College's Motley Coffeehouse located in Claremont. Scheduled performers include Eric Wat, Ryka Aoki, Cris Hernandez, Micah Carvalho, Sage Chung, and Reese Ortiz. After these performers, the mic will be open to all queer API youth. Admission is free and drinks and snacks will be available.
No boundaries, no restrictions, no judges. It is a night to take the possibilities of freedom of expression to its max.
Don't miss this awesome opportunity to enjoy a free show. And for all you hidden performance artists, now is the chance to tell other people your story, your way of letting off steam.
Contact: ---------------------------------------
Sumiko Braun
Youth Program Coordinator
Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights
'Ohana House
6115 Selma Ave., Suite 207
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Ph: (323) 860-0876
Fax: (323) 860-0929
E-mail: sbraun@apihr.org
Website: http://www.apihr.org
Asian Pacific Islanders for Human Rights (APIHR) has established 'Ohana House, the nation's first API LGBTIQ center. APIHR works to advance the human rights of the Pan Asian/Pacific Islander lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersexual, queer and questioning (LGBTIQ) community.
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LA Event
8. COLAGE announcements: LA event and Bay Area Bowl-a-thon
Come to the next COLAGE /LA event for middle school and high schoolers with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) parents.
COLAGE/LA Tree Trimming Party
Saturday, December 6
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Miya Llanusa Family Home
2627 San Andres Way
Claremont, CA 91711
COLAGE/LA will be having a Festive Tree Trimming Dinner Party the home of Eric (10), Alex (13) and Aaron (13). Santa will be arriving at 6:30 to hear wishes and distribute trinkets. Catered dinner will be served at 7:00. Tree trimming will begin once dessert is served.
This is a family event - parents and kids welcome. There will be special COLAGE rooms with activities and space to hang out, eat and chill. Games and videos will occur throughout the evening for COLAGErs while their parents socialize.
To RSVP or for more information call 909-625-8558
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Bay Area Bowl-a-thon
8th ANNUAL COLAGE BOWL-A-THON
BAY AREA FAMILY EVENT & FUNDRAISER
Organized by and for people with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender parents
and our loved ones
Looking for a fun and easy way to support people with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents? Here is your chance!
COLAGE's 8th Annual Bowl-a-Thon
Sunday, December 7, 2003
1pm to 3pm
Yerba Buena Bowling Center, 750 Folsom St. (btw. 3rd & 4th Streets) in San
Francisco
Bring out your inner children and your inner bowler for an afternoon of fun thatis perfect for kids of all ages and the whole family! Unlike many non-profit fundraisers, which center on speeches and pitches, the Bowl-a-Thon is a fun-filled community event that allows people from all walks of life to contribute to the cause of COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere). Each year this event brings together hundreds of children, youth and adults with LGBT parents, our friends, families and supporters for games, prizes, food, fun and of course, bowling!
Proceeds from this yearis event will help us fund COLAGEis diverse Bay Area Programming which include social, support and leadership groups for youth ages 8-22, special events for the whole family, email news lists, and much more.
For a flyer & pledge form or more information about the COLAGE Bowl-A-Thon, please call Meredith Fenton at (415) 861-5437 x.102 or email her at Meredith@colage.org
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9. Q Action Event: Guy Watch "Winter Heat" (San Francisco)
Q Action Event
Guy Watch: "Winter Heat"
Thursday, December 4 @ 8:00pm
Q-Crib, 539 Castro St. @ 18th St.
As jack frost nips at your nose, will frustration bring you to blows? How do you get through the holiday time of year without catching more than a cold?
Come chat about how to celebrate safely.
Q Action is for guys of all colors & flavors 25 & under who dig other guys.
*Want the 411? http://www.qaction.org OR 415.865.0790 x304
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10. Kickboxing's Bad Girl at Outlet (Mountain View)
The Outlet Program would like to present:
RAMONA GATTO
"KICKBOXING'S BAD GIRL"
Monday, December 8th, 7-9pm
Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC)
711 Church Street
Mountain View, Ca 94041
Ramona will come to group and share her knowledge, videos, stories and skills with you! You don't want to miss it!
Check out her accomplishments below!
Tell your friends! It is open for all GLBTQQ youth and Allies!
We'll see you Monday!
Ramona Eagle Gatto
9 Time World Kickboxing Champion
Ring name- "Kickboxing's Bad Girl"
48-1-1, with 44 knock outs
Holds 3 world titles in 3 separate weight divisions- Flyweight, Bantamweight, Featherweight
Holds more world titles than any other woman in history
Only woman in history to hold world titles in 3 separate weight divisions
Won 5 World titles within a period of one year,
a feat no other woman in history has accomplished.
First kickboxer in history to win a world title in Moscow, Russia.
Beat the 3 time National Russian Champion in front of a crowd of 35,000 people to win her
second world title.
Black belt in TaeKwonDo and TangSooDo.
Has appeared and fought on such televison stations as ESPN, Sportschannel, Showtime, and local stations.
Accomplished LGBT civil rights activist
Does frequent work educating about LGBT people and families. Has appeared on such shows as "The Today Show" with Katie Couric, The Montel Williams Show, Mornings on Two,
and countless news programs and specials. This past summer Ramona and her family were the first LGBT family ever used in the ABC family show "Switched".
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ACLU defends student's use of word 'gay'
11. NEWS: Teacher reprimanded 7-year-old for talking about lesbian mom
Teacher reprimanded 7-year-old for discussing mother's lifestyle
Sebreana Domingue
sdomingue@theadvertiser.com
December 2, 2003
LAFAYETTE - The American Civil Liberties Union demanded an apology Monday from the Lafayette Parish School District for disciplining a child who described his mother as gay.
The second-grader at Ernest Gallet Elementary School was sent to the principal's office Nov. 11 and forced to attend a "behavioral clinic" a week later, where he repeatedly had to write "I will never use the word 'gay' in school again," the ACLU said in its complaint to the district.
School officials said that the child, whose name is being withheld by The Daily Advertiser, used inappropriate sexual language.
Parent Sharon Huff said that she was contacted by Assistant Principal Nicholas Thomas, who told her that her child had used inappropriate language in school.
"He introduced himself to me and said (name deleted) got into a lot of trouble because he was using inappropriate foul language to another child," Huff said.
Huff said that Thomas also told her he didn't feel comfortable repeating it over the telephone.
"He said it would be in the paperwork he sent home ..." Huff said.
That paperwork states: "(name withheld) decided to explain to another child in his group that his mom is gay. He told the other child that gay is when a girl likes a girl.
"This kind of discussion is not acceptable in my room. I feel that parents should explain things of this nature to their own children in their own way."
The child was also made to sign a "Student Behavior Contract," where he wrote, "I sed bad wurds."
Superintendent James Easton said that the child wasn't disciplined for using the word "gay." Ernest Gallet Principal Virginia Bonvillian and Thomas, the assistant principal, could not be reached for comment Monday.
"It was an inappropriate description of personal activity," Easton said. "I don't know exactly what was said, but that is what was reported to me."
Easton said that the issue will be investigated seriously before the district responds to the ACLU's complaint.
"It would surprise me if that accusation is accurate," he said. "A child can't be disciplined for using the term 'gay.' If one were, it would be a violation of their rights."
Huff contends that's exactly what happened.
"I was almost in tears when (name deleted) got home," she said. "I had no idea what he had picked up from somewhere. I am very meticulous about what he watches on TV. I knew he must have said something really bad."
After reading the report, Huff said that she was shocked.
"I was floored," she said. "I think I sat at the table for a couple of hours."
Then, she said that she got mad.
Ken Choe, ACLU staff attorney for the Lesbian and Gay Rights Project based in Washington, D.C., said his office wants to send a clear message that getting disciplined for describing a gay relationship violates the constitutional right to free speech.
"We reached out to the school in this case to try to work with it to resolve the problem without litigation," he said.
Choe called this case was one of the most "egregious" he has ever seen.
"I have to say here the law is secondary," he said. "What is of the greatest concern to us is that the school is sending a message to a 7-year-old boy that he can't talk about his own mother."
The ACLU's complaint asks the School Board to ensure that:
"I don't want any other child going to elementary school and being taught prejudice of any sort," Huff said. "This is one thing I hate most in the world."
©The Lafayette Daily Advertiser
December 2, 2003
For more information, see the press release from ACLU:
http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRights.cfm?ID=14481&c=104
The heartbreaking "Behavior Contract" Marcus was required to fill out:
http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRights.cfm?ID=14478&c=104
The behavioral incident report:
http://www.aclu.org/LesbianGayRights/LesbianGayRights.cfm?ID=14480&c=104
--
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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@gsanetwork.org
http://www.gsanetwork.org/
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Last updated 12/3/2003 by Jean Richter, richter@eecs.Berkeley.EDU