First Youth Leadership Summit a Big Success

On November 8 the Chicago chapter of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) co-sponsored, with Out & About Teen Theater group, a youth leadership training day at DePaul University. The event (planned by Toni Armstrong Jr., Jason Drucker, and Nina Schwartz) was run by students. Adults were invited to attend only if they were with a student who is actively working to end homophobia in his/her high school.

In attendance were representatives from Latin School (Chicago), Lane Tech (Chicago), Niles West and Niles North (Skokie), Maine East (Park Ridge), Downers Grove South, Illinois Math & Science Academy (Aurora), Hinsdale Central, East Leyden (Franklin Park), University of Chicago Lab School, ETHS (Evanston), Schaumburg, Fremd (Palatine), Lyons Township (LaGrange), and New Trier (Winnetka). Almost all of the supportive adults in attendance were members of GLSEN and/or PFLAG.

The morning session included ice-breaker activities led by Out & About, group photos, and an in-depth two-hour discussion of who the participants are, exactly what they're doing to end homophobia at their schools, and what experiences they're having as "out" students. There was extensive discussion of the advantages/disadvantages of the different types of groups students can have in schools, e.g., confidential support groups, Pride clubs, gay/straight alliances, and working through existing clubs set up to foster diversity and multiculturalism.

A common experience for students requesting the formation of a Pride club or a gay/straight alliance is for administrators to insist they start a confidential support group instead (one can't be publicized through regular school channels). Students also reported a universal problem with clubs falling apart when the leadership--seniors--graduate.

After lunch, researcher/ISBE consultant Jill Vaughn talked about the purpose and goals of her research on LGBT high school students. Then, students who hadn't yet filled out the extensive survey went off to do so, and straight students, LGBT students who had already completed the survey, and adults were treated to a slideshow presentation on the results of the research so far. Participants discussed the results and had the opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions.

Attorney Bill Borah (lead counsel in the Mario Doe & John Doe vs. Riverside-Brookfield H.S. case) spent a lively hour talking about what the laws say about forming LGBT clubs in schools (the federal Equal Access Act says students have a right to do it) and about anti-gay harassment in schools (legal precedents mean schools must protect all students).

During the wrap-up session, each participant specified her/his goals for the coming school year. The evaluation forms expressed overwhelming support for scheduling Youth Leadership Summit II in spring 1998.

The event was free of charge and included lunch and handout materials. Students and adults interested in becoming involved in future youth leadership training activities can contact GLSENToni@aol.com or NinaS@ripco.com.