“In a statement, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said that the existing regulations against transgender service members were “outdated” and “causing uncertainty” that distracts troop commanders...’We have transgender soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines — real, patriotic Americans — who I know are being hurt by an outdated, confusing, inconsistent approach that’s contrary to our value of service and individual merit,’ he said.” Read the full article in Time … [Read more...]
Queer Youth Updates: 3 Days Remaining, Funding Opportunity for Queer Youth Task Force
Thank you for your help in supporting Tracy Cockerham's Wharf to Wharf run on Sunday, July 26th to benefit the QYTF! Tracy has raised $800 so far. We would be grateful for additional funds to reach our goal. 3 Days Remaining! It's easy a make a donation! Funds raised will go directly to support many of our programs such as sending queer and ally youth to conferences, organizing the 2015 Safe Schools Project's Queer Youth Summit, providing weekly Queer Youth Updates and supporting internships. The 2015 Wharf to Wharf takes place on … [Read more...]
[Reminder] Out in Our Faith Presents “Call Me Kuchu”, Tonight, July 18
Join Temple Beth El, Ocean Gate Zen Center, and the Diversity Center for the Santa Cruz premiere of the film “Call Me Kuchu” with special Ugandan guest speaker John “Long Jones” Abdallah Wambere, and Dharma Rain Zen Center practitioner David Robinson, to share their experiences with Uganda’s anti-homosexual laws. Refreshments provided. **Youth are welcome to this event** When: Saturday, July 18th, 2015 @ 7pm - 9pm Where: Temple Beth El, 3055 Porter Gulch Rd, Aptos, CA 95003 Cost = $3 - $10 (Sliding scale, no one will be turned away for lack … [Read more...]
LGBT News: The Time Is Now: Bring Equal Protection to LGBT Youth
“As many continue to celebrate marriage equality, it's time to direct and extend our movement's focus to our LGBT youth, who are more likely to experience harassment and acts of violence while in school, yet are least likely to receive any help or support from administration. To the dismay of LGBT youth advocates and allies across the nation, America still lacks a national, comprehensive policy to protect its LGBT youth, as federal civil rights laws do not currently address harassment based on gender identity or sexual orientation.” Read the … [Read more...]
LGBT News: Why The Beautiful, Short Life Of Matthew Shepard Still Matters
“ ‘While we’ve come a long way, LGBT inequality and hate crimes are still very real today,’ Josue, a close friend of Matt’s herself, said in a statement. ‘Parts of Matt’s story are unfortunately still very much a part of young people’s realities.’ “ Read the full article in LOGO … [Read more...]
LGBT Teen Friendly Films on Netflix Instant!
The Way He Looks (2014) - A new classmate transforms the daily life of a blind teenager who longs for independence and disrupts his relationship with his best friend. For the Bible Tells Me So (2007) - This documentary examines the ways in which conservative Christian groups have used -- and sometimes exploited -- scripture to deny human rights. Bridegroom (2013) - This timey documentary tells the story of Shane Bitney Crone, who finds himself without marriages legal protections when his same-sex partner dies. Call Me Kuchu (2012) - This … [Read more...]
PBS Frontline: “Growing Up Trans”
Mixed reviews on PBS's intimate look at the struggles and choices facing transgender kids and their families. View the full episode on PBS.org Interested in learning more about this episode of Frontline? You can read “Growing up trans: Six teens open up about discovering who they really are” in The Globe and Mail … [Read more...]
LGBT News: Girl Scouts Choose Transgender Girls Over $100,000 Donation
“Megan Ferland told Seattle Metropolitan that the Girl Scouts of Western Washington were “thrilled” to pull in a $100,000 donation earlier this year...But then Ferland learned that the gift came with a stipulation, Seattle Met reported: The donor wanted a promise that the money wouldn’t be used to support transgender girls. So that donation — all $100,000 of it — went back to the donor.” Read the full article in The Washington Post … [Read more...]
[Reminder] PFLAG of Santa Cruz County Presents: “Four Decades: Gay Beach Volleyball at the Boardwalk”
Please join us as participants, celebrating their 37th season this year, will be sharing about one of the oldest, continuous gatherings in our community, as well as about the ways in which they contribute to the community. When: Tuesday, July 14th , 2015 @ 7:00 – 9:00 pm Where: Peace United Church of Christ, 900 High Street, Santa Cruz, 95060 For more information: pflagscc@gmail.com, www.pflagscc.org or (831) 427-4016. … [Read more...]
Brown Boi Project – Now Accepting Writing Submissions
Do you want to help change the way communities of color talk about gender? Brown Boi Project is looking for pieces written by YOU! We're holding the Summer of Brown Boi, a national campaign aimed at expanding the conversation around gender-racial justice in communities of color, so we'd like your pieces about gender and race! Writers need not identify as masculine of center to submit. Length: 800 - 2000 words Deadline: Friday, July 31st, 2015 Please include a short bio. Send all submissions to media@brownboiproject.org. Your work will be … [Read more...]