“We all agreed that ‘Silence Is Ours’ should be this year’s theme,” Emery Vela, a sophomore from Colorado and member of GLSEN’s National Student Council, told The Huffington Post. “We recognized that so many LGBT students like us are silenced by bullying and harassment, but now we’re working to reclaim that silence. Silence is a tool that’s ours, and we’re using it to make schools better for everyone.” Read the full article in The Huffington Post … [Read more...]
Day of Silence Statement of Support from Congressmember Sam Far
For the 13th year, Congressmember Sam Farr has spoken out on the floor of Congress to support LGBTIQ/Ally Youth while youth are silent on the National Day of Silence. Please watch this year's speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EvaTM1z48M&feature=youtu.be Attached, please find the text. The Speech is also available on Congressmember Farr's Facebook Twitter & Google+ We are grateful to Congressmember Farr and his congressional staff for their ongoing support of the LGBTIQ/Ally community. … [Read more...]
LGBT News: 21 LGBT Picture Books Every Kid Should Read
Visit The Advocate for the full list! … [Read more...]
LGBT News: “Visibility is self love”: GSA leaders Celebrate Trans Day of Visibility 2016
“March 31 was Trans Day of Visibility, and many of our GSA Network youth activists took time out to celebrate our community. In particular, the GSA Network Northern California region held an open mic in downtown Oakland, and the California TRUTH (Trans Youth) Council created a video discussing why trans visibility is so important--and why we need more than visibility for our trans communities.” To view photos from the event and view the video visit GSA Network … [Read more...]
GLSEN: Day of Silence 2016, April 15
What is Day of Silence? “...a National day of action in which students across the country vow to take a form of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools.” Visit dayofsilence.org for tips on organzing events for the day, how to address resistance from peers & school administration, speaking cards, student rights, posters, and more! … [Read more...]
LGBT News: Disney Threatens Bad News For Georgia If State Adopts Anti-LGBT Bill
“A company spokesperson confirmed that Disney and its Marvel Studios unit will nix all plans to film future movies in Georgia if Gov. Nathan Deal signs the Free Exercise Protection Act, or HB 757…:a Disney spokesperson told The Huffington Post that both Disney and Marvel are “inclusive companies,” and would opt to shoot any forthcoming projects elsewhere if the Free Exercise Protection Act were to become law.” Read the full article in The Huffington Post … [Read more...]
GSA Network: Transitioning Leadership
“As the school year comes to an end, many GSA leaders worry about what will happen to the GSA club once they are gone. It is important to create a strategy for passing the torch of leadership so that your GSA stays strong for future years. Your long-term goal is to keep your GSA active in the fight against homophobia and transphobia in schools...” Visit GSA Network for the full article … [Read more...]
GSA Advocacy & Youth Leadership Academy (GAYLA) 2016 Nor Cal Region – Application Open
GAYLA participants will gain valuable leadership experience through a full day of training and advocacy activities to enhance their understanding on how legislation and policy affect our daily lives. When: Saturday, April 9th, 2016 @ 8am - 6pm Where: Preservation Park, 1233 Preservation Park Way, Oakland, CA 94612 Ages: 14 - 18 Visit GSA Network to register today! … [Read more...]
LGBT News: “Transgender Girl Scout Stands Up to Bully Who Wouldn’t Buy Cookies ‘from a boy in a dress’”
“But when Stormi, who is transgender, started knocking on neighbors’ doors near her home in Herrin, Ill., one man turned her away, saying: “Nobody wants to buy cookies from a boy in a dress.” “It made me sad,” Stormi told BuzzFeed News. “Because I’m a girl.” So, she said, she found a way to shut down her bully and sell more than 3,000 boxes of cookies.” Read the full story in The Washington Post … [Read more...]
True Colors Fund: 40 of the Forty – 2016 List
In America, up to 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender. The 40 of the Forty list provides a platform for the 40% of youth experiencing homelessness who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning. Youth are the experts of their own truths, and we aim to honor their voices and their stories. Our goal is to inspire hope and help reduce the stigma often associated with housing instability and homelessness. View and download these youth’s stories at The True Colors … [Read more...]