“As a class and in small groups, students will watch a video about pronouns, have a conversation about pronouns, and discuss misgendering. As a class, students discuss ways to combat misgendering and how they can make sure that the gender pronouns of all students are respected.” Visit GLSEN for the full lesson … [Read more...]

“All children are affected by the messages they receive about gender: from the way colors are gendered (blue is for boys, pink is for girls), to the ways we encourage youth to pursue activities and academic subjects consistent with society’s notions about gender.  Children and youth are flooded with these messages and school is no exception. Our work has shown that all children benefit from discussions that focus on and challenge these messages and that gender-inclusive schools create a more effective learning environment for all … [Read more...]

“Under California law, school officials cannot search your phone, tablet, or laptop unless they have a search warrant, there is a legitimate emergency (like a bomb threat), or you say it’s OK.” Read the full article at ACLU … [Read more...]

“According to organizers, the event has grown considerably in size since last year. Twice as many vendors and a hundred or so more attendees from across Monterey Bay gathered in Watsonville Plaza to celebrate and support Pajaro Valley’s LGBT+ community.” Read the full article in The Register-Pajaronian … [Read more...]

“Every day, people question why we advocate for trans rights. “How many trans people are there, really?” we are asked. Or, “Isn’t this just a new niche issue that serves as a distraction from the issues that really matter?” But trans people have always existed, and our lives have always mattered. And though we have and continue to face rampant discrimination, so too have we built beautiful communities and movements of resistance and love.” Read the article and watch the video in TIME … [Read more...]

GSA Network - Building Your GSA Lambda Legal - Legal Rights of GSA’s Inclusion and Respect: GLSEN Resources for Educators Gender Spectrum - “Key tips on knowing your rights, discussing your experiences, and understanding your gender as you navigate your Gender identity across multiple realms.” Local LGBTQ Youth Resources Safe Schools Project - Resources for: Students, Applying to College, Educators, School Administrators, Parents, Guardians, and Caring Adults, General Safe School Resources, Bullying, State/Federal Law, and more! Diversity … [Read more...]

The California State Board of Education is in the process of approving new history textbooks for schools in California.  The current textbooks need some additional edits to ensure that LGBT Americans and LGBT history content is included in grades K-8. Please make your voice heard by posting a comment via email. Be sure to include your name and city.   Take Action: Please submit a public comment, (or just email your comment to: HSSAdoption@cde.ca.gov and encourage your family/friends to do the same, letting the Instructional Quality … [Read more...]

“But the strangest part of the formal isn't what's there, but what's missing: self-consciousness. It pervades all kinds of teenage social interactions, but particularly the lives of queer kids, who tend to feel as though their very being is something to be ashamed of. The Adelaide formal is a stark reminder that the social awkwardness often accompanying teenage queerness is entirely contextual – that when you put those kids in a room where they have nothing to be ashamed of, they stop being ashamed. That's it.” Read the full story on Buzzfeed … [Read more...]