Implementing LGBT programs in High Schools

[tsntx]

what can be done when you are no longer enrolled?

i have other questions but i cant think of them atm my mind is having a huge brain fart... anyway this is kinda serious and means a lot to me... -j

[dan_drade]

Personally, I think that would be a great idea. When I was in school there could never have been a program like that. And thats too bad. Most of the kids that fell into the GLBT group never knew what it was all about until they got out of high school. Most of us just thought we were some kind of strange perverted people. I think that these days, the public is a little more accepting and ready to deal with the fact that GLBT people are born that way and educating young people about it might not be a bad idea.

While a lot of people still think that it is some type of forbidden act only for the sinners of the world, most don't think that way anymore. Only time will change the way things are now, but it will take a long time. It probably wont be in any of our lifetimes that the public will be fully accepting of the GLBT lifesyles, but the time will come eventually and LGBT programs in high school is a good start to getting our young pepole there.

[peggygee]

As promised my staff is on the case.

http://i92.photobucket.com/albums/l2/magi43/PAPER2X3.jpg

I will be in and out with thoughts, but here are a few to get
the ball rolling:

1. Showing data as to what happens to children, and adolescents
that do not recieve support around their gender issues.

They are at higher risk for suicide, homicide, hate crimes, substance
abuse, entering the criminal justice system, and entering the sex trade.

Their quality of life will suffer, and they may not always reach their fulllest
potential.

This of course is a great personal tragedy for the individual, but also
impacts society in many ways: public health issues, law enforcement,
etc.

I've got a few more thoughts, but that's me shooting from the hip.

Additionally you will need to substantiate your statements, and as many
studies, research papers, etc, that you can bring to bear the better.

Here's one source:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

This one is full of research studies, and is quite wordy. I will provide
others, that I trust will be helpful.

As I pointed out in another thread, we've got alot of very bright people
here at HA, I hope that some will step forth, even if in some small
way.

[peggygee]

Take a look at what other schools are doing with GLBT programs:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=GLBT+programs+in+schools&btnG=Google+Search

Also go to the PFLAG website:

http://www.pflag.org/Safe_Schools.829.0.html

Review anti-bullying legislation.

[StaggerLee]

Kids are way smarter than we ever give them credit for. That age is the perfect time to teach them about acceptance, before they form prejudices. Now i'm not saying every kid should have a course in transgenderism, but let's at least let them be aware, and give them a chance to form their own oponions.

[peggygee]

Kids are way smarter than we ever give them credit for. That age is the perfect time to teach them about acceptance, before they form prejudices. Now i'm not saying every kid should have a course in transgenderism, but let's at least let them be aware, and give them a chance to form their own oponions.

Good thought, having a few transgendered people doing a presentation
could be good exposure.

Many times transpeople will present at colleges and universities, to
undergraduate and graduate students, the same could be done in the
high school.

[hondarobot]

Make gym class optional. I'm serious. I'm willing to bet gym/the locker room is where most GLBT kids have the most trouble in school. It may sound trivial, but I think that's a big issue. I remember seeing horrible things done to other kids in high school.

[RogerUK]

here in the UK we don't have these issues. u americans are so uptight. live and let live. so many american TS only want money and don't care. they are gay men with boobs. so much is fake. no leaders. just porn, but good porn :D
wake up, it's just business in US. u deserve to be flogged :evil:

[hondarobot]

here in the UK we don't have these issues. u americans are so uptight. live and let live. so many american TS only want money and don't care. they are gay men with boobs. so much is fake. no leaders. just porn, but good porn :D
wake up, it's just business in US. u deserve to be flogged :evil:

:screwy

Glad you like the US porn, even if you view it as "gay men with boobs". What the hell? Drunk much?

[dan_drade]

Make gym class optional. I'm serious. I'm willing to bet gym/the locker room is where most GLBT kids have the most trouble in school. It may sound trivial, but I think that's a big issue. I remember seeing horrible things done to other kids in high school.
How about instead of telling GLBT kids they don't have to take gym classes, lets educate the straight kids and create zero tolerance policies for sexual harassment against GLBT teens. That would be far more affective than raising a generation of out of shape and fat GLBT teens. Putting the gays away (so to say) will not solve anything.

[hondarobot]

Didn't you read "Lord Of The Flies"? Gym class is not for everyone, and shouldn't be mandated. I'm just being realistic.

[dan_drade]

Didn't you read "Lord Of The Flies"? Gym class is not for everyone, and shouldn't be mandated. I'm just being realistic.
On the contrary, gym class is for everyone and it should be mandated. And besides, there is no reason that a teen that wants to participate in sports should not have to feel he does not belong just because of his/her sexual orientation. BTW, I think "lord of the flies" was a fictional book, so it does not really apply to real life.

[hondarobot]

You are correct, "Lord Of The Flies" was fictional, and obviously does not apply to real life at all. Why do people bother to write these fictional books?

You're a genius.

:lol:

[tonkatoy]

As far as having such a program in schools, what would be the focus, would it be a class, lectures, after school support group? or a combination of these? Sadly schools these days can not be trusted to have literate and reasonably learned graduates, so really I think that should be accomplished before anything else outside that realm is done. I am not saying that other things are not important, but what business does an educational system have trying to deal with social issues when its customers are not even learning the basics.

[tsntx]

Didn't you read "Lord Of The Flies"? Gym class is not for everyone, and shouldn't be mandated. I'm just being realistic.
On the contrary, gym class is for everyone and it should be mandated. And besides, there is no reason that a teen that wants to participate in sports should not have to feel he does not belong just because of his/her sexual orientation. BTW, I think "lord of the flies" was a fictional book, so it does not really apply to real life.

this isnt JUST about sexual orientation... its about gender... if a young m2f ts is in gym which lockerroom would she use? see... get off your rant and come back to the herd... on a side note not to get too distracted .... rogeruk = :roll:

[tsntx]

As far as having such a program in schools, what would be the focus, would it be a class, lectures, after school support group? or a combination of these? Sadly schools these days can not be trusted to have literate and reasonably learned graduates, so really I think that should be accomplished before anything else outside that realm is done. I am not saying that other things are not important, but what business does an educational system have trying to deal with social issues when its customers are not even learning the basics.

it would be a combination of those things but it needs to be there just as much as any other class, math, science, geography *such as the iraq and like such as the south africa and osama* .. bc what good is making someone book smart if you allow them to have a closed mind -j

[tsntx]

ty for all the links peggy ive got a pile of crap im going through but these are gonna help a lot :D -j

[justatransgirl]

Good thought, having a few transgendered people doing a presentation
could be good exposure. Many times transpeople will present at colleges and universities, to undergraduate and graduate students, the same could be done in the high school.

I'm a little late getting here but I think the primary ghist of attempts to open high schools to TS or GLBT protections and civil rights will have to come through negociations with the administration and districts, and possible lawsuits.

Colleges are different, the students are adults, and Transgender 101 seminars are accepted. But minor students are different and are often accompanied as we saw at Duke University by bigoted, often fanatically religious parents, and attempts at forming GLBT Alliance clubs are often met with major resistance.

I think we could prevail as a Transgender Civil Rights Movement, is opening schools to equal protections so things like the Duke University thing doesn't continue.

So that young trans kids from elementary on up don't have to hold their pee all day long because they are afraid to use the bathroom. So that they are not attacked or called homophobic terms, etc.

I think perhaps our "job" is to "educate" the educators, so they can then educate the students.

I think we need to educate the legistators so they can enact the laws we need. The People will follow.

More later, I'm sure.

Giggle,
TS Jamie :-)

[lostinasia]

I wonder why people think that everything whatsoever must be taught to young people

[peggygee]

Good thought, having a few transgendered people doing a presentation
could be good exposure. Many times transpeople will present at colleges and universities, to undergraduate and graduate students, the same could be done in the high school.

I'm a little late getting here but I think the primary ghist of attempts to open high schools to TS or GLBT protections and civil rights will have to come through negociations with the administration and districts, and possible lawsuits.

Colleges are different, the students are adults, and Transgender 101 seminars are accepted. But minor students are different and are often accompanied as we saw at Duke University by bigoted, often fanatically religious parents, and attempts at forming GLBT Alliance clubs are often met with major resistance.

I think we could prevail as a Transgender Civil Rights Movement, is opening schools to equal protections so things like the Duke University thing doesn't continue.

So that young trans kids from elementary on up don't have to hold their pee all day long because they are afraid to use the bathroom. So that they are not attacked or called homophobic terms, etc.

I think perhaps our "job" is to "educate" the educators, so they can then educate the students.

I think we need to educate the legistators so they can enact the laws we need. The People will follow.

More later, I'm sure.

Giggle,
TS Jamie :-)

Here's some examples:


Resources for High School Teachers & Curriculum Specialists ...
Classroom Resources (books, curricula, videos, lesson plans and music
This page was last updated on 02/04/07. If you know of errors please click here to let us know.


BOOKS

Recommended LGBT-Positive Titles for BC Schools: a list of recommended books and resources by Glen Hansman, Vancouver BC School Board Antihomophobia & Diversity Consultant. Addresses lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender issues that schools are encouraged to have in their collection. All of these are suitable for classroom and library use to address the prescribed learning outcomes in Personal Planning K-7, Language Arts, Social Studies, Health & Career Education K-7 and 8-9, Planning 10 – or any effort to make your school a affirming space for all students, staff, and families.
http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/VancouverBCSchoolBoardRECOMMENDED-LGBTbooks02006.pdf (pdf format)


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Becoming Visible: A Reader in Gay and Lesbian History for High School and College by Kevin Jennings. Drawing from both primary and secondary sources, this reader covers over 2,000 years of history and a diverse range of cultures. Each selection is followed by questions that could be assigned to students, and suggestions for classroom activities. Alyson Publications; Phone: 1-800-525-9766; Web site: http://www.alyson.com/; or GLSEN; Phone: 1-800-247-6553; Web site: http://www.atlasbooks.com/glsen/

Dramatic Changes: Talking About Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity with High School Students Through Drama by Paula Ressler, 2002. ISBN: 0325004145. "Teachers need no drama background or extensive knowledge about sexual orientation and gender identity to use this book. Each chapter provides an introduction to the type of drama presented-from simple role plays through complex and extended pieces-along with educational objectives, rationales, resources, and materials needed." NH: Heinemann Publishing. $21.00

Free Your Mind: The Book For Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Youth And Their Allies, E. Bass, 1996. ISBN: 0060951044. Gay and lesbian teenagers relate their experiences regarding the discovery and acceptance of their sexual orientation. Includes suggestions for coping with prejudice, political and religious issues. Families, counselors and friends should read this book, too. NY: HarperCollins. $14.00.

She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders, J.F. Boylan, 2003. ISBN: 076791404X. Vickie Countryman, Director of Equity at Spokane Public Schools, says, "This is an excellent book for those [high school students and adults] who want more info, or who would like to have a better understanding of transgender/transexuals as well as a resource." She's Not There is a memoir of a man named James who became a woman named Jenny. As the book jacket says, "[Bouillon] explores the remarkable territory that lies between men and women, examines changing friendships and rejoices in the redeeming power of family." NY: Broadway Books. $24.95

When the Drama Club Is Not Enough: Lessons from the Safe Schools Program for Gay and Lesbian Students, J. Perrotti and K. Westheimer, 2001. ISBN: 0807031305. Part concrete advice, part inspirational story-telling by two remarkable educators and activists. Includes a wonderful chapter on race and gender as well as sections on sports, elementary and middle schools, and managing controversy. Boston: Beacon Press. $24.00 (hc)

CURRICULA (about or inclusive of LGBT issues)

Challenging Homophobia in Schools: resource binder, lesson plans, handouts - 2000, Gay and Lesbian Educators of British Columbia. An excellent K-12 resource for educators, counselors and administrators to aid in the support of, and education about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth and families. $15 + $3.50 postage. Send pre-paid orders to GALE-BC, Box 93678 Nelson Park PO, Vancouver, BC, V6E 4L7, Canada. Email: gale_bc@canada.com and Web site: http://www.galebc.org/ ... grades K-12

The History and Nature of Homosexuality (and its "Causes") (3-5 day unit for use in Psychology or Biology courses), Arthur Lipkin, Research Associate, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 210 Longfellow Hall, Cambridge MA 02138, Phone: 617-491-5301, Fax: 617-495-8510, Email: lipkinar@hugse1.harvard.edu

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights: A Human Rights Perspective: curriculum - 2000, Amnesty International USA, the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Educators Network (GLSEN), and the Minnesota Human Rights Resource Center. Encourages thoughtful examination and responsible action about sexual identity issues within the context of human rights. Helps learners see their responsibility to take action to promote and protect the human rights of all, locally and globally. Phone: 1-888-HREDUC8; Web site: http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/edumat/hreduseries/TB3/toc.html

Looking at Gay and Lesbian Literature: assortment of study questions - including suggestions for writing -- for Language Arts classes - Arthur Lipkin, Research Associate, Harvard Graduate School of Education. 210 Longfellow Hall, Cambridge MA 02138; Phone: 617-491-5301; Email: lipkinar@hugse1.harvard.edu $10 each ... High School

Making Healthy Choices: a comprehensive, integrated human development/sexuality education curriculum addressing Life Cycle, Sexual Health, Gender, Attraction, Relationships, Exploitation and Violence, and Families. Originally developed for high risk and incarcerated youth. Lifespan Education, PO Box 11844, Olympia, WA 98508; Phone: 360 352-9980; Email: evonne@lifespaneducation.com; To order: http://waprt.bizland.com/store/DSHSPubs.html; Training information: http://www.lifespaneducation.com/current.html#making

Open Minds to Equality: A Sourcebook of Learning Activities to Affirm Diversity and Promote Equality, eds. Nancy Schniedewind and Ellen Davidson - this is a practical book for teachers for building multi-cultural, gender-fair classrooms and for teaching students about both discrimination and approaches to equality. Grounded in theory but fully accessible to teachers, the book's first two chapters explain the need for equitable classrooms, and the remaining chapters provide activities with full-size worksheets for use with children. This is a “teacher-friendly” book that opens teachers' and students' eyes, hearts and minds to equality. (1997, 387 pp.)

Our Whole Lives: a progressive, comprehensive, value-based sexuality curriculum addressing human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. Teaches about sexual orientation and gender respectfully in the context of a whole human person. Originally developed for the Unitarian and UCC churches, but has been adapted for non-sectarian settings. Training is available. Phone: 1-800-215-9076; Web site: http://www.uua.org/owl/ ... grades K-adult

"The Power of Words: Examining the Language of Ethnic, Gender and Sexual Orientation Bias": This FREE curriculum from Tolerance.org shows you how to help students make informed choices about the use of slurs, epithets and labels. From an activity exploring the roots of slang for immigrants to a lesson on recent attempts by marginalized groups to reclaim pejorative words, the curriculum's 10 lesson plans support content standards in language arts, history, civics and behavioral studies for grades 9-12. Many of the activities can be adapted for lower grades and across subject areas. Lessons include one on "the effects of compulsory heterosexuality"!! More info and to download: http://www.tolerance.org/teach/magazine/features.jsp?p=0&is=36&ar=579

Pride & Prejudice: A formally evaluated, school-based approach to sexual diversity and homophobia. A six-week program with easy-to-follow session plans, handouts and evaluation tools. Comes with a six-part video featuring young gay and lesbian people discussing their lives and experiences. Shown to have significantly changed student attitudes toward gay men and lesbians after 6 weeks. (Health Promotion Journal of Australia, Dec 2001) More info: http://www.prideandprejudice.com.au

Sexually Stigmatized Communities: Reducing Heterosexism and Homophobia, An Awareness Training Manual - by Chuck Stewart - A very comprehensive manual that includes sections on theory and research in practice, training on stigmatized communities, topic papers, transparency masters and activities. Offers over 40 workshop exercise ideas, more than 100 brief readings for participants, and over 25 masters that can be duplicated for use as transparencies or handouts in workshop sessions. (1999, 424 pp.)

Support Services for Sexual Minority Youth (formerly titled "A Safe Place for Questions") available free from the San Francisco Unified School District. Contains lessons on family for first grade, respecting differences for grades two to five, name-calling for sixth grade, stereotypes for eighth grade, and homophobia and history for high school. Also contains sections on making your campus safe, counseling, and cultural considerations. Contact people are Kevin Gogin and Olivia Higgins; address: 1515 Quintara St., San Francisco, CA 94116; phone: 415-242-2615.

Safe Schools Manual: comprehensive manual - 2000, Out for Equity/Out4Good of St. Paul and Minneapolis. A collection of materials and resources to aid educators and other staff members in combating homophobia and developing safer, more inclusive school climates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals. More than 200 pages cover issues such as gay and lesbian history in the United States, forms of homophobia, and GLBT youth counseling. $10; Phone: (651) 603-4942; Email: Alan.Horowitz@spps.org; Web site: http://www.stpaul.k12.mn.us/outforequity/manual.htm ... grades K-12

The Stonewall Riots and the History of Gays and Lesbians in the United States (8-10 day Social Studies unit), Arthur Lipkin, Research Associate, Harvard Graduate School of Education, 210 Longfellow Hall, Cambridge MA 02138; Phone: 617-491-5301; Email: lipkinar@hugse1.harvard.edu

Tackling Gay Issues in School (English), Abordando la Tematica Gay en la Escuela (Spanish): resource binder, background info, lesson plans - 2001, L. Mitchell for Planned Parenthood of Connecticut and GLSEN: The Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network. Fantastic compendium of information and lesson plans available FREE online! Divided into three sections: Rationale (for the inclusion of les/bi/gay/trans issues in school), Recommended Curriculum and Staff Development Activities, Recommended Extracurricular Activities and Resources. Email: leifygreen@aol.com; Web site: http://www.ppct.org/education/curr/tackling/tackling.htm ... grades K-12

VIDEOS, Feature Films & On-line Webcasts

After Stonewall: From the Riots to the Millennium, the sequel to Before Stonewall: 88 min. video. Chronicles the gay and lesbian experience since the Stonewall riots. More info: http://www.afterstonewall.com/after.html. Available in many video stores, or call 1-800-229-8575 or go to http://www.firstrunfeatures.com/ (type "Stonewall" in the search box).

All God's Children: 25 min. video. Moving documentary about gay and lesbian African-Americans and the church, ideal for the mostly African American classroom. Woman Vision, 3145 Geary Blvd, Suite 421, San Francisco, CA 94118. Phone: 415-273-1145, Email: womanvsn@aol.com, Web site: http://www.unaff.org/1998/Fallgods.html

Assault on Gay America: 60-min. video, Public Broadcasting System. In February 1999, in Sylacauga, Alabama, 30-year-old computer programmer Bill Jack Gaither was murdered. The accused killer, a known white supremacist, testified he killed Gaither because he was "queer." Why have gays like Gaither and Matthew Shepard become the targets of such brutality? Frontline correspondent Forrest Sawyer explores the roots of homophobia in America -- as a catalyst for hate crimes and as a phenomenon that permeates our society. $19.98 Shop PBS: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/assault/

Before Stonewall: The Making of a Gay and Lesbian Community: 87 min. video. Emmy-award winning documentary of gay life in the U.S. before 1969. More info: http://www.afterstonewall.com/before.html. Available in many video stores, or call 1-800-229-8575 or go to http://www.firstrunfeatures.com/ (type "Stonewall" in the search box).

"Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin" 83 min. video. Documentary about this legendary African-American, gay, Quaker pacifist activist, without whom there might never have been a Montgomery Bus Boycott in support of Rosa Parks or a March on Washington with Martin Luther King's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Available from Newsreel for $195. at http://www.newsreel.org/films/brothero.htm or call Newsreel toll free: 877-811-7495. The film is also scheduled to air on the show P.O.V. on public television; check local listings, but it is due to air at 10 p.m. EST on January 20, 2003, Martin Luther King Day. See info online at: http://www.pbs.org/pov/

Coming Out, Coming Home: Asian and Pacific Islander Family Stories: 44 min. video. An effort to break the isolation of A/PI families with GLBT children and help with communication within family and broader community. Features interviews with one Filipino and three Chinese families and dialogue among parents. Speaking in English, families discuss shame, grief, love, growth, importance of family, how they handled their conflicts around homosexuality. A/PI-PFLAG Family Project; PO Box 640233, San Francisco, CA 94164; Phone: 415-921-8850, ext. 2; Email: apipflag@aol.com

Dealing with Difference: Opening Dialogue about Lesbian, Gay & Straight Issues: 35 min. video/DVD and accompanying curriculum from Human Relations Media and GLSEN, the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network. Go to http://www.hrmvideo.com/items.cfm?action=view&item_id=2484&type=&search_keywords=lesbian or http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/educator/library/record/1197.html

Dealing with Difference: Opening Dialogue about Lesbian, Gay & Straight Issues: 20-minute film. This video and print curriculum package is designed to foster healthy dialogue among students about LGBT issues while informing everyone of the serious effects anti-LGBT harassment and bullying can have on all students. Ordering info: http://www.hrmvideo.com/items.cfm?action=view&item_id=2484&type=&search_keywords=Difference
Journey to a Hate Free Millennium: 35-min. video by Brent Scarpo and Martin Bedogne. Includes interviews with Judy Shepard, mother of Matthew Shepard, the family of Columbine High School victim Rachel Scott, and the family of James Byrd, who was dragged to death in a hate crime in Jasper, Texas. Available only to those who attend training-of-trainers. New Light Media, 191 University Blvd. Suite 700, Denver, CO 80206-4613; Phone: 303-368-9600; Email: info@newlightmedia.com; Web site: http://www.newlightmedia.com/

Just Call Me Kade: 26-minute film tells the true story of a transgender teen Kade (formerly "Kate") Farlow Collins from Tucson, Arizona. 2001. Ordering info: http://www.mediarights.org/film/just_call_me_kade
Lipstick: 10 minute video - "You've known her forever. She's your best friend. You talk about everything. How will you react when she tells you she's gay?" The video is a wonderful piece to trigger a discussion of issues such as ambivalence, peer pressure, friendship, prejudice and sexual diversity. After the 10 minutes video itself is a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. $30.00, Scenarios USA: 434 W. 33rd Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10001; Phone: 866.414.1044; Fax: 212.252.1511; Email: info@scenariosusa.org; Web site: http://www.scenariosusa.org/movies/lipstick.html ... High School

Out of the Past: 60 min. video, 1998. The first documentary about lesbian and gay history ever produced for a high school audience. This film, winner of the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival, recovers facets of our history that have been left out of the textbooks and follows one young woman making history today. $24.95 for individuals, Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network, Phone: 212-727-0135, Web site: http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/educator/library/record/1645.html

A Place at the Table: Struggles for Equality in America: video-and-text kit - 2001, Teaching Tolerance Program, Southern Poverty Law Center. Explores the battle against intolerance and discrimination in American history, including (briefly) the struggle for gay civil rights. FREE to institutions; limit one package per school, university department or organization; fax your order on school, university or organization letterhead to: 334-264-7310. Phone: 334-264-0286, Web site: http://www.splcenter.org/

Queer Spawn: 30-minute film. There are over ten million children with gay or lesbian parents in the United States. Are their lives affected by their kind of family? From liberal New York City to conservative Texas, teenagers and their parents candidly share their experiences and insights. Order a copy of the film on DVD directly from the filmmaker: annaboluda@gmail.com
"Speaking For Ourselves: Portraits of Gay and Lesbian Youth" 27 min. video - Puts an ethnically diverse and wonderfully human face on the issue, through the stories (in their own words) of sexual minority youth from Washington State. Includes some of their parents' perspectives. Diversity Productions, 216 - 30th Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122. Phone: 206-720-1744; Web site: http://speakingforourselves.com/index.htm; Email: johncmifsud@earthlink.net ... Middle School - Adult

SPEAK UP! Improving the Lives of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgendered Youth: 30 minute video. Explores what gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) students and their allies have done to transform their schools into safer and more welcoming environments. Interviews with students, parents, teachers, administrators and national activists (Judy Shepard, Danny and Julie from MTV's Real World New Orleans and actor/musician Anthonly Rapp). Media Education Foundation: 1-800-897-0089; http://www.mediaed.org/videos/MediaGenderAndDiversity/SpeakUp

The Teen Files: The Truth About Hate: A moving film about racism, anti-Semitism, homophobia, etc. and the transformative power of getting to know "the other." It shows teens who have expressed hate and distrust as they get to know real individuals who belong to the very groups they think they hate (African-American, Jewish, gay, etc.). Distributed by AIMS Multimedia - full 49 minute version for $174.95 as a DVD: http://www.aimsmultimedia.com/titles/title.php3?code=2280-EN-DVD or as a video: http://www.aimsmultimedia.com/titles/title.php3?code=2280-EN-VID or 32 minute school version video for $149.95: http://www.aimsmultimedia.com/aims/title.php3?code=2279-EN-VID The video is also available for private home use ($39.95 plus shipping for either version). Call 1-800-367-2467 ext. 306.or order from the Anti-Defamation League: 800-343-5540 ... High School - Adult

Other feature films suggested for classroom use include:

Ma Vie En Rose
Boys Don't Cry

PSAs on prejudice that you and your students can view on-line:
A gay-inclusive little piece on attitudes, "One America in the 21st Century," and thoughtful ones that address public policy and housing discrimination entitled "Because Affirmative Action Works" and "Do you still like me?" the latter is available in Spanish. All are on CivilRights.org: http://www.civilrights.org/about/lccref/programs/psa/ You'll need either RealPlayer or Quicktime to view the TV PSA's. Scroll to the bottom of the page to download these tools.

Webcast on gay issues that you and your students can view on-line:
Begins with a short dramatized piece featuring an African-American teen acting as an ally to a Caucasian gay peer and then a long, rather slow but very interesting panel follows. From the Exploratorium (the museum of science, art, and human perception): http://www.exploratorium.edu/health/webcast_1_27.html (scroll down and click on "gay issues webcast")

MUSIC

Between the Beats: amazing CD of songs and spoken word by men for men, with a training manual - 2001, Todd Denny and the Men's Violence Project. Topics include: sexual harassment, school violence, homophobia, pornography, alcohol and STDs, masculinity, sexual assault and anti-female beliefs. MVP also offers a training program for schools who would like to develop their own peer-based "MVP" songs. Preview a few songs online. Phone: 360-866-7140; Email: tdenny@olywa.net; Web site: http://www.olywa.net/tdenny/. $30

Identity: from the "Staying Out of the Risky Zone, Volume Two" album/CD, lyrics by Michael Cavazos-Alcacia, music by Jetro Da Silva. Contemporary music addressing teen sexuality, the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancy in culturally relevant and entertaining ways, the audio-tape or compact disc comes with a discussion guide. Risky Zone Initiatives, 74 Emery Street, Portland, Maine 04102; Phone: 207-61-6981; Web site: http://www.riskyzone.org/

Turn It Down: A Campaign Against White Power Music -- includes a Resource Kit, free online with advice for students, teachers, parents, bands and the music industry. Go to: http://turnitdown.newcomm.org

William's Song: (song) From the "Bonus Round Sessions" and "Beyond the Light" CDs by Steve Schalchlin. Tells the true story of William Wagner who was repeated beaten up by school bullies for being gay. When his mother objected to the principal, she was informed that his was his fault. So she took them before the courts and changed Arkansas law forever. It is a an example of how one "one young boy and a mother in Arkansas" made a difference by just standing up for what was right. Youth Guardian Services, Email: steve@bonusround.com or jason@youth-guard.org; Web site: http://www.bonusround.com. Order online at http://www.youth-guard.org/cd ... High school +

Will It Always Be Like This? (Gabi's Song): (song) From the "Bonus Round Sessions" and "Beyond the Light" CDs by Steve Schalchlin. Tells the true story of Gabi Clayton from Olympia Washington. It explains the mental anguish of a gay young man (Gabi's son) who committed suicide after a brutal gay-bashing. And it illustrates how his mother, after having found his body, turned his story into a crusade against hate. Youth Guardian Services, Email: steve@bonusround.com or jason@youth-guard.org; Web site http://www.bonusround.com. Order online at http://www.youth-guard.org/cd

Other popular music suggested for classroom use includes:

Garth Brooks' "We Shall Be Free"
Janis Ian's "At Seventeen"
Fred Small's "Everything Possible" and "Annie"
The Flirtations' "Something Inside So Strong"

Out Voice: "your gateway to out music": http://www.outvoice.net/

books ~ lesson plans ~ curricula ~ videos ~ music ~ top of page

home ~ site map ~ resources by people who use them

[peggygee]

More:

http://www.gendertalk.com/info/resource/glbt-youth.shtml

Transgender Resources (& much more)
A guide to some of the best gender- and activist-related resources
All listed sites have been reviewed by GenderTalk staff
Click here to suggest a resource
Sorry, NO dating, sex play, or fantasy sites
Updated April, 2007
GLBT Youth
Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network Works with school officials to ensure that transgender, gay and lesbian students are not harassed or bullied.

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program A comprehensive, school-wide program designed for use in elementary, middle, or junior high schools to reduce and prevent bullying problems among school children and to improve peer relations at school. The Olweus Program has been implemented in more than one dozen countries around the world including the US.

Family Acceptance Project "A community research, intervention and training initiative to study the impact of family acceptance and rejection on the health, mental health and well-being of lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youth."

National Youth Advocacy Coalition National GLBT youth advocacy organization

Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere A support and advocacy organization for daughters and sons of LGBT parents. Extensive resources.

Youth Resources Support for GLBT youth, providing extensive resources.

Unity Through Diversity Focuses on Gay Youth and School issues along with BLGT issues.

GLBT Youth - Regional

Project 10 A Los Angeles Unified School District program that offers technical and educational support to schools and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students.

Project 10 East "Works to create and sustain safe space in schools and communities where young people can experience mutual respect with a focus on personal excellence, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation or the perception thereof."

Sexual Minority Youth Assistance League Washington, DC metro area service organization solely dedicated to supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) youth.

Boston Alliance of Gay & Lesbian Youth In the Boston area, provides weekly and monthly social activities and special events for LGBTQ people ages 22 and under.

Hetrick Martin Institute A social services agency for transgender and gay youth in New York City. Also runs the Harvey Milk High School, a public school for LGBT youth.

[justatransgirl]

Make gym class optional. I'm serious. I'm willing to bet gym/the locker room is where most GLBT kids have the most trouble in school. It may sound trivial, but I think that's a big issue. I remember seeing horrible things done to other kids in high school.

I used to dread gym class. I was sexually under developed, like I didn't get body or pubic hair until I was going into my senior year (then it was so icky I shaved it surreptitiously).

I used to wear my gym shorts under my regular clothes so I didn't have to undress or I'd change in the toilet stalls.

Plus I was lousy at sports. I hated PE. It was like "pick the faggot last" and I absolutely hated "shirts and skins." I missed something like 110 days of school my junior year, mainly because of PE. (And believe it or not I graduated like #365 in a class of 900.) I majored in smoking pot and sex with pedophiles...

I think PE is necessary for kids - it's bad enough they spend all their time online. BUT I think there need to be options for those who don't feel comfortable in the traditional format.

Best,
TS Jamie :-)

[peggygee]

I'm a little late getting here but I think the primary ghist of attempts to open high schools to TS or GLBT protections and civil rights will have to come through negociations with the administration and districts, and possible lawsuits.

Colleges are different, the students are adults, and Transgender 101 seminars are accepted. But minor students are different and are often accompanied as we saw at Duke University by bigoted, often fanatically religious parents, and attempts at forming GLBT Alliance clubs are often met with major resistance.

I think we could prevail as a Transgender Civil Rights Movement, is opening schools to equal protections so things like the Duke University thing doesn't continue.

So that young trans kids from elementary on up don't have to hold their pee all day long because they are afraid to use the bathroom. So that they are not attacked or called homophobic terms, etc.

I think perhaps our "job" is to "educate" the educators, so they can then educate the students.

I think we need to educate the legistators so they can enact the laws we need. The People will follow.

More later, I'm sure.

Giggle,
TS Jamie :-)

Some cities and their schools may be more receptive than others. Some
may welcome with open arms, and some may have to be threatened with
lawsuits and bad PR.

From Jen's initial post I got the sense that her previous high school
would be open to the idea.

I so this will help her to be armed with information to present to the
students, and faculty.

[justatransgirl]

PS - Holy Smokes Peggy - where do you find such amazing information?

I'm going to save the last page for reference. Suggest everyone else interested does too.

PSS - Best wishes Jen on your trip! Also - you know some GLBT Centers have TG 101 program guides you can use. I believe the TG Law Center and or PFLAG in Orange County, CA have Power Point presentations available, or did. I'm not sure.

Hugs,
TS Jamie :-)

[foxtonoc]

what can be done when you are no longer enrolled?

i have other questions but i cant think of them atm my mind is having a huge brain fart... anyway this is kinda serious and means a lot to me... -j

I have a family member that has worked in the GLBT community for years. As I recall, she approached a former school teacher under the auspices of PFLAG and arranged to go to the school and give a workshop.

The workshop was for teachers only which helped to keep it from becoming a hot button, makes the newspaper kind of issue. The idea was that teachers needed to hear first hand about what it is like for GLBT students in the jungle of high school.

From what I understand, it was very well received and many teachers expressed that this was the first time that they had heard (and understood) how it could be - both good and bad.

Good luck!

Fox

[Master_A]

LGBT?

[peggygee]

LGBT?

GLBT

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered

[peggygee]

ty for all the links peggy ive got a pile of crap im going through but these are gonna help a lot :D -j

You're most welcome. :wink:

I hope to have some more info for
you.

You can pick and chose and boil it
down to meet your needs.

[Master_A]

oh, thought it was that, never seen it backwards.

sounds stupid to me, i mean how do you have a support group and not make it so everyone in the school knows they are gay or what ever.

dont know about you lot over there, but all our school have a shrink you can talk to, so why have group support.

i mean shit theres support groups for every damn thing these days, what ever happened to having balls (so to speak) and sorting your own shit out, makes you tougher.

[hondarobot]

oh, thought it was that, never seen it backwards.

sounds stupid to me, i mean how do you have a support group and not make it so everyone in the school knows they are gay or what ever.

dont know about you lot over there, but all our school have a shrink you can talk to, so why have group support.

i mean shit theres support groups for every damn thing these days, what ever happened to having balls (so to speak) and sorting your own shit out, makes you tougher.

By that line of reasoning, why even allow for schools? Little kids haven't learned to read or write yet? Too damn bad, Tough It Out :!:

:roll:

[Master_A]

dont even the same thing you tosser.

[hondarobot]

dont even the same thing you tosser.

I think you meant "Not even the same thing". Looks like you recieved a bit of the tough love education yourself.

:P

[Master_A]

well excuse me for a typo at 4 int he fucking morning.

tough love, pffft, unlike most of the world i am smart enough to see things as they are, the strong survive the weak die.

[hondarobot]

well excuse me for a typo at 4 int he fucking morning.

tough love, pffft, unlike most of the world i am smart enough to see things as they are, the strong survive the weak die.

Well, let's hope strength isn't measured by how well you compose sentences. "int he", uncapitalized "W" "T" and "I".

You're gonna die :!:

:P :P

[NewYorker]

oh, thought it was that, never seen it backwards.

sounds stupid to me, i mean how do you have a support group and not make it so everyone in the school knows they are gay or what ever.

dont know about you lot over there, but all our school have a shrink you can talk to, so why have group support.

i mean shit theres support groups for every damn thing these days, what ever happened to having balls (so to speak) and sorting your own shit out, makes you tougher.

Because the sense of isolation is one of leading factors in the majority of young GLT suicides and therapists aren't always receptive to alternative lifestyles. Also here in the US the support groups are all inclusive, so straight student can join too and show their support, because they're more of a social group, like any other school club, than a therapy group.

[alphanumeric]

the work of many can be undone by a few,

remember it will be a few generations before there could be any real chance at success, because no matter what you teach them in school , they learn most of their outlook at home.

[NewYorker]

well excuse me for a typo at 4 int he fucking morning.

tough love, pffft, unlike most of the world i am smart enough to see things as they are, the strong survive the weak die.

And it's the job of the strong to defend and protect the weak. Otherwise your mother would have left on you on the street after birth and we wouldn't even be having this conversation. :roll:

[arnie666]

The 'school' I went too there is no way a class like that could ever happen. You have to remember what some parents tell their kids about Gays and other people they come into contact with outside school.They start em early :D

A class like that would be treated like some kind of witchhunt to try and work out who the 'faggots' were. The person giving the talk probably wouldn't last five minutes either. When I was in school which wasn't that long ago 'gay , faggot queer' were terms of abuse often used. There was a lad in my class who was suspected of being Gay just from the way he acted. He got a hiding every day.

We once had one lesson in pshe about homosexuality and it was treated as a way to abuse this kid. . The teachers did fuck all about it, they couldn't care less. We had a female teacher who was in a fact a lesbian and she had many complaints made by parents she was messing with the girls. Whether any of it was true I don't know.But she was still there when I left after four years.

I must say that back then I hated Gays too dunno why we just all did even the girls. It is sad to say but I have come across less homophobia in the army than in school althought I wouldn't say it wasn't there. If you do the job no one really cares. I know of a man in my regiment having a sex change.And most people are alright about it. In my school he wouldn't have lasted a day.

Jen if you really want to make a difference you want to campaign to get schools to take bullying seriously.No kid should have to deal with being bullied because he is Gay or is confused or whatever. Iam being honest there is no way a class like that would ever survive in the kinds of schools I went to.In fact it could make the problem worse. In my view you want to make teachers more aware of Gay, lesbian and ts issues and know how to support someone with these issues who comes forward and force them to take ALL bullying seriously.

[alphanumeric]

and sadly keep in mind you still have crap like this to deal with...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,3605,1183596,00.html

[peggygee]

and sadly keep in mind you still have crap like this to deal with...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/weekend/story/0,3605,1183596,00.html

Powerful article on the topic of 'curing' homosexuality.
Highly recommended reading.