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GSA Network News Email Archive - 2004

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April 7, 2004

In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:

GSA Network Highlight
Students and Parents Protest at Westminster Board Meeting over Gender Nondiscrimination Law

GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Leadership Training (San Francisco)
2. NorCal Youth Council looking for New Members (Northern California)
3. GSA Network Endorses Speak Out for Education not Incarceration (Oakland)

Other Announcements
4. Sacramento Trans Youth: Peer Support Group Forming
5. A Midsummer Night Prom (Orange County)
6. 7th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards (Santa Cruz)
7. Queer Exchange Workshop on Queer identity for Youth (Los Angeles)
8. Sisterfire Concert, SAT 4/10, 2PM, Precita Park (San Francisco)
9. Fringe Benefits' Theatre Think Tank at QYCCA Conference (Los Angeles)
10. The Adventures of SuperQueer: San Diego Youth Pride
11. Q-Team/Bike Out First-Ever Social Justice Bike Tour (Los Angeles)
12. Outspoken Announcements (San Francisco)
13. Q-Action Announcement (San Francisco)
14. Book Signing by Abigail Garner, author of "Families Like Mine" (San Francisco)
15. Sacramento PFLAG Follansbee Scholarship
16. Queer Asian & Pacific Islander PRIDE Scholarship
17. Seventeen Magazine Announces its America's Sweetheart Contest
18. NEWS: Club helps gay teens at school
19. NEWS: Trustees Will Meet on Gender Law Stand
20. NEWS: Gay Lubbock High Students Won't Appeal Ruling

+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++

Students and Parents Protest at Westminster Board Meeting over Gender Nondiscrimination Law

On Thursday, April 1st, nearly 1,000 parents, students, teachers, and community members showed up in full force to the Westminster School Board meeting to protest the actions of three board members who are refusing to comply with the state gender non-discrimination policy (AB 537). The three Orange County school board members, who represent the majority of the 5-person board, are refusing to adopt the state's definition of gender, which includes actual or perceived sex and a person's identity, appearance, and behavior that may differ from a person's sex assigned at birth. By refusing to be in compliance with state law, the district risks losing all of their federal and state funds, which could total $40 million of their $70 million budget.

The packed board meeting at Stacey Middle School in Westminster included nearly 60 speakers, including outraged parents, teachers, and students. Several transgender community members spoke to rousing cheers from the crowd. Among the student speakers were Vanessa Coe, a GSA Network student leader who attends high school in Orange County, and an 8th grader who attends school in Westminster. Everyone called on the school board members to get in compliance with the state law before the deadline of April 12, to not put the school funding at risk, and to fulfill their duty as school board members to uphold the law and protect all students from discrimination.

A strongly worded letter addressed to the Westminster board from State Superintendent Jack O'Connell was read aloud at the board meeting. O'Connell wrote, "If you refuse, I will take all available steps to compel your compliance. Such steps may include witholding consolidated application funds from your district in the current and/or future fiscal years. It would pain me to do that, since any loss of funds potentially hurts the children of your district. However, I will move with deliberate speed if you challenge my authority.

"As one elected official to others, I frankly find your reluctance to protect all of your children disturbing. It is immoral and unconscionable for elected officials to condone discrimination in any form, and your actions not only condone it, they encourage it. Moreover, to put the education of young people at risk in this manner is indefensible."

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+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++

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1. GSA Leadership Training (San Francisco)

Are you committed to ending homophobia and transphobia in your school?
Ready to meet and network with other youth in other GSAs?
Wanna share some knowledge and pick some up as well?

Well then you should come to the GSA Leadership Training!!!

Who: GSA Members and Potential Members and leaders
Where: San Francisco LGBT Center (Youth Space) 1800 Market St., San Francisco
When: Saturday, April 17th from 10am until 4pm
Cost: Free!
Breakfast and Lunch will be provided!

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sean Saifa Wall at mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org or call 415.552.4229.
Co-sponsors: GSA Network, Youth Speaks, API Wellness Center, and YMAC

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2. NorCal Youth Council looking for New Members (Northern California)

Do you have a passion for LGBTQI youth development?
Want to sharpen your skills as an organizer and trainer?
Ready to expand your understanding of race, class, and gender politics in addition to anti-oppressive principles?
Well then, this is the opportunity!

GSA Network is looking for high school sophomores and juniors who are interested in creating change and furthering the mission of GSA Network as a youth empowerment social change organization.

If you are interested, please visit the web site below or call 415.552.4229 and speak with Sean Saifa Wall or email-->mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org.

For more information, please visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/about/ycapp.html
People of Color and Transgender folk are encouraged to apply.

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3. GSA Network Endorses Speak Out for Education not Incarceration (Oakland)

EDUCATION NOT INCARCERATION TEACH-IN - SPEAK-OUT
(http://www.may8.org) to Further Our United Fight for Resources for Our Schools and Not for More Prisons
Saturday, May 1st, 10AM-3PM; Oakland Technical High School, 4351 Broadway (near the Macarthur BART), Oakland, CA

CARRY ON THE HISTORICAL AND FIGHTING TRADITION OF INTERNATIONAL WORKER'S DAY, MAY 1ST.
*Learn more about the link between cuts to education and rising prison populations in interactive workshops where everyone will be given a chance to speak.
*Create graffiti art, spoken word and video for the afternoon speak out where you can raise your voice for education not incarceration to invited elected representatives and officials.
*Childcare and food will be provided.

HOW YOU OR YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN PARTICIPATE:
1. Endorse the event (individual or organizations)
2. Send this outreach e-mail to your friends/members
3. Send a flyer to your friends/members, available at
http://www.may8.org/TeachAction/speakout.pdf (or go to http://www.may8.org and click on the flyer link)
4. Come to the next planning meeting on Monday April 12, 7-9PM at the Neibel Proctor Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave in North Oakland.
5. Organize your friends/ members to attend the event

TO ENDORSE: please send your name, e-mail, phone #, address and expected # of friends/members you will bring to Jonah Zern (EAST BAY) mailto:jzern1@yahoo.com,
510.654.8613 or Lisa Gutierrez Guzman (San Francisco and other) at mailto:lggwwt@hotmail.com

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++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events, resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of GSA Network.

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4. Sacramento Trans Youth: peer support group forming

Sacramento Trans Youth is a peer support group for young people in their teens through early twenties who are gender variant, transgender, or gender questioning. This is really an exciting new opportunity for youth in our area. Organizers have met with and received the support of PFLAG, GLSEN, the Lambda Center, the Sacramento Gender Association, the River City MCC Transgender Support Group, and the UC Davis LGBT Resource Center. The group has yet to agree on a choice of meeting time/place (the Lambda Center and River City MCC in Mather are the leading contenders.

You can join the group and participate in its formation by checking out their webpage at http://www.geocities.com/saveTyouth/sacramento/ or their Yahoo discussion group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sacTyouth/.

For further information and to offer your suggestions and assistance please email Francie at mailto:sacTyouth-owner@yahoogroups.com.

Look for the group at the Youth Parents Day at the Lambda Community Center on Sunday April 4 from 1 pm to 3 pm and at the Lambda Freedom Faire in June.

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5. A Midsummer Night Prom (Orange County)

The Lesbian and Gay Community Center is proud to announce the Annual Queer Prom. This year's theme is based on a "Midsummer Night's Dream." Come dressed as your favorite mythological creature (elf, fairy, goblin etc).

Where? Costa Mesa Senior Center, 695 West 19th Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
When? April 10th from 8 to 11pm
Age? 16-21 Years of Age
Call the Youth Drop-In Center for more information 714.590.3140

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6. 7th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards (Santa Cruz)

The Santa Cruz County Task Force for LGBTQ Youth proudly presents ...
7th ANNUAL QUEER YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Sunday, April 25, 2004
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm Variety Show and Awards Ceremony
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Buffet / Refreshments / Social
Harbor High School / Little Theater
300 La Fonda Ave, Santa Cruz

Please join the queer and queer-friendly community of Santa Cruz county as they honor Queer Youth Leaders And Their Allies in these categories:
THE QUEER YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARD
THE ALLIES TO QUEER YOUTH AWARD
THE QUEER YOUTH ORGANIZATIONAL ALLIANCE AWARD

Tickets Available throughout Santa Cruz County!
Herland
1014 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz (831) 429-6636
http://www.herland.50megs.com

Streetlight Records
941 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz (831) 421-9200

The Ugly Mug
4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel (831) 477-1341

Etc Etc Etc
1900 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz (831) 462-8282

Ritmo Latino
400 Main Street, Watsonville (831) 763-0283
http://www.ritmolatino.com

White Raven
6253 Highway 9, Felton (831) 335-3611
Service charges may apply.
$20 Donation - Adult
$10 Donation - Student/Senior

No one turned away for lack of funds. Please contact us in advance for special arrangements.
For large groups and more information please contact: mailto:QYLATicket@aol.com or (831) 427-4004
Web: http://www.diversitycenter.org/qytf/2004qyla

All Youths and Adults Welcome!
Produced by the Santa Cruz County Task Force for LGBTQ Youth, a program of the Diversity Center, a community center serving the LGBT community of Santa Cruz county. Funded, in part, by the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County, the ADAM Foundation and generous donations from community members and organizations.

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7. Queer Exchange Workshop on Queer identity for Youth (Los Angeles)

How is Queer Identity Targeted… Marketed.... Put on the auction block? How is it not? A Queer exchange is a performance workshop, for queer, trans, bi and straight allied emerging adults (18-26). Facilitated by performance artist, Danielle Brazell this 10-week series provides a forum to investigate how queer identity is being marketed and assimilated into mainstream culture. Through performance investigations, theatrical improvisations, writing exercises and discussion, we will generate rich performance material for a public performance on June 19 & 20th.

Your art can play a role in shaping culture. And you can make sure it gets seen and heard.

APRIL 17 - JUNE 12TH 10:30 - 1:30PM
Commitment to all sessions a must! No previous Performance Experience Necessary! Trans, Bi and Straight allied voices are encouraged to participate!
Danielle Brazell is an internationally recognized performance artist, educator and curator. She has taught performance workshops in community settings, universities and theatres for ten years.

For more information about Danielle visit her website: http://home.mindspring.com/~dangirl/daniellebrazell
Public Presentation June 19 & 20th 2004
Registration is free, but space is limited!

For more information or to reserve a space Email: mailto:dangirl@mindspring.com or call: 323.578.4997
La Caja Negra Theatre
(Downstairs from Tsunami Coffee House at the Junction)
4019 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA. 90029

A queer eXchange is made possible in part by a grant from the City of Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department public project presentations.

For more information, please contact:
DAnGiRl eNdEaVoRs
mailto:dangirl@mindspring.com
Home. http://www.mindspring.com/~dangirl/daniellebrazell

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8. Sisterfire Concert, SAT 4/10, 2PM, Precita Park (San Francisco)

SISTERFIRE CONCERT (WOMEN OF COLOR AGAINST VIOLENCE)
FREE
FEATURING: LOCO BLOCO'S (WOMENS BATERIA), FILLMORE ROCKS CREW, JENRO, NOURA ERAKAT, JAMAESORI, ABADA-CAPOEIRA, LADY TRAGIK, CYNTHIA "UNI" BLANCA FLOR, JAZZIE, SHANIQUE SCOTT, JACQUELINE SHEPARD, FAITH NOLAN, ANITA, CHRYSTOS, D'LO, MARCUS RENE VAN, & MANY MORE!!!!!!
FEATURED DJ: DJ YVE 1

WHAT IS SISTERFIRE?Sisterfire is trying to reach women of color of all ages and backgrounds with the message that we're tired of the violence we endure as women of color, violence is not normal, violence against women of color destroys our entire communities, and we ain't gonna stay quiet about it... Sisterfire is a national/international (Mexico/US border) tour running Spring through Fall of 2004. We will be working with existing local groups to support local grassroots organizing efforts and bringing out artists/activists to inspire and build a movement for sister liberation!
Race, class, gender, and sexuality oppressions violence against women of color: state violence: colonization of Iraq and Palestine, attacks to our reproductive rights, imprisonment, police, INS and FBI attacks like racial profiling, sexual assault and deportation. "war on terrorism violence:" militarism, imperialism, anti-Muslim and anti-queer hate violence economic violence: poverty, welfare system, globalization, etc. interpersonal violence: intimate, domestic and sexual violence cultural: traditional and healing art art that inspires our liberation.

PRECITA PARK is located in San Francisco (Between Mission District AND Bernal Heights)
For More Info, Please Contact: FLORENCIA GARCIA AT (510) 938-5975 OR mailto:FLORENCIA@CYWD.ORG

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9. Fringe Benefits' Theatre Think Tank at QYCCA Conference (Los Angeles)

Saturday, April 17, 2004 -- from 2:30 to 3:50pm at Fringe Benefits' Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools at Manual Arts High School's Project 10 & QYCCA

"It's All About Love…" Youth Conference

The 9am to 5:30pm Conference is FREE, with breakfast and lunch provided to all participants!
(registration information and directions below!)
We will lead FUN theatre games and improvisations, and brainstorm ideas for creative ways to address LGBT issues in schools through plays, assembly presentations, video PSAs and perhaps even Pep Rally skits.
The Think Tank is open to all youth (14 and older), parents, educators, theatre artists, therapists, activists, thinkers and allies interested in creating &/or collaborating on performance pieces dealing with LGBTQ issues.
Bring in issues you're dealing with at your school!
Bring ideas or even drafts of scripts, poems or speeches!
Bring your sense of humor, your outrage, your passion!
Or just come as you are!

The Think Tank will continue to meet throughout the year on the following dates from 2-to-5pm at GLASS, 735 S. La Brea Blvd., Los Angeles.
May 15 * June 5
Join us whenever and as often as you can!

LOCATION & PARKING:
This month the workshop will be located at the conference at Manual Arts High School: 4131 South Vermont Avenue/Los Angeles, CA 90037 (near Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.)
Free parking is available in one of the school lots. There is also some street parking.

**Contact Norma Bowles at mailto:normabowles@earthlink.net or call (323) 953-9036 if you would like Fringe Benefits to go to your school or community center and work with a group there to develop an original play about LGBT or other discrimination issues.**

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10. The Adventures of SuperQueer: San Diego Youth Pride

The second annual Youth Pride will be April 30 and May 1!
San Diego's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth and their allies celebrated the first-ever Youth Pride on May 3, 2003. More than 300 youth attended the event that, despite the rain, was a tremendous success.
April 30 ... Friday Night ... 6pm-10pm ... The Center's Auditorium .... 3909 Center Street

"Family OUTing: Jumpstart to " We will have a theatre piece written and produced by YP about coming out stories and issues along with an Art Exhibit. This event will be a opportunity for Youth and their parents or guardians and other community members to interact and get to know each other. We will have information tables with literature about San Diego's Youth Services and organizations. The Family OUTing will have a featured speaker (TBA) and possibly a panel discussion.

May 1 ... Saturday ... Noon - 6pm ...The Center Parking Lot
There will be a festival in the Center's parking lot featuring: entertainment, games, exhibitor booths, food and plenty of fun.

This event is FREE and open to ages 14-24 inclusive.
Performances will include: Alicia Champion, Kevin Allred, Lauren DeRose, the Carlsbad High Lancer Dancers in addition to a special appearance from Wilson Cruz!

For more information about Youth Pride, visit the web at: http://www.sdpride.org or call Terry at 619-297-7683.

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11. Q-Team/Bike Out First-Ever Social Justice Bike Tour (Los Angeles)

This is your e-invite to join us for the first ever Q-Team/Bike Out Environmental Justice Bike Tour of Southeast Los Angeles. The ride takes place on Sunday, May 2nd and will include the following:

Introduction to Environmental Justice (EJ), what does it mean?
Bike Tour of Toxic Sites, Campaigns, and Victories
A Look at EJ Campaigns and Victories
Urban Bike Riding and Bike Safety
Lunchtime Discussions Including the Connection Between EJ and the Broader Social Justice Movement and
Queer Youth Organizing (while staying healthy and sane)

We ask that each rider contribute $5-$25 (sliding scale, no one turned away for lack of funds) to help cover the costs of the ride. Any proceeds will be split evenly between Q-Team and Bike Out to assist in the work the organizations do.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided.

You don't have to own your own bike to come! Just let us know if you need to borrow a bike and helmet from Bike Out.
To register, please contact Becca at (310) 453-5040 or mailto:becca@bikeout.org, or Ned at (213) 383-8080, mailto:ned_duke_@hotmail.com and leave a message with your name, address, phone number, and email if you have it.

We'll send you the registration packet in the mail. Registration deadline is April 19th , 20 spots available.

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12. Outspoken Announcements (San Francisco)

Young Actors - Participate in OUTSPOKEN!
The New Conservatory Theatre Center in San Francisco is looking for 20 high school aged actors to participate in the creation of this world premiere YouthAware production, Outspoken. Through written word, visual art, music, and drama, youth from throughout the United States have submitted to NCTC their experiences with issues such as tolerance, acceptance, identity & community. These submissions will be compiled into an innovative theatre-in-production that will be made available at no cost to schools, youth groups, and community organizations to use for their own performance & educational purposes.

Students who enroll into NCTC's Teen Summer Stock program will participate in the creation of OUTSPOKEN. Rehearsal dates: June 21 thru July 25 from 10am-4pm. Monday thru Friday. There is a non-competitive placement audition on Saturday, May 15 from 10am - 1pm.
Actors do not need to prepare a monologue. Be prepared to do improvisations and read from various texts.
Program cost: $650.00.
Scholarships are available.

For an application or for more information contact, Andrew Nance at 415 -861-4914 or email: mailto:conservatorydirector@nctcsf.org

YOUNG WRITERS, ARTISTS AND COMPOSERS - Participate OUTSPOKEN!
San Francisco's New Conservatory Theatre Center (NCTC) announces the world premiere of the OutSpoken project as part of their ongoing YouthAware Program. Through written word, poetry, visual art, music and drama, NCTC is asking all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation, to send us their experiences with issues of sexual identity, homophobia, acceptance & community.
These submissions will be compiled into a new play by award-winning author Norman Allen. After a premiere production in San Francisco this summer, to be performed by local youth, the script will be made available at no cost to schools, youth groups and community organizations across the country for use in their own performance and educational outreach programs.
This is where YOU get involved. By adding your submission to the OutSpoken Project you are empowering not only yourself but youth like you. Join us in creating this much-needed performance piece that supports a safer and more accepting community.

For more information, submission guidelines and an application form, visit our website at: http://www.nctcsf.org/arts_alliance.html or call (415) 861-4914 or email: mailto:youthaware@nctcsf.org
The deadline for submissions has been extended to May 1st.

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13. Q-Action Announcement (San Francisco)

Q ACTION EVENT
"DISH"
Thursday, April 8 @ 7:30pm
QnA Lounge - 539 Castro St.
Drop-in at the QnA Lounge for the latest dish.
Share a thought, meet new folks and increase your knowledge & skills on safe sex.
Now at 7:30! giving you time to get to Faith.
Q Action is for guys of all colors & flavors 25 & under who dig other guys.

*Want the 411? http://www.qaction.org OR 415.865.0790 x304

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14. Book Signing by Abigail Garner, author of "Families Like Mine" (San Francisco)

Abigail Garner, Author of "Families Like Mine: Children of Gay Parents Tell It Like It Is"
Monday, April 12, 2004
5:30p.m.
Commonwealth Club
Club Office, 595 Market Street, 2nd floor
San Francisco, CA
415-597-6700

Tickets are $6 for members of the event's co-sponsors, the San Francisco LGBT Community Center and Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE). $12 for Non-members, $3 for Students, Free for Commonwealth Club members.

Book sales provided by A Different Light Bookstore.

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APRIL BOOK TOUR: Below is a list of stops on the book tour. Even if you
are not near one of these cities, please notify your friends who are.
Details about each reading/signing is listed on my site:
http://www.familieslikemine.com/a/index.php?contentID=4
April 8: New York City
April 9: Washington, DC
April 12: San Francisco
April 14: Chicago
April 15: Madison
April 20: Minneapolis
June 3: Boston

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FAMILIES LIKE MINE: Children of Gay Parents Tell It Like It Is
By Abigail Garner
The first book to address the complex issues of LGBT parenting from the perspectives of the true experts: their children.
"YOU have a gay dad?! What is that like?"
Like most kids of LGBT parents," says Abigail Garner, "I have been asked this question nearly every day of my life. My new book 'Families Like Mine: Children of Gay Parents Tell It Like It Is' combines my own life story with stories from over 50 grown sons and daughters who respond to
the question: "What is that like?"

For more information, please contact:
Abigail Garner
mailto:abigail@familieslikemine.com
Creator of http://www.FamiliesLikeMine.com: resources for people with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender parents.

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15. Sacramento PFLAG Follansbee Scholarship

The Sacramento Chapter of PFLAG is pleased to announce the institution of the Follansbee Scholarship. This $500 scholarship will be awarded to a graduating high school senior in the Sacramento area. The scholarship is named in honor of The Rev. and Mrs. Merrill Follansbee, chapter founders and proud parents of a gay son and has been funded by contributions from individuals throughout the Sacramento area.

In order to be eligible for these funds, students must meet the following requirements:
1. Be a graduating high school senior
2. Self identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender
3. Demonstrate an interest in service to the LGBT community
4. Have applied to an accredited higher education institution in pursuit of either an Associate's degree leading to transfer credits towards a Bachelor's degree, or a Bachelor's degree program at a four-year college.

Applications must be postmarked by May 1, 2004.
To obtain an application, contact Sacramento PFLAG at PO Box 661855, Sacramento, CA 95866, Phone: 916-978-0410, or email mailto:sacpflag@sacramentopflag.org.

You can also request a copy from us here at GLSEN by sending an email to mailto:sacglsen@yahoo.com.

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16. Queer Asian & Pacific Islander PRIDE Scholarship

Are you...
· In need of money to help pay for your education?
· Asian or Pacific Islander (A&PI)?
· Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning (LGBTQQ)?
· 22 years old or younger?
· Living in the San Francisco Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, San Francisco or San Mateo county)?
· A high school senior, high school graduate, have your GED or attending college?

If you answered "yes" to all of the above, the Queer Asian & Pacific Islander PRIDE Scholarship is for YOU! Edward Cheng Ming Tang, a generous and conscientious Chinese gay man, wishes to help you to achieve educational pursuits and dreams, proudly and without shame. In partnership with Peninsula Community Foundation, this education fund awards scholarships totaling $16,000 to deserving applicants, with the goal of eradicating the isolation, invisibility, homophobia and heterosexism faced by thousands of A&PI queer and questioning youth in the Bay Area and beyond.

To apply, please download an application: http://www.apiwellness.org/v20/youth/application.html

Application Process:
The application process consists of two parts. The first part included questions for you to answer. The second part included a creative project. Send in or drop off the application with your creative artwork by May 31, 2004 at 5 p.m. via mail or in person.

Attn: Sabrina Wu
Queer A&PI Pride Scholarship
Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center
730 Polk Street, 4th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94109

The application form and artwork becomes the property of Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center and will not be returned. Your artwork may be used for publicity purposes.

If you are feeling stuck or have questions on how to fill out the application form, just contact Sabrina at mailto:sabrina@apiwellness.org or call 415.292.3420 x315.

Selection Process:
A selection committee including A&PI LGBTQQ youth and adults review the applications and select scholarship recipients. We establish a new selection committee for each year. Selection factors included the following: financial need, personal and societal challenges, creativity and originality, community involvement or the imagining of a queer A&PI community.
Each year, the selection committee comes up with the range of award amounts. For the year 2003, the committee decided to give awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
If you have any questions or want to get a head start, please contact Sabrina Wu at mailto:sabrina@apiwellness.org.

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17. Seventeen Magazine Announces its America's Sweetheart Contest

Five girls ages 12-21 can win a partial college scholarship and appear in the magazine. One girl wins an internship at the magazine.

Seventeen is looking for motivated girls who work hard to improve the lives of others-while maintaining a 3.0 GPA. If this sounds like you or someone you know, enter our contest. Mail a 300-word essay on why you (or a friend) should be America's Sweetheart; two reference letters vouching for the nominee (one has to be from a teacher; the other can be from an employer, coach, organization head, or friend); and a photo of yourself or the nominee to Seventeen, America's Sweetheart Contest, 1440 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.

Entrants must be female and between the ages of 12 and 21. The winner will receive a paid internship at Seventeen for the summer 2005; she and the four runners-up will also receive a partial college scholarship and be honored in an upcoming issue of Seventeen. All entries must be received by midnight EDT on June 14, 2004.
For additional contest details, contact Melanie Abrahams at (917) 934-6515.

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18. NEWS: Club helps gay teens at school

Felicia Johnson was nervous before last week's junior prom at Del Oro High School. For the first time, she was attending a school dance with a date.
Since coming out to her friends and family last year, Johnson, 16, has been trying to form a support group for gay students on the Loomis campus. She believes it would be the first such club in Placer County.

For more information related to this article, please visit:
http://www.sacbee.com/content/news/story/8756277p-9683666c.html

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19. NEWS: Board members stand firm on transgender discrimination policy

Associated Press
Posted on Fri, Apr. 02, 2004

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - The majority of an Orange County school board refused to implement a state-mandated anti-discrimination policy following a raucous meeting where hundreds of parents and teachers protested.
Trustees Judy Ahrens, Blossie Marquez-Woodcock and Helena Rutkowski argue that adopting the state's definition of gender for the Westminster School District would be immoral and promote transsexuality.
"The board certainly did not give any indication that they were planning to budge," said district spokeswoman Trish Montgomery on Thursday.
Donna Scott, a parent, told the board members they should obey the law. "How dare you use my child as a human shield for your discrimination, your fear, your hatred," she said.

To read the full article, visit: http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/8337325.htm

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20. NEWS: Gay Lubbock High Students Won't Appeal Ruling

(Lubbock, Texas) Students who sought to organize a Gay Straight Alliance at Lubbock High School will not appeal a court ruling that said the school board could not be forced to let the group meet on campus.
Last month a federal judge ruled that the school district had not violate the student's rights when it refused to recognize the group. U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings ruled that the "group's goals violate well-known policies at Lubbock High School and the district."

Cummings said that "the local school officials and parents are in the best position to determine what subject matter is reasonable and will be allowed on LISD campuses."

The ruling said that the decision not to allow the group to meet on campus is "an assertion of a school's right not to surrender control of the public school system to students and erode a community's standard of what subject matter is considered obscene and inappropriate."

The students were represented by Lambda Legal. The decision not to appeal was made Monday. "It had a lot to do with the kids," Lawyer Brian Chase said. He noted that two of the students involved in the case have graduated from Lubbock High, and two others will graduate next month. Chase said subjecting other students to an appeals process that could last several years "did not seem right." The LISD has won," a jubilant school attorney Ann Manning declared.
The decision not to appeal ends a court battle that began July 8 and marked the first loss in a Gay Straight Alliance lawsuit for Lamba Legal.

Manning said that she has heard from other school boards across the country either fighting the establishment of Gay Straight Alliances or attempting to shut them down.

"This is the first and only victory for a school district in the United States. It could be a pattern by which school district's could maintain keeping clubs based on sex and sexual activity out of the purview of the Equal Access Act," Manning said.

To read the article on-line, please visit: http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/04/040604txSchool.htm

April 14, 2004

In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:

GSA Network Highlight
Day of Silence, Night of Noise

GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Leadership Training This Saturday! (San Francisco)
2. Take a Survey to Tell Us If Your School Is Safe Place to Learn
3. GSA Activist Camps this summer - SAVE THE DATE!

Other Announcements
4. Outlet Movie Night! (Mid-Peninsula)
5. Youth PRIDE - Saturday June 26th (San Francisco)
6. 7th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards (Santa Cruz)
7. Youth Development Peer Network (YDPN) (San Francisco)
8. CALL FOR ENTRIES: Submit Your Commercial for Marriage Equality
9. Fringe Benefits' Theatre Think Tank at QYCCA Conference (Los Angeles)
10. The Adventures of SuperQueer: San Diego Youth Pride
11. Q Action Event (San Francisco)
12. Call for Submissions- LGBTQ/Q Youth Anthology
13. Scholarships for CA Residents for GenderPac
14. NEWS: Opening remarks to start in Gwen Araujo trial
15. NEWS: Students forming gay-straight alliance in Reno
16. NEWS: Students fight to stop gender harassment
17. NEWS: Westminster Awaiting a High-Stakes Verdict

+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++

Day of Silence, Night of Noise

The Day of Silence is April 21, 2004!

This a day in which people of all sexual orientations and gender identities who support lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights take a vow of silence to recognize and protest the silence that LGBT people face each day. Participants pass out cards that state their reasons for not speaking. Think about the voices you are not hearing. What can you do to end the silence?

The Day of Silence is a project of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) in collaboration with the United States Student Association (USSA). GSA Network is a proud endorser of the Day of Silence.

Day of Silence is a great opportunity for a GSA to incorporate a multi-oppression message in your activism. Working in coalition with other student groups who work on issues around racism, classism, ageism, sexism, human rights, etc. can add many more people to your event and make your event include and affect more people on your school campus.
At the end of the Day of Silence, participants can host "Breaking the Silence" follow up events to educate their communities on how to stop the silence from continuing. Breaking the Silence events are a significant way to share your experiences with other students and build a stronger community of GSA activists. Here are some of the regional Breaking the Silence/Night of Noise events:

--
Fresno "Breaking the Silence" Party

On Saturday night, April 24th, area GSAs are invited to a "Breaking The Silence Party" at the Fresno GSA Network office (4403 E. Tulare Ave across from Roosevelt High). The party begins at 8pm and will feature plenty of food, music and lots of time to talk about everyone's experience of the Day of Silence. Sunnyside High School GSA president, Frankie Martinez, is the event organizer and sees this first-ever Central Valley "Breaking The Silence Party" as a way to build community and to continue the momentum of activism.
--
Orange County "Breaking the Silence"

Come celebrate with other GSAs in Orange County or just come to meet new friends. You do not need to be apart of a GSA to come.
April 23, 2004
Friday
7:30-11:30 PM
1601 Dorothy Lane
Fullerton, CA 92831
This is an alcohol and drug free event.
There will be a live DJ all night with an amazing system.
It's a great chance to meet new people, network with other LGBT youth, and have a great time.
Best part is… it's FREE
(Just RSVP please)
Email: mailto:vanessa@gsanetwork.org
(if you RSVP through email, please put the subject under: RSVP)
--
San Jose "Youth Dance: The Night of Noise"

In recognition of the Silence that LGBT and oppressed people have endured, it's time to party! Whoa, after all the daily silence, this is sure one Big Night of Noise!
Friday, April 23rd
7pm until midnite
United Methodist Church
111 Church St
Los Gatos, CA
in the GYM
$5 cover
no alcohol/no drugs, clothes necessary

For more information, please contact Rick at mailto:youthprg@defrank.org or call 408.293.3040 x111

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+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++

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1. GSA Leadership Training This Saturday! (San Francisco)

Are you a straight ally or a queer student in High School?
Are you in a GSA or want to start one at your school?
Do you want to sharpen your knowledge of gender identity, slurs and your rights as a student?
Do you like free food, good people and a chill atmosphere?

Well then, I think that it's time for you to come to a GSA Leadership Training!
Where: LGBT Center, in the Youth Space @1800 Market Street, San Francisco
When: Saturday, April 17th from 10am until 4pm
Who: GSA members, GSA advisors, and potential GSA members (LGBTQQI youth and straight allies welcome)
Cost: FREE!

**FREE FOOD****FREE BREAKFAST****FREE LUNCH****GOOD TIMES**

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Sean Saifa Wall at mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org or call 415.552.4229.
Co-sponsors: GSA Network, Youth Speaks, API Wellness Center, and YMAC

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2. Take a Survey to Tell Us If Your School Is Safe Place to Learn

GSA Network and the California Safe Schools Coalition are surveying high school and middle school students across California, with a focus on LGBT students, to learn more about safety, discrimination, and harassment in schools. Last year, we did the same survey and published a report called Safe Place to Learn, which you can view at http://www.casafeschools.org.

The 2004 Preventing School Harassment Survey will be a vital tool for local and statewide efforts to make schools safer for all students by ending discrimination and harassment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Last year's survey showed that harassment and discrimination are pervasive, but schools can take specific steps to make a difference. Students whose schools have a clear anti-harassment policy, students whose teachers intervene when they hear slurs, and students whose schools have GSAs were less likely to be harassed, more likely to feel safe in school, and more connected to their community and supportive adults.

We need your help! For the 2004 survey to be successful, we need hundreds of participants from schools all over California. We've sent copies of the survey to every GSA and LGBT youth group in California. Please administer the survey at the next meeting of your GSA or youth group.

Students can take the survey online by going to http://www.casafeschools.org. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. You can make a difference in only 10 minutes by improving our understanding of safety and discrimination in our schools.
Questions? Email mailto:info@casafeschools.org

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3. GSA Activist Camps this summer - SAVE THE DATE!

The GSA Activist Camp is a youth-planned and youth-led 3-day event that features intensive community building, skill-building, political education, and leadership training for GSA members. All youth who will be involved in a high school or middle school GSA next year are encouraged to apply. Stay tuned for applications!

Southern Cal GSA Activist Camp in Los Angeles
Friday, July 9 - Sunday, July 11

Northern Cal Activist Camp in Oakland
Wednesday, August 11 - Friday, Wednesday 13

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4. Outlet Movie Night! (Mid-Peninsula)

Come join us to watch the first couple episodes of The "L" Word! We will begin the show at 7pm sharp, Monday night, April 19 here at CHAC!

Free snacks and drinks!

Questions? Contact Eileen through the info below. See you then!

GSA Coalition in the Mid-Peninsula!
Every 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month. (Next Meeting, Thursday, April 22).
6:30pm-7:30pm at Mountain View High School, Room 315
Come meet students from other GSA's in the area!

For more information, please contact Eileen at:
(650) 965-2020 ext. 22
(650) 965-7286 - Fax
mailto:eross@chacmv.org

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5. Youth PRIDE - Saturday June 26th (San Francisco)

Next full YOUTH PRIDE planning meeting will be Tuesday May 4th at 6:30 PM in the Youthspace at the SF LGBT Center.
The event will be here sooner than we think.

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6. 7th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards (Santa Cruz)

The Santa Cruz County Task Force for LGBTQ Youth proudly presents ...

7th ANNUAL QUEER YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS
Sunday, April 25, 2004
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm Variety Show and Awards Ceremony
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Buffet / Refreshments / Social
Harbor High School / Little Theater
300 La Fonda Ave, Santa Cruz

Tickets Available throughout Santa Cruz County!
Herland
1014 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz (831) 429-6636
http://www.herland.50megs.com

Streetlight Records
941 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz (831) 421-9200

The Ugly Mug
4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel (831) 477-1341

Etc Etc Etc
1900 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz (831) 462-8282

Ritmo Latino
400 Main Street, Watsonville (831) 763-0283
http://www.ritmolatino.com

White Raven
6253 Highway 9, Felton (831) 335-3611
Service charges may apply.
$20 Donation - Adult
$10 Donation - Student/Senior

No one turned away for lack of funds. Please contact us in advance for special arrangements.
For large groups and more information please contact:
mailto:QYLATicket@aol.com or (831) 427-4004
Web: http://www.diversitycenter.org/qytf/2004qyla

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7. Youth Development Peer Network (YDPN) (San Francisco)

2nd Annual Summer Resource Exchange

The Youth Development Peer Network (YDPN) is a community of practitioners and organizational leaders, committed to positive youth development, who provide professional support to local youth development practitioners.

On April 29, 2004 from 9:00am to 12:00pm, the Youth Development Peer Network (YDPN) and the OMI/Excelsior Beacon Center are pleased to host the 2nd Annual Summer Resource Exchange. Last year, dozens of Bay Area youth workers, program directors and youth allies came together to share upcoming events and exchange ideas and resources for summer programming and activities.

This year's FREE event promises to be bigger and better with the addition of Youth Development ONLINE (YDOL)- the online source for youth development professionals. The YDOL is an innovative resource that supports YDPN members to continue to exchange, network and share from the convenience of your very own computer.

ON APRIL 29th, YOU WILL:
* Receive a personal introduction to Youth Development ONLINE
* Meet other youth practitioners and learn about their summer programs
* Consult with practitioner experts on specific issues related to summer programming, such as building partnerships, field trips, staff hiring and training, and marketing
* Learn more about the OMI/Excelsior Beacon Center, our host for the day
* Receive assessment tools that will assist you as you plan ahead for the fallWHAT YOU NEED TO BRING:

To facilitate resource sharing and networking (in person and online!) every participant should bring:
* business cards (or a card with your contact information)
* summer activity ideas or job postings (on disk or paper) to post to our Youth Development ONLINE site
* any event flyers or other program information you want to share -- we'll make sure your events get added to our YDOL online calendar!

REGISTER and WIN $50:
In order to be eligible to win a $50 gift check, become an active member of the Youth Development ONLINE community

BEFORE attending this session.
To be eligible you would do the following 3 things before April 28, 2004 at 5pm:
1) Go to the site http://www.cnyd.org/ydol_beta and log in or register as a user. When registering, make sure that you indicate that your CNYD affiliation is as a member of the YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PEER NETWORK.
2) Share your expertise! Visit the "Member Exercises" page and post one of your favorite summer activities for youth. Give yourself credit by checking "can show authorship" so we know who you are!
3) And finally, click on the "Register Here" link that will bring you to the official registration page for the event. Your registration will be confirmed by e-mail.
While online, spend some time exploring the YDOL resources. Be sure to add your opinion to one of the threads of the "Discussion Forum!"
*You must be present at the April 29th event in order to receive your gift check.

REGISTER AND WIN NOTHING:
If you don't need $50, you can also register by going directly to http://www.cnyd.org. If you have any registration problems or questions, call Herna at 415-495-0622.PLEASE REGISTER EARLY AS SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS EVENT!
_________________________________________________________________

2nd Annual Summer Resource Exchange - DETAILS

WHERE: OMI/Excelsior Beacon Center, at James Denman Middle School
241 Oneida Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112 (Directions below)

WHEN:
Thursday, April 29, 2004
9:00 am - 12:00pm

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Youth workers, program directors, and youth allies in the Bay Area

FEE: FREE (breakfast included)

HOSTED BY:
Youth Development Peer Network (YDPN) and the OMI/Excelsior Beacon Center
Parking is very limited so please consider taking public transportation. James Denman Middle School is conveniently located near Balboa BART Station. Many San Francisco MUNI lines end there or pass by there, such as, the J, K, M, 26, 49, 15, and more.

How to enter the building: Please enter the building through the main entrance and sign in at the table in the front of the school. Then follow the signs down to the Beacon.
Things to keep in mind: Please remember that this is a school, and that school will be starting when you arrive. For safety reasons, please sign in directly and walk down to the Beacon. We want to make sure that all adults in the building are supposed to be here.

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8. CALL FOR ENTRIES: Submit Your Commercial for Marriage Equality

The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is proud to announce the "I DO" Contest, a national competition to create the best 30-second television commercial advocating same-sex marriage equality.

Whether you're a novice or professional filmmaker and identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or straight, GLAAD invites you to submit your 30-second commercial spot for consideration. The submission deadline for your commercial is June 1, 2004.

The winner, to be announced on July 12, 2004, will be chosen by a panel of respected entertainment professionals including: writer Kevin Williamson (Scream), producer Craig Zadan (Chicago), director Jane Anderson (If These Walls Could Talk 2), actor Judith Light (Who's the Boss?), director Paris Barclay (The West Wing), writer/actor Heather Juergensen (Kissing Jessica Stein), producer Bruce Cohen (American Beauty) and more.
GLAAD plans to broadcast the winning commercial across the country.

For more information, please go to http://www.GLAAD.org/ido
Create a difference in 30 seconds. Enter GLAAD's "I DO" Contest.

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9. Fringe Benefits' Theatre Think Tank at QYCCA Conference (Los Angeles)

Saturday, April 17, 2004 -- from 2:30 to 3:50pm at Fringe Benefits' Theatre Think Tank for Addressing LGBTQ issues in Schools at Manual Arts High School's Project 10 & QYCCA

"It's All About Love…" Youth Conference
The 9am to 5:30pm Conference is FREE, with breakfast and lunch provided to all participants!
(registration information and directions below!)
We will lead FUN theatre games and improvisations, and brainstorm ideas for creative ways to address LGBT issues in schools through plays, assembly presentations, video PSAs and perhaps even Pep Rally skits.
The Think Tank is open to all youth (14 and older), parents, educators, theatre artists, therapists, activists, thinkers and allies interested in creating &/or collaborating on performance pieces dealing with LGBTQ issues.

Bring in issues you're dealing with at your school!
Bring ideas or even drafts of scripts, poems or speeches!
Bring your sense of humor, your outrage, your passion!
Or just come as you are!

The Think Tank will continue to meet throughout the year on the following dates from 2-to-5pm at GLASS, 735 S. La Brea Blvd., Los Angeles.
May 15 * June 5
Join us whenever and as often as you can!

REGISTRATION:
*Please contact mailto:QYCCA@yahoo.com or at (323) 823-1257 by April 10 if possible!
(They need to know how much food to prepare and provide!)
*Please also contact Natalya Brusilovsky at mailto:natalya2k@earthlink.net or call (213) 252-8112 for more information and to RSVP.
**On-Site Registration is also permitted!LOCATION & PARKING:
This month the workshop will be located at the conference at Manual Arts High School: 4131 South Vermont Avenue/Los Angeles, CA 90037 (near Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.)

Free parking is available in one of the school lots. There is also some street parking.

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10. The Adventures of SuperQueer: San Diego Youth Pride

The second annual Youth Pride will be April 30 and May 1!

San Diego's gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth and their allies celebrated the first-ever Youth Pride on May 3, 2003. More than 300 youth attended the event that, despite the rain, was a tremendous success.
April 30 ... Friday Night ... 6pm-10pm ... The Center's Auditorium ..... 3909 Center Street

May 1 ... Saturday ... Noon - 6pm ...The Center Parking Lot

There will be a festival in the Center's parking lot featuring: entertainment, games, exhibitor booths, food and plenty of fun. This event is FREE and open to ages 14-24 inclusive.
Performances will include: Alicia Champion, Kevin Allred, Lauren DeRose, the Carlsbad High Lancer Dancers in addition to a special appearance from Wilson Cruz!

For more information about Youth Pride, visit the web at: http://www.sdpride.org or call Terry at 619-297-7683.

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11. Q Action Event (San Francisco)

"Candy DISH"
Thursday, April 15 @ 7:30pm
QnA Lounge - 539 Castro St.
Chocolate Kisses... Vanilla Taffy... Caramel... Besos... Yan Mian... Haribo.
Every taste is different, just like men.
Q Action asks, which is your favorite? Just how diverse is your dish?

Come answer that, and share thoughts on how we can better respect our differences while still having our preferences.
The sweetest one is all up to you.

Q Action is for guys of all colors & flavors 25 & under who dig other guys.
*Want the 411? http://www.qaction.org OR 415.865.0790 x304

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12. Call for Submissions- LGBTQ/Q Youth Anthology

Call for Submissions to
A Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning/Queer Youth Anthology
Deadline for Submissions: July 30, 2004

We are looking for previously unpublished, original pieces of writing and art by LGBTQ/Q youth and allies (under 22 years old), such as:
Short stories
Non-fiction essays
Edited journal entries
Poems
Humor/Satire/Social Commentaries
Cartoons & Graphic Writing

In order to extend this opportunity to as many LGBTQ/Q youth as possible, we would really appreciate your help forwarding this email to everyone who might be interested (youth centers, activist groups, high school and college educators, guidance counselors, GSAs, etc). The "call for submissions" is attached in both Acrobat (.pdf) and Word (.doc) formats. It contains all of the details and is formatted to print a one-page flyer. If it's possible, please post where it will be visible LGBTQ/Q youth. If you have any questions, please send an email to <mailto:jgamble@rci.rutgers.edu>.

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13. Scholarships for CA Residents for GenderPac

The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition is proud to announce scholarships to the National Conference on Gender especially for California residents! Please, contact us NOW at 202.462.6610 or via email to <mailto:Kristin@gpac.org> to take advantage of this scholarship opportunity!

Scholarships to subsidize hotel and registration costs have been made possible by the California Endowment so that more California residents can attend the National Conference on Gender and National Gender Lobby Day in DC! Call or email <mailto:Kristin@gpac.org> soon: this opportunity will go quickly!! <http://www.gpac.org/ncg>[MORE about the National Conference on Gender]

Join activists, youth and parents from all over the country for 3 days of gender politics, policy and strategy. Last year, 1,500 people attended over 3 days! The theme for this year's conference is the intersections of race and gender.

Keynote speaker is Kimberle Crenshaw, Acclaimed Critical Race Theorist and expert on Civil Rights and Constitutional Law!

Other Featured topics and workshops include:
Masculinities: Violence and Sport in American culture
The Binaries as a Feminist Issue
The Gender Show: Media Representations
Gender on the Job
Gendering Bodies: Sex and Desire

Other Featured Speakers include <http://www.gpac.org/ncg/2004program.html>[More]:
Kenji Yoshino
Michael Kimmel
Beverly Guy-Sheftell

Special Workshop Tracks Include:
GenderBASICS: How does gender affect your community?
GenderROOTS/GenderYOUTH: Putting theory into action on your campus!
GenderLAW Institute: Intersections of identities in the law.
Gender4PARENTS: Raising children in a safe, supportive environment free from the bullying and harassment caused by gender stereotypes.

Saturday Night's Entertainment includes Stand Up for Gender Rights Comedy Show and the Great Big International Drag King Show IV <http://www.gpac.org/ncg/2004entertainment.html>[MORE]
We look forward to seeing you at the end of the month!

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14. NEWS: Opening remarks to start in Gwen Araujo trial

April 12, 2004
LAWYERS TO DETAIL THEORY ON SLAYING OF TRANSGENDER GIRL
By Yomi S. Wronge

San Jose Mercury NewsLawyers in the so-called transgender murder case are expected to begin opening statements this week, laying out for a jury of eight men and four women their version of how -- and why -- a Newark teenager was slain in fall 2002.

Everyone called them ``the boys,'' and they were as close as brothers. But the boundaries of friendship will be tested for the three East Bay men accused of bludgeoning and strangling 17-year-old Gwen Araujo, an attractive transgender girl they discovered to be biologically male.

Although they are being tried together, the case against Fremont resident Michael Magidson, 23, and Newark residents Jose Merel and Jason Cazares, both 24, ``isn't like dominoes,'' Cazares' attorney, J. Tony Serra, told a panel of potential alternate jurors Thursday. ``One can be not guilty, one can be guilty of manslaughter,'' Serra said, planting the seed that the friends played distinct roles in the Oct. 3, 2002, killing at Merel's Newark home.

Selection of five alternate jurors is scheduled for today. Opening statements could occur Tuesday or Wednesday.
Born Eddie Araujo Jr., Gwen told the defendants she was a 19-year-old named Lida. Over the course of about a month, she attended several gatherings at the Merel house and engaged in oral and anal sex with Merel and Magidson.
But some of the young men began to question her gender. One friend, 20-year-old Jaron Chase Nabors of Newark, said they dreamed up a ``Tony Soprano-like plan'' to kill Lida if they found out she was anatomically male.
And Nabors said Magidson and Merel beat the teen severely the night of Oct. 3, 2002, before Magidson allegedly strangled her to death. He said the four friends then joined in burying the body in a remote South Lake Tahoe campsite.

The men face 25 years to life in prison if convicted of first-degree murder, plus an additional four years if jurors find they were motivated by hate because of Gwen's transgender status. Nabors pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and will serve 11 years in state prison in exchange for his testimony against the other three. The trial is expected to last until mid-June.

Serra said his client was motivated by empathy for his buddies when he helped bury Gwen's body. But Cazares didn't help kill her, Serra contends, and therefore should be acquitted of her murder.

Attorneys for Magidson and Merel, on the other hand, have said their clients may have acted in the heat of passion, which amounts to manslaughter, not first-degree murder. Meanwhile, efforts are under way to prevent similar tragedies.

Gwen's family and community activists have teamed up with Horizons Foundation, a San Francisco-based philanthropic organization, to create the Gwen Araujo Memorial Fund for Transgender Education. The fund will make small grants to Bay Area groups and school programs that promote understanding of gender differences among people.
``Obviously, everyone is thinking of the fact that the young men who did this to Gwen went through the school systems,'' said Carolyn Laub, executive director of Gay-Straight Alliance Network, made up of about 400 high school and middle school gay-straight clubs. ``What did they learn? Could the tragedy have been prevented if there was education about respecting people of all genders?''

Information about the fund, including how to donate or apply for funds, can be found at http://www.horizonsfoundation.org or by calling (415) 398-2333.

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15. NEWS: Students forming gay-straight alliance in Reno

Carla Roccapriore, Reno Gazette-Journal

Students at a second Washoe County high school are forming a gay-straight alliance - part of a network of clubs starting in schools across the nation and one that some local students, teachers and gay activists said has helped promote tolerance on campuses.

Galena High School's Gay-Straight Student Alliance began in spring 2002 and McQueen High School's group is in the process of drafting bylaws and getting school approval.

According to the New York City-based Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network, the groups in Northern Nevada join about 2,100 Gay-Straight Alliances or similar organizations in secondary schools nationwide, which is up from 1,200 in fall 2002, network spokeswoman Michelle Sims said.

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16. NEWS: Students fight to stop gender harassment

Saturday, April 10, 2004
By SARAH TULLY

The Orange County Register WESTMINSTER - In fourth and fifth grade, boys would insult Moises Garcia when he hung out with the girls instead of playing basketball or soccer during recess. Once, two boys followed Garcia home, yelling at him, calling him names and taking a book out of his backpack because they thought he was gay.

School administrators didn't do anything to stop the harassment, Garcia said.

Garcia and two other local students called Friday for the Westminster School District to adopt the state's anti-discrimination law. Three board members have refused to adopt the law's revised definition of "gender," saying the definition is immoral. The three women could not be reached for comment Friday.

"It saddens me to think that other children will not feel safe to be themselves, but instead feel fear in school," said Garcia, 18, a Brea Olinda High senior who is now openly gay. The California Safe Schools Coalition called the media briefing Friday to bring attention to the harassment students face in schools - what the law is supposed to prevent.

In a 2004 survey, about 27 percent of the state's middle and high school students reported that they were harassed because they weren't masculine or feminine enough.
State law defines gender as a person's actual or perceived sex. The three students said they each consider themselves their biological gender, but they have faced harassment because of how other students perceive them.
Mattye Dane, a junior in the ACCESS independent study program, said she is often taunted because she likes to play sports and wear masculine clothes.
Dane said a teacher once yelled at her, saying "You kind of people don't belong here," when she wore swim trunks and a T-shirt for a school swim class, instead of a bathing suit.
Another time, classmates insulted her while discussing gay marriage in a class. Dane said the teacher didn't respond to the insults and instead reprimanded Dane when she walked out of class.
"It seems like anything to do with sexual preference gets swept under the carpet," said Dane, 16, who is an open lesbian.
Justine Halstead, 15, a sophomore at Marina High in Huntington Beach, said she was once called in to the school office, along with her girlfriend, to be told to stop holding hands. Although administrators said the same rule applied to opposite-sex couples, Halstead said she saw heterosexual couples making out at school with no repercussions.
She was also told to change her research topic - homosexuals and school.

"I think it sends a very strong message," Halstead said. "If students see the administration and people are keeping them safe, they will think twice about it (harassment)."

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17. NEWS: Westminster Awaiting a High-Stakes Verdict

Three school trustees passed compromise language on discrimination to fit their Christian beliefs, and if it doesn't fly with the state, funding's in jeopardy.

By Kimi Yoshino
LA Times Staff Writer
April 14, 2004

State officials on Tuesday weighed the legality of a move by three Westminster school trustees to satisfy both antidiscrimination law and their Christian principles, leaving school officials and parents in limbo about the fate of $8 million in annual state funding ˜ and the future of the district.

With the board majority holding firm to religious and moral convictions that gender is determined only at birth, Westminster remains the only one of California's 1,056 school districts not to adopt a state-mandated antidiscrimination policy that lets school employees and students define their own gender. The district, whose board has five members, serves 10,000 children in kindergarten through eighth grade at 17 schools.

Monday, hours before a state-imposed deadline to comply with the law or lose some funding, trustees approved a policy that meets some of the state requirements but still does not allow victims of discrimination to define their own gender.
Should state education officials find that stance legal, the three trustees ˜ Judy Ahrens, Helena Rutkowski and Blossie Marquez-Woodcock ˜ would score a dramatic victory in the face of opposition not only from the state but from parents angry at the board majority's willingness to jeopardize funding. Parents have mounted a recall campaign against the two trustees whose terms are not up this year.

Meanwhile, state Sen. Joe Dunn (D-Santa Ana) said Tuesday that he planned to attach to a bill, as early as this week, legal language that would give the state schools superintendent broader powers to take over school districts that defy the law.

"We should reject any attempt by them to rewrite California law in a way they are comfortable with," Dunn said. "They need to stop playing games here and come into compliance. We can't make an exception for one specific school district."

But the lawyer hired by the three trustees last week to craft their legal defense ˜ replacing an attorney who had represented the district for 27 years ˜ contends that Westminster is on solid legal ground.

"Is it discrimination if a man claims he's a woman and says he must be treated as a woman? We believe the answer, clearly under the law, is no," said the new lawyer, Mark Bucher, who co-founded Education Alliance, an organization that helps get socially conservative school trustees elected in Orange County.

In the state law, "gender" is defined as "a person's actual sex or perceived sex and includes a person's perceived identity." Bucher argues that the phrase "perceived sex" is ambiguous and does not necessarily mean that districts must allow victims of discrimination to define their own gender. Instead, he argues, a victim's gender may be defined ˜ as it is in the state penal code ˜ by how the person accused of discrimination perceives it.

At Monday's emergency board meeting, the three-trustee majority adopted Bucher's definition of "gender." The definition makes clear that the "perception of the alleged victim is not relevant to the determination of 'gender.' "
District officials on Monday sent the new language to Jack O'Connell, the state superintendent, whose legal experts were reviewing it Tuesday.

District officials said there was little they could do but wait. They fielded a few calls Tuesday from other districts around the state that are closely monitoring developments in Westminster.

"The implications that it has for the state are significant," district spokeswoman Trish Montgomery said. "If they [state officials] were to accept this version, they have the question of what kind of standard to hold other districts to. Do others have the right to develop their own version or adopt our version?"

Trustee JoAnn Purcell, who along with board President James Reed has voted consistently against the majority on the issue, said that if O'Connell approves Westminster's new wording, it will "open the door to a lot more problems." She and Reed both want the state to take over the district.

"We're hoping upon hope that Jack O'Connell or Senator Dunn will move as swiftly as possible to do away with the board," she said. "We're concerned about more irresponsible behavior by these three. They're not friends of public school education, and Mrs. Ahrens would probably put us back about 50 years in civil rights."

The Westminster case is an important test of how the state's education code protects students, said Jennifer Pizer, a senior staff attorney with Lambda Legal, a national nonprofit legal advocacy group for gays, lesbians and transsexuals.
"The trustees are trying to carve out of the education code an important type of protection," Pizer said. "They are trying to insist on gender conformity and withhold protection from young people who know they're different."

She said doctors recognize a condition called gender identity disorder or gender dysphoria, and experts say it is best to spot the condition early. "It's very harmful for young people to take away from them the ability to identify who they are," she said.

April 21, 2004

In this issue of GSA Network News, you'll find:

GSA Network Highlight
Take a Survey to Tell Us If Your School Is Safe Place to Learn

GSA Network Announcements
1. GSA Activist Camps this summer - SAVE THE DATE!
2. Send us your Day of Silence stories!
3. Workshop Organized Against Homophobia (WOAH!) Conference (Contra Costa)

Other Announcements
4. GSA DANCE! CELEBRATING GSAs - Free To Be Me! (Sacramento)
5. Dim Sum Party!! (San Francisco)
6. Youth Speak Out (Santa Cruz County)
7. 7th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards (Santa Cruz)
8. The Other Side of The Closet-A Touring Play for Youth
9. Youth Initiated Projects (YIP) is looking for young people (San Francisco)
10. Youth Development Peer Network (YDPN) (San Francisco)
11. Changing School Colors Youth Forum (Berkeley)
12. Youth Gender Project Community Meeting (San Francisco)
13. YouthSpace - Volunteers Needed!!! (San Francisco)
14. The Adventures of SuperQueer: San Diego Youth Pride
15. Reminder for Widening The Lens Media Event (San Francisco)
16. LGBT Youth Prom (LA)
17. March for Women's Lives (Sacramento, SF and LA)
18. Youth Link: Stipended Youth Media Program (San Francisco)
19. NEWS: School's No-Bias Wording Gets OK
20. NEWS: School district ignores law meant to protect gay, transgender kids
21. NEWS: Father sues school district over harassment of his son; Classmates taunted ballroom dancer, 12, perceived as gay

+++++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK HIGHLIGHT +++++++++++++++

Take a Survey to Tell Us If Your School Is Safe Place to Learn

Questions? Email mailto:info@casafeschools.org

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+++++++++++++ GSA NETWORK ANNOUNCEMENTS +++++++++++++

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1. GSA Activist Camps this summer - SAVE THE DATE!

Southern Cal GSA Activist Camp in Los Angeles
Friday, July 9 - Sunday, July 11
Northern Cal Activist Camp in Oakland
Wednesday, August 11 - Friday, Wednesday 13

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2. Send us your Day of Silence stories!

April 21 is the National Day of Silence and hundreds of GSAs are participating in California. Some GSAs are participating in the event on another day, because of school schedules or testing. Regardless of what day you do the Day of Silence, please email GSA Network your stories!

Tell us how many people participated and what impact it had at your school!
Send your Day of Silence stories to: mailto:saifa@gsanetwork.org

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3. Workshop Organized Against Homophobia (WOAH!) Conference (Contra Costa)

What do you get when you mix a Free Conference, Free Food and Queer Youth and their ALLIES from all over the Contra Costa County and Bay?

You Get WOAH!

May 22, 2004 10AM-5PM
College Park High School
201 Viking Drive
Pleasant Hill, CA

There will be a ton of diverse workshops on homophobia, activism, How to start a GSA, Coming Out, Racism, GLBTQ History, Art, Media and Gender Variance, just to name a few!

GSA Network plans on presenting workshops at WOAH in 2004!

Pre-register by sending the following info. to mailto:woah04@yahoo.com:
1. name
2. email or phone
3. is it ok to email/call you?
4. vegetarian?
5. any other considerations or needs we should know about?

Same-day registration will be accepted, although pre-registration is preferred.

Co-Sponsors: QYAT, GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay, Contra Costa AIDS Program, College Park High GSA, and the Rainbow Community Center

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++++++++++++++++ OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS ++++++++++++++++
GSA Network News is a publication of Gay-Straight Alliance Network. Events, resources, and news items listed under "Other Announcements" are not sponsored or written by GSA Network, and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of GSA Network.

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4. GSA DANCE! CELEBRATING GSAs - Free To Be Me! (Sacramento)

GSA Dance April 24 at Hiram Johnson High School
In partnership with PFLAG and GLSEN, the Gay Straight Alliance Sacramento Leadership Committee (SLC) presents a GSA DANCE! CELEBRATING GSAs - Free To Be Me!

Date: Saturday, April 24, 2004
Time: 8 - 11:00 pm
Place: Hiram Johnson High School Cafeteria
Cost: $5

For students who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, and straight allies; GSA members or those who support the GSA movement. High school students 18 and under - ID required.

The student organizers of the Sacramento Leadership Committee encourage all area GSAs to get involved in the dance. SLC's next meeting is scheduled for Saturday, April 17, from 12:30 - 2:30 at the Lambda Community Center, 1927 L Street in midtown Sacramento. If your GSA wants to participate, it needs to send a representative to the next meeting.

For more information, check with your school's GSA or contact the students of the Sacramento Leadership Committee at mailto:sacleadershipcommittee@hotmail.com.

GSAs that would like to participate should contact us as soon as possible for information on set up and clean up, music lists, GSA member discounts, decorating contest, and more! LGBT supportive high school students who are not members of a GSA are welcome to attend the dance.

Dress appropriately for a chaperoned high school dance.

The Sacramento Leadership Committee reserves the right to deny entry to any person who does not follow basic standards of dress and safety per normal school procedures. Security will be provided by uniformed officers courtesy of the administration of Hiram Johnson High School; supervision and chaperones by credentialed teachers/advisors of the various GSAs in attendance.

This will be a FUN and SAFE environment for all!

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5. Dim Sum Party!! (San Francisco)

Cal Q&A (Queer & Asian) will be joining AQUA25 (Asian and Pacific Islander, Queer and Questioning, 25 and Under, All Together) for Dim Sum at Canton Seafood & Dim Sum Restaurant, 655 Folsom St at 2nd.
*RSVP required*

For more information about this event or to RSVP, please contact Sabrina, AQUA25 Program Coordinator, at 415.292.3420 x315 or mailto:sabrina@apiwellness.org

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6. Youth Speak Out (Santa Cruz County)

The live broadcast of the "Youth Speak Out" takes place on the evening of the National Day of Silence‚ on Wednesday, April 21st on Community TV of Santa Cruz County on Comcast Cable Channel 27, from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

Middle school and high school Queer Youth and their allies will Speak Out about the harsh atmosphere queer youth, and youth perceived to be queer, face on school campuses in Santa Cruz County.

"National Day of Silence" falls on April 21st this year and supportive students and teachers will remain silent during the school day to echo the silence that many queer youth are forced into because it is not safe to be out.

Watch the live broadcast and listen to the issues facing Queer youth in Santa Cruz County.
Info: 427-4004 or <http://www.diversitycenter.org/qytf/safeschools>

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7. 7th Annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards (Santa Cruz)

The Santa Cruz County Task Force for LGBTQ Youth proudly presents ...

7th ANNUAL QUEER YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS

Sunday, April 25, 2004
4:00 pm - 6:30 pm Variety Show and Awards Ceremony
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Buffet / Refreshments / Social
Harbor High School / Little Theater
300 La Fonda Ave, Santa Cruz

Tickets Available throughout Santa Cruz County!

Herland
1014 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz (831) 429-6636
http://www.herland.50megs.com

Streetlight Records
941 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz (831) 421-9200

The Ugly Mug
4640 Soquel Drive, Soquel (831) 477-1341

Etc Etc Etc
1900 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz (831) 462-8282

Ritmo Latino
400 Main Street, Watsonville (831) 763-0283
http://www.ritmolatino.com

White Raven
6253 Highway 9, Felton (831) 335-3611
Service charges may apply.

$20 Donation - Adult
$10 Donation - Student/Senior

No one turned away for lack of funds. Please contact us in advance for special arrangements.

For large groups and more information please contact:
mailto:QYLATicket@aol.com or (831) 427-4004
Web: http://www.diversitycenter.org/qytf/2004qyla

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8. The Other Side of The Closet-A Touring Play for Youth

Despite an anti-harassment law that took effect four years ago in California, harassment and bullying based on sexual orientation remain persistent and pervasive in California schools. More than 200,000 middle and high school students every year are targets of harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation.

The Other Side of the Closet by Ed Roy supports a safer school curriculum wherein students, teachers and parents can learn about diversity and acceptance in an innovative and engaging format. Set in and around a high school, the play tells the story of 5 teens who are grappling with issues of peer pressure, youth violence, homophobia, behavior norms and expectations, discrimination and identity.

Each performance is followed by a facilitated discussion session with the cast. Designed for 7th - 12th graders, The Other Side of the Closet is available to tour to your school or community from October 25th - December 17th 2004. The program is about 70 minutes in length and can be performed for little or no-cost for qualifying schools. A great activity for your GSA or other tolerance promoting organization to sponsor! To accommodate busy school schedules, we are now taking reservations for the Fall 2004.

Contact the YouthAware Programs Director, Sara Staley at (415) 861-4914 or email <mailto:youthaware@nctcsf.org> for more information, or to book a performance date.
You may also visit us on the web at <http://www.nctcsf.org/YouthAware.html>.

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9. Youth Initiated Projects (YIP) is looking for young people (San Francisco)

Youth Initiated Projects (YIP) is looking for young people between the ages of 12 and 23 who live in San Francisco and:
- Want to work with other positive youth leaders in San Francisco.
- Are interested in making decisions about thousands of dollars for youth projects and programs in SF.
- Are interested in gaining skills around grant-making, action planning, and group decision making.

YIP is a program run for and by youth and gives thousands of dollars in grants to youth led community change/social action projects in San Francisco. Members of the YIP Grants Review Board review grant applications from youth groups and make decisions about which groups receive money to do their projects.

YIP Review Board Members are also trained in facilitation, action planning, youth leadership, decision making, team building, and get to practice using those and many other skills in the community at workshops, meetings, and trainings.
If you are or know anyone who is interested in being a part of the Youth Initiated Project Grants Review Board please forward the attached application on to them.

If you have any questions, would like extra applications, or need assistance completing an application don't hesitate to call me at 415.836.9160 or email me at mailto:cchurch@yli.org.
Thank you!

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10. Youth Development Peer Network (YDPN) (San Francisco)

2nd Annual Summer Resource Exchange
On April 29, 2004 from 9:00am to 12:00pm, the Youth Development Peer Network (YDPN) and the OMI/Excelsior Beacon Center are pleased to host the 2nd Annual Summer Resource Exchange. Last year, dozens of Bay Area youth workers, program directors and youth allies came together to share upcoming events and exchange ideas and resources for summer programming and activities.

In order to be eligible to win a $50 gift check, become an active member of the Youth Development ONLINE community BEFORE attending this session.
To be eligible you would do the following 3 things before April 28, 2004 at 5pm:
1) Go to the site http://www.cnyd.org/ydol_beta and log in or register as a user. When registering, make sure that you indicate that your CNYD affiliation is as a member of the YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PEER NETWORK.
2) Share your expertise! Visit the "Member Exercises" page and post one of your favorite summer activities for youth. Give yourself credit by checking "can show authorship" so we know who you are!
3) And finally, click on the "Register Here" link that will bring you to the official registration page for the event. Your registration will be confirmed by e-mail.
While online, spend some time exploring the YDOL resources. Be sure to add your opinion to one of the threads of the "Discussion Forum!"
*You must be present at the April 29th event in order to receive your gift check.

REGISTER AND WIN NOTHING:
If you don't need $50, you can also register by going directly to http://www.cnyd.org. If you have any registration problems or questions, call Herna at 415-495-0622. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY AS SPACE IS LIMITED FOR THIS EVENT!

_________________________________________________________________2nd Annual Summer Resource Exchange - DETAILSWHERE: OMI/Excelsior Beacon Center, at James Denman Middle School
241 Oneida Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94112 (Directions below)
WHEN:
Thursday, April 29, 2004
9:00 am - 12:00pm

WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
Youth workers, program directors, and youth allies in the Bay Area

FEE: FREE (breakfast included)

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11. Changing School Colors Youth Forum (Berkeley)

SUPPORT YOUTH VOICE AT BERKELEY HIGH!
Dear Youth Together allies and supporters,
One of the most pressing issues in our schools today is student involvement and voice in campus decisions the very important decisions that affect their educational experiences. Ten years after 'School Colors' was created about Berkeley High School, we are still asking the same questions about race, tracking, segregation and the importance of Ethnic Studies.

On Thursday, April 29th at 3:30pm in G210, Youth Together will be showing segments of 'School Colors' followed by small and large group discussions of what youth feel has or has not changed at Berkeley High and how they can get involved to promote positive school change, especially educational and racial equity.

Please note, adults are welcome to attend as observers but we want to make this about youth voice! This means that we are asking that the youth be the ones discussing and the adults be present to show their support. We ask you to encourage the youth you know and/or work with at Berkeley High School to attend this event so that a good representation of students is present, so the dialogue can be rich and dynamic and so students can start getting involved in their school.

Please email Jan Attia, Site Coordinator for Youth Together at BHS, at mailto:jattia@youthtogether.net or call her at (510) 645-9212 with any questions. Please contact us if your group would like to sponsor the event or if you are making commitments to bringing students (include how many you think you might be able to bring).
Thank you so much and we look forward to seeing you then!
BHS Youth Together Team

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12. Youth Gender Project Community Meeting (San Francisco)

Calling all YOUTH ages 25 and under who are:
Transgender, genderqueer, intersex, androgynous, bi-gendered, butch, crossdressers, trannyboys, trans, drag kings, drag queens, gender-bending,FTM, MTF, trannygirls, pangendered, fem/me, transsexual, two-spirit, questioning, partners and friends of any of the above, and others!

Youth Gender Project is creating new programs to serve Transgender, Gender-Variant, Intersex and Questioning (TGIQ) youth.
We want YOUR input. What would you like to see us doing?

Please come to Youth Gender Project's Community Meeting!

What: -A gathering to get and give information
-A forum to express your needs
-An opportunity for TGIQ youth to connect.

When: April 24, 2004, 2-4pm **refreshments will be served**

Where: LGBT Community Center; Youth Space
1800 Market St, San Francisco, CA

Here's a chance to make a difference in your community.
Let your voice be heard!

Youth Gender Project is a youth-led organization working to empower, advocate for, and liberate transgender, gender-variant, intersex and questioning (TGIQ) youth. We address the challenges facing TGIQ youth in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond by creating and implementing programs that reflect the needs of our TGIQ youth community, and also by educating those who work with us.

For more information, please call (415) 865-5625 or send an email to mailto:ygp@youthgenderproject.org.

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13. YouthSpace - Volunteers Needed!!! (San Francisco)

We are in need of having adult allies come through and volunteer for our dance on Friday night [April 23rd]!!! The dance is at the Women's Building [3543 18th St.] from 7 p.m. - midnight.

If you are down to volunteer for a couple of hours [or even the whole night] as community security than please let me know ASAP.

We need to have the rest of the team confirmed by the end of the day tomorrow [Wednesday April 21st]. Please drop me an e-mail or give me a call and let me know when you can definitely be there.

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14. The Adventures of SuperQueer: San Diego Youth Pride

April 30 ... Friday Night ... 6pm-10pm ... The Center's Auditorium ...... 3909 Center Street

May 1 ... Saturday ... Noon - 6pm ...The Center Parking Lot

For more information about Youth Pride, visit the web at: http://www.sdpride.org or call Terry at 619-297-7683.

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15. Reminder for Widening The Lens Media Event (San Francisco)

Saturday *** April 24, 2004 **** 9:30am-2pm
abc7 studios in San Francisco
900 Front St.
(between Vallejo and Green Sts.)

Are you tired of seeing youth portrayed as criminals in news coverage, or tired of not seeing or hearing from youth at all? Are you sick of policies that leave our children behind by starving public education while beefing up military spending and the prison-industrial system?

THE YOUTH MEDIA COUNCIL'S 2nd annual Youth and Journalist Roundtable is your chance to work with journalists and editors to create space for youth voices in coverage of election issues. If we want federal and state policies that promote equity and justice for marginalized communities, the truth of the youth must come out. Come make your voice heard, tell your story to the media and cast your vote through the news!
Reserve your space now! Email Jen Soriano at mailto:jen@youthmediacouncil.org

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16. LGBT Youth Prom (LA)

LGBT Youth Prom, sponsored by Friends of Project 10, will be held on Friday, May 21, 2004.
Youth, ages 14-23, are welcome. Prepay tickets are $25.
Tickets at the door are $35 (entry cannot be guaranteed).

The prom will be held from 8 p.m. to 12 midnight at the Sheraton Universal Hotel in Universal City. Youth may preregister at <http://www.modelsofpride.org> or they may request an order form from <mailto:project10@hotmail.com> or by calling (626) 577-4553.
Cashiers checks and money orders only for prepay tickets. Cash only at the door.

Tickets include parking, meal, dancing, entertainment, and soft drinks.

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17. March for Women's Lives (Sacramento, SF and LA)

We know that you'd like to make history with the hundreds of thousands of pro-choice Americans descending on Washington this weekend for the March for Women's Lives. But, traveling to DC just isn't possible for everyone. Luckily, on the same weekend of the Washington DC March, Solidarity Marches will take place in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Los Angeles. Read on for more information about these opportunities to March in solidarity, to protect your right to choose!

San Francisco Solidarity March
What: Rally for Women's Lives. A Bay Area pro-choice rally for women's rights in solidarity with the March for Women's Lives in Washington DC, sponsored by San Francisco Youth and Community Partners When: Saturday, April 24, from noon to 4:00 pm Where: Dolores Park, San Francisco (Dolores and 19th Street)
The event will feature a rally, speakers, information tables, Food Not Bombs, and special guest performers. For more information or if you are interested in volunteering please email
<mailto:sfrallyforwomenslives@yahoo.com> or visit <http://prochoiceaction.org/ct/mp1uYSS1zQpj/>

Sacramento Solidarity March
What: Join the American Association of University Women California (AAUW-CA) and special guest speakers in a march to the West Steps of the Capitol to rally in support of a woman's right to choose. When: Sunday, April 25 from 10:00 am to 12 noon Where: Muster on the K Street Mall between 12th and 13th streets.
The March is part of an AAUW (American Association of University Women, California) convention going on that weekend. If you are not an AAUW member and you will be going to the March, the AAUW asks that you RSVP to <mailto:advocacy@aauw-ca.org>.
Please include your name, organization, contact information, and number attending in your email.

Los Angeles Solidarity March
What: "Angelinos in Solidarity for Women's Lives", a march in support of women's rights, freedom of choice, funding for family planning, and accessible health care. When: Sunday, April 25, from 9:00 am to noon. Where: On the lawn of West L.A.'s Federal Building (11000 Wilshire Blvd., West L.A.)

For more information please contact ASWL at <mailto:angelinosswl@yahoo.com> or visit their website at <http://prochoiceaction.org/ct/m71uYSS1zQpu/>

Radio March Coverage
The radio station KQED will be devoting their 9:00 am "Friday's Forum" hour to March news this Friday in San Francisco. Be sure to tune in and let the station know that pro-choicers are listening!<http://prochoiceaction.org/ct/md1uYSS1zQp7/> Be with us in spirit by sending your message of support to the Marchers.

HERE'S HOW...
<http://prochoiceaction.org/campaign/message_a_marcher/7niwxw24jebdkb>Just click here by Friday, April 23rd at 10:00 am (eastern time) and you can type in your note, slogan, shout out, rant - whatever you like - and we'll print it out and post it in our Pro-Choice Action Center throughout the weekend. We'll even post some messages to our website the day of the March, on Sunday, April 25!

Sincerely,
Your March for Women's Lives crew at NARAL Pro-Choice America

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18. Youth Link: Stipended Youth Media Program (San Francisco)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MAY 7TH, 2004
Program dates: June 15th -- July 16th; Tuesday -- Thursday, 3:00 -- 7:00; Friday 2:00 -- 5:00.
Eligibility: Open to 14-19 year olds, San Francisco residents, proof of low-income status
Location: The Bay Area Video Coalition, 2727 Mariposa Street, San Francisco,
CA 94110

For more information about the program, please visit:
<http://www.bavc.org/classes/youth/index.htm>, and to see youth websites go
to <http://www.youthzine.org.>

YouthLink, the Bay Area Video Coalition's youth program, teaches the tools of digital media while developing creative expression, technical confidence, and career exploration in young people ages 14-19.

In a dynamic and professional arts setting, students learn to create their own story using either web design or digital video production tools, culminating in a final community screening of their projects. During the technical training, students receive career development support, gaining important skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, goal setting, effective communication, resume building and interviewing. After completing the program, students will receive a stipend of $480 and assistance in obtaining paid internships ($10 an hour) in the media field.

Last year YouthLink placed 35 of our students in paid internships at TV stations such as KQED and WB20, videogaming companies such as Ubisoft, and web companies such as DesignMedia.

Our students have created pieces on topics such as living with disabilities, the politics of hip hop, friendship, and neighborhood violence. We are now recruiting students aged 14 to 19 who want gain new skills, tell their own story, and learn the power of ceating with digital media.

TO APPLY: Email mailto:youthlink@bavc.org, or call 415-558-2180 to receive an application or flyer.

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19. NEWS: School's No-Bias Wording Gets OK

State's acceptance of Westminster board's antidiscrimination rule defuses funding crisis.
By Joel Rubin
LA Times Staff Writer
April 20 2004

California's schools chief on Monday reluctantly accepted Westminster School District's novel approach to an antidiscrimination law - a decision that grants a dramatic victory to three beleaguered trustees and removes, for now, the threat of lost funding.

The three, who form a majority on the Westminster board, have cited their Christian beliefs in insisting that the district not adopt word-for-word a state policy that allows students and staff members to define their own gender.
Westminster is the only one of California's 1,056 school districts that has refused to adopt the language, and faced the loss of $8 million in annual state and federal funding. The stance, which angered many parents and teachers, led to a recall campaign and proposed legislation that would allow the state to take over the district.

California Supt. of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell announced Monday that the modified policy the board adopted last week technically complies with state law that protects gays, as well as transsexuals and others who do not conform to traditional gender roles.

But in a stern letter to the district's five trustees, O'Connell said he did not trust that the board's majority intended to adhere to the law and promised to scrutinize the district for possible violations.
"I want to again express my disappointment that those who took an oath to educate children would abuse their elected positions and attempt to flout the law," O'Connell wrote. "This sets a destructive example for our children and is contrary to the democratic values of our society. Our children deserve better."

The complete article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gender20apr20,1,7173311.story

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20. NEWS: School district ignores law meant to protect gay, transgender kids

April 17, 2004
By Mason Stockstill
Associated Press

As an openly lesbian high school student, Mattye Dane had classmates call her names, threaten violence and throw things at her in hallways. But her complaints were brushed aside by teachers, so the 16-year-old dropped out.
"Every school I've been to, I've experienced problems," Dane said.

Such treatment inspired a 1999 California law requiring schools to protect students from discrimination based on sexual orientation or perceived gender. Similar laws have been adopted in about 10 other states.
But in Orange County, one school board has refused to incorporate the state's language into its policies, with a majority of members saying the measure is immoral, promotes transsexuality and could confuse children about gender roles.
The refusal has prompted state officials to consider withholding millions of dollars in funding from the Westminster School District.

To read more from this article, please visit: http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413200~20954~2091505,00.html

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21. NEWS: Father sues school district over harassment of his son; Classmates taunted ballroom dancer, 12, perceived as gay

April 16, 2004
Sebastian, Simone
San Francisco Chronicle

The father of a Pacifica seventh-grader has filed a $10 million lawsuit against the school district, saying that for two years administrators did nothing to protect his son as classmates taunted and abused him because they thought he was gay.
Mark Shaposhnikov said his 12-year-old son, an internationally competitive ballroom dancer and straight-A student at Ingrid B. Lacy Middle School, was repeatedly called "faggot," kicked and pushed by other students and had gum thrown in his hair.
The harassment peaked last year, when a few students began telling his son they were going to kill him, Shaposhnikov said.
"He was depressed, saying he hated his life and he was sorry he was born," said Shaposhnikov, a 44-year-old small-business owner. "I trusted (school officials) to protect my son. But every time I ask them to do something, they do nothing."

The lawsuit claims that the Pacifica School District "ignored the seriousness of the problem" and that when officials did discipline the students tormenting his son, it was "feeble and purposefully ineffective."
Ten students and their parents are also listed as defendants in the lawsuit, which was filed April 1 in federal court in San Francisco.

The taunting began the first week of sixth grade, Shaposhnikov said. Classmates blocked the boy from entering the boys' bathroom, telling him he belonged in the girls' and said, "Gay people do not achieve anything high in life," according to claims Shaposhnikov filed against the school.
The boy, who has won national awards during his seven years of ballroom dancing, stopped attending gym class, where much of the teasing took place.

Instead of punishing the students, Shaposhnikov said, teachers and administrators made the situation worse, reprimanding his son for seeking legal assistance and announcing during class that a student had taken legal action against the school. The school did not name the boy, but many students assumed it was Shaposhnikov's son, and the teasing escalated, he said.

"Because he's perceived as gay, they're letting the harassment go on," said Paul Smoot, Shaposhnikov's attorney. "He's received three death threats, and the teachers do absolutely nothing."
An attorney for the district, John Shupe, said officials had taken appropriate moves to deal with the harassment. Administrators have said they contacted the offending students' parents and suspended at least four.
"No matter what the school did, the parents weren't satisfied," Shupe said. Faculty "will not let the lawsuit have an impact on how they deal with this student. They will continue to treat him appropriately and fairly."
District Superintendent Michele Garside said home-room teachers recited policies on sexual harassment at the beginning of every school year and enforced district guidelines on how to handle complaints. Schools have several programs to ward off bullying, she said, and more are in the works.

"Parents want it stopped immediately," Garside said in a December interview, after Shaposhnikov filed his third of six claims against the school. "I don't disagree that it should be stopped. I don't disagree that it's wrong. But there's a process of learning how to relate appropriately to others and how to deflect these things. It's part of emotional development."
The lawsuit is not the first time the Pacifica School District has been accused of allowing discrimination against a student perceived by peers to be gay.
In 1997, a 12-year-old boy who took tap-dancing classes sued the district -- then the Laguna Salada Union School District -- after what he said were years of being the target of anti-gay epithets. The district settled for $160,000, promised to institute harassment awareness programs for administrators and faculty and designate two teachers in every school to help students who are targets of anti-gay bullying, an agreement that Shaposhnikov says the district has failed to stick to.

Kristina Krow, the boy's mother, said Shaposhnikov's son was suffering teasing identical to what her son had experienced. Instead