Students fight Westboro Baptist Church haters with $40,000 for gay charity

in: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/students-fight-westboro-baptist-church-haters-40000-gay-charity130213

Students from Vassar College in New York have pledged $100 for every minute the Westboro Baptist Church plans to protest on campus

 

American students have raised over $40,000 (£26,000, €30,000) in counter-protest against gay hate picketers from Westboro Baptist Church.

Students from Vassar College in New York have responded to the church's plans to protest at the pro-LGBT university earlier this month by pledging $100 for every minute the church will be there.

Known for their 'God Hates Fags' signs, the church is well known for picketing pro-gay groups and soldiers' funerals.

Originally students planned to raise up to $4,500 but today (13 February), after word of the fundraising counter-protest spread on social media sites, the total pledge now sits at $40,544.

Money raised will go towards the Trevor Project, an American group which provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention to LGBT youths.

Acting president of the college Jon Chenette posted a message of support on the college's website.

He said: 'In the face of Westboro's statements, we want to celebrate the inclusiveness of our community and the multitude of backgrounds, interests, and preferences that enrich our experiences.'

Meanwhile, similar messages of support have poured in on the Vassar Facebook page.

One comment read: 'I am so proud to be an alumna of a school that stands for people, for diversity, for compassion, and against hate. Thank you for continuing to lead the way.'

Another said: 'Bravo. It's moments like this that make Vassar the great school that it is.'

Last week, GSN reported how two key members of the notorious Westboro Baptist Church left the group and apologized for their past.

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/students-fight-westboro-baptist-church-haters-40000-gay-charity130213

New Jersey high school teen announces to 300-plus classmates at assembly that he is gay

in: http://gaystarnews.com/article/new-jersey-high-school-teen-announces-300-plus-classmates-assembly-he-gay230113

New Jersey high school student Jacob Rudolph came out publicly to more than 300 classmates this month when he stepped up to accept the award for Class Actor during a school assembly.

'Sure, I've been in a few plays and musicals, but more importantly, I've been acting every single day of my life,' he told his classmates at the Parsippany, NJ school. 'You see, I've been acting as someone I'm not ... you see me acting the part of straight Jacob, when I am in fact LGBT.'

This got the noisy crowd's attention. He then explained that LGBT stands for 'Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender.'

'Unlike millions of other LGBT teens who have had to act every day to avoid verbal harassment and physical violence, I'm not going to do it anymore,' he explained.

He concluded the speech by saying: 'So take me, leave me or move me out of the way, because I am what I am, and that's how I'm going to act from now on.'

Rudolph's classmates gave the teen an enthusiastic standing ovation as he left the stage. Later, his proud father posted video of his son's speech on YouTube with a written introduction which stated that his son's decision to come out to the school took 'more guts than anything I've ever attempted in my life.'

The video was shared by a gay friend of the father who sent it to Towleroad.com on Wednesday (23 January)

http://gaystarnews.com/article/new-jersey-high-school-teen-announces-300-plus-classmates-assembly-he-gay230113

Catholic University Denies Recognition to LGBT Student Group

in: http://www.advocate.com/society/education/2012/12/20/catholic-university-denies-recognition-lgbt-student-group


Administrators said that despite students' reassurances, they feared the group would become an advocacy organization rather than a support group.

 

Catholic University of America

Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., has rejected a request for university recognition of an LGBT student group, CUAllies, but supporters are vowing to fight on.

University administrators turned the group down this month because, they say, they fear it will become an advocacy organization, Metro Weekly reports. But organizers say they have repeatedly reassured administrators that CUAllies “would not actively promote causes that might be in conflict with Catholic Church with regard to homosexuality,” the paper notes.

Leaders of CUAllies may seek to put the question of recognition to a university-wide student vote. If a majority of students voted in favor of the group, the administration could still override this, but it would show the degree of support for the organization, said Ryan Fecteau, speaker of the Student Association and a former CUAllies director. Most members of the Student Association and representatives of several other campus groups supported CUAllies. CU had an officially recognized gay and lesbian student group from 1988 to 2002, Fecteau noted. Also, some other Catholic universities sanction LGBT student groups. The University of Notre Dame in Indiana this month announced it would recognize an LGBT group, something students had sought for years, and Georgetown University in D.C. has had an LGBTQ Resource Center since 2008.

http://www.advocate.com/society/education/2012/12/20/catholic-university-denies-recognition-lgbt-student-group

Mexico: Teacher fired for showing the pro-gay film Milk

in: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/12/10/mexico-teacher-fired-for-showing-film-the-pro-gay-film-milk/

Sean Penn plays the role of gay rights campaigner Harvey Milk

 

 

A middle school teacher in Mexico has been fired after screening the film “Milk”, which tells the story of legendary US gay rights campaigner Harvey Milk.

Cecilia Hernandez showed the first half-hour of the film to her 7th and 8th graders in the city of Cuajimalpa as part of an approved lesson plan addressing sexual orientation and discrimination.

The newspaper Proceso said the day after she showed the movie, Ms Hernandez was called into the principal’s office and fired.

In an e-mail, the principal called the Oscar-winning film “filth.”

The 2008 film, directed by Gus Van Sant stars Sean Penn as the late US gay rights campaigner Harvey Milk.

Elected as California’s first openly gay official, Milk was assassinated in 1978.

Meanwhile, Ms Henandez says she does not want her job back and has filed a complaint with the national discrimination board.

 

 

http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2012/12/10/mexico-teacher-fired-for-showing-film-the-pro-gay-film-milk/

Gay former principal sues school

in: http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/2012/11/23/gay-former-principal-sues-school/89966

The openly gay former principal of Bialik College, Joseph Gerassi, is suing the Melbourne Jewish school for millions of dollars after being sacked under enigmatic circumstances. The Age reports that Gerrassi was told to resign in August last year after the school council “had lost confidence” in him or have his employment terminated within the hour.

In a letter, school council president Graham Goldsmith acknowledged “many of the positive changes” that Gerassi had made but said they had come to an unanimous decision that they had lost confidence in his ability. He was given nine months pay and ordered not to speak with media, staff and school for nine months but is now seeking compensation for loss of income, distress, humiliation and damage to his reputation.

Gerassi began as a principal in 2009 and was believed to be the first openly gay principal of a Jewish school in Australia.

http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/2012/11/23/gay-former-principal-sues-school/89966

Transgender student named prom queen at Ontario high school

in: http://news.nationalpost.com/


Connor Ferguson, a transgender teenager from Trenton, Ont., was named prom queen at her high school last month.
Handout / Facebook

The night of her high school prom, Connor Ferguson anxiously pulled on a floor-length leopard print dress and slipped her feet inside six-inch high heels covered in glitter.

Handout / Facebook

Connor Ferguson, 18.

Despite loving the outfit she’d chosen, the 18-year-old transwoman from Trenton, Ont., considered not going to the prom at all, worried her peers might say something nasty or rude. She never expected they would name her prom queen.

“It was absolutely unreal. I’ll definitely remember that moment forever,” said Ferguson, who was crowned queen at Trenton High School on June 22.

“The cheers from classmates was overwhelming as well … So much support I cannot even put it into words.”

Ferguson heard rumours she might receive a vote or two from her classmates but she never saw herself winning.

“When I got there everyone was so welcoming,” she said. “It was so fun.”

The teen went out with friends later that night and everywhere she went she heard the words: “Congratulations on your win.”

Ferguson’s experience contradicts the notion that high school is a place where bullies thrive and difference is punished.

“I’ve gotten hardly any flack [at school] for being trans,” she said.

“So many of the students and faculty at school have given me words of praise. I cannot give enough thanks for having one of the best high school experiences.”

The story of Ferguson and her crown has spread on Twitter, giving the teenager a glimpse of fame.

Ferguson wrote a letter to CBC.ca last month, outlining her transition experience that began four years ago. At that point, she began building a women’s wardrobe and began using she and her, rather than he and him.

It is a process that has included harassment from some in Trenton, a military community 170 kilometres east of Toronto and home to roughly 20,000 people.

“I wake up every single day in my small town wondering if I’m safely able to leave my house,” wrote Ferguson, who has lived all her life in Trenton.

“I’ve had things yelled at me on the streets. I’ve even been driven at by cars. I don’t let silly things like this stop me from being a happy, confident individual. Regardless of my status as a woman or transwoman I try my hardest not to let the little things bother me.”

Ferguson said she fights abuse by dismissing it and not giving it her attention.

“That’s the thing — I literally do not give bullies my time,” she told the National Post. “I can’t be bothered with people who spew hatred. They genuinely have no [effect] on my life. I’m so happy with who I am, and I’m proud to be the young woman I am today. I think being a proud woman is something that catches them off-guard too. Don’t be timid … stand up for your happiness.”

Ferguson, who intends to study hairdressing, said she’s shocked strangers are heartened by her experience at prom.

“It’s honestly breathtaking. I cannot believe people are actually touched by such a simple act,” she said.

“All I’m doing is being a happy transwoman. It really doesn’t click with me that society thinks that’s intriguing, or different. I’m just myself, I can’t be expected to be anything else.”

http://news.nationalpost.com/

Tips for kids with gay parents who get teased

in: http://proudparenting.com/node/16907

All children will likely get teased at some point, and there isn’t much that that parents can do about it. However, when a child has gay parents, it often opens the door to teasing that is much more targeted and intense, and that can prove difficult to manage, says parent advocate Sue Scheff (pictured).

If you’re a gay parent who is concerned that their child is getting teased, encourage your child to:

• Speak to a teacher: There are rules against bullying in schools today. Make your child aware that teasing or bullying him because his parents are gay is a hate crime and one that will not be tolerated in the school.
• Understand their situation: Urge your child to talk to you about any questions that they might have about your relationship. The more children understand their family, the more comfortable they can be in their own skin.
• Be educated: Many children are uneducated about gay couples and may feel like they are the only children with gay parents. Help your child to learn about other gay families and be educated enough to answer common questions that may arise.

Sue Scheff is an Author and Parent Advocate. She founded Parents' Universal Resource Experts in 2001. P.U.R.E. is an organization that helps parents with struggling teens. Learn more at www.suescheff.com and email Sue at suescheffauthor@gmail.com.
[via Examiner.com]

http://proudparenting.com/node/16907

Fifth-Grader Prohibited From Giving Speech Supporting Marriage Equality

in: http://thinkprogress.org/

A Queens, New York fifth-grader named Kameron Slade won a class competition and was slated to deliver a speech as part of a school-wide competition at PS 195. However, because Kameron’s speech was to be about same-sex marriage, his principal told him he would be removed from the contest if he did not choose a different topic. Here are some excerpts from Kameron’s “inappropriate” speech:

SLADE: Some people are for same-gender marriage, while others are against it. Like President Obama, I believe that all people should have the right to marry whoever they want. Marriage is about love, support, and commitment. So who are we to judge? If we judge people like this, this is a form of prejudice. We must learn to accept all differences.[...]

My mom is very open to me about same-gender marriage. However, some adults may feel uncomfortable and think it’s inappropriate to talk about this to children. I think adults must realize that as children get older, they become aware of these mature issues that are going on in the world. If children read or watch the news, they can learn about things like same-gender marriage, so what’s the point in trying to hide it?

In conclusion, I hope that everyone understands how important it is to respect everyone for who they are. Same-gender marriage is becoming more popular. I believe that same-gender marriage should be accepted worldwide and that parents and teachers should start to discuss these issues without shame to their children.

Watch Kameron read his full speech, courtesy of NY1:

Some parents agreed with the principal that the topic was an “adult conversation” that didn’t belong in school, but Kameron’s own speech addresses this hollow complaint. In addition to the fact that young people can easily learn about this issue from the President of the United States, many are bound to encounter same-sex families among their friends and classmates. To censor such topics is an attempt to erase gay and lesbian people from communities entirely.

Numerous studies have found that schools are safer for LGBT students when curricula are LGBT-inclusive. Young Slade should be applauded for doing for his peers what his school community refuses to do. Supposedly, he will have the opportunity to give this speech in some sort of different assembly, but in the meantime, he is preparing a speech for the competition about preventing animal cruelty.

Update:

The department of education has guaranteed that Kameron will have the opportunity to give his speech at a special assembly on Monday. He has been invited to speak before the City Council and at several pride events, but he says he just wants to give his speech in school for now.

http://thinkprogress.org/

Lesbian Girlfriends Get “Cutest Couple” In High School Yearbook

in: http://www.queerty.com/





Isn’t this just the most wonderful feel-good story to kick off the weekend? Girlfriends Destinee Gates and Becca Fernandez were awarded “Cutest Couple” in the yearbook of Calaveras High School in California.

They’ve openly dated since Freshman year, and have been surprised at how most people and their peers in the normally conservative county have been accepting. Even Principal Ric Stitt beams as he describes the tolerance within his community.

If only other schools and administrators would take a lesson from this simple, but beautiful story of acceptance. Destinee and Becca plan to both attend Columbia College in Sonora in the fall. May they continue to find happiness.

Can we hear an “Aaaaaaaaaawww…”?



http://www.queerty.com/

Lesbian couple reportedly banned from high school prom

in: http://www.necn.com/




A Lexington, Kentucky high school student claims she was barred from prom because she planned to bring a date of the same sex.

Hope Decker, 18, says administrators at Lexington Catholic High School sat her down Friday and told her she could not attend with her girlfriend, Tiffany Wright, who is also a student at the school.

"What I experienced in the Dean's Office was blatant homophobia," said Decker, a senior at the school. "We were told that this school has Catholic principles and so they couldn't let it happen."

"At first I was really upset," said Tiffany Wright, Decker's date for the dance. "I mean, we both cried and then I was like, this is ridiculous. There's gotta be something we could do about this."

Decker, Wright and dozens of their friends still dressed up for the occasion and even attempted to get into the school for prom.

When turned away, they decided to have their own outdoor version outside of the school.

"I just think it's ridiculous that a school that claims to foster love and equality is doing something like this to its own students," said Wright.

The group of students said they have started a petition they plan to send to the school's president and principal, along with the bishop, in the hopes their situation might lead to change for future couples.

They said they have already received more than 100 signatures from other students opposed to what happened.

The school's assistant principal said he could not comment on the situation, but added that Lexington Catholic adheres to the guidelines set forth by the Catholic Church.

http://www.necn.com/

Brasil: Escola Jovem LGBT de Campinas recebe alunos discriminados em colégios convencionais

via: http://www.agenciaaids.com.br/noticias/interna.php?id=17878

Diversidade em sala de aula

Alardeada como a primeira “escola gay” do Brasil, a Escola Jovem LGBT quase passa despercebida no pacato bairro residencial em que está instalada, na cidade de Campinas (SP). A despeito do título adotado, não se trata de uma escola regular, dirigida para o ensino de Matemática, História ou Língua Portuguesa. Dentro da casa de seis cômodos, cerca de 30 jovens LGBT (sigla para lésbicas, gays, bissexuais e transgêneros) participam gratuitamente de aulas de música, teatro e de produção de revistas, todas voltadas para o universo gay. A ideia nasceu há dez anos, a partir de e-mails trocados pelo fundador, o jornalista Deco Ribeiro, com outros jovens que passavam pelas mesmas angústias que ele. Hoje com 39 anos, Deco conta que se descobriu homossexual no início da adolescência, aos 13. “Eu achava que era o único gay da minha escola, da minha rua, da minha cidade. Com a internet, descobri que muitos passavam pelo mesmo que eu”, lembra. Com o sucesso da lista de e-mails, que chegou a reunir 4 mil participantes, Deco criou um site para agregar as principais dúvidas e questionamentos dos jovens. Foi quando nasceu o E-Jovem, transformado em 2004 em uma ONG para combater a homofobia.

Em 2009, o projeto de Deco para uma escola de artes voltada para jovens LGBT venceu um edital do Ministério da Cultura, em parceria com a Secretaria de Estado da Cultura. Único dos 350 candidatos a propor a criação de um centro cultural voltado para a diversidade sexual e de gênero, o projeto passou a ser um dos Pontos de Cultura do Estado e a receber uma verba de 60 mil reais por ano. Com o dinheiro, Deco transformou a casa em que vivia com o companheiro Chesller Moreira (a drag queen Lohren Beauty) em escola. O espaço ainda parece improvisado. O pequeno pátio recebeu carteiras e espelhos nas paredes pintadas de rosa e branco, um banner e a clássica bandeira arco-íris do movimento são os únicos sinais de militância LGBT. Na outra sala, três computadores e um monitor formam a sala de informática. As oficinas oferecidas também funcionam como espaço de convivência. “Aqui todo mundo pode ser como realmente é”, afirma Deco. A verba do Ministério também paga o salário de três professores e fornece ajuda de custo para seis bolsistas. Como as aulas são gratuitas, a quantia de 100 reais serve principalmente para transporte. Além de jovens de Campinas, há alunos de cidades próximas, como Valinhos e Monte Mor.

Apesar do foco no mundo gay, héteros também são bem-vindos na escola. Atualmente, duas meninas heterossexuais participam das oficinas de revista. “Não é um curso fechado para gays. Acreditamos que, quanto mais você conhecer o diferente, mais rica será sua experiência”, explica Deco. Nem todos, porém, compartilham do mesmo ponto de vista. Em novembro do ano passado, a escola foi atingida por pedras e garrafas. A suspeita é que o ataque tenha partido de moradores da região. A direção da escola colocou a boca no trombone: depois dos avisos na mídia local de que câmeras de segurança seriam colocadas na entrada, não houve mais ataques.

Todos os fins de semana, jovens gays, bissexuais e travestis entre 14 e 24 anos organizam-se nas três turmas de dez alunos da escola. O clima é de descontração. Muitos estão fora da escola tradicional. É o caso de Gabriel. Aos 15 anos, não aceito pela família biológica, o garoto relata diversas fugas de abrigos da prefeitura, onde era, muitas vezes, hostilizado pelos outros adolescentes. Encontrado à beira de situação de risco pelo fundador da escola, Gabriel vive com o casal no espaço da escola desde o ano passado. “Eu sou aluno integral”, brinca. A travesti Juana, de 21 anos, é exceção. Ela está no segundo ano do Ensino Médio de uma escola estadual da cidade e conta que conquistou o respeito de colegas e professores. “A vice-diretora até foi assistir minha apresentação de dança”, comemora. Juana também luta pela erradicação da homofobia nas escolas: “Todo travesti tem o direito de estudar”. A sensação de estar entre semelhantes faz toda a diferença para o jovem Willber, 18 anos. Um pouco mais tímido, o rapaz conta, com os joelhos balançando de nervosismo, que ficou sabendo da escola por meio dos amigos. “Aqui todo mundo entende como eu sou, eu me identifico com eles”, garante.

Além dos três cursos em vigor hoje (criação de revista, música e teatro), a escola já ofereceu aulas de dança, criação de fanzines e um curso livre de defesa pessoal. Ministrada por um especialista em artes marciais, o curso era focado em como evitar e como escapar de agressões. Até o fim do ano, Deco espera oferecer cursos de Sociologia da Homossexualidade, de Espanhol e de Drag Queen, que será desenvolvido por Lohren Beauty e vai ensinar desde a escolha do figurino e maquiagem até presença de palco.

Antigo participante da lista de e-mails que deu origem ao E-Jovem, Breno Queiroz, de 25 anos, recebe 300 reais por mês para ministrar uma oficina semanal de criação de revistas. Ano passado, o jornalista já havia participado como professor do curso de produção de fanzines, publicação alternativa que trabalha com linguagem de quadrinhos. “Muitos foram praticamente alfabetizados com o fanzine, outros não sabiam usar o computador”, lembra. As oficinas deram origem a cinco volumes do fanzine No Closet, cuja tiragem de 5 mil exemplares foi distribuída gratuitamente.

Para o diretor da escola, o movimento LGBT passa por um período de transição. O primeiro momento, marcado pela busca da visibilidade e aceitação, já passou. Agora é a hora do discurso, da sociedade saber o que os gays têm a dizer. Por outro lado, o aumento da visibilidade alimentaria rea-ções de setores mais conservadores. Apesar de ter sido o ano da aprovação da união estável entre pessoas do mesmo sexo, 2011 encaminha-se para o triste recorde de assassinatos de homossexuais no Brasil.

Superintendent Hunter: Allow my transgender son to use the boys bathroom at school!

http://www.change.org/petitions/superintendent-hunter-allow-my-transgender-son-to-use-the-boys-bathroom-at-school






All students-- regardless of age, race, ethnicity, ability, size, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, and gender identity-- have to use the bathroom. Logically, it follows that all students need safe and appropriate access to bathroom facilities in school settings.

Today I was forced to withdraw my child from school because Dr. Hunter, the superintendent of our county school, refused to allow him to use the bathroom safely. My child is transgender; put simply this means he looks like and identifies as a boy, but has the body parts assigned to girls. Forcing him to use a bathroom that does not match his presentation effectively discloses his status as a transgender child and thus endangers him.

Instead of responding to my concern for safety, Dr. William informed me of his intent to call Child Protection Services. He insists that my child should have to use the girl's bathroom, regardless of the social, emotional, and potentially physical repercussions that this is likely to bring. He additionally refuses to allow the use of a unisex bathroom typically reserved for staff.

I ask you to join me in asserting the right for all children to attend school and access school services safely and appropriately. My child very much wants to go to school and interact with other children at a normal school setting. He deserves the same opportunities that any child in this county should have. Please support us in asking Dr. Hunter and the Board of Education for McIntosh County Schools to recognize his right to equal access to education.

Please sign the petition:

http://www.change.org/petitions/superintendent-hunter-allow-my-transgender-son-to-use-the-boys-bathroom-at-school

Bibliotecas escolares vão ter livros sobre homossexualidade

in: http://www.ionline.pt/conteudo/94255-bibliotecas-escolares-vao-ter-livros-homossexualidade

Esta é a primeira vez que a comunidade LGBT é visada num plano de igualdade do governo

A Rede de Bibliotecas Escolares vai ter, a partir de 2011, livros relacionados com a homossexualidade para "reforçar o esclarecimento dos jovens" sobre a comunidade LGBT (Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Transexuais) e sobre o tipo de discriminação que sentem.

Esta é a primeira vez que a comunidade LGBT é visada num plano de igualdade do governo. "Em 2007 começamos a estabelecer parcerias com a comunidade LGBT e esta é a primeira vez que um plano tem medidas dedicadas à temática", diz ao i a secretária de Estado Elza Pais. Outra das novidades do IV Plano Nacional para a Igualdade (PNI) é a possibilidade que foi aberta a todos as pessoas desta comunidade de receberem um financiamento público para realizarem projectos de cooperação e investigação sobre o tema igualdade e cidadania.

Desde a aprovação do Tratado de Lisboa que a CIG (Comissão para a Cidadania e Igualdade de Género) passou a integrar a área de orientação sexual e identidade de género. Duas das organizações que representam a comunidade LGBT passaram também a integrar o Conselho Consultivo da CIG e foi ainda promovido "o primeiro estudo de iniciativa pública". As conclusões desse estudo estão agora previstas no PNI.

Elza Pais reforçou a necessidade de sensibilizar "a população em geral para a não discriminação" e para capacitar "as organizações da sociedade civil que representem pessoas LGBT". Recorde-se que desde 31 de Maio que o casamento civil entre pessoas do mesmo sexo é permitido por lei e foram discutidas e aprovadas pela Assembleia da República duas iniciativas legislativas que procuram regular o procedimento de mudança sexo no registo civil por parte das pessoas transgénero, transexuais e intersexuais.

http://www.ionline.pt/conteudo/94255-bibliotecas-escolares-vao-ter-livros-homossexualidade