Date: Tue, 25 Apr 2000 17:46:20 -0700 From: Jean Richter Subject: 4/25/2000 P.E.R.S.O.N. Project news To those of you who read this via soc.support.youth.gay-lesbian-bi: thank you for your kind words over the past few days. They're greatly appreciated... 1. IA: More on West Des Moines refusal to alter harassment policy 2. NY: LGBTQ youth event to be held in New York City 3. Several books of interest to LGBT youth service providers and allies ============================================================================ Date: Mon, 17 Apr 2000 09:56:28 -0700 From: Jessea Greenman Dear Readers, PLEASE send your thoughts on the below decision to: West Des Moines Community School District 3550 Geo Mills Civic Pkwy West Des Moines, Iowa 50265 Phone: 515.226.2700 DES MOINES REGISTER, April 17, 2000 Box 957, Des Moines, Ia., 50304 (Fax 515-286-2511 ) (E-MAIL: letters@news.dmreg.com ) APRIL 12, 2000 EDITORIAL: HAVEN'T THEY LISTENED? ANTI-GAY SLURS ARE COMMON IN HIGH SCHOOLS. POLICY SHOULD RECOGNIZE THE REALITY. West Des Moines school officials don't get it. Either they haven't heard the anti-gay slurs common in Valley High School halls or they don't believe what people have told them. Otherwise, they would have added "sexual orientation" to the district policy prohibiting harassment. Instead, they promised better enforcement of the existing ban on harassment. That sounds good, but packs less punch. That ban has been in place, and so have the put-downs. The existing ban says "Harassment of employees and students will not be tolerated ..." It then specifies harassment to include conduct directed at an individual or group based on "age, race, creed, color, sex, nation origin, religion or disability." It doesn't say sexual orientation. Straight students are called "faggot," too. But it's an all-purpose slam that grows directly out of contempt for gays and lesbians. Gay and lesbian youngsters, often struggling to come to terms with their identities, should be able to go to school without encountering such hostility. The legalistic excuse that sexual orientation is not a protected class in state and federal law, therefore including it in district policy wouldn't fix the problem misses the point. The point is that verbal gay-bashing is a reality in schools, not just at Valley in West Des Moines, but pretty much everywhere in the upper grades. That's why a few brave school boards Des Moines, Ames and Decorah among them have changed their policies to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. That doesn't, by itself, fix the problem, either, but it does fully recognize it That's essential. Des Moines Register, April 17, 2000 LETTER: GAY STUDENT TO BE COMMENDED FOR COURAGE I thank the Register for the article regarding gay students, and I commend Galen Newton. Few of us have the courage to divulge our true lives, and fewer yet must face a prejudiced majority that would oppose our lifestyles and our basic rights. Newton showed remarkable courage ("Gay Student Fights to Change School Policy," April 10). Newton is requesting that "sexual orientation" be added [to his school district's anti-harassment policy]. Mike Hartwig, a representative of the Iowa Family Policy Council, opposes Newton's policy of sexual orientation in the schools. Hartwig said, "To think the American family has broken down this much that this is even a debate. It's so disappointing." My wife, my daughter and I are an "American family," and we definitely support Galen Newton. He has every right to live his life as he wishes and not be harassed by others; nor should he be forced to hide who he is because he's "afraid of what someone might say or do." -- Patrick Knoll, 4850 71st St., Urbandale, Iowa 50322-1893 If, as Mike Hartwig said, "Homosexuality is a very dangerous lifestyle," he and his kind present the primary danger: culpable ignorance of homosexuality and of families. -- L.L. Daly, 305 W. Jefferson Ave., Fairfield, Iowa 52556-3413 Did anyone else take note of the clergy presence at the West Des Moines school board meeting last week? Pastors from local Episcopal, Methodist, Lutheran and United Church of Christ churches all spoke passionately about adding sexual orientation to the anti-harassment policy of the West Des Moines school district. As a Presbyterian clergywoman who was also in attendance, I was humbled by and proud of my colleagues in these mainline denominations who gave their support to this issue and those whom it seeks to protect. -- The Rev. Barbara B. Nish, parish associate, Heartland Presbyterian Church, 14300 Hickman Rd., Des Moines, Iowa 50325. When I read the April 10 article, "Gay Student Fights to Change School Policy," I was very disappointed by the quote from Mike Hartwig. Hartwig said, "Homosexuality is a very dangerous lifestyle. I don't know why anyone would encourage people to be involved in that." The change that Galen Newton is trying to bring about isn't saying that people should be gay. It's simply asking for the same protection extended to others for their differences. I have gay friends, and they do face harassment based on their sexual orientation. I also know that they don't choose to be gay. They choose to accept that they are gay instead of keeping it hidden, but they don't make the choice to feel the feelings they do. What is even more disappointing is the last part of his statement: "To think the American family has broken down this much that this is even a debate. It's so disappointing." Is it better for homosexuals to be a part of "traditional" families, or is it better to accept who they are? In other words, is it better to live a lie in order to appear normal than to accept the truth? Homosexuality is a part of life, and trying to hide it behind a facade of the ordinary won't make it go away. -- Steven Block, Maple 115 Cranor, Ames, Iowa Letter: WHO WOULD CHOOSE TO BE GAY? Thanks for openly and directly presenting the position of Galen Newton ("Gay Student Fights to Change School Policy," April 10) and many other young members of the Gay/Straight Alliance. As a former teacher at Valley, I know Galen well. He is bright, creative, energetic, innovative and has a heart as big as the ocean. He is also very brave to have broken ground never before attempted. There may be a very slim chance of "converting" strongly opinionated opposers of homosexuality. However, that does not eliminate the need for continued support of those who feel the negative impact of public opinion. Through working relationships, educational experiences, cherished friendships at my church and many years of caring about the youth in my classes, I firmly believe that homosexuality is not a choice. Who would ever choose a lifestyle that alienated one from family, friends and colleagues, raising eyebrows and voices that so strongly admonish and chastise these people for what they are? The simple point of Galen's request is fair treatment for all citizens, including gays and lesbians. His petition was for the addition of two words "sexual orientation" to be included in the list of protected minority groups. Some may say that because this clause now includes "sex or gender," it includes homosexuals. In theory, that would be right. Many groups think they have addressed the issue and solved the "problem" of fair treatment; but until they have the courage to state it, the conviction is still lacking. Many of us, no matter our religious affiliation, were schooled in the Golden Rule and have been taught since youth to treat others as we would want to be treated. Harassment can be merely a negative attitude that projects itself sufficiently to be perceived as offensive to a victim. I am straight, married and have a family. I want my family to learn love and respect for others and to treat all people with the dignity each human being deserves. -- Ann Morris, 1003 Euclid Ave., Des Moines, Iowa 50313-4029 ================================================================================= From: SARATOGANY@aol.com Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2000 02:17:56 EDT Subject: NYC: Youth Event - Stomp Out Hate: Make Room For All (NYC Metro GLSEN) Msg fwd by: The Coalition for Safer Schools of NYS, PO Box 2345, Malta, NY 12020 Email to: saratogany@aol.com "The Actual or Perceived GLBT Student Protection Project" =================================================================== Subj: youth event Date: 04/17/2000 7:56:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time From: Susanb1011 Hi, Just wanted to update you on Stomp Out Hate: Make Room For All, a night of live music and dancing for lgbtq youth and allies, Friday May 12th at Judson Memorial, 55 Washington Square South, 8pm-12:30 am. We decided to make the event open only to those 25 and under (except volunteers, people tabling, entertainment, etc). Let me know if you are planning to table the event. I wanted to let you know about upcoming meetings. The next one is Thursday, April 27th, 7pm at Third Wave, 116 E. 16th Street, 7th floor, between Union Square and Irving Place. We are going to have a meeting on Monday May 8th, just before the event, for all people voulnteering at the event, etc. also at 7 and at Third Wave. We are looking for people interested in volunteering the night of the event, so let me know if you are interested. Also, if you can help spread the word, I would greatly appreciate it. And if anyone wants flyers or can help distribute them, let me know If you have any questions, comments, feel free to call me (212) 989-7742 or email. Thanks, --Susan Buttenwieser NYC Metro GLSEN ==================================================================== "The Actual or Perceived GLBT Student Protection Project" A project of: Coalition for Safer Schools of NYS John Myers Director of Operations and Programs PO Box 2345 Malta, NY 12020 (518) 587-0176 Email: saratogany@aol.com (To join the CSS-NYS Email List, send request to saratogany@aol.com) =========================================================================== From: SARATOGANY@aol.com Date: Tue, 18 Apr 2000 02:53:39 EDT Subject: Books and Report (excellent review of "Social Work With LBG's") Msg fwd by: The Coalition for Safer Schools of NYS, PO Box 2345, Malta, NY 12020 Email to: saratogany@aol.com "The Actual or Perceived GLBT Student Protection Project" CSS-NYS Note: Our Rev. John Kettlewell (Education and Religion Consultant) has reviewed the book (item 2) below. His review was sent you recently. Rev. Kettlewell highly recommends this book which has been written in text book format. However, this 184 page paperback cost $29.95 at www.amazon.com. See Amazon's Reader Review below. =================================================================== From: Safe Schools Coalition-Washington (www.safeschools-wa.org) Dear Safe Schools members and friends ... (1) To read a delightful version of Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, retold using a model for negotiation of conflict (which would make a great two-person drama piece with which to start a unit on violence), see the Appendix I of a report called Conflict Resolution Education, at http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles/conflic.pdf [warning - this is a big (over 1 meg) document; the story in question is near the very end of the document] (2) new book: Social Work with Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexuals: A Strengths Perspective by Katherine S. Van Wormer, et al , published Jan., 2000, Allyn & Bacon; ISBN: 0205279317 The Best Book in the Field Reviewer: A reader from Cedar Falls,Iowa July 12, 1999 This book, although written as a text for students in social work, is an up-to-date text for anyone interested in this subject. It is concise, informative, and easy to read, written in easily understood layman's vocabulary. Technical terms are defined, and an excellent glossary occurs at the end. Resources and references are included. The book begins with a historical background of sexuality, controversies in the origin of sexuality and civilization's attitudes of sexuality. It deals with the aspects of adaptation of LGB (Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals) to our heterosexual environment, its strengths and weaknesses. Further chapters deal with differences and similarities in LGB sexuality, aspects of LGB in the workplace (employment issues), social and psychological adjustments and issues of marriages, children, and aging. The final chapters deal with counseling and social work related issues of the LGB communities. The authors, all professors at the University of Northern Iowa, are knowledgeable and experienced. They have brought their expertise and collaboration to bear and have produced a lucid, concise, and easily readable volume that covers a multitude of heretofore obscure, often prejudicial material. I highly recommend this excellent work to all who seek information and insight into the subject. (3) new book: "The Queer Press Guide 2000" ed. by Paul Harris, lists the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, HIV/AIDS publications worldwide. ISBN: 1-891305-17-4 ... website: http://hometown.aol.com/qpgy2k/myhomepage/business.html (4) new report called "Coping with Challenges: Strategies and Tips for Dealing with Challenges to Library Materials" from the American Association of School Librarians. Available online at their website: http://www.ala.org/alaorg/oif/coping_inf.html#schoollibs ======================================== ==================================================================== This message has been distributed as a free informational service for the expressed interest of non-profit research and educational purposes only. "The Actual or Perceived GLBT Student Protection Project" A project of: Coalition for Safer Schools of NYS John Myers Director of Operations and Programs PO Box 2345 Malta, NY 12020 (518) 587-0176 Email: saratogany@aol.com (To join the CSS-NYS Email List, send request to saratogany@aol.com) ============================================================================== Jean Richter -- richter@eecs.berkeley.edu The P.E.R.S.O.N. Project (Public Education Regarding Sexual Orientation Nationally) These messages are archived by state on our information-loaded free web site: http://www.youth.org/loco/PERSONProject/