May 8

tyleroakley:

Rights for LGBTQ Americans, a state-by-state guide.

Rights for LGBTQ Americans, a state-by-state guide.

lgbtq, state by state, rights, gay rights, hate crimes, school, housing, employment, adoption, hopital visits, marriage, queer, gay, homosexual, lesbian, work, equality, graph, tyler oakley,

Apr 9

GLSEN’S ICEBREAKERS

(read more HERE)

1) Common Ground - Source: Kerry Ashforth

Students and faculty advisors stand in a circle. One person begins by saying, “I’ve got a younger sister,” or some other statement that is true for them. Everyone for whom this is also true steps into the center of the circle. Everyone who doesn’t have a younger sister stays on the outside. You can always choose not to step into the circle. The game often brings up personal and important issues that students may not want to discuss in a more formal setting. This also allows us to recognize our differences and similarities.

2) Gender Stereotypes - Source: Various

Trace a male and a female body on butcher paper, then have a free-for-all where everyone writes/expresses as many gender stereotypes as they can think of, and place those stereotypes on the bodies where they would apply (i.e. “boys are smart at math” would be placed on the head of the male body). From here, you can talk about how gender stereotypes and traits relate to perceptions about gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people - as well as how these stereotypes limit our possibilities, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. These exercises can also be done using stereotypes of gay men and lesbians - helping us to recognize that everyone has different traits that don’t define our sexual orientation or gender.

3) Culture Walk - Source: Kerry Ashforth

There are one or two mediators, and they begin by asking a group of people, for example, women, to move to one side of the room. The people who then haven’t identified as women ask questions, and the women give them answers. Then the women get to say what they’d like other people to know about them. You don’t have to “talk” or “walk”.

4) Pretzel, Knots - Source: various.

Group building cooperation game. Everyone stands in a circle. Everyone puts his right hand forward into the middle and grabs the right hand of someone. Then, take your left and hand grab the left hand of someone else in the circle. Thus, with your right hand you are attached to one person’s right hand, and your left hand is attached to someone else’s left hand. You are all now in a tangled ring of bodies. Without letting go, untangle yourselves. You may switch positions of your hands, but do not break the ring.

Sometimes the group is tangled in one big loop, but sometimes it is tangled in several smaller ones.

Posted 1 month ago

105 notes

lgbtq, gay, lesbian, bi, trans*, pansexual, pan, transgender, icebreakers, school, work, education, glsen, comon ground, gender games,

Apr 5

PFLAG’S:

What Can I Do to Make My

School Safe for LGBT Youth?

Here are 5 ways you can make your school safer for LGBT students no matter what your role:

If you’re a student:

Doing nothing can be worse than the act itself: Report harassment, bullying, or threats targeted at LGBT students to a trusted teacher or advisor.
Encourage your teachers to address homophobia and transphobia in the classroom by posting safe-space posters, stopping hate speech, and supporting gay-straight alliances (GSAs).
Watch what you say: Don’t use words associated with being LGBT as euphemisms for stupid and explain to friends and peers who do why they shouldn’t.
Ask your school to address LGBT issues by having a Pride Week, bringing a speaker to your school, and talking about sexual orientation and gender identity in class.
Support your LGBT peers by joining a GSA: the A stands for ally.

If you’re a teacher:

Stop hate speech in your classroom. Speak out if you hear a student in your class or in the halls using words like “fag”, “dyke”, or “gay” as put-downs or insults.
Ask your administrator for the opportunity to attend “Respect for All” training for diversity and LGBT issues.
Participate in educators’ conferences, and speak to current and future teachers about being allies for LGBT staff and students.
Post safe-space posters, materials, or just talk to your students about why your classroom a safe-space, free of harassment, bias, and violence.
Support gay-straight alliances, chaperon LGBT positive proms, and help LGBT students and staff advocate for fair school policies.

If you’re an administrator or guidance counselor:

Reach out to both parents and students to help make them aware that peers may be struggling with sexual orientation or gender identity.
Meet with teachers and parents to help them learn about the issues that their students, children, or their children’s peers may be facing as a LGBT person.
Make sure your library, school healthcare workers, and health teachers include accurate information about gender identity, LGBT sexuality, and health.
Ensure that the NYC DOE’s “Respect for All” program and the Chancellor’s Regulation on Bias-Related Harassment and Bullying are known in your school, and that students, parents, and teachers know how to respond to bias incidents.
Let students know that your office is open to them, should they need support speaking about bullying, violence, harassment, or conflict at home.

If you’re a parent:

Understand the issues and terms associated with LGBT issues, and teach your children what you learn.
Talk to your kids about hate speech, bullying, and acceptance. Let them know that not participating in these activities, and standing up for others, earns your respect.
Work with your PTA to create allied groups in your community, focused on making your school safer.
Write to local papers and contact your school administrators to make it known that your family and your community are concerned about safe school issues.
Let your children know that you accept them, their friends, and their peers, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Make your home a supportive and open space.

(image from University of New Mexico)

Posted 1 month ago

552 notes

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Mar 28

Depression Phone Assistance/Support

Crisis Help Line –Any/All Crisis: 1-800-233-4357

National Adolescent Suicide Helpline: 1-800-621-4000

National Suicide Prevention Helpline: 1-800-273-TALK (8245)

Suicide Crisis Line: 1-800-999-9999

Suicide & Depression Crisis Line – Covenant House: 1-800-999-9999

Suicide Hotline: 1-800-SUICIDE (2433) –US, U.K., Canada, and Singapore

LGBTQ* Assistance/Support

Gay & Lesbian National Support: 1-888-THE-GLNH (1-888-843-4564)

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth Support Line: 1-800-850-8078

The Trevor Helpline: 1-800-850-8078

Lesbian & Gay Switchboard: (UK) 0121 622 6589

Youth & Teen Phone Assistance/Support

Child Helpline: (UK) 0800 1111

National Youth Crisis Support: 1-800-448-4663

Runaway Support (Confidential): 800-231-6946

Teen Helpline: 1-800-400-0900

Youth America Hotline: 1-877-YOUTHLINE (1-877-968-8454)

Youth Crisis Support: 1-800-448-4663 or 1-800-422-0009

Posted 1 month ago

440 notes

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Mar 25

LGBTQ* Statistics We Can No Longer Ignore

Irish scho ol polls find 1 in 5 lbgtq* students skip school because they are bullied(picture above)

It is estimate 160,000 students skip school in the US each day because of bullying

Posted 2 months ago

700 notes

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Mar 14

Political Cartoons

Steve Sack — artist

Posted 2 months ago

460 notes

bully, children, education, kids, lgbtq, safety, school, political cartoon,

Feb 25

Films To Keep On Your Radar

BULLY

Bully Official Trailer #1 - Weinstein Company Movie (2012) HD

This year, over 5 million American kids will be bullied at school, online, on the bus, at home, through their cell phones and on the streets of their towns, making it the most common form of violence young people in this country experience. The Bully Project is the first feature documentary film to show how we’ve all been affected by bullying, whether we’ve been victims, perpetrators or stood silent witness. The world we inhabit as adults begins on the playground. The Bully Project opens on the first day of school. For the more than 5 million kids who’ll be bullied this year in the United States, it’s a day filled with more anxiety and foreboding than excitement. As the sun rises and school busses across the country overflow with backpacks, brass instruments and the rambunctious sounds of raging hormones, this is a ride into the unknown. For a lot of kids, the only thing that’s certain is that this year… (from BULLY’s youtube page)

Posted 3 months ago

246 notes

acceptance, adults, assistance, bully, bully, children, education, kids, need to know, need to watch, nerd, geek, school, high school, elementary school, lgbtq,

Feb 18

LGBTQ* Political Cartoons

I know one place that is now open.

Posted 3 months ago

182 notes

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Jan 21

LGBTQ* Books To Keep On Your Radar

One Teacher in Ten: LGBT Educators Share Their Stories

This is a collection of more than 30 accounts by gay and lesbian teachers from schools and universities across the country. Each narrative recounts its author’s experiences either as an openly gay or lesbian teacher or during the period of coming out. Specific school settings, such as the Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, are mentioned. Common themes discussed are student/teacher relationships, teacher/teacher relationships, AIDS, support groups, the process of coming out, and community reactions. This book will be useful for studying the culture of schools at all levels. An appendix contains biographies of the teachers who tell their stories, a list of support groups, and, most importantly, an essay on the legal history and current state of gay and lesbian rights across the country. For most education collections.
Nancy E. Zuwiyya, Binghamton City Sch. Dist., N.Y.

Posted 4 months ago

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Jan 17

LGBTQ* Advice, Insight and Education

How Educators Can Help:

1.) Treat the topic of sexual orientation as you would an other human difference

2.) Illustrate ways in which diversity has had a positive effect on our culture

3.) Do not allow students to use names such as “fag,” “butch,” “dyke,” “homo,” etc. in a negative fashion. Treat these words the same way you give notice to ethnic or racial slurs. Create a safe space for discussion.

4.) Let others show that derogatory gestures and jokes are not amusing — they cause pain

5.) Be away that some LGBTQ* students are very often uncomfortable, invisible, isolated and need acceptance from you

6.) Some LGBTQ* students will probably not admit to being LGBTQ* due to denial, need to conform or personal acknowledgement. Don’t confront these students! Be an ally and allow them time.

7.) You can convey respect and show that each student is valued for characteristics within his/her control.

8.) Sexual orientation is a minor (but important) part of a person’s existence and should not be overly emphasized.

9.) When you speak to someone it is important to remember that that person may be indeed related to the “invisible” minority and can easily be hurt. Be a good friend. Do not use a student or fellow peer as examples without their permission.

10.) If a student tells you he/she is LGBTQ*, thank the person for trusting you and keep it to yourself. If a student needs help, the school psychologist or social worker will be available and the information will be kept confidential.

(Taken from a university Safe Haven manual. Picture source unknown.)

Posted 4 months ago

488 notes

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Oct 18

LGBTQ* Documentaries, News Stories and Video

Equality U -

Is This Your Year To Come Out?

Coming Out in School

By Ramon Johnson, About.com Guide

Another summer down and you’re back in school. It’s time to meet up with old friends and make new ones. For the most part, the summer gives you the freedom to be who you want and hang out with the people you like most. But when classes start, things change.

Back to school for me was always a mix of excitement and anxiety. I didn’t come out until college, but I thought about coming out in high school every year. Why didn’t I? Fear, mostly. I wasn’t sure how my friends and parents would take it. Sure, I’d feel better about being open, but what would I be left with if things didn’t go my way? After all, when the bell rang, I was stuck with the same group of kids whether I liked them or not.

College allows you the freedom to schedule your way to comfort, but most of high school is dictated for you. Still, the choice to come out is yours. Is this the year? Here are a few tips to consider before taking the plunge:\

When it’s time, it’s time.
The desire to come out is like a burning sensation in your chest that gets warmer as you grow tired of keeping it inside. Sometimes it get so hot you want to scream the fiery words to everybody you know. And then something holds you back and the sensation cools for only a short time. How do you know when it’s time to put out the fire? When all you can think about is coming out. When you’re fed up with hiding something from those you care about. When you stop caring about what others think. When the need to be yourself is greater than the any consequence you can think of.

Who’s out, who’s not.
You’ll hear most older gays say that there were less than a handful (if any) kids out when they were in school. People are more open about sexuality now, so more students are out in school. Who’s who in your class? Support is the best thing to have while coming out. Just because a kid is gay doesn’t mean you’ll vibe with him or her, but consider getting to know them and asking about their experiences.

Get experience where you can.
Sometimes we find support in the most unlikely of places. Give your straight friends a try. Come out to your most trusted friend first. Then spread the word to others. The key is to stick with those that are cool with you being gay and ditch those that are shady about your sexuality.

Posted 9 months ago

25 notes

lgbtq, coming out, school, education, how to, advice,

May 20