Thanks to all those who cheered us in the Pride Parade and dropped by our table at the Pride Fair. It was nice to see so many faces both new and familiar, as well as a former board member visiting from Southern California. We had a great time as usual, although one of our younger board members was operating on minimal sleep having just graduated high school and attending her all-night grad night. Those were the days...

In speaking with people who dropped by our table, I heard from several people who had one theme in common: a concern about mentioning LGBT issues or harassment in elementary schools. More than one visitor indentified themselves as working at the elementary school level and expressed concerns over what they can do to lessen or eliminate the effects of anti-gay bias and harassment in grades K-6. They were under the impression that they couldn't do much to deal directly with the substance of the issue, only deal with it peripherally by stopping harassment without educating. Teachers at this level (both gay and straight) were concerned that if they dealt with an LGBT issue (if, for example, they had to explain what "gay" meant to an inquiring youngster), that they would be opening themselves up for parental or administrative criticism or possible disciplinary action. They were worried about how they could deal with LGBT issues and not put their jobs at risk.

There are a number of great resources available on LGBT issues in schools, and I've created a section for a few of them on our website at www.respectsacramento.org/resources. I hope that these are resources that you will find helpful. One of the best is the award-winning film "It's Elementary" from New Day Films. On their website, the producers offer some resources and tips to go along with the film. I've adapted a few of them here as "Six Thoughts About Addressing Gay Issues in the Classroom":

1. It's not illegal. Being gay, mentioning the word gay, or talking about LGBT issues in public schools is not against California law. In fact, bias and discrimination against LGBT people in California schools is specifically outlawed in California, one of the few states to do so. While administrators and parents may raise objections, the closer the discussion is to approved curriculum or naturally grows out of students' inquiries or concerns, the safer you are in terms of appropriate subject matter. Discussing issues surrounding sexual orientation does not equate with discussing sexual activity, and you should refrain from talking about the latter unless you are teaching approved sex education curriculum. But merely talking about "gay issues" unrelated to sexual activity that are reasonably tied to educational objectives (social science, harassment prevention, etc.) are perfectly appropriate.

2. Use the words. Even the youngest children have frequently heard the words gay, lesbian, and bisexual as "bad" words, often without knowing what they mean. From time to time, use the words yourself and check out the children's understanding. Convey in your approach that these aren't bad words.

3. Stop the harassing behavior; then educate. Let students know in unambiguous terms when they've crossed the line and exactly why, and give consequences like you would for any other type of harassment. I teach students on the first day of class what language is all about and what's unacceptable within my earshot. I usually have to teach about the concept of the "context" of language. ("Gay" is not a bad word, per se; it's how it's used and under what circumstances it's uttered that gives a word its context.)

But don't make a scene when a scene might not suit the situation. I use a strategy I call "proportional response." I use this strategy for all inappropriate language issues, not just "the gay ones." If a student says something inappropriate like "That's so gay" or "You're retarded" and only a couple of students were able to hear it, then my response will be loud enough only for the offender and the couple of other students to hear. Most of the time (like 95%) the student will know he's messed up before I even say anything. Usually, the intent was not to harass or insult, but the student knows that I've defined such language as objectionable TO ME, and the student immediately apologizes. If the offending speech or behavior is something that all can see or hear, then my response is something intended for all to witness. And if the intent is clearly to hurt or harass, or the student refuses to apologize or otherwise make up for the offense, then lay on the consequences like you would for any other slur. Remember, you're educating the offender and the audience as well. One of the best signs of success is when a student blurts out something inappropriate and then self-corrects with an "Oops, sorry."

(About the "That's so gay" comment: I tell students that I hear this one all the time, and I understand that, for the most part, young people usually don't mean it as a direct insult, but they mean it as a catch-all for "That's so stupid." But I explain to them that when they say "That's so gay," it might be interpreted differently by different listeners. They have no idea who within their earshot might be gay, have a gay friend, a gay brother or sister, even father or mother. Students might not appreciate that "That's so gay" might not sound like "That's so stupid" to another's ears but might come across as "Gay is stupid." And I tell them that this phrase might offend others who don't feel comfortable speaking out about it, and it certainly offends me. I remind them that one of the rules in my class is "treating everyone and everything in my classroom with respect," and such a comment would fall outside the zone of respect. If they ask if I am gay, then I will tell them. I didn't do this several years ago, but today I am comfortable doing so.)

4. Be prepared for teachable moments. You can use everyday moments to create a safe atmosphere for dialogue. For example, when you hear children call each other "fag" or "gay," remind them that "we don't allow name-calling here," and then invite discussion about how the particular name can be hurtful. Have the children role-play what they could say if someone says that name to them or to their friends.

5. Draw on current events. If you discuss the daily or weekly news in your classroom, bring in an article that relates to gay and lesbian rights. Ask students what they think and how they arrived at their ideas. Acknowledge that people have diverse opinions about gay rights issues and that people and opinions deserve our respect. Let the children think for themselves and discuss this topic as they would any other interesting topic. As mentioned before, the closer the discussion is related to approved curriculum, the better off you are.

6. Acknowledge the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people whom the children already know. Prejudice persists when members of a group are invisible. If you mention people who are gay in a respectful way, you'll counter that invisibility. For example, if there are openly gay or lesbian people at your school or in your community, you can refer to them in a respectful way, acknowledging that they are gay and that you respect them. Gay authors include Walt Whitman, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, and dozens of others. Prominent gay people in sports include baseball player Billy Bean, tennis player Martina Navratilova and Olympic diver Greg Louganis. Performers include Tracy Chapman, Elton John, Melissa Etheridge, and k.d. lang. Historical figures include Bayard Rustin (advisor to and organizer of Martin Luther King's March on Washington), Harvey Milk, and Rep. Barney Frank.

GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay becomes Ally Action

Congratulations to our friends in the East Bay who have decided to drop their affiliation with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and announce their new name: Ally Action.

From their website release:

"GLSEN San Francisco-East Bay is excited and proud to announce a new name for our 20-year-old organization! From our original BANGLE (Bay Area Network of Gay & Lesbian Educators) roots, and then affiliation with GLSEN, Inc., we now move strongly forward as Ally Action.

We will continue to operate as the same independent organization as we have since 1985 – with the same mission, the same priorities, and our continued commitment to being a leader in the local safe schools movement in California. However, our board has officially decided to change our relationship with GLSEN, Inc. and we will no longer license the GLSEN, Inc. name and logo.

Over the past two decades, our local organization has rapidly developed into one of the largest, regional safe schools organizations in the country. We will continue this work under our new name and logo – and will continue to nurture a positive relationship with GLSEN, Inc. as well as other former and existing GLSEN chapters and safe schools allies. As a result of the recent restructuring of GLSEN, Inc. and our own strategic planning process over the last two years, we made this decision to enable us to be most effective in meeting the needs of our local communities. GLSEN, Inc. understands and respects our decision and supports the success of our work."

You can learn more about Ally Action and their plans at www.glsen-sfeb.org. Their newly revamped website should be ready by the end of summer, but their current plans are posted at their old GLSEN SF-EB site.

Respect Sacramento congratulates our friends at Ally Action and we look forward to continued partnership in the future. We know how difficult and how exciting this step was for them, and we're really pleased that everything has worked out so well.

2. Our next meeting after Gretchen Bender's swearing in: Wed. July 12

Normally, our regular meeting on the second Wednesday of the month is held at the Lambda Community Center. But on July 12, Gretchen Bender will be sworn in as the first out lesbian elected to any office in Sacramento. Several of our board members would like to be there to see the event (see item 3 below). So we will be meeting for dinner and conversation somewhere in the vicinity of Mather Park/Rancho Cordova after the swearing-in. Hey... you can join us! We hope to see you there! Or if you can't, please drop us a line and tell us what's on your mind.

3. Gretchen Bender swearing-in

Gretchen Bender, the first out lesbian elected to any office in Sacramento County, will be sworn in as a member of the Sacramento County Board of Education on July 12 at 6 pm at the Sacramento County Office of Education, 10474 Mather Boulevard in Mather Park, Rancho Cordova. With the retirement of Gary Miller in the Robla Elementary School District just south of Rio Linda, Gretchen will be the ONLY out gay elected official in Sacramento. Congratulations Gretchen!

4. Two youth groups meet at Lambda Community Center

The Lambda Community Center is located at 1927 L Street in midtown Sacramento.

Wednesday Youth Group
For Youth, By Youth Support Group, 6-8 pm

For LGBTI youth ages 13 - 19, this is a partnership with Sacramento County Mental Health Association. Values that are cultivated and reinforced include positive mental health, techniques that enable self-help, promote positive social networking and healthy recreational activities, reinforce strong positive messages about gender and sexual orientation, promote positive values, self-worth, and personal dignity. Facilitators Elsa Lyon and Margie Wells. (916) 442-0185.

Friday Youth Group

Come and join us Friday nights. The meeting starts at 8:00 p.m., but get there at 7:30 to meet up with friends new and old. You can meet the leadership team, too! Participate in our fun, educational, and thought-provoking discussions as we tackle topics facing queer youth. The last Friday of every month is your time to shine! That's right, it's youth slam. Show off your talent. Bring in some poetry, an essay, a CD to sing, an instrument to play, or show us some art! It's your time in the spotlight, so share your talent with us. fridayyouth@lambdasac.org

5. GLSEN National job announcements

GLSEN Local and State Campaign Coordinator

The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) is pleased to announce that it is accepting applications for the position of Local and State Campaign Coordinator.

The Local and State Campaign Coordinator will be expected to develop and oversee the implementation of strategies and procedures for developing up to ten statewide informational, educational, public policy and legislative campaigns designed to promote safe schools for all students. This will include developing strategic plans designed to guide GLSEN, individual state coalitions and organizations, GLSEN chapters and student leaders, and others, through the process of developing public awareness about the problems of bullying and harassment and effective solutions. When appropriate, the Local and State Campaign Coordinator will be expected to identify local elected officials and legislators who are likely to introduce and support safe schools legislation and to identify organizations and other groups that should be included in statewide coalitions in support of safe schools, on the most effective ways for implementing a local or statewide legislative campaign in support of safe schools legislation.

The Local and State Campaign Coordinator will report to the Public Policy Director and will be expected to:

• Develop effective local and statewide campaign strategies that will serve to educate the public about the needs for solutions to the problems of bullying and harassment in public schools.
• Develop effective local and statewide campaign strategies that are tailored to the specific and unique characteristics of each locality or state for which he or she is responsible
• Travel at least one week out of every month
• Represent GLSEN at local, state and national conferences when appropriate
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Applicants should have a BS or BA in the social sciences, two years experience in state legislative campaigns, knowledge of state government and legislatures, demonstrated experience with or commitment to developing broad coalitions of diverse groups, excellent written and oral communications skills and a willingness to travel up to five days per month. All applicants should be able to work independently and demonstrate supervisory experience or the capacity to do so, work within a team framework and should be committed to GLSEN's mission statement and public policy platform.

Salary is commensurate with education, background and experience. Excellent benefits are provided.

Resume and letter of interest should be submitted to: HR-SCC, GLSEN, 1012 Fourteenth Street, NW. Suite 1105, Washington, DC 20005 or by email to nbomberg@glsen.org.

Applications will be considered beginning two weeks after the posting date. The position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
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GLSEN Chapter Organizing Associate

Candidates from both NY and DC are invited to apply for this position. The Chapter Organizing Associate will be providing direct support to community-based GLSEN Chapters across the country to ensure that Chapter work effectively supports GLSEN's mission and strategic plan, and that the national organization provides focused and timely support to Chapter efforts.

For more information on this position and on how to apply, contact Shawn Gaylord, Chapter Organizing Director, GLSEN DC Policy Office, 1012 14th Street, NW, Suite 1105, Washington, DC 20005 E-mail: sgaylord@glsen.org.

6. Announcements

Teaching Tolerance for Preschool and Kindergarten Teachers

The Together Project presents "Teaching Tolerance Through Multicultural Literature," a free workshop for preschool/ kindergarten teachers and day care providers on Saturday, July 29th (9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.) at Courtyard School (205 24th St., Sacramento). The morning includes a literature presentation, resource sharing, and viewing of the "Starting Small" video produced by Tolerance.org/Southern Poverty Law Center. A packet of information and refreshments are included. Please RSVP in advance by July
21st by calling (916) 442-5395.

Mayor Cabaldon on Logo's "Coming Out Stories" July 3

7. A Message from Sen. Sheila Kuehl

Please take a few minutes of your time to read Senator Sheila Kuehl's message below regarding SB 1437, The Bias Free Curriculum Act. Call the Governor's office to add your support for this critical bill.

Dear Everybody:

A few weeks ago, I asked you to write and call the Governor in support of SB 1437, the fair curriculum bill. As the opponents of the bill continue to barrage his office and held a rally at the Capitol, I believe it is useful to continue to call and write as the bill goes through the Assembly. As you know, the Governor has set up an automated system for this bill, pro and con and it takes about 15 seconds to record your support. Please continue to do this from each of your phones and also please circulate it widely. The original message is also reproduced below, in case you want to forward it.

Here's how to call:
CALL the governor's office: 916-445-2841
press 1 for English
press 2 for legislation
press 1 for SB1437- Bias Free Curriculum Act
press 1 to support it!
thanx!

Here's my original message:

Dear Friends who are getting this for the first time: The Governor, in an unprecedented move, since the bill is only now making its way through the Assembly and is nowhere near his desk, threatened to veto my bill, SB 1437, which would simply help make our schools safe for ALL students. Currently, the law requires that the historical roles and contributions of traditionally underrepresented groups be included in the curriculum, while prohibiting discrimination against these groups in instructional materials. SB 1437 would add the role and contributions of LGBT people, and expand the prohibition of curricular discrimination to include sexual orientation and gender identity. I need every possible person to let the Governor know the bill has support out here in the real California. Calling the Governor's office to leave your feedback will take less than a minute of your time (see above for how). The Christian Right is mobilizing phone calls to the Governor's office (encouraging people to phone multiple times from their home, cell, and office phones).

Research shows that violence and discrimination against students who are or are preceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) is still rampant in our schools, but an inclusive and bias-free curriculum that talks about the contributions of LGBT people to our society (SB 1437) and strong policies against discrimination (AB 606) can stem the tide of that violence and harassment.

If there is to be any chance of reversing the Governor's announced plans to veto SB 1437, everyone needs to phone the Governor's office in support, now, and continue to call and vote over the next months. The vast majority of Californians want our schools to be safe for all our children regardless of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. Don't let a small hateful minority dominate the discussion .

More Information on the Bill:

SB 1437(Kuehl) - the Bias Free Curriculum Act updates existing protections against biased curriculum to include sexual orientation and gender identiy bias.

The bill also expands the law that requires our history text books to include the contributions of under-represented minorities (women, African Americans, Asian Americans, etc) to include LGBT people. For further information, click here.