[IMPORTANTNEWS] fyi: help needed, remembering Lawrence King

Subject: fyi: help needed, remembering Lawrence King
From: "Reis, Beth"
Date: Mon, 9 Feb 2009 10:50:49 -0800
To: "SAFE SCHOOLS: post to \"IMPORTANT NEWS\" list" , "SAFE SCHOOLS: post to main list"
fyi: help needed, remembering Lawrence King

(1) HELP NEEDED: Safe Schools Listserv needs a volunteer to take over news digests when Robyn steps down shortly
(2) "Thank them. Don't shoot them." This Thursday will be the one-year anniversary of the shooting death of middle-school student Lawrence King.

(1) HELP NEEDED: Safe Schools Listserv needs a volunteer to take over news digests when Robyn steps down shortly

The time commitment is 2-4 hours a week while you are learning and 1-2 hours a week after the first month or so. It can be done from anywhere in the world with Internet access and we provide very clear direction and guidance.

And it is fun -- it gives you an excuse to browse the web for news related to LGBTQ youth, parents/guardians and educators; their health and safety; schools' and communities' efforts to meet their needs; bias-motivated harassment and violence, including orientation-based violence; schools' and communities' efforts to reduce harassment and violence, including orientation-based violence.

And rewarding -- you know that people all over the globe are finding your volunteer time useful. Teachers in South Africa, principals in Pakistan, parents in New Zealand, are appreciating being kept in touch.

(2) "Thank them. Don't shoot them." This Thursday will be the one-year anniversary of the shooting death of middle-school student Lawrence King.

The Safe Schools Coalition has long been troubled that most anti-bullying programs fail to discuss prejudice as a root of some of the most pernicious, ubiquitous, ugly harassment and violence in schools. They don't talk about racism. They don't acknowledge misogyny even as they address sexual harassment. They don't confront xenophobia or examine ableism. And they don't face the transphobia that leads to tragedies like the shooting of Lawrence King.

This week, let's all name the transphobia, homophobia and heterosexism in our schools and workplaces … and inside of ourselves. Because we all have it, no matter what our sexual orientation or gender identity. Notice when you laugh at someone's same-sex valentine grimace. Pay attention to your discomfort at the idea of a guy being soft-spoken. Or of a girl being a jock.

Recognize -- if you are relatively mainstream in your gender expression -- the privilege you have being able to use the restroom without anyone staring at you or making a rude comment. Appreciate -- if you are heterosexual -- the bazillion ways as Valentines Day approaches that our culture offers you role models for sexy, healthy, long-term relationships. Appreciate it, talk about it, and commit to working for the day we ALL have those privileges.

And remember, as young Brandon did not, that it is flattering when anyone finds you attractive, whether you return the feelings or not. It is not an insult. It is sweet. Not if they are drunk or obnoxious about it, but if they tell you they want you for their Valentine. Thank them. Don't shoot them.

GSA Network suggests ways to mark this tragic anniversary and make your school safer at the same time. Click here.
A Wikipedia page explains who Larry was and what happened that day at E.O. Green Middle School. Click here.
Larry's family has created a web page about him here: http://www.rememberlarry.com/
GLSEN remembers Larry here: http://www.rememberinglawrence.org/

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Got a problem at school with anti-gay harassment?
In Washington State:
1-877-SAFE-SAFE (1-877-723-3723) 24 hours a day - the phone line is answered at the Sexual Assault Hotline and they will have a Safe Schools Coalition Intervention Specialist volunteer get back to you within 24 hours. Or contact us by email: Intervention: http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/contact/?id=10

Co-Chairs:
Frieda Takamura, retired from the Washington Education Association
Elizabeth “Beth” Reis, Public Health - Seattle & King County, 206-296-4970
Marsha Botzer, Ingersoll Gender Center and The Task Force, 206-601-8942

Listserv Managers:
Beth Reis, for action items; resource messages (books, films, curricula, etc.); and help needed by reporters/authors, researchers, and member orgs … http://www.safeschoolscoalition.org/contact/?id=4

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