Hello current and future activisits!

This weekend, I was blessed to be picked for GLSEN's (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) Safe Schools Advocacy Summit. Our goal this trip was to successfully lobby congress for 2 bills that will dramatically shift the politics that surround bullying. I know that lobbying congress today has already made a difference moving this bill through the legislative branch. As a peer educator, I know high school can be tough and making a difference may not seem on your horizon. The truth is that every person I lobbied with this weekend started in the same place. What each of my peers have done was take a first step in changing the world. Through this first step, you can gain the wealth of the moment I experienced this weekend. Start small, go big!

So for your first ( or second, or third...) step, tell your state senators and district representatives that you support these two valuable pieces of legislation so that future generations of students can feel safer in schools regardless of how they identify.

For more information on these bills check out GLSEN’s website:

Safe Schools Improvement Act: http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/library/record/2702.html?state=policy&type=policy

Student None Discrimination Act: http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/library/record/2522.html?state=policy&type=policy

To create change, please send an email to you senators and representatives. If you need help, let GLSEN know.

Always,

Shaily of Youth Resource

Everyone,

Hello Everyone!

Disclaimer: I am using queer as an overarching term for the LGBTQ etc. Spectrum

This past weekend was the start of The Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change Conference on LGBT Equality.

This was my first time going to a national queer conference. I have been attending the Midwest Bisexual Lesbian Gay Transgender Ally College Conference since 2010 but never a conference as large as Creating Change.

I was not sure what to expect from a national queer conference. I was not sure who was going to be there or what was going to happen. All I knew was that the conference was a place where anyone who is a part of the overall queer community could go to feel free. Attendees could show support and be who they are without judgment that often comes from the “outside community”.

I met people from all across the country who are all doing their piece in helping the movement. Whether it be behind the scenes doing accounting for non-profits, to lobbyist marching up the capitol, to a resource for youth to create GSA’s in the south, to entertainers who are vocal about our cause. This conference brought everyone together with their piece of the puzzle. Each one was making ground in a unique way. Each one had a mission to fight for.

Participating from 8am-9pm may have prevented countless hours of sleep, but, I felt recharged because of all the amazing stories I heard of what people are doing to make change for their communities, schools, houses of worship, states, and counties. I was inspired. Each one reminded me that as individuals we cannot change the whole national climate on LGBT issues, but we can each make progress for Creating Change in our own way. And this is clearly what keeps our community going strong.

Just because the conference is over it does not mean that Creating Change itself is over. I will take the momentum the conference has provided me and use it to create change in my own world.

Remember, regardless of what you’re fighting for whether it be LGBT related causes, sexual health causes, or any other cause that is of importance, keep doing what you do regardless of the size of your work. Always have progress because you too are a part of the puzzle in making our world a better place.

Always,

Shaily of Youth Resource

Please come to the first ever LGBTQ Youth Game night hosted by Links North Shore Youth Health Service and Youth Resource! This will be on Wednesday, December 28th, 2011 at 4:30 @ 1779 Maple Street, Northfield, IL 60093

We will be playing all sorts of fun games that we grew up with. We will play games like apples to apples, pictionary, operation, etc. You will make new friends with other LGBT youth in the area.

After the game night, Pride Youth will have its weekly meeting between 6-9. "Pride is a place to learn about yourself, connect with other LGBT students, explore your questions, give and receive support, and have a great time!" Pride has similar goals to that of Youth Resource, but, it is based on in person check in’s and the group is run by a counselor as opposed to peers.

Pride Youth Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/prideyouth

Links Website: http://linksyouth.org/LGBTPride/program.html

If you can’t make it to this event, the following are times and locations to attend other meetings.

This idea is often what the “GLBTQAAIP ect. queer community” has pondered over and believed in for years. But to my surprize, I didn't know there was actual scientific proof for this phenomenon.

The study cited in this article is about how men, homophobic and none homophobic, react to homosexual stimuli. The study found that the group of homophobic individuals had an increased penile circumference then the none homophobic group to these photos. Thus, the proof is in the pudding! (I am not the best with American expressions ;) Homophobic men, according to this study, are attracted to homosexual stimuli.

The author stated that this was not old news; it just had not been public enough for us to see.

The author then goes into politics and how right wingers are preaching the homophobia more than ever. Throughout the years, some of political homophobias strongest supporters have been caught in the act tarnishing their straight image.

My funny take on this is that the Republicans need to ALL come out of the closet ;). I’m kidding, but they do need to lay off. They need to admit they are wasting time and money trying to ban same-sex marriage and start worrying about things that matter. Not that the Democrats don’t have issues too, I think our system is in a big mess right now. Politicians need not waste time picking a battle with the “queer community” and finally open the door to a more queer friendly union. Maybe then can we start groundwork on ENDA and anti-LGBT bullying legislation.

Anywho, moral of the story is that those bullies in school may be hiding the same thing they are making fun of. Not to say teasing is ever okay, but, maybe they need our help? Can they be helped? Is there room to educate them? These are the questions that may help us overcome the homophobia we see in schools. These are the answers that will help any of us comes to terms with possible teasing and name calling we have faced ourselves. Maybe if we learn to forgive, we can not only help ourselves grow, but help your enemy grow as well. Each of us needs to gather our courage to take the first steps to local, national, or even global change.

-Shaily of Youth Resource

Source:
http://www.politicususa.com/en/proof-that-homophobia-is-associated-with-homosexual-arousal

The two major identities that stick out for me are my Jewish and Queer identities. Anytime I see or read something about the intersectionality between the two, I get extra emotional.
This week was the first ever orthodox ordained gay wedding.

In the Torah, we do have that line that says a man shall not lie with another man. In the reform, reconstructionalist, and conservative movements, these sorts of unions have become more popular. But, for a long time, the orthodox group would not hold these unions due to stricter following of the scripture.

Religion, in connection with queer identity, is often a conflict for us young people to face. Depending on the community you are in, in Judaism, many times there is wiggle room for support. The main conflict is between queer Jews and the orthodox union. I am lucky to have the air of support from my family.

When I went to Israel this summer, I was lucky to have enjoyed Tel Aviv pride. I met some awesome people from their queer organization called the AGUDA. It was one of the best prides I had ever been to. In Israel, the none-orthodox population is far less homophobic then general American society. I am glad to be a part of a culture that can be more accepting of queer identities.
I know some other religious groups do have these pockets for youth to feel safe being who they are. But I know it can sometimes be difficult to find. You have to find what works for you. If religion is important to you, then do the best you can to make it work. If religion is not something you want to have in your life then also do the best you can to make it work. Isn't that what life is all about? Making it work? Just don’t ever lose yourself in the process.

Resources to check out:

“For The Bible Tells Me So” – A film documenting queer people and their religious identities.

“Trembling Before G-d” – The film delves deeply into the topic of being queer in the orthodox Jewish world.

Article: http://972mag.com/orthodox-rabbi-marries-gay-couple-in-washington-dc/27424/

-Shaily of Youth Resource

The article tells about 2 trans-students conflict in using their bathroom of choice. 1 of the students was nearly expelled for using a bathroom that may not have lined up with her biology.

http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2011/11/transgender-students-in-colorado-warned-not-to-use-restrooms/

Slowly schools are trying to incorporate a more LGBT positive message. Unfortunately, the message has not reached far enough to help trans-youth.

At my university, each dorm has a gender neutral restroom specifically for this reason. A trans-student can use one of these restrooms free from judgment. And besides, who doesn’t mind a single stalled bathroom all to themselves?

I wish something like this could be incorporated in high schools one day. Until that day, we will all have to do our best to educate the people around us.

-Shaily of Youth Resource

Hello Everyone!

I am a new member of Youth Resource!

I had a great time at the Urban Retreat in DC and I am pumped to be working with my peers and the rest of the advocates staff.

Don't ever be scared to SHINE!

-Shaily