In the groundbreaking film “Bully” a young lesbian living in a small southern town comes out to her family, school, and friends. She then finds she is no longer welcome in her church, her classrooms, and even in the homes of many of her friends. She is strong, charismatic, and convinced she can single-handedly change the world. When her father offers to move the family to another town in order to stop the bullying she experiences, she exclaims, “I won’t leave, because that will mean they win!”
This brave young girl was all alone; luckily we have a chance to give support and guidance to people in her circumstances.
Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) have played a significant role in addressing LGBTQ bullying in America. In Spokane, WA, community organizations and local leaders are hosting a forum on GSAs and safe spaces in high schools on May 5 at Washington State University and Eastern Washington University Riverpoint Campus.
It takes more than one person to create change, and with the loving and caring support of friends, family and community, together we can begin to make a difference and impact the lives of others. Pride Foundation, along with donors and volunteers, are accomplishing this through grants and scholarships as well as working alongside community organizations and individuals who want to create LGBTQ equality.
Information on attending is below. We are proud to be a partner in this forum and hope to see you there!
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Forum on Gay Straight Alliances and “Safe Spaces” in Our High Schools
Saturday, May 5 from 1:00-4:00pm
WSU/EWU Riverpoint Campus
Student Academic Center Room 20
600 North Riverpoint Boulevard in Spokane, Washington
Educators, parents, students, non-profit and community leaders, and interested citizens are all invited to participate in this important discussion about creating Gay Straight Alliances (GSA’s) and “Safe Spaces” in our high schools as part of a commitment to social justice, equality, and acceptance for all students.
The forum will:
1. Describe how GSA’s and “Safe Spaces” strengthen a school community; define and describe the landscape of GSA’s and “Safe Spaces” within our school system as it pertains to our LGBTQ youth and their experiences; and address the hurdles to creating GSA’s and “Safe Spaces.”
2. Discuss and develop action steps that will support and guide high school administration and staff in the creation of a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for LGBTQ students and allies.
3. Increase and strengthen collaboration between community-based organizations working to advocate for and support the creation of GSA’s and “Safe Spaces.”
To register for the forum, click here.
For more information contact:
Ian Sullivan, Odyssey Youth Center – Email or 509-325-3637
The GSA Forum is sponsored by:
Community Building Foundation, Destinations, Eastern Washington University Pride Center, Greater Spokane Progress, Inland Northwest Business Alliance (INBA), Inland Northwest LGBT Center, Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, Pride Foundation, Odyssey Youth Center, OutSpokane, and Youth Suicide Prevention Program (YSPP).
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Gunner Scott is Pride Foundation’s Director of Programs. Email Gunner.