Please check out their website for more information. They are a brand new group so stay tuned to hear about their success! http://www.fairfaxopenhouse.org/
This is a blog for all the straight allies out there and all of the members of the LGBT community looking for straight allies. Each blog post is going to talk about ways to be an ally, ways to advocate for the LGBT community, or ways to support equality. Please note that this blog is not affiliated with GLSEN, GLSEN Northern Virginia, or the Anti-Defamation League in any way. I am writing on my own behalf.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Introducing the Fairfax Open House
I am always looking for new groups that help students and are a resource for youth to go to. When I was younger, I was bullied for being Jewish and I turned to the Anti-Defamation League for help. This group, Fairfax Open House, is a new group for LGBT Jewish teens in the Northern Virginia area and I believe it is truly great that it has been created. I am an activist and a straight ally myself because I understand what it feels like to be bullied. I am proud that a group has been created in this area for Jewish teens who also face LGBT bullying.
Please check out their website for more information. They are a brand new group so stay tuned to hear about their success! http://www.fairfaxopenhouse.org/
Please check out their website for more information. They are a brand new group so stay tuned to hear about their success! http://www.fairfaxopenhouse.org/
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
What to Do Over the Summer
So school is out for summer! Awesome!
However, last school year we saw that summer's end can be tragic for many student around the country and around the world. In September of 2010, we saw several high-profile suicides in the LGBT youth community.
Many students (while they won't admit it publicly) like going back to school to see all of their friends. However, too large of a percentage of students are scared to go back. For many, the pressure is too great and they end up dropping out early in the year or they consider ending their life completely.
This is something that has to be stopped and the only way to do that is to work during the summer. Work can be done and in many ways it is easier since you don't have to think about school.
Right now, I am planning out events for the next school year so I can make sure everything goes smoothly. I am also working out details for creating county-wide GSAs throughout the Northern Virginia area. My hope is that by the time students return to school in August/September, the GSAs will already by up and running. At no point, should students have no where to go. It isn't right.
Summer planning is crucial. It is the best time to look at the past year and address any concerns and improve for the future. It's time to take charge and make sure all the holes are filled. Expand your GSA's reach, come up with fresh, new ideas, and talk to current members of the GSA to see what they liked and what they want.
If you are doing work on a community level, summer is a good time to publicize your work. Students (no offense) spend hours on Facebook over the summer so let them know what you are doing! Let the LGBT community know that you are there.
For so many members of the LGBT community and for students all over who are being bullied, it means so much to know someone is there for them.
Summer is the time to get things done! Go change the world :)
However, last school year we saw that summer's end can be tragic for many student around the country and around the world. In September of 2010, we saw several high-profile suicides in the LGBT youth community.
Many students (while they won't admit it publicly) like going back to school to see all of their friends. However, too large of a percentage of students are scared to go back. For many, the pressure is too great and they end up dropping out early in the year or they consider ending their life completely.
This is something that has to be stopped and the only way to do that is to work during the summer. Work can be done and in many ways it is easier since you don't have to think about school.
Right now, I am planning out events for the next school year so I can make sure everything goes smoothly. I am also working out details for creating county-wide GSAs throughout the Northern Virginia area. My hope is that by the time students return to school in August/September, the GSAs will already by up and running. At no point, should students have no where to go. It isn't right.
Summer planning is crucial. It is the best time to look at the past year and address any concerns and improve for the future. It's time to take charge and make sure all the holes are filled. Expand your GSA's reach, come up with fresh, new ideas, and talk to current members of the GSA to see what they liked and what they want.
If you are doing work on a community level, summer is a good time to publicize your work. Students (no offense) spend hours on Facebook over the summer so let them know what you are doing! Let the LGBT community know that you are there.
For so many members of the LGBT community and for students all over who are being bullied, it means so much to know someone is there for them.
Summer is the time to get things done! Go change the world :)
Monday, July 4, 2011
Happy 4th of July!
As we celebrate the United States of America's Independence Day, we have to remember that not everyone feels the same freedoms we do. ALL people in this country deserve to be free and this Declaration of Independence from the Huffington post states it well.
Read the article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tracy-baim/a-declaration-of-gay-independence_b_888114.html
"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people, regardless of race, gender, religion, immigration or economic status, sexual orientation or gender identity, are created equal, that they are endowed by their government with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. This liberty and happiness shall extend to all laws that give rights and responsibilities to adult people in a committed relationship."
Read the article here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tracy-baim/a-declaration-of-gay-independence_b_888114.html
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