U.S. Department of Education to Collect New Data on Anti-LGBT Bias, GSAs
A major survey from the U.S. Department of Education will ask new questions about anti-LGBT bias in schools and about gay-straight alliance clubs (GSAs).
bullying
Voices Out of the Silence
Today is the Day of Silence, when many students from middle school to college choose not to speak, in order to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBTQ bullying and harassment. LGBTQ youth and those with LGBTQ parents still face challenges—but there are slow changes for the better.
12-Year-Old with Two Moms Makes Film About Bullying
Gerry Orz is a 12-year-old living with his two moms and older brother. He’s just made a short film about a boy with two moms who is bullied by a classmate — a reflection of his own experience. This is the second such film he’s made — the first was when he was only nine! Watch a trailer and learn more about his ongoing activism.
Spirit Day: Can a Color Stop a Bully?
Today is Spirit Day, a time to take a stand against bullying and show support for LGBTQ youth. Not all LGBTQ youth are bullied, of course, and not all victims of bullies are LGBTQ — but anti-LGBTQ harassment is still pervasive, even if things are slowly getting better.
The Power of Matthew Shepard’s Story — and All Our Stories
Most of you likely know the story of Matthew Shepard, the University of Wyoming student brutally murdered in 1998 for being gay. Cathy Renna was working for GLAAD at the time, and was asked by the LGBT student group at the University to help manage the overwhelming media attention in the wake of the attack. She recently gave a TEDx talk on her experience, the impact of Matthew’s death, and the power of stories.
A Day of Silence Loud and Clear
Today is the Day of Silence, when students from middle school to college take some form of a vow of silence to call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBTQ bullying and harassment. Once again, the day reminds me both of the challenges that still remain for LGBTQ youth and those with LGBTQ parents and of the amazing strides they’ve made since I was that age.
11-Year-Old Boy Who Loves “My Little Pony” in Critical Condition After Attempting Suicide
Michael Morones is an 11-year-old boy living in North Carolina. He loves My Little Pony, in part because he has ACHD and relates to the character Pinkie Pie, an excitable pony. Schoolmates bullied him and called “gay” for liking a “girls'” program, however. He is now in critical condition in the hospital after a suicide attempt.
Happy 10th Anniversary, No Name-Calling Week!
In addition to celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this week, it’s also a time to observe No Name-Calling Week, “one of the largest bullying-prevention initiatives in the country.”
Stand Against Bullying on Spirit Day and Every Day
Today is Spirit Day, a time to take a stand against bullying and show support for LGBT youth. Not all LGBT youth are bullied, of course, and not all victims of bullies are LGBT — but anti-LGBT harassment is still pervasive, even if things are slowly getting better. GLAAD, which is organizing the event, is urging
Back-to-School Resources for LGBT Parents
Back-to-school time is here, which means it’s time for my annual back-to-school resource post, a tradition I first started in 2006, before my own son was even in school. He’s grown and changed, and so has this list. I hope it remains useful, whether your children are just entering school, starting a new school, or encountering new issues along their educational journey.