PrideTeach! (original) (raw)

I thought folks in this group might be interested in a new project from GSA Network and Frameline called Youth In Motion. We provide *free* LGBT-themed DVDs to middle and high schools throughout California (unfortunately, our grant limits us to California at the moment), along with fierce Curriculum Guides and fabulous Action Guides. We believe that having an LGBT-inclusive curriculum is a key component of making schools safe and welcoming to folks of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

I posted about it on our LJ here or you can register directly on our website!

If you're outside of California, you can still order the films for your GSA or school -- they're only $25 each (which is hella cheap compared to most movies). Visit our website for more info: http://youthinmotion.frameline.org.

Here's the covers from our first 4 DVDs -- you can see they cover a broad range of topics:

http://www.nea.org/neatoday/0805/candidate-comparison.html

You don't have to flame me if the chart doesn't point to your favorite, I was just sharing something I thought was interesting.

x-posted.

FEEL FREE TO DELETE IF INAPPROPRIATE.
Hi All!
I just created a community at
glbtq_disabled
. It's for members of the GLBTQQIA (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, questioning, queer, allied and asexual) community to make friends and discuss being GLBTQQIA AND disabled in any way, be it physical, mental, learning, etc. Anyone--be they GLBTQQIA, interested in the subject, or anything in between--is welcome to check it out and join. Be sure to tell your friends!
Thanks,
Caitlin

Hello everyone!
I just wanted to introduce myself, my name is Chris and I just graduated from college with a degree in music education. I haven't started looking for teaching jobs yet because I am transgendered (FTM) and I want to at least get my name legally changed before I start sticking my foot in the door of public schools. I have been looking around for information on transgendered teachers and how difficult it is to actually be employed. I live in Philadelphia, so to be quite honest I am not all that concerned, but I still do have many fears and concerns with my transition and being employed as a teacher. I was wondering if there is anybody in this group that would know from either personal experience or have any information on being a transgendered teacher they would be able to share with me. I have already joined the transteachers LJ community but it seems as though there aren't too many people active there

So thanks for any information you could give me, I would really appreciate it!

If you're a teacher, you should see the film Chalk. If you're a student, you should DEFINITELY see the film Chalk. Presented by Morgan Spurlock (the guy who did Super Size Me), this film is like The Office, but in a school setting. I know a couple teachers and while I have no idea what teaching is like, a friend of mine who teaches science told me it's not far from the truth. Which is scary, because this is a mockumentary.

Anyway, I thought y'all might like it. Enjoy!

Chalk

X-posted... everywhere? :)

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Argh! I work @ a social/emotional/behavioral school and normally i really love it. But we were having a meeting about one of our students and one of the teachers referenced that he had called himseld bisexual the year before. Immediately everybody dismissed that. One teacher said "I did sex ed with him last year and he would ask questions about when a man and a woman make out and then she gets pregnant, so clearly he doesn't get it." Early to stupid straight teacher, not understanding how the reproductive system works does not meant that a teenager does not understand - especially after clear signs of early sexual abuse which could make him hyper aware of his sexual proclivities - the sexual/emotional attachment he might have to another boy.

I thought about pulling my hair out, but then it was clear, nobody got how angry I was.

Current Location: my livingroom

Current Mood: bitchy

Current Music: CSI re-runs

I need YOUR help!

I have to provide my students with a list of potential research topics for them to choose from. I want to avoid the usual "PRO/CON: Abortion" and "Gun Control" reports which never really turn out good.

In a comment, list as many research topics that would be interesting and accessible for a batch of 9th graders writing their first research paper. Specific research topics/issues are better than general category type statements.

Thanks, you smart people, you!

Hi guys. I just finished reading James Howe's

Totally Joe

. This piece of fiction is a tale of a gay seventh grader who is completing an assignment for an English class where he has to complete an ABC-Autobiography. For every letter of the alphabet he has to write something about himself. Through these diary entries, the protagonist, Joe, comes out, combats homophobia and sexism at his middle school, forms a GSA with some friends, and experiences his first break up and relationship. Its a sweet read, appropriate for middle school students, not limited to, but especially great for students who are questioning their own sexuality or gender-identification. The book has inspired a national movement to have a No-Name-Calling Week in many schools across the country.

My friend mailed me a copy of this book because she knew I was becoming a teacher. Next year I aim on having a copy of this book in my class library, available upon request, or what have you. It's a bit bold of a read-aloud for my students and the politics of the area where I teach, but in a more liberal environment, it can be used as a great tool to combat homophobia and name-calling more directly. Check it out!

Current Mood: chipper

Hello…

I know I’ve contacted a number of you individually so if you’ve received an e-mail from me directly, or if I’ve contacted you through Myspace I apologize in advance.

I’m trying to get the word out about my new gay-themed, teen novel “Playing the Field” that just came out this week.

I’m reaching out to Gay-Straight Alliances, young adult reading clubs, teen pride groups and other such organizations because I think the novel will be of interest to you. “Playing the Field” is an over the top look at high school life, and the main storylines are focused around the school’s GSA.

Without question, the novel is already rubbing some people the wrong way. Because of the subject matter, some reviewers have refused to review it and some schools have refused to include it in their collections. Whatever.

To be quite honest, the language and sexual content is rather tame (comparatively speaking), but what adult readers are not quite able to grasp is how frank and evolved the characters are.

My intent was never to create the next great piece of teen literature. I wanted to create a fun read with a cool message of tolerance, and I think I did.

“Playing the Field” is available in stores (Borders, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million, etc.) and on-line (Amazon and Barnes & Noble). I’ve also included a synopsis of the book below, lifted from the inside flap copy. If you know of anyone who might be interested in the book, please spread the word. In the world of teen novels and young adult literature, nothing beats word of mouth and Myspace!

I’d love to hear from you, and if you hear of others who have read the book, please encourage them to contact me as well. I enjoy the feedback...even negative feedback because that’s when you really know you’ve struck a chord!

Increase the Peace,

Phil Bildner

www.philbildner.com (we’re rebuilding the site right now so some of the links may be a little off)

Playing the Field:

"Insightful, provocative, and laugh-out-loud funny…An inside-out look at high school sports."
--Pete Hautman, National Book Award winner for Godless

"Phil Bildner's screwball comedy sings with wit and originality and a refreshingly frank and funny exploration of bias and discrimination against gays. Like Darcy Miller's magical pitching arm, it sinks a fastball straight into your heart."
-- Tracy Mack, author of Birdland

All Darcy wants is to play on the baseball team, to hear her name announced, "Now batting, Darcy Miller," to play the field. Is that so much to ask?

Unfortunately, it might be. In a few short months, Darcy Miller goes from typical senior in high school to candidate for Jerry Springer. Her mom has started dating Darcy's principal, the very principal whose son Darcy happened to have started a huge flirt-fest with, now brought to a screeching halt. When she decides to let her mom go to bat (so to speak) for her to play on the baseball team, Darcy thinks things are starting to look up. After all, Principal Basset caves and decides to let her play. But he has two conditions that shake up her entire game: She must pretend to be a lesbian (WHAT?) and she must join the GSA, the Gay-Straight Alliance (WHAT? WHAT?), the president of which happens to be her best friend -- make that her ex-best friend, Josh. Okay, Darcy's senior year might seem complicated at first. It's not. It's insurmountably, unforgettably, and -- most of the time -- hilariously complicated.

But if anyone can handle it, it's Darcy. She'll do anything just to play the field.