The stars of Broadway have created an awesome addition to the It Gets Better Project. In this video they sing a song that shares a message of hope for the future of all youth.
Archive for November, 2010
Broadway Sings “It Gets Better”
Friday, November 19th, 2010QYAB Member Audri Ingram Featured in “We Are The Youth Project”
Wednesday, November 17th, 2010
Audri Ingram, a 15-year-old member of the Queer Youth Advisory Board, was recently featured in the We Are the Youth Project. We at the MSSC are excited that more people are going to have the opportunity to learn about Audri and the awesome work she has and continues to help accomplish.
In the piece she discuses her coming out process and the torment she experienced in the Mississippi public school system. She also tells of how she found out about organizations in Mississippi working to further the rights of the LGBTQ community such as PFLAG and the MSSC as well as how she eventually became an activist herself.
It Gets Better: Gene Robinson
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010Gene Robinson, who is a Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire, is an out gay man. In this video he offers his encouragement to LGBT students.
Inspiration: Student advocates for teacher.
Tuesday, November 16th, 2010
Graeme Taylor of Howell, Michigan is a 14 year old student in Middle School. This past week one of the teachers he admired was suspended for a day without pay, for correcting students who were making homophobic remarks on the Spirit Day which took place a few weeks ago. (Many supporters of the gay students who committed suicide wore purple to share their respect). Taylor, who is the son of a teacher, lives in a town that is known for its conservatism. It is the headquarters of the Klu Klux Klan.
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Gender Expression: Boys in Beauty Pageants
Monday, November 15th, 2010By Jamie Carter, Queer Youth Advisory Board Member
Today, on ABC’s Good Morning America, a story ran which highlighted the increasing number of boys who have entered into beauty pageants over the past five years. This year 10% of contestants who entered into beauty pageants were male, up from 5% just five years ago. As this number increases, some are expressing concerns that allowing boys to participate will alter the gender identity or gender expression of children, or even cause them to be gay or bisexual.
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Breaking News: Shepard Not Allowed to Dress Out, Coach Reneged
Sunday, November 14th, 2010
Coy Shepard talks to reporters about the incident.
This morning the Clarion-Ledger out of Jackson, Mississippi is reporting that Coy Shepard (17, Simpson County) was not allowed to dress out for the Friday Night football game in Mendenhall, Mississippi. This comes after last week when he was kicked off the team for wearing pink cleats to practice in support of breast cancer and his grandmother.
Candle Light Memorial for Transgender Day of Remembrance
Saturday, November 13th, 2010
There will be a community-led candle light memorial for Transgender Day of Remembrance on Saturday, November 20th, held at the Belhaven Community Park off Poplar Blvd. The event will start at 7 pm and will include a small memorial service for those whose lives were taken this year by trans-phobia and hatred. Please come join us in this time of reflection and remembrance.
Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual event held every November. The event was started in 1998 in response to the murder of African-American transwoman Rita Hester. A decade later Transgender Day of Remembrance has grown to encompass cities and countries all over the world. Memorial services are held every year by individuals, local LGBT groups, and even religious organizations.
More information about the event is available at http://www.transms.org/.
Transgender 101
Saturday, November 13th, 2010
On November 20, 2010 people from all over the world will celebrate the Transgender Day of Remembrance. This day commemorates all of the Transgender people who have lost their lives, or been tormented by discrimination, due to prejudice or lack of understanding. One way we can all make our communities more comfortable and accepting for transgender people is by learning the issues. This article seeks to answer some questions that you may have regarding gender identity.
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Daniel Radcliffe, (Harry Potter actor) Supports Trevor Project
Friday, November 12th, 2010
Back before all of the hype around the LGBT Suicides, there was one star who was standing alone to support resources that work to help LGBT Youth who are suffering. Daniel Radcliffe, in this video tells why he got involved with the Trevor Project, and why he thinks it’s very important that straight people, should support this cause. Radcliffe explains how when he was growing up in the theatre, he was exposed to many people who were LGBT and out. Enjoy the new Harry Potter movie!!!
Videos after the break.
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How Stereotyping Affected One Mississippi Teen
Friday, November 12th, 2010Coy Shepard talks to reporters about the incident.
Sheppard, decided to file a lawsuit against the school district. In light of the legal threat the school district reinstated him to the team. Coy’s story highlights the need to educate coaches and teachers all over the state about why stereotyping is wrong, and why they need to accept everyone for being different. Freedom of expression is everyone’s right under the constitution.
More information about this story can be found at the links below