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5th Annual MSSC Summit on LGBTQ Youth in Mississippi

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

group photoWe’re hosting our 5th annual Queer Youth & Allies Summit. Every year MSSC brings together youth and adults from across the state for a few days of activism, education and networking. This year we’re going to be running in conjunction with Jackson Black Pride, an annual event hosted by My Brother’s Keeper. Summit will provide leadership development for young folks around school-to-prison pipeline issues, student organizations and GSAs, as well as provide for the first time an address on the works of MSSC. We’re going into our 5th year and we want to celebrate our accomplishments with you.

20121024-194734.jpgJoin us November 16-18th at Safe Harbor Family Church. All ages are welcome. We will have topics targeted for students, educators, and community allies. Our focus this year is a continuation from last year, which aimed at creating more inclusive communities by working at the intersections of racial justice, educational justice, and queer justice.

The event is free and open to all ages
To register please visit www.mssafeschools.org/registration

Want to present at Summit or have a topic you’d want to learn more about?

MSSC is accepting workshop proposals and topic suggestions until November 3rd. If you or your organization would like to submit a workshop proposal or suggestion please visit http://goo.gl/73dx9

Posted in Queer & Ally Summit, Queer and Allies Summit | No Comments »

MSSC joins 24 other states in Louisville, KY for National Gathering

Wednesday, August 8th, 2012

From the Gay Straight Alliance Network of California:

“GSA activists from across the country come together every summer at the National Gathering. The goal of the National Gathering is to support the GSA movement across the country and expand it to include even more states, cities and towns.”

This year’s event took place in Louisville, Kentucky and was hosted by The Louisville Youth Group. Among the attendees were representatives from a number of Southeastern states including Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi (of course). As part of this year’s gathering, states from designated regions were given time to plan regional action. The Southeastern region gathered to discuss making national tools and resources more culturally appropriate to the Southeast.  Other groups planned regional actions and coalition building.

Among the workshops presented were a Mississippi-led discussion on rural organizing, a New Mexico/Arizona-led discussion on the Two-Spirit Movement and one entitled Define Yourself to Empower Yourself which focused on labels and how they help to define identities. As the Mississippi representative, Anna C. was able to participate in a number of workshops including co-facilitating one on Teaching Racial Justice (a workshop previously presented at Southeastern LGBTQ Activist Camp and 2011 Q&A Youth Summit).

Overall friendships were made, regional bonds were strengthened and the Safe Schools movement was pushed forward as we caught a glimpse of the young leaders in this movement.

*Image courtesy of Gay Straight Alliance Network of California

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Southeastern LGBTQ Activist Camp Comes to a Close

Monday, July 23rd, 2012

Photo courtesy of Regi S.

 

Southeastern LGBTQ Activist Camp came to a close around 4pm Saturday July 21, 2012. The event marked the first time this large of a group of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight youth came together to learn about anti-oppression work. The coalition of five states sponsoring the event brought together approximately 50 youth from Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and Arkansas. The coalition partners included sponsor organizations Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition and Gay Straight Alliance Network (based in California) along with host organization Center for Artistic Revolution. Youth from the Georgia Safe Schools Coalition led a workshop on Trans Justice. The Southern Poverty Law Center of Alabama and PFLAG Maryville of Tennessee also sponsored youth from their states.

The camp is the first of what hopes to be an annual event. Campers from both Georgia and Mississippi were already beginning to claim next year’s location. Participants ranged from 14-25 years old and many of which already had experience working on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. The goal of the camp was to create safer schools and communities for LGBTQ youth and their allies by providing a more intersectional approach to Gay Straight Alliance work.

Among the Mississippi participants (pictured top right) were youth from My Brother’s Keeper, Inc.

My Brother’s Keeper, Inc. (MBK) is a private, nonprofit, 501(c) (3) organization located in the Jackson, MS metropolitan area designed to enhance the health and well being of minority populations through leadership in public and community health practices, collaboration and partnerships.

Other participants included youth trainers from William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation who led a workshop on racism and white supremacy in the Southern US.

Founded in 1999, the William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation builds more inclusive communities by promoting diversity and citizenship, and by supporting projects that help communities solve local challenges.

Students and former students from the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gay Straight Alliance also attended the event. Those youth led workshops on GSA Development in College and University settings.

The Gay Straight Alliance at The University of Southern Mississippi is a group of students, faculty, and community members who believe in putting an end to homophobia, transphobia, biphobia, racism, sexism, and all other forms of discrimination. The GSA offers free education, support, and information to individuals hoping to learn more about our organization.

For more information on Camp or to find out how you can learn more about MSSC’s exciting opportunities and trainings please contact us at info@mssafeschools.org. If you would like to help sponsor this and other events or activities please visit our Donations page.

Posted in Events, Trainings/Workshops | No Comments »

Thinking about starting a GSA in your school but not sure how? Attend National Gathering with MSSC!

Wednesday, July 11th, 2012

Every year, the Gay Straight Alliance Network and National Association of GSA Networks hosts a National Gathering for LGBTQ and Ally youth. This year, National Gathering will take place August 2nd – 4th in Louisville, Kentucky. MSSC will be taking two 8th – 12th graders. If you will be in the 8th-12th grade this fall, please take a moment to apply to attend National Gathering.

Two MSSC folks will be accompanying the youth. This is an incredible opportunity for any youth looking to start a GSA or strengthen their group. Workshops will include a variety of topics and will be youth-focused and for the most part youth-led. This year’s theme is GSA Organizing at the Intersections. Please consider attending National Gathering this year with MSSC. For information on past Gatherings please visit: http://www.gsanetwork.org/events/national-gathering

Applications are now closed

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Join us in Arkansas for Southeastern LGBTQ Activist Camp

Wednesday, May 30th, 2012

It Gets Better – But when will that happen? Learn how to MAKE it better.
Apply Now

This summer the GSA Network, in partnership with Georgia Safe Schools Coalition, Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition, Center for Artistic Revolution in Little Rock, Arkansas, PFLAG Tennessee and the Southern Poverty Law Center headquartered in Montgomery, Alabama, will be offering the first annual Southeastern LGBTQ Activist Camp! This LGBTQ Activist Camp is a summer training camp for LGBTQ youth with a focus through the southern lens.

The Southeastern LGBTQ Activist Camp serves high school and college aged young people in Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama and Tennessee who have exhibited strong leadership and enthusiasm in their local area around issues affecting the LGBTQ community and young people.

The Southeastern LGBTQ Activist Camp will be 4 days long, and will feature intensive community building, skill building, political education and leadership training for current and potential GSA and other LGBTQ student activist club (Pride Alliance, Lambda Alliance) members that they can bring back to share at their schools and communities.

Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds and will learn how to:

  • Strengthen GSA/LGBTQ activist clubs through coalition building, strategic organizing a fundraising
  • Understand the legal rights of students and GSA clubs.
  • Oppose LGBTQ harassment and ostracism in school environments.
  • Run successful campaigns to change the climate on their campuses.
  • Recognize the ways that homophobia and transphobia are connected to racism, sexism, classism, ableism, ageism and other oppressions.
  • Work with school administration, teachers and school boards to fight LBGTQ oppression.
  • Learn effective lobbying skills, how to contact legislators and frame a message.

If you are 14-25 years old and would like to participate please complete our application here or email us at anna@mssafeschools.org.

ALL expenses are paid by MSSC and other camp sponsors.

Posted in Events, Trainings/Workshops | 2 Comments »

Mississippians participating in Annual Day of Silence

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

In 2010, 14 schools in Mississippi participated in Day of Silence. You can help make that number even larger this year by holding an event at your school, campus, or place of work.

It is particularly important in states like Mississippi to show that involvement in national organizing is happening here. Many school administrators have said that issues like anti-LGBT bullying and harassment do not affect their schools and further their students have no interest in getting involved in these events. Help us record this year’s events by registering your participation and sending us photos from the event and we’ll feature your organization on our site. *We will not use photographs without permission, please include correct contact information.

For more information on hosting a Day of Silence event check out our DoS page or email us at info@mssafeschools.org

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Day of Silence is an annual event coordinated by the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (or GLSEN). According to GLSEN, “The Day of Silence is a student-led national event that brings attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in schools. Students take a vow of silence in an effort to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior by illustrating the silencing effect of bullying and harassment on LGBT students and those perceived to be LGBT.”

Posted in Day of Silence, Events | No Comments »

William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation hosts 3rd annual Summer Youth Institute

Tuesday, February 28th, 2012

From The Winter Institute

This summer, the Winter Institute will be hosting the third annual Summer Youth Institute June 10-24 at the University of Mississippi. SYI is for Mississippi high school students currently in their freshman and sophomore years. The program emphasizes relationship building, history, diversity, and civic engagement through fun activities, field trips, and workshops. At the end of the program, students go home with a plan for a project to improve their communities and plenty of new friends here at the Institute and across the state. Best of all, SYI is free to students who are accepted into the program.

The Winter Institute is currently accepting applications from students across the state. Based on the applications, they will be interviewing about 50 students to fill 24 available spots. The priority application deadline for SYI is March 1st, though we are extending that through March 15th.

Check out the flyer for the program to the right. You can also learn more about SYI and find the online application at our website, http://youth.winterinstitute.org. If you have any questions about the program, contact Patrick Weems at phweems@gmail.com or 662-915-6734.

Find out more information about The William Winter Institute for Racial Reconciliation at

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4th Annual Second Chance Prom to be May 19th in Hattiesburg

Saturday, February 25th, 2012

written by Anna C. Davis (anna@mssafeschools.org)

HATTIESBURG – MSSC in partnership with the Gay Straight Alliance at The University of Southern Mississippi are proud to announce the 4th Annual Second Chance Prom. The Prom which will occur May 19th, 2012 in the Thad Cochran Center at the USM – Hattiesburg campus, is open to individuals 16-30 years old.

This year’s theme will be a Brazilian-style Carnival, so break out your bright colors and save those Mardi Gras outfits!

Check out our #MSSCProm page for more details.

Cost: Tickets to the event are $10 each

Eligibility: You must be between the ages of 16-30 to attend #MSSCProm.
If your date is over that age or under that age, we cannot guarantee admittance. Please contact us at info@mssafeschools.org

If you would like to donate or volunteer for Second Chance Prom please contact us and check out our volunteer page.

What is Second Chance Prom?

Prom can be a time for great excitement and bonding with fellow classmates, but for many lesbian, transgender, bisexual, gay and queer students, prom can also be stressful. Many students are not able to bring their date of choice because of gender or sexual orientation. Many also are not able to wear clothes that make them feel comfortable or reflect who they are. MSSC’s Second Chance Prom offers one night a year when students and young people are able to have the prom experience while not worrying so much about their gender identity or sexual orientation being an issue.

The first Second Chance Prom in Mississippi was held in 2009 in Meridian, MS by Mississippi State University’s student organization, Spectrum, with help from the Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition. In 2010, MSSC took the lead on the prom following the news rush surrounding Ceara Sturgis and Constance McMillen. That year, the prom hosted more than 400 folks in Tupelo, MS. The following year, MSU’s Delta Omega Lambda co-hosted the prom at the Mississippi State University Campus.

Posted in Anna C., Events, Media, Press Release, Second Chance Prom | No Comments »

QYAB (and 3,000 others) attend Creating Change 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland

Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

(L-R) Izzy, Matthew, Anna at The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Creating Change 2012 - Baltimore, MD

written by Anna C. Davis (anna@mssafeschools.org)

This past week three members of MSSC’s Queer Youth Advisory Board (QYAB) attended the 24th Annual National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change Conference. To say the least, we had a blast!

What happens when you take 3,000+ queer and allies, throw them in a hotel in downtown Baltimore for a week of workshops, networking and conversation? You end up starting a wave of change. I can honestly say that my experiences at this conference were transformational. Creating Change can be a bit… overwhelming. The event kicked off with a day-long institute on Building an Anti-Racist Movement.

“The agenda provides participants opportunities to explore the intersections of race and sexualities, power and privilege and how to integrate racial justice tools into our everyday work. … storytelling, dynamic activities, conceptual frameworks and facilitated dialogue, we will create a learning environment where activists, community leaders, change agents, students and teachers from across our movement can do the self work needed in order to be effective instruments in creating change.”

During this day-long session, participants had the option to choose from a list of 9 workshops. The following days offered even more options for participants.

The Grid as it was lovingly called, helped direct participants to any number of tracks or workshops they may want to attend. Topics covered during the weekend included Aging, AIDS/HIV, Anti-violence/Bias Reduction, Art & Culture, Bisexual Community, Campus, Communications/Media & Messaging, Community Centers, Community Organizing, Disability, Economic Justice, Elections/Ballot Measures and Campaigns, Families, Fundraising, Gender Issues, Health, Immigration, International Issues, Labor, Legislative/Legal Reform and Public Policy, Marriage, Military/Veterans Issues, Movement Building, Organizational Development, Organizational Excellence and Capacity Building, People of Color, Practice Spirit/Do Justice, Racial Justice, Research and Policy, Rural, School Issues, Sexual Freedom, Transgender Community & Issues, Workplace, and Youth. The shear number of possible workshops to attend is enough to overwhelm even the most seasoned activist. For more information regarding the individual workshops or what each of those topics included check out the official Creating Change 2012 Program Book.

Speakers at the event included: Kate Clinton (Mistress of Ceremonies), Benjamin T. Jealous (President, CEO of the NAACP), Rea Carey (Executive Dir. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force), Wilson Cruz (actor – Noah’s Arc, My So-Called Life), Cary Alan Johnson (Ex. Dir. of International Gay & Lesbian Human Rights Commission), Nisha Ayub (Programme Manager of the Pink Triangle Foundation of Malaysia), Val Kalende (Freedom and Roam Uganda, Sexual Minorities Uganda), Joel Simpson (Founder – Society Against Sexual Orientation Discrimination in Guyana), Daniel B. Baer (Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, U.S. Department of State) and Martin O’Malley (Governor of Maryland).

QYAB hopes to bring our experience back to Mississippi to develop an even stronger organization for the Mississippi’s queer and ally youth. And for those of you who missed out this year, Creating Change 2013 will be hosted in Atlanta, GA. While the registration price tag is enough to give anyone second thoughts, scholarship opportunities are available through the Task Force. Stay tuned for more updates on conference opportunities.

Posted in ... In The News, Anna C., Conferences, Events, Queer Youth Advisory Board | No Comments »

Want an all-expenses paid trip to D.C. to become a better advocate?

Wednesday, January 18th, 2012

 

I thought you might.

John and Audri, SSAS 2010

Head over to GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) to check out their Safe Schools Advocacy Summit (SSAS) application. This year it will be held March 24th – 27th.

“For selected participants, SSAS is a completely free annual four-day conference focused on bullying and harassment in Washington, D.C. for students and non-students alike.” Participants are chosen from all over the U.S. to join in this conference, and in 2010 MSSC sent three participants to represent the state and our organization. John, Audri and Ashley had a chance to bond on the trip and to further network with other youth and adults from across the country.

Ashley J., SSAS 2010

The final day of the conference, the three visited the offices Mississippi Congressmen to advocate for youth in Mississippi. “Attending SSAS was an amazing experience for me. Two years in a row I was able to connect with other activists of all ages and backgrounds. All of us with the same ideas of lobbying for lgbt youth in schools. It was a pleasure to be chosen as a participant and presenter. SSAS helped me find my passion for politics,” said Ashley J.

 

The application (linked below) requires you to know who your elected officials are, if you aren’t sure we can help or check out http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt.

SSAS Attendees with Sen. Al Franken

Please visit the link below to apply.

http://action.glsen.org/page/s/ssas-2012

 

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