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APPENDIX THREE Potential Actions for Queer Youth In Schools (Ideas from GALE BC) Together we have the power to change the homophobic education system from all levels. As youth you are a critical part of this process. Your voices are some of the most powerful ones in our struggle to change the school system. If you are clear, reasonable and persistent, your voices cannot be ignored. This list is meant to be a starting point for your actions and ideas. It is not exhaustive; you will probably think of other ideas too (Please let us know at GALE). Do what you can, and what is safe for each of you, depending on how out you are. Every little step will make a difference. What Can You Do? 1) Find allies within your school. (students, parents, staff) 2) Ask the school counsellor if he/she knows about the new poster ("You Are Not Alone") and the handbook on LGBT issues for teachers ("Reaching Through Teaching"). Ask them to order them from GALE-BC. Expect the poster to be displayed somewhere in the counselling suite of your school. (GALE-BC is printing/distributing the poster and handbook in the Fall of 1999.) 3) Talk to the Teacher Librarian and Counsellor in your school about the GALE Resource List or ask the counsellor to approach the librarian to purchase some of these resources for the school. 4) You and/or your allies could approach the principal to discuss homophobia and harassment in your school. As a group you may want to discuss harassment, lack of resources, starting a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), etc. 5) Contact the local teachers' union for your district and ask to meet with a staff rep. who can take your concerns to the principal anonymously, on your behalf. (Note: All phone numbers for local district offices can be received by calling the BCTF (BC Teachers' Federation) at (604) 871-2283 or 1-800-663-9163; ask for the phone number of the local Teachers' Association. 6) Ask community leaders for support (Youth Group Coordinators, PFLAG, GALE, etc.) and ideas for action, and give us your suggestions as well. Call the Helpline [1-800-566-1170] to see if there is an LGBT youth group in your area. 7) Read about your rights, and know them when talking with officials. (GALE page of policies and the School's OUT! Book). Ask GALE for clarification on policies and rules if you need to. 8) If possible, bring a parent/guardian/ally with you when you are talking to school authorities. 9) Document acts of name-calling, verbal and physical harassment, principals and teachers ignoring problems, etc. Keep records of all meetings and what was said or promised. (Who, When, Where, Why, What) Make photocopies of your notes, and keep them in a safe place! 10) Be as out as you can safely be, and tell your story to straight peers. Draw analogies between other forms of oppression (racism, sexism, classism) and homophobia. 11) Give GALE your written or taped story. (Give first name and school or school district at least). We can read or play these aloud at school board meetings to trustees or use them with board offices as proof of discrimination and their failure to protect students. 12) Write an article (signed or anonymous) or have a friend write one for your school newspaper. 13) Send postcards and personal letters about your current or previous experiences in school to people such as the following: (and please send a copy to GALE-BC) Minister of Education, Legislative Assembly, Victoria, BC Your MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly) Superintendent of Schools in your school district Chairperson of your school board Principal of your current or previous school. 14) Speak out in the media about anti-gay harassment at school. Some supportive reporters will help. 15) Hold public rallies periodically to condemn homophobia in schools. Make sure they are well organized and get the word out to a broad coalition of youth groups. Plan who your main speakers are and what they will say. Send out press releases. (Beware of short sound bites!) 16) Be visible at school board meetings. Ask questions and demand action. Write letters to the school board office (ask who is in charge of setting the agenda for meetings and send them a personal letter) asking to make a personal or group presentation at a meeting. 17) Talk to your youth group leaders about making presentations or sending story cards to the Social Justice Committee and/or the Professional Development Program at the BC Teachers' Federation (#100 - 550 West 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4P2; (604) 871-2283 or 1-800-663-9163). Information
about GALE-BC (Gay And Lesbian Educators of BC): (For info on setting up a GSA: Go to GALE web site and look under "Related Organizations and Web Sites" chalkboard on the main menu. Click on USA. Scroll down list to "Massachusetts Board of Education". Click on "Gay Straight Alliances: A Student Guide" and select icons that interest you within this, for specific info. Make sure that you click on the icon "Ten Tips for Starting a GSA".)
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