National Coming Out Day Oct. 11

This Friday, October 11th is National Coming Out Day. Our GSA will be distributing rainbow ribbons in the front of the school in the morning to any student or teacher who wants to wear one. Our message is for students to "coming out" as advocates of safer schools to reduce levels of LGBT-related harassment and bullying. The Campaign encourages participants to make a statement and show their support of LGBT students by wearing a rainbow pin.

For those of you who are advisers and would like to discuss this special day with your advisory here are some videos, articles, and resources to assist you. Please review any video or resource before you show it to your group.

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uurW29BEcFM

3-time All-American wrestler Hudson Taylor believes that sports should be for everyone. He created Athlete Ally—a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering athletes to consider their status as role models and be conscious of the words they choose, eliminating the homophobic language that is all too prevalent in sports.

• http://www.glaad.org/ally  several videos featuring straight allies literally coming out of a closet.

On the road to equality, the LGBT community's allies are essential participants who can make a huge difference simply by letting others know that support their LGBT friends, family members, and peers. GLAAD and Director Brett Ratner have launched this PSA campaign to ask our allies to come out and be heard in what is a historic time for equality, fairness and acceptance.

• http://www.glaad.org/resources/ally/2

 10 Ways to Be an Ally & a Friend

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KaOIIwmVbzw

Openly gay 14-year-old Graeme Taylor appeared on Ellen to talk about his impassioned speech in defense of a teacher who was suspended for kicking out a student for anti-gay remarks.

• http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/magazine/27out-t.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

 Story about students coming out in middle school

Best, 

Ms. Dipalo and Ms. Krupala GSA Advisors