Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents

Purse Totin' Tinky Winky Gay - Again?

Sue — Wed, 30 May 2007 09:32:00 -0400

Oh those wacky Polish children's rights watchers .... always a day behind and a dollar short. Remeber back in 1999 when Jerry Falwell deemed Teletubbie Tinky Winky a homo because he carried a purse (TW is the purple one)? Now Ewa Sowinski is on the same bandwagon. Well, she way until apparently someone reminder her of 1999 so she's off again.

"I noticed that he has a purse, but I didn't realize he's a boy. At first I thought that must be a bother for him," Sowinska told the magazine in an interview her office approved before publication. "Later I learned that there could be some hidden homosexual undertones."

Sowinska is a member of the League of Polish Families party, which is militantly anti-gay rights and anti-abortion. The party is a junior member in the coalition government led by Prime Minister Jaroslaw Kaczynski.

Spokespeople from Sowinska's office have confirmed that they will not ask psychologists to examine the character.

Kacszynski has famously said, ""It's not in the interests of any society to increase the number of homosexuals, that's obvious."

I have a recurring dream that my father and I are on a long highway and we see a bridge that says "This way to Poland" and another exit that says "This way to France." For some reason, I always want to go to Poland. My father goes to France anyway. For the record, as a lesbian and a woman, I'd much rather go to France. Thank goodness for my Dad.

Pittsburgh Participation in Day of Silence

Sue — Sun, 15 Apr 2007 09:21:00 -0400

April 18 is the 11th Annual Day of Silence.

The Day of Silence is an annual event held to bring attention to anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and discrimination in schools. Students and teachers nationwide will observe the day in silence to echo the silence that LGBT and ally students face everyday. In it's 11th year, the Day of Silence is one of the largest student-led actions in the country.

Pittsburgh's chapter of GLSEN leads the charge on the student-driven effort to educate and empower their fellow students around LGBT bias in America's schools and the school systems.

So what happens? Essentially, participants remain silent that day in solidarity with those who are "silenced" because of their sexual orientation, gender identity or alliance with the LGBT students. According to the national website, more than half a million students have participated over the past ten years.

Why do we need a Day of Silence?GLSEN’s 2005 National School Climate Survey found that 4 out of 5 LGBT students report verbal, sexual or physical harassment at school and more than 30% report missing at least a day of school in the past month out of fear for their personal safety. The Day of Silence helps bring us closer to making anti-LGBT bullying, harassment and name-calling unacceptable in America’s schools.

The Day of Silence is a call to action. Students can use this day, as well as other GLSEN Days of Action, as a means of achieving an “ask.” An ask is a very specific action that calls for a change in school policies, climate, and culture to achieve a larger goal of safe schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. Some examples of an ask include: adding sexual orientation and gender identity/expression in your school’s non-discrimination or anti-harassment policy, or training teachers to respond effectively to anti-LGBT bullying, harassment, and name-calling.

Here's a good example of why this day is so important. Christian-opponents have begun organizing "Days of Truth" to spread their message of gay-intolerance in the schools. They believe that the learning environment should not respect or protect the rights of all students to pursue an education without harassment or discrimination. They twist this into a Christianity versus homosexuality situation and have gone to court to force school districts to recognize their free speech and freedom of religion in this context. The schools are backing down because its a fine line.

What's interesting is the Christo arguement that a Day of Silence impedes their free speech. Ironic, no?

Check out the GLSEN website and take a moment on April 18 to contemplate all the ways in which you are silenced.

Local queer youth explore issues of faith through drama troupe

Sue — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 08:42:00 -0500

The Post-Gazette has a thoughtful piece on Dreams of Hope, a local drama troupe for LGBTQ teens and their allies. Their performance theme this year is "Gay Youth in Good Faith."

"One of the biggest themes is the personal issue of sin, of how something that is so natural and doesn't seem like a bad thing, can be seen as horrible and people reject them for it. That is a big issue that most of them are dealing with," said [founder]Ms. [Susan] Haugh.

One need only read back posts on this blog to verify that the intersection of faith and sexual orientation can be treacherous. It can also be uplifting and magnificent as our own local Reverend Janet Edwards has demonstrated.

The youth themselves have different experiences of faith -- in some cases, acceptance by their faith community while others have been cast out by their very own clergy-parents. What's cool about these young people is that they channel those individual experiences of faith into a constructive dialogue for the larger LGBTQ community.

What a great gift for those of who aren't so much youth any longer. These kids are creatively exploring these intersections of identity that perplex the hell out of most adults, particularly gay people of faith in non-affirming communities.

Kudos to Dreams of Hope for being a few steps ahead of the rest of us, but inviting us along for the journey.

One scene re-creates a bus ride two actors took during which another rider condemned them by reciting Bible verses.
"That really hurt me, because I believe in God," said Renee Ballard, 20, a pastor's daughter from the North Side, who was on the bus.
Ms Ballard said that when she came out as a lesbian, her relatives rejected her, asking how she could still call herself a Christian. But there has since been reconciliation, she said.
"I told them I believe in God and God is in my life no matter what I'm doing. God loves me, no matter what. My sister came and said that she would also love me, no matter what," she said.

Check out Dreams of Hope at their website.

AFA of PA Horrified that School District could partner with GLSEN

Sue — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 09:07:00 -0500

The woman who loves to hate us dykes and faggots is at it again. Diane Gramley, the high priestess of Pennsylvania family values, has snagged herself a story in the Beaver County Times outlining her "concerns" about recent outreach from the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) to the Ambridge Area School District.

The Ambridge School District caught our attention late last year when School Board member William Scherfel referred to the high school's GSA as a "sex club" and its members as "fags." Scherfel later "apologized" by claiming he didn't remember making the comments while acknowleding that he may have used the word fag since he grew up in that era.

In the meantime, GLSEN has stepped up and offered to work with the school district to raise awareness of LGBTQ issues, a move that could actually improve the learning environment for gay students and possibly assist the school district in avoiding lawsuits.

"We just want to help schools understand, so they can deal appropriately and develop some sensitivity to that particular minority," [Network co-chair Tom]Wyse said.
Ambridge Area High School Principal Alan Fritz has said he'd be receptive to having a professional development workshop for teachers, but it was something he would have to discuss with the superintendent."

Aghast at the thought of tolerance in Darryl Metcalfe country, the AFA of PA is riding to the rescue.

But Gramley said such sensitivity workshops overstep the boundaries of proper public education because she said it pushes acceptance of homosexuality and threatens the First Amendment rights of those who believe homosexuality is a sin.
"Unfortunately, a school board member made a disparaging remark. That was not called for at all, but if the principal accepts an invitation from GLSEN, that's going in the wrong direction," Gramley said.

What direction would that be? Why straight to hell, of course, with a pit stop in San Francisco to pick up some kicky thigh highs and a pink feather boa.

Note Gramley's subtle reference to Christian persecution with the First Amendment argument. That insidious tact seems to work very well if the minds of my colleagues are reflective of general sentiments. They do feel like they are under attack for being Christian, rather than for trying to shove their brand of Christianity down our throats <insert obvious gay joke here>.

It is heartening that Principal Fritz is willing to consider training for the faculty and staff. And Ambridge still has a Gay-Straight Alliance club with the goal of fostering understanding and creating bridges between gay and straight students. However, as recently as mid-December, the GSA founder described an environment of increasing intolerance among the student body especially since Scherbel's comments.

Well, duh. When an elected official sets the bar low, can you be surprised that weak minded adults as well as their spawn scurry underneath it? The ignorance of the common heterosexual is sometimes truly astounding. These desperate little people truly seem to believe that their way of life, their identity will be destoyed if their children even associate with a known homosexual much less have a conversation or <gasp> actual dialogue.

Ambridge - breeding homophobes, one salvation at a time.

A Cool School Chick - Heather Arnet Backed for School Board

Sue — Sun, 07 Jan 2007 09:41:00 -0500

Kudos to the District 2 School Board Coalition for endorsing Heather Arnet to run for the school board seat being vacated by Highland Park resident Patrick Dowd. Arnet, also a Highland Park resident, is the Executive Director of the Women and Girls Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

The Correspondents (and the Lesbians) are long-time fans of Arnet for her great work on behalf of women and girls throughout the region, including women and girls in the queer community. As we are city residents, we are especially pleased that Arnet is turning her tremendous talent to the oversight of one of our most important resources - the public schools.

Go Heather!

Beaver County Resident Defends Gay Kids

Sue — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 20:12:00 -0500

Michelle Manzo of Monaca in Beaver County deserves a nice little shout out from those of us living outside of that hallowed little 'burg for her nice letter to the editor in today's Beaver County Times. Michelle picked up her pen after reading about all the fuss over the Gay-Straight-Alliance at Ambridge High School.

I wavered between anger and amusement at the comment by the parent who was afraid the members would become "militant" and "force" others to join the club. What in the world does this person think this organization represents? They are not al-Qaida terrorists, waiting to snatch your unsuspecting youngster into their dark underworld. They are regular kids, just like yours, who just happen to be struggling, because they are aware they are different from most of their peers, and simply need to be a part of something that gives them support and understanding.

With that, Michelle profoundly reduces things to their most basic components. Kids-Need-Support.

She also rightfully identifies the true problem -- Grownups are afraid of people who are different from them.

Kudos to Michelle for reminding everyone of what's really important.

Ambridge students claim gay harassment

Sue — Mon, 18 Dec 2006 22:29:00 -0500

Student members of the Gay-Straight-Alliance of Ambridge High School claim they are being harassed according to a story in the Beaver County Times.

AMBRIDGE - The gay issue just won't go away.In fact, Daniel Zak, an Ambridge Area High School senior, told the school board Wednesday night that attitudes have worsened toward gay students and their friends since a new gay and lesbian club was established.

Last month, Adam Smith, an Ambridge senior who founded the Gay-Straight Alliance, spoke publicly, saying that he was offended over some derogatory terms used by board member William Scherfel, who referred to the group as a "sex club" and "the faggots." The board approved the club in October.
Smith explained the club's mission: to promote diversity and confront discrimination and homophobia.
"That was very brave of him, it took a lot of courage, but it's gotten to be worse than it was before," Zak said.
Specifically, Zak said there have been more remarks, jokes, and people pointing and laughing. "Now it's really blown out of proportion. They're getting fingers pointed more than if they hadn't started the club," he said.
An Ambridge parent, who refused to give the board her name, asked about the need for the club, its dress code, potential speakers and field trips.
She also said she worried that club members could become militant and force other students into joining.
Principal Alan Fritz said students in the club will have the same rules and dress code as other students.
Fritz said that he respected the woman's views but that there are gay or lesbian students in the school who unfortunately are "targeted, harassed and picked on."
"It's not a free-for-all down there. I don't see any of these kids pressuring anybody. The majority there are not even homosexual. They are friends of the young man."
Superintendent Kenneth Voss said he attended the initial meeting, which was pretty much "routine." Voss said the students discussed election of officers, fund-raising activities and community service.
"I didn't hear anything about pressuring from GSA," Voss said.
Board member Brian Padgett said perhaps the entire student body should participate in diversity training if they are targeting those who are different from them.

Dress code? From my trips to Beaver County, I'd say the lives of a more than a few breederettes could use a nice dose of a gay dress code.

My favorite line, however, is her fear that the club could become militant and force people to join. Honey, that tactic has been all sewn up by the Christian mini-mes decked out in chastity belts and a swayin for Jesus in front of the school flag pole. I'd take a militant homo any day of the week over a determined "Virgin for Christ."

Maybe the GSA will schedule a field trip to an abortion clinic and then stop by the local gay bar for illicity sexual encounters with smooth chested men from the big city?

School Board Official Refers to GSA members as fags

Sue — Sat, 18 Nov 2006 08:14:00 -0500

Put Ambridge on the list of places you don't want to raise your children.

School Board member William Scherfel described the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at Ambridge Area High School as a "sex club" and then refused to apologize, referring ot the members as fags.

The Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has been involved in the dispute, noting concern about the disturbing shift in attitudes toward GSA's across the state.

Good grief ... he called GSA members fags. What the hell is wrong with him? He's elected to a position of trust and authority over students and he blatantly violates every iota of both.

As of Wednesday night, Scherfel allegedly apologized. Here's an excerpt from WPXI's report

Channel 11 News reporter Gordon Loesch spoke with Scherfel. Scherfel said he's not even sure he said the word.

Loesch asked, “You're not even admitting that you said it? You don't know if you said it?”
William Scherfel said, “No, no. It would not be beyond me to use that word. It’s a word I heard growing up. I might have used the word."

Student Adam Smith said, “It wasn't heartfelt at all.”
Loesch asked, “So you don't believe he's really sorry for saying it?”
Smith said, “No, and I'm sure if he had the chance he'd say it again."

Scherfel said he will take full responsibility for his comments.

So he admits he has the capacity to refer to students as fags, but isn't sure that he actually did it. Oh it gets better. Scherfel claims the furor is politically motivated by those who don't appreciate his outspokenness. The school superintendent has opted not to get involved b/c he has no jurisdiction --- apparently he has been robbed of his ability to critique the school board. And the school board itself? Here's their position:

Board president Bernard Logan defended Scherfel, saying no one is perfect, and at least one board member, Kevin Blanarik admitted he heard the remark but didn't think it should have become an issue.

"I didn't appreciate the comment because I don't speak like that, but he didn't say it as if he was trying to be mean," Blanarik said.

Mean? Is Logan out of his friggin' mind? These are students, kids we are talking about and Scherfel is a grown man. Would he be excused for using a racial slur and have it written off as not meant to be mean? How about referring to female students as cunts? Or disabled students as crippleds or gimps? Would that be okay?

It is a great day for Pennsylvania when local politicians sexualize students, use a slur to describe those students, claim they don't remember using it, and get off scott free b/c they weren't trying to be mean.

I'm sure Darryl Metcale is very proud.

Things We Missed

Sue — Sun, 08 Oct 2006 09:26:00 -0400

I have been brought to my knees by a mighty round of ailment and have barely touched a computer over the past two weeks. Thanks for all the inquiring and encouraging emails. It is nice to be missed. :-)

I'm sure you've caught most of this but I'll do a quick round up of some things that may have slipped beneath your radar.

Mark Foley - Scummy pedophile hiding behind alcoholism, history of abuse and the turmoil of being gay? Boo fucking hoo. On behalf of alcoholics, victims of abuse, homosexuals and all of our families, grow a pair and take responsibility for being a fucking pedophile. As for Hastert and all the rest, are you really surprised at their desperate desire to cover this up and somehow blame the homosexuals --- the Catholics have been doing this same maneuver for years. And its pathetic to consider abolishing the page program to "protect the children." Even the Catholics didn't go that far.

The always eloquent LA Johnson wrote a two-part series for the Post-Gazette about a local woman, Dannylee Mitchell, who is suing her former employer for discrimination. Dannylee is a transgender woman and believes she was dismissed because of her gender identity rather than her work performance. This is an amazing little series, very brave and forthright. I have never met Dannylee, but I admire her courage in sharing so much of her inner life with Post-Gazette readers. Go check it out.

Reverend Janet Edwards published an Op-Ed piece on her struggle with the Presbyterian Church over performing a wedding for two women. She explains why she is pleading innocent. Here's the backstory on our coverage of Janet's situation.

The Lesbian and Gay Film Festival opens this month.

Former Whitehall native James Yearsley now of Tampa wrote in a lovely little anti-gay diatribe to the Post-Gazette that was only printed in the online edition. Don't ask, Don't tell, Mr. Yearsley opines, keeps the military blood supply HIV free. Good to know, Jim.

Contrary to reports from the PA Department of Education, incidents of bullying is significantly high for gay and lesbian students. A report from GLSEN indicates that 80% of respondents had heard homphobic language in school. Only 12% of Pennsylvania schools have Gay Straight Alliances in comparison with 22% of schools nationwide. GSA's are an important tool in addressing homophobic harassment and bullying.

I'm sure there are stories I missed, but they'll resurface soon I am sure. Enjoy this beautiful day!

Philly School District Acknowledges LGBT History Month

Sue — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 20:11:00 -0400

In another step forward, the Philadelphia School District has added LGBT History Month (October) to the other culturally significant items included in a student calendar which will be sent home with all students (Philly Inquirer)

Noting that October is Gay and Lesbian History Month is an attempt to be inclusive and is no different from recognizing months devoted to the history or heritage of African-Americans, Hispanics and Asians, said Cecilia Cummings, a spokeswoman for the district.

"The school district maintains and upholds Policy 102, which is a multiracial, multicultural gender-education policy," she said. "Basically, it's a policy intent on fostering knowledge and respect for people of all races, ethnic groups, social classes, genders, religions, disabilities and sexual orientations."

Some parents are up in arms. Shocker! Nicola Rucker thinks her son shouldn't be learning about this "stuff" until he's old enough to come ask her about it. He's 9 years old. He's old enough to ask. The problem isn't the questions he'll be asking, but the answers she'll be giving. She throws out the tired old arguement that sexual orientation is a preference. So it will be very interesting for her to explain to her 9 year old why Mommy chose to be a breeder instead of a dyke.

Gay Philly Youth Turned Away by Military Recruiters

Sue — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 11:01:00 -0400

Three young gay adults were turned away from a military recruitment office because they are openly gay. The young people were part of a nationwide challenge of the military's 13 year old "don't ask, don't tell" policy. (Philadelphia Inquirer)

The response they got, they said, was a courteous - but definite - no.

"They said we were morally and administratively ineligible for the U.S. military," said Jarrett Lucas, 20, of South Philadelphia, a recent Drexel University engineering student.

"They were very courteous, but they said that if we were truly interested in enlisting we'd have to conceal our sexual identities," Lucas added.

Lucas, joined by Shane Bagwell, 18, a high school graduate from Wyndmoor in Montgomery County, and Marissa Cotroneo, 19, an aspiring psychology major from Scranton, spent about an hour talking with Army recruiters and taking a practice qualifying test before leaving part of an Army of none.

If they were truly interested in serving our country, they would have to lie. After all, its a frequent practice of the Commander in Chief and his loyal ass-kissers.

Of course, the recruiters were just following policy. How is advising a potential recruit to conceal their sexual orientation noble or ethical --- its just about meeting your individual recruitment goals.

From 365gay.com

For the past two years the military has been unable to meet its recruiting goals. Since 1993, the Department of Defense has discharged more than 11,000 service members under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”.

According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), more than 800 of those service members were trained in skills deemed ‘mission-critical’ by the Pentagon.

In June the military was forced to apologize when it was revealed that a a Pentagon document listing various "disorders" included the reference to homosexuality decades after mental health experts abandoned that position.

A bi-partisan coalition in Congress now supports legislation to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law.

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (H.R. 1059), introduced in March 2005 by Congressman Marty Meehan (D-MA) now has about 120 supporters, including five Republican lawmakers. Meehan’s legislation would repeal the military’s ban and allow lesbian, gay and bisexual personnel to serve openly in the armed forces.

Is the PA Dept of Edu underreporting LGBTQ school violence?

Sue — Thu, 27 Jul 2006 08:01:00 -0400

According to the Post-Gazette, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has released their annual safety report claiming that less than 3% of students were involved in violence in the schools.

The School Safety Report for 2004-05 shows a decline in school violence for the second year in a row and significant decreases in fights, assaults on students, burglaries, racial and ethnic intimidation and incidents involving firearms.

The report also suggests violent incidents have decreased across the board:

It shows incidents involving firearms dropped by 38 percent; burglaries are down by 43 percent; incidents of intimidation fell by 25 percent and other types of harassment declined by 23 percent.

A leading safety organization disputes these findings. National School Safety and Security Services out of Cleveland questions the decrease when school violence is on the rise across the state.

And what about the gay kids? According to the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network's National School Climate Survey released in April, four out of five LGBTQ students report incidents of violence.

The Scope of the Problem:

75. 4% of students heard derogatory remarks such as "faggot" or "dyke" frequently or often at school, and nearly nine out of ten (89.2%) reported hearing "that's so gay" or "you're so gay" - meaning stupid or worthless- frequently or often.
Over a third (37.8%) of students experienced physical harassment at school on the basis of sexual orientation and more than a quarter (26.1%) on the basis of their gender expression. Nearly one-fifth (17.6%) of students had been physically assaulted because of their sexual orientation and over a tenth (11.8%) because of their gender expression.

Now I find it incredibly hard to believe that incidents of violence are decreasing that significantly without a serious statewide intervention plan which I am sure does not exist. Back in the day when I was in school, life was nasty, brutish and short if you were on the wrong end of the pummeling. There were plenty of bullies and even more people egging them on as they spit on, beat up, mauled, assaulted, pushed, shoved, grabbed, pinched, twisted, kicked, restrained and generally violated other kids. School was a survival course in violence avoidance with few instructions and little effective intervention from the faculty.

And let's not forget rising rates of cyber harassment which the school districts have decried but denied reponsibility for if the behavior originates from a non-campus computer.

I think the PA Department of Education is being disengenuous at best.

Philadelphia Boy Scouts May Lose Space b/c of Anti-Gay Stance

Sue — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 22:57:00 -0400

The Mayor of Philadelphia is giving the regional Boy Scout council two choices.: Either they stop discriminating against gays or they begin paying fair market rent on their city owned headquarters.

The City of Liberty Council is the third largest in the nation, serving 87,000 boys in Philadelphia, Montgomery and Delaware counties. They have been using a city owned building since 1928, paying only for building upkeep.

The City is playing hard ball because the Scouts refuse to comply with the fair-practices ordinance which forbids discrimination based on sexual orientation among other protected classes.

Cradle of Liberty Council spokesman Jeff Jubelirer had more pointed views.

"With an epidemic of gun violence taking the lives of Philadelphia's children every day," Jubelirer said, "it is ironic the administration chose this time to destroy programming that services 40,000 children in the city."

That's an interesting perspective which completely ignores the fact that the City has tries to negotiate with the Boy Scouts for the past three years. There's no room for negotiation. The Boy Scout organization wants to be free to discriminate against homosexuals while receiving all the governmental funding it can swallow. Never mind the thousands of young men whose lives are impacted by their homo-bigot stance -- the young gay men, the boys with gay parents or siblings or grandparents or other loved ones, the heterosexual scouts who are taught by example to discriminate. Never mind those kids. Or their families. Or their dreams.

There's no room for negotiation. The Boy Scouts won't revise their creed of hate and the City isn't making an exception. Are political nuances at play? Sure. They always are, but that doesn't take away from the larger issue.

Our good friends at the American Family Association of Pennsylvania have chimed right in with their Christian-flavored bigotry:

“The boys involved in the Scouts are caught in a tug-of-war with those who seek to change society through homosexual activism and choose to be blind to the facts of the dangers of this lifestyle,” [AFA Chair Diane] Gramley concluded

Ah, yes, the homosexual activist card. Wouldn't be a hatefest if no one played it!

I find the Boy Scout's stance offensive, moronic and divisive. I don't buy their little snacks or donate to their causes because I think they really hurt boys and young men. I get some grief from my friends about my actions only hurting the boys. I'm sorry but that's an utterly spineless position. The Boy Scouts are *hurting* children, gay and straight. They should lose their funding sources because reason, common decency or genuine concern for all children doesn't seem to play a part in their decision making process.

Round Up - Interesting LGBTQ tidbits from around the country

Sue — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 08:59:00 -0400

First, the exciting news. John Stamos will play a wedding planner who is gay in the upcoming A&E movie "Wedding Wars" due to air this winter. In the movie, Stamos' character boycotts his brother's wedding b/c his brother's boss and future father in law is a governor who opposes marriage equality. Hilarity ensues as an important point about tolerance and equality is made. Plus, thousands of gay and bisexual men can fantasize about marrying John Stamos. (h/t Good as You)

Another amusing must-view is a video parody GAY put together around Fred Phelps and his merry bunch of phelpsians. Rather than telling us "You are are going to hell" GAY informs us "You are going to HELENA" (another h/t to Good as You). On a related matter, the Phelpsians were fined $5,000 for wasting police protection when they didn't show up for a funeral protest in Michigan. Fred's whacky daughter Shirley Phelps-Roper told the press that the Holy Ghost told them to stay home and they would throw any citations in the trash can.

In an important note, a federal court has ruled that the White County, Georgia School Board must allow a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) to meet. The School Board had previously decided to disallow any extracurricular group, but those groups continued to meet. The ACLU pursued the matter. (h/t PageOneQ). Here's a great quote from one the student plaintiffs:

"This has been the best civics lesson ever," said Kerry Pacer, one of the founders of the student group said in the ACLU statement, "I couldn't believe the school was so unfair to us when all we wanted to do was to try to address the violence and harassment against gay students. I'm relieved that the court is going to make the school let us meet."

You tell 'em, Kerry. Kerry is my mother's name so I'm especially fond of young person Pacer. Good for you for sticking up for your rights.

In the tolerance twist you knew was overdue, homo vacationeers in Provincetown are accused of making slurs against heterosexuals and Jamaicans. Police received numerous complaints that people were being called "breeders." One woman reported being verbally accosted after it came to light she signed an anti-gay marriage petition. She was called a bigot.

She IS a bigot. She chose to sign a petition that discriminates against her neighbors. Should they just accept that quietly? I'm not saying they should target her or act out, but calling her what she is seems acceptable to me. Her priest acknowledges that signing the petition would lead to repercussions, but called this a "dramatic experience" Puh-lease. Try having your brother deny you access to his kids b/c you are queer. That's dramatic. Try losing your job b/c you are gay. That's dramatic. Try having to control your simple desire to hold your partner's hand to avoid being harassed. That's dramatic.

Now the incidents with Jamaican residents is different. They attribute the increased intolerance to the looming debate over immigration and I'd agree that's very likely. Guess what homos? Not all Jamaican's are anti-gay. Don't be fueled by the Ricky/George rhetoric on immigration.

Bigotry is as bigotry does.

Round Up - Trans Positive Schools and Homophobic Reggae

Sue — Tue, 11 Jul 2006 07:42:00 -0400

There's not a lot of loal LGBTQ activity of late as we all recuperate from the marriage amendment battle. Plus your faithful correspondent has been struggling with allergies and is tired .... so here's a quick round up of some national stories of interest ...

Broward County, Florida school to admit a transgendered five year old and test their progressive policies. This is a really piece of good news coming from the land of Jeb Bush (and Katharine Harris).

Under WTF? AIDS group recruits two notorious homophobes to perform at benefit concert. They would be reggae artists TOK and Beanie Man. Why, you ask, Beanie Man sounds familiar? Yes, he was supposed to perform at a 2004 show here in Pittsburgh at the Boardwalk. Til yours truly made some calls to LGBTQ leaders and the Post-Gazette complaining. In the wake of negative publicity, the show sponsors (Salem cigarettes) cancelled. As you can imagine, homosexuals, AIDS activists and the African-American community are up in arms over this stupid decision by LIFEBeat to ignore the cadres of talented reggae artists and bring in these two pathetic clowns for an AIDS fundraiser. Follow the link for the full story and details on how to voice your protest.

Happy Birthday Title IX - What's Happening in Pennsylvania?

Sue — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 09:55:00 -0400

From the cool chicks at Feministe (including the title which is just perfect) ....

* Women don't really understand Title IX or the variety of ways in which impacts education (not just sports and athletics)

* It is under continuous attack b/c we obviously discriminating against boys

* It hasn't been enforced effectively

* The current administration wants to deep-six it. Surprise, surprise.

The uber-cool Women's Law Project hosted a Title IX seminar a few years ago which your Correspondents attended. It was fascinating for moi as someone who did not really understand it, especially the aspects of gender discrimination underlying anti-bullying programs.

Here's a few tidbits from the WLP website on Title IX things you should know about here in Pennsylvania:

Slippery Rock University - The lawsuit was brought on behalf of twelve student athletes and a coach against Slippery Rock University (SRU). The lawsuit, filed three months after SRU announced it was going to cut three women's varsity sports, claims that SRU provides neither equitable athletic opportunities for its female students nor equitable treatment of female student athletes.

Report - Gender Equity in Intercollegiate Athletics: Where Does Pennsylvania Stand?

Back in the 80's, I decided to join the track team. The women's team had historically been just a goof off team -- they literally had been doing each other's nails at practice. Then the school decided to put the entire track program under one coach, Mr. Shar. That was my first year. We had the same resources, the same commitment, the same expectations. Only three women lettered, including yours truly and I got it b/c I was the only woman on the entire team who showed up for every practice and every event even though I only scored one point the entire season.

My point, aside from bragging about my glory days - ahem, is that a lot of people criticized the rest of the women's team for being uncommitted, undisciplined, lazy girls who preferred to do nails than develop their talents and skills. No one EVER said a word about all those years that these talented women had been shunted off to the side with a do nothing coach, no support, no equipment, nothing. It was like being set up for failure -- they give us the resources and a few of us succeed which proves that the rest of the girls weren't worth the resource invesment. What a load of crap. In fact, I think the fact that I excelled is due to having the best resources from the get go and not having to undo years of second class citizenship.

We've got a long way to go baby.

You Go Girls! Pittsburgh's Own Girlcott Girls Named to "Real Hot 100" list

Sue — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 16:24:00 -0400

Kudos to those rockin' young women who in partnership with the Women and Girls Foundation launched the Girlcott against Abercrombie & Fitch. In acknowledgement of their excellent work, they were named among the 100 Real Hot Women.

This week's 2006 REAL hotties fought Abercrombie & Fitch -- and won! Because of their REALLY hot Girlcott, A&F pulled demeaning t-shirts from their shelves. How hot is that?

So what's all the fuss about? Read on

We’re tired of the media telling young women how to be "hot"! Maxim Magazine’s annual "Hot 100" list exemplifies how young women are viewed in popular culture. The women featured in this leading men’s magazine are chosen solely for their appearance.

The REAL hot 100 shows that young women are "hot" for reasons beyond their ability to look cute in a magazine.

REALLY hot women are smart. REALLY hot women work for change. REALLY hot women aren’t afraid to speak their minds. And while some REALLY hot women might look awesome in a bikini, they know that’s not all they have to offer.

Who are the REAL hot 100?
The REAL hot 100 is a list featuring young women from around the country who are breaking barriers, fighting stereotypes, and making a difference in their communities or the nation.

This project will not only combat the popular notion that all young women have to offer is their ability to appeal to men, but it will also highlight the important -- but often overlooked -- work young women are doing.

Congratulations girls! You make Pittsburgh proud.

Former Iraq Hostage's Kids Camp Closed By Catholics b/c He's Gay

Sue — Wed, 21 Jun 2006 07:32:00 -0400

You remember James Loney. He was a Christian aid worker who was held hostage in Iraq by insurgents and freed by Coalition forces. He is from Canada. And he's gay. A fact his family and partner kept quiet for fear for his safety while imprisoned.

So he's freed by the troops and returned to Canada where his partner can end what could only be hellacious agony born in solitude without the "comfort" other spouses can seek from public support.

And he finds that his summer camp program has been de-funded by the Canadian Knights of Columbus b/c the curriculum might promote homosexuality to kids according to Loney.

The good Knights deny this was their agenda.

In an interview with the Toronto Star KC official Jack Clancey said Loney's allegations were "out of left field."

"We closed down that leadership camp because we needed to review the way we were going and the curriculum that we were teaching," Clancey told the Star

But of course. The timing, and the fact that the Knights support anti-gay marriage amendments EVERYWHERE has nothing to do with it. Its just business.

Just Catholic bigotry as usual.

However, some in the LGBTQ community aren't that thrilled with Loney. Particularly as he was engaged in "missionary" work in the first place. From the UK-Ireland edition of gay.com comes this perspective:

While Loney has obviously suffered trauma at the hands of his kidnappers, it's not hard to question his presence in Iraq, preaching Christianity on behalf of an unashamedly homophobic organization.

Aside from putting his own life at risk, Loney undoubtedly endangered the lives of beleaguered US soldiers, already overworked with insurgencies and bomb threats.

It’s also highly unlikely that war-torn Iraqi citizens are in need of God-bothering missionaries attempting to convert them as gore and missiles rain from the sky.

Loney seems to have learned little form the experience as he’s considering the possibility of joining a Christian Peacemakers Team project in Colombia or the Palestinian territory next year.

He acknowledged his experience in Iraq could make it a lot more difficult, but seems oblivious to the inherent selfishness of such an act.

Gay Friendly Prom This Weekend in Pittsburgh

Sue — Thu, 25 May 2006 11:31:00 -0400

SA-TUR-DAY NIGHT!

This weekend, the Pittsburgh Chapter of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Educatio Network) will host the Safe Prom for All at the Westin Hotel Convention Center.

This event rocks b/c it celebrates creating safe spaces for ALL kids. There are many a straight young adult who attends this celebration of diversity rather than the usual 50's throwback prom at the regular high schools. Especially when kids across the country are refusing to be forced into traditional gender role boxes in the name of conformity. Just this week a Gary, Indiana lad was booted from his high school prom because he showed up in a dress. The school claims boys wearing dresses disrupts the learning environment. Which is very important at the prom.

So if you have the time to volunteer at the Safe Prom or make a donation, surf on over and do so. Our kids deserve it.

Do Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents = Pornography?

Sue — Tue, 09 May 2006 22:04:00 -0400

Tonight some disturbing news from our good friend Dave over at 2 Political Junkies. It seems that the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has categorized the Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents' website as pornography and blocked access from their computers.

OH MY!

Seriously, pornography?

I took a quick look at the online library policies which indicates that material that is harmful to minors is filtered.

"Harmful to Minors" involves materials or performances that involve explicit sexual materials that depict nudity, sexual conduct or sadomasochistic abuse and appeal predominantly to prurient, shameful or morbid interest of minors, is offensive to prevailing standards in the adult community and taken as a whole lacks serious literary, artistic, political, educational or scientific value for minors. Pennsylvania Obscenity Statute - 18 Pa.C.S. 5903

Interesting. I contacted the library for an explanation so we'll see what transpires.

I'm also interested in what sites are NOT blocked ... your feedback is welcome.

Mon Valley Schools Bury Heads in Sand Over Bullying

Sue — Tue, 09 May 2006 07:43:00 -0400

From Monday's Valley Independent, I learned that most of the high schools in the mid-Mon Valley believe they are being proactive on cyber-bullying. According to Charleroi Superintendent Dr. Brad Ferko.

"I think technology is a great thing, but like everything, it has to be controlled," he said. "We've (addressed) bullying and cyber safety at the PTA meetings. We've also had groups where they talk about the bullying. I think we're very proactive."

The rest of the superintendents and principals shrug off the problem as not overly prevalent in their wonderful little school districts (Monessen and Ringgold) and emphasize how they interact with the parents to address specific circumstances. Monessen Superintendent Dr. Cynthia Chelen prefaces all of her sentences with "if" which implies that of course the wonderful Monessen school district is probably not sullied by bullying.

Ferko has the utmost faith in parents:" Ninety-five to 98 percent of the time, it's handled by the parents and they're very supportive."

Let's take a quick trip to Bridgeport, Connecticut where more than 14 high school students took part in a brutal assault on a gay high schooler. (He's recovering but terrified to go back to school, of course). But note this little tidbit ..

In a police report obtained by The Post, officer Dwayne Harrison wrote that rumors about students' sexuality have provoked ongoing tension at Central.

So this wasn't just a random mob event. The tension .. ahem, bullying ... had been there. In the school. Among the students. What we don't know yet is how the school was handling the situation.

I want to know who sold the sand in which the Mon Valley birds have buried their heads. I mean do they actually spend time in school? Have they met the parents? 98 percent of the time the parents handle bullyiing? That's a ridiculous assertion. If 98 percent of the parents in any disciplinary situation handled the situation and were "very supportive" school life would look very different. Especially for those of us who were on the bottom of the food chain.

I remember high school very well (West Mifflin Area). I survived some what unscathed because I was brainy and funny, but I have some wounds from ugly confrontations and abuse. It was awful for some of my friends, including those who were gay. I remember lists like the one in Mt. Lebanon, painful scenes in the locker room, the constant teasing and ridicule, being physically chased and assaulted, and the very subtle underlying sexual threat. It was not an experience I would willingly repeat. And I got off easy.

My partner went to a rural school and her stories are just as awful, if not worse because of the greater isolation the rural kids experienced.

Reading this piece of drivel from the Valley Independent makes me choke of my coffee. I have a cousin planning to move her kids out to a "country school" because she buys into this myth that somehow its safer than the suburbs (or, god forbid, the city). I know she's acting in good faith, but these principals are actively contributing to her delusion when they make these statements.

Too bad the reporter didn't challenge the 98% fact and ask for some evidence. Or even ask if they have documentation on bullying incidents. Or, more importantly, ask what type of anti-bullying curriculum materials they are using. Passing around some handouts at the PTA meeting isn't very effective. I'm guessing that the parents of most bullies don't join the the PTA. I could be wrong.

Take it from the homos, Mon Valley. You should really rethink this whole blissful ignorance issue. It is great that you work with the police and the parents to address specific incidents of bullying. And its great that you try to educate the parents about the dangers of cyber-bullying. But what you need to do is get beyond the mentality that bullying is part of the routine high school experience, roll up your sleeves and get in there with some tools to educate your kids. You might want to contact my all time favorite resource GLSEN Pittsburgh.

Why Pgh Catholic Schools should contact GLSEN

Sue — Wed, 03 May 2006 07:51:00 -0400

From last week's Tribune-Review, I found this little item about a young Catholic middle school child who was the victim on-line bullying. According to his mother, classmates put up a faux My Space profile identifying the young man as gay. This happened hand in hand with unspecific physical bullying.

So what happened to this kid? His grades plummet and his mother gets involved. She contacts the school (Word of God in Swissvale) which does nothing b/c it wasn't a school issue. She then contacts the Diocese of Pgh. She contacts the police. She contacts My Space and gets the profile taken down. Then she contacts other parents to let them know what is happening.

As proof the school doesn't take it seriously, I need only point out that the Word of God secretary spoke with the press. God bless secretaries. If the principal of the school cannot take the time to address this issue, God help the kids. Perhaps she's too busy covering up a scandal to pay attention?

Good for Mom. But her next call should be to the GLSEN (Gay Lesbian and Straight Education Network). Because unlike the school and diocese, these folks take bullying seriously. And since this directly involves harassment based on sexual orientation, who better than the homos to help Mom figure it all out?

Because while she's done a great job trying to protect her son and other children in the school, her next step isn't going to be productive.

[Mom] said even though the incident did not occur at school, she would like to see those responsible disciplined.
"I know the school cannot handle every problem," she said. "But in the Catholic environment, (the school) expects more socially and morally from students."

What the Catholic environment should be doing is teaching (and modeling) anti-bullying behavior in and out of school. Punishing the perps won't begin to address the underlying problems. Parents in this school need to come together and insist that the school take a proactive stance on bullying so the kids get the tools they need to protect themselves.

Consorting with the homosexuals seems contrary to Catholic teachings, but who better to help parents respond to bullying than the current number one target in America? We get it from every direction -- government, church, workplace, random bystanders, etc.

Mom - contact GLSEN. Your son deserves more support and help than the Catholic Church is going to provide in this incident.

Russian Christians Partner with Skinheads on Gay Rights

Sue — Mon, 01 May 2006 12:52:00 -0400

Here's a sad fact: Russian Orthdox Catholics are working in unity with
skinheads to oppose gay rights.

On Sunday
police had to hold back a crowd of bottle-tossing skinheads and Bible-
clutching church folks who were protesting a gay event at a local club.

Not to be outdone by the Christian-Skinhead connection, Russian Muslims are
threatening to kill gays if they proceed with plans to celebrate Pride.

PrideFest is scheduled for May 26 and 27 in Moscow. If the city bans the
event, organizers plan to take the matter to the European Court of Human
Rights.

Sounds like a crowd where Fred Phelps would feel right at home.

Hypocrites in right winger land

Ledcat — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 22:07:00 -0400

As a member of the female species and a feminist I have been paying attention to the furor in Mt. Lebanon. I have some friends who live in Mt. Lebanon and my grandfather lived there for many years. It's a nice place. Lately it has also provided a lesson in good ole fashion hypocrisy, one of my favorite subjects.

It's a favorite topic because I always have to laugh at how people can condemn and bash gay people for supposedly being morally bankrupt. And then turn around and do the same thing (or worse) they condemn others for doing.

Mt. Lebanon--white, rich, Christian and right-wing republican has a group of boys (sorry, they don't qualify as young men) rating the girls of their school on such wonderful areas as their breasts, buttocks and whether they perform oral sex and do drugs. A lovely, lovely way to think about their female peers. I'm sure the "women" at Concerned Women for America are very proud. Anyway, to illustrate my point, I can't think of a better way to do it then the following quote--published in today's Post Gazette from Attorney William H. Difenderfer, who represents one of the boys involved in making the list:

He added, "I'm very fearful with this publicity that the administration will go over the top with these boys. They're very good kids. I know them well. They all are college-bound. They all have very constructive lives ahead of them. ... These kids are all decent kids. My client is extremely remorseful."

Here is what these "decent kids" were talking about in their list of "Top 25" females:

The list includes grades for girls' faces, breasts and buttocks and talks about drug use, oral sex, sexually transmitted disease and weight.

So, these are what the right-wing republicans of Mt. Lebon consider to be "decent kids?" Well, it makes me feel better that they are college-bound and have constructive lives ahead of them--doing what? Writing for Hustler Magazine? Playing lacrosse for Duke? Ohhh, low blow!!

These are the same, smug people who, with their Bibles in hand, will vote to ban gay marriage so those deviants don't harm our society!

See, ain't hypocrisy grand? And I will say this. I will pit all of my gay friends (and most of gay society--LOL) against these "decent boys" any day of the week.

AFA of PA: Being Queer More Risky Than Bullying and Harassment

Sue — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 21:12:00 -0400

I just have to post the whole damn message I received as part of my subscription to the American Family ...

Big Lesbian Welcome to Correspondent Shelly

Sue — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 11:47:00 -0400

Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents is pleased to welcome our newest
correspondent Shelly. We've known Shelly for several years -- she is very
active in the local LGBT community. Her writing, you will find, is
articulate, insightful and from a slightly different perspective than Ledcat
and me.

Three's Company, too!

Welcome aboard Shelly!

Sue

Eat Pancakes for Queer Kids --- Something Fun to do next weekend

Sue — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 16:33:00 -0400

Dreams of Hope Youth Invited to Perform in Twin Cities

Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser!

hosted by Dreams of Hope

Saturday, April 29,

Seating times: 10:00am and 11:30am

Community of Reconciliation; 100 N. Bellefield Ave

corner of 5th and Bellefield; street parking and lot across Bellefield

Performance for both seatings

$5 for breakfast

EAT DRINK (juice, coffee, tea, H2O) BE GAY and DONATE

RSVP:

name

number of eaters

preferred seating time

TO: info@dreamsofhope.org

If you are unable to attend but would like to donate please send your tax deductable donation to Dreams of Hope, c/o Robin Godfrey, 3432 Perrysville Ave, Pgh, PA 15214

Dreams of Hope is a nonprofit creative and performing arts youth group committed to developing leaders in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender youth community and to promoting awareness and understanding of this community. Through the creation of new artistic works by and about its members, professional training of its members in public speaking on LGBT issues and performances for academic institutions, DOH confronts and challenges homophobia.

Catholic Church Hates Gays More Than It Loves Children

Sue — Sat, 11 Mar 2006 13:27:00 -0500

The Catholic Church strikes another blow for homobigots everywhere. 365gay.com reports that Catholic Charities of Boston will no longer provide adoption services because they choose not to comply with the states human rights law requring them to not discriminate against GLBT parents. The Catholic Church wants a special exemption from the law.

They want to be free to discriminate AND accept state funding. Only in W's America!

Today in Pennsylvania, there are over 21,000 children in the foster care system (I know this from my day job). That is in a state that ALLOWS gays to foster and adopt children.

It is pathetic -- absolutely pathetic -- that the right wing is trying to use CHILDREN as leverage against gays. Vulnerable children are fodder for their latest attempts to paint queers into a corner or back into the closet. They are going to keep these kids in foster care for years longer by turning away gay foster and adoptive parents. That's some family values for ya.

I'm looking forward to Bishop Wuerl's response ....

Sue

Good News for Pittsburgh's Queer Youth

Sue — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 17:26:00 -0500

From the City Paper

Tom Wyse, faculty adviser for Gay-Straight Alliance groups in two Pittsburgh Public high schools, says a new meeting spot in Carnegie Library’s Oakland branch is the start of a community-wide Alliance. The Carnegie’s dedicated teen room will become the “Safe and Respectful Space” every Wednesday after school, beginning with a post-Valentine’s Day ice-cream social. The space was Wyse’s suggestion: He says it’s necessary, pointing to January’s Harris poll that showed sexual orientation was the second-most common reason for bullying in schools, after appearance or size. Teens in middle or high school who identified as gay were three times as likely to report bullying as their straight peers.

Now this is a great idea. GSA's in general provide wonderful mutal support for LGBTQ youth and their allies. These are some amazingly brave kids who refuse to be intimidated by all the homophobic hate spewing from educators around the country. Such as in Utah where the state legislature is trying to ban GSAs to ensure socially appropriate behavior.

I'd launch into a rant here but this post is supposed to be about the positive things happening in Pittsburgh. Kudos to the Carnegie Library for stepping up on this issue. Good to know that my never-ending late fines are contributing to some good gay stuff.

Safe and Respectful Space, Carnegie Library, Oakland, Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m. beginning with the Ice Cream Valentine’s Party for LGBTQ Youth and Allies, Wed., Feb 15, 4 p.m.

Contact safe&respectfulspace@glsenpgh.org or phone 412-361-6996; see www.glsen.org and www.carnegielibrary.org.

Homophobes in High School - Teachers?

Sue — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 20:44:00 -0500

A group of teachers in San Leandro High School (California) are refusing to display posters promoting gay diversity.

The posters were designed by the school's Gay-Straight Alliance and show a rainbow flag and bear the words "This is a safe place to be who you are."

The "educators" are hiding behind the illusion that the posters violate their religious beliefs. Since when is making school safe for children in conflict with any religion? Did I miss the encyclical declaring bullying a sanctified activity?

Here's a breath of fresh air from the school district

"This is not about religion, sex or a belief system,'' district Superintendent Christine Lim told the San Francisco Chronicle.

"This is about educators making sure our schools are safe for our children, regardless of their sexual orientation," said Lim, who sponsored the poster measure.

I can only imagine what these edu-bigots have overlooked in the way of gay bullying in their classrooms. Or gender bullying. Only a truly ignorant rube would object to creating safe spaces for all kids in which to learn.

How long til the AFA and the Thomas More Center weigh in on this?

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