9/9/10 Hello, This Week's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender

9/9/10

Hello,

This week's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S) CCMH Inclusion Initiative eNewsletter has a new look. I've reduced the content and provided links where more information can be found if desired.

Please be sure to note the two up-coming LGBTQQI2-S Trainings, and the RFP for AIDS Programs funding in Contra Costa County.

Thanks,

Tony

Tony Sanders, PhD CCMH Program Manager: Care Management Unit, Access Line, and The LGBTQQI2-S Inclusion Initiative 30 Douglas Drive #234, Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 372-4401 Fax: (925) 372-4410

Local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S) Resources Website: www.EastbayPride.com

The Inclusion Initiative phone: 925.372.4404 and email: [email protected]

************************************* CC Cnty LGBTQQI2-S Trainings *************************************

September 21 st: Families Matter: Rethinking Approaches to Reduce Risk and Promote Well-Being for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Youth by Caitlin Ryan, PhD (Repeats from 6/9/10). Concord, CA.

October 18th: Gender Matters: Concepts in Working with Gender Variant and Transgender Children, Youth and Families by Caitlin Ryan, PhD. Concord, CA.

************************************* RFP's & Funding Opportunities *************************************

Contra Costa Health Services AIDS Program Request For Proposal Guidelines And Instructions (PDF) - Federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act funds, including federal Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) funds, are available through the Contra Costa Health Services Department AIDS Program. Services funded through this RFP are intended to help stabilize clients' lives and reduce barriers to receiving medical attention. HRSA requires that 75% of Ryan White funding support primary care and related core services. Core services include Ambulatory Outpatient Medical Care, Medical Case Management, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Oral Health Care. The remaining 25% of funds may be used for support services, including Transportation, Health Education/Risk Reduction, Food, Housing, Emergency Financial Assistance, and related support. All services funded by the Contra Costa (CC) AIDS Program are intended to support clients to obtain regular medical care and improve health outcomes. - RFP Funding Application - Attachment A-H (DOC)

************************************* Online LGBTQQI2-S Trainings *************************************

Sept. 15th: Experiences of LGBT Youth in US Schools: Newly Released Findings from the GLSEN 2009 National School Climate Survey. Webinar: 9/15 (noon-1hr). To register cut and paste into your browser: https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=2qj96p7tzinh

September 23, 11-12:30: Webinar: That's So Gay: Preventing and Addressing Anti-Gay Bullying

This webinar is presented by The GLBT Youth Support Project and sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. This interactive session will explore the nature of bullying and help participants identify concrete strategies to prevent and address bullying in youth-centered environments. Space is limited! To register, contact Brandy Brooks. Check out the full list on the on-line education center .If you'd like to be notified as soon as registration opens for any of these courses, sign up for our on-line education mailing list.

Virtual Mentor: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identification, and Patient Care

The August issue of Virtual Mentor, the American Medical Association Journal of Ethics, is entirely dedicated to best practices for GLBT clients, including youth. The full issue is available on their website.

************************************* In the Community Calendar *************************************

September 5-11: National Suicide Prevention Week.

Ideas, resources, and a listing of events happening around the country are listed here.

September 13 th "Undertow" opens at SF Bridge Theatre: www.undertowfilm.com/

September 14 th: Choosing Children, 25 Years Later Screening and Benefit Reception at SF Herbst Theatre

September 23 rd: Sexual Freedom Day: (cut and paste into browser) http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e30ejsyo5d29059e&llr=jjktbb44

September 26 th: SF Folsom Street Fair: www.folsomstreetfair.org/

October 7 & 8 th: ISMS Conference in Berkeley: www.regonline.com/powerandprivilege

October 22 nd: Rainbow Community Center's Casino Night fund-raiser in Concord. www.rainbowcc.org (Check out their September Calendar for other events.) November 13 th-20 th: Second Annual Trans Awareness Week. Submit your events and Transgender Day of Remembrance vigils to [email protected]

************************************* Trans Resources ************************************* Providing financial assistance for sexual reassignment surgery (cut and paste into browser): www.thetcal.org/

************************************* LGBTQQI2-S Seniors Resources *************************************

Affordable SF Housing for Seniors: www.openhouse-sf.org

************************************* LGBTQQI2-S Youth Resources *************************************

It's Your Life: a new website for LGBTQ youth in foster care. This website, designed by the American Bar Association, is a great resources for youth in care and for adults working with youth in care. Take a look.

Camp fYrefly Helps Queer Youth Be Themselves. "It's a camp that's created for queer youth. It's a leadership retreat at the very basic -- giving youth the skills to go back into their community to be proud individuals and give them the tools necessary to thrive in their communities .." More information is available here.

Sex, Etc. Sex, Etc., a sexual health website for teens, has a newly updated resource list of websites and books for GLBTQ youth. Take a look.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning College Student Suicide Fact Sheet. This new fact sheet was developed by the Pace University Counseling Center in New York. Download the fact sheet.

New video: "Ugly Ducklings: The Documentary" Hailed as "one of the best docs on queer youth," "Ugly Ducklings" explores the realities of harassment, bullying and homophobia and their devastating effects on today's lesbian and gay youth. Inspired by the award-winning play of the same name, "Ugly Ducklings" captures behind-the-scenes conversations with the play's fourteen female actors as they examine their own experiences with bullying and homophobia. Watch a clip.

Bullied: A Student, A School, and a Case That Made History This brand-new video from Teaching Tolerance takes on the issue of anti-gay bullying. The video is free and comes with action steps and other resources. Read more.

While you're there, take a look at this fabulous editorial cartoon and a great free lesson plan for talking about bullying. Download it.

Nowhere to Go: An Issue Brief on Gay and Transgender Youth Homelessness This new resource from the Center for American Progress summarizes new data from the report On The Streets: The Federal Response to Gay and Transgender Homeless Youth. Download the issue brief. (Check out this related article: Affirmation: Gay and Lesbian Mormons: Standing up to Homelessness

************************************* And more quick headlines: *************************************

Disco-Ball Dresses and Spandex: A dispatch from transgender camp for kids (Slate.com)

An End to Gay Adoption Bans? (The New York Times)

Notice: The document being e-mailed is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and re-disclosure is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, or are the employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the intended recipient, you are notified that the dissemination, distribution or copying of this message is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and delete this e-mail from your computer.

9/15/10

Hello,

Here is this week's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning Youth, Intersex and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S) Mental Health Division's Inclusion Initiative's eNewsletter.

Please note space is still available in next Tuesday's LGBTQQI2-S Training in Concord, CA (see below). This training is open to MH Contractors and other health care providers as well as County Staff--please distribute.

Contents: 1.) Local LGBTQQI2-S Trainings 2.) On-line LGBTQQI2-S Trainings 3.) In the Community Calendar 4.) TRANS Resources 5.) LGBTQQI2-S Senior's Resources 6.) Participate in a Survey or Study 7.) LGBTQQI2-S Youth Resources 8.) LGBTQQI2-S Focused or Friendly Jobs & Scholarships 9.) More Quick Headlines

Also, check out the: Local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S) Resources Website: www.EastbayPride.com

Thanks,

Tony

Tony Sanders, PhD CCMH Program Manager: Care Management Unit, Access Line, and The LGBTQQI2-S Inclusion Initiative 30 Douglas Drive #234, Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 372-4401 Fax: (925) 372-4410

Local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S) Resources Website: www.EastbayPride.com

The Inclusion Initiative phone: 925.372.4404 and email: [email protected]

************************************* CC Cnty LGBTQQI2-S Trainings *************************************

SPACE STILL AVAILABLE--WALK-IN'S OK--September 21 st: Families Matter: Rethinking Approaches to Reduce Risk and Promote Well- Being for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Youth by Caitlin Ryan, PhD (Repeats from 6/9/10). Concord, CA.

October 18th: Gender Matters: Concepts in Working with Gender Variant and Transgender Children, Youth and Families by Caitlin Ryan, PhD. Concord, CA.

************************************* Online LGBTQQI2-S Trainings *************************************

September 23, 11-12:30: Webinar: That's So Gay: Preventing and Addressing Anti-Gay Bullying

Virtual Mentor: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identification, and Patient Care

CE-0001, Working with Sexual Minority Youth, an online course worth 6 hours of continuing education, is now available at the www.gilgerald.com website. The course is offered through LGBT ACCESS, one of two Gil Gerald & Associates, Inc. services providing technical assistance and training in cultural competency in serving LGBTQQI/SGL/2-S individuals and families.

************************************* In the Community Calendar ************************************* September: Gay Straight Alliance Action Alert: SB 543, the Mental Health Services for At-Risk Youth bill, passed the California legislature and is waiting for Governor Schwarzenegger's signature. We know this bill has been targeted by right-wing opposition, so we need your help to make sure the Governor signs this bill. Call the Governor today and help make access to mental health services available for all youth! The Mental Health Services for At-Risk Youth Act will improve access and remove barriers to mental health care for youth in California.

September 23 rd: Gay and Lesbian Medical Association Conference. San Diego, CA. http://www.glma.org/index.cfm?nodeid=1

September 23 rd: Sexual Freedom Day: (cut and paste into browser) http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e30ejsyo5d29059e&llr=jjktbb44

September 26 th: SF Folsom Street Fair: www.folsomstreetfair.org/

October: LGBT History Month: GSA Network is proud to partner with Equality Forum to help bring GLBT History Month to schools across California and the country! Each day in October 2010, an Icon is featured with a video, biography, bibliography, downloadable images and other educational resources. The resources for GLBT History Month 2010 Icons will be available at www.glbthistorymonth.com. There are tons of ways to celebrate GLBT History Month. GSA Network has created a resource guide to help GSAs bring these heroes into the spotlight at your school! Download the GLBT history month guide from our web site.

October 7 & 8 th: ISMS Conference in Berkeley: www.regonline.com/powerandprivilege

October 8 - 10 th: LGBT families from all over the country will come together at the Embassy Suites in Palm Desert, CA for a weekend of community building and relaxing by the pool. Now in its ninth year, Families in the Desert is a weekend where connections are made that help keep our families happy and healthy. Register now or learn more at www.familyequality.org/desert.

October 22 nd: Rainbow Community Center's Casino Night fund-raiser in Concord. www.rainbowcc.org (Check out their September Calendar for other events.)

November 13 th-20 th: Second Annual Trans Awareness Week. For information about National LGBT Health Awareness Week go to http://www.lgbthealth.net/ and for further NASW resources on LGBT issues click here http://www.socialworkers.org/diversity/default.asp

************************************* Trans Resources *************************************

Transgender Resource Day: Please join us for the 1st Annual Transgender Resource Day September 25th, held at The Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center, 1927 L St. Sacramento, CA from 11am-3pm. Discover competent transgender resources from the Greater Sacramento Area. Bring the family for a fun filled day with youth activities, food, and fun for all ages. Please support our community, allies welcome. www.thegenderhealthcenter.org

Providing financial assistance for sexual reassignment surgery (cut and paste into browser): www.thetcal.org/

Disco-Ball Dresses and Spandex: A dispatch from transgender camp for kids (Slate.com)

************************************* LGBTQQI2-S Seniors Resources *************************************

Affordable SF Housing for Seniors: www.openhouse-sf.org

************************************* Participate in a Survey or Study *************************************

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Medical Education Research Group (LGBT MERG) at Stanford University School of Medicine is currently conducting a national study on LGBT medical education. To participate in this study, fill out the online survey at https://ssl.opinio.net/s?s=LGBTHealthStories

We are looking for participants for a project exploring the perspectives of adolescents and young adults with lesbian, gay, and bisexual parents. We are interviewing individuals between the age of 14 and 28 who have lesbian, gay, or bisexual parents, in an effort to gain their perspectives on marriage equality. If interested, please contact Abbie Goldberg, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Clark University, [email protected] or 508-793-7289.

************************************* LGBTQQI2-S Youth Resources ************************************* ------It's Your Life: a new website for LGBTQ youth in foster care. This website, designed by the American Bar Association, is a great resources for youth in care and for adults working with youth in care. Take a look.

Sex, Etc. Sex, Etc., a sexual health website for teens, has a newly updated resource list of websites and books for GLBTQ youth. Take a look.

While you're there, take a look at this fabulous editorial cartoon and a great free lesson plan for talking about bullying. Download it.

Disco-Ball Dresses and Spandex: A dispatch from transgender camp for kids (Slate.com)

************************************* Jobs & Scholarships *************************************

Deputy Director, Gay-Straight Alliance Network (San Francisco, CA)—apply by Sept 20. www.gsanetwork.org Status: Full-time, Exempt Salary: Salary commensurate with experience, plus generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and retirement benefits Gay-Straight Alliance Network (GSA Network) is a youth-driven, social justice organization based in San Francisco that empowers youth activists fighting homophobia and transphobia in high schools and middle schools. To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to [email protected] or mail to: Job Search, GSA Network, 1550 Bryant Street #800, San Francisco, CA 94103. Specify job title when applying; no phone calls or faxes please.

Sacramento CARES is looking for people, age 18-24, from the African American, Latino, and Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Trans (GLBT) communities to become peer educators. Peer educators will lead diverse youth teams to provide HIV/STD education, prevention, and testing to 1,000 Sacramento Area youth ages 12-24 during the 2010-2011 school year, and summer 2011. Student leadership experience and interest in community service, social work, and public health is a plus. Enjoy a flexible work schedule, including weekend and evening shifts, $10/hour, 10 hours a week. Contact Ericka Dennis, [email protected], for more information.

Sacramento Community service project for high school students: CARES is also looking for youth, age 14-18, from the African American, Latino, and Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Trans (GLBT) communities. These youth will become part of a diverse peer educator team providing HIV/STD education, prevention, and testing to 1,000 Sacramento Area youth ages 12-24 during the 2010-2011school year and summer 2011. Student leadership experience and interest in community service, social work, and public health is a plus. This volunteer position fulfills most area school community service project requirements. We require 10 hours per week with after school, evening and weekend availability. Contact Ericka Dennis, [email protected], for more information.

************************************* And more quick headlines: *************************************

Judge in California rules on military's ban on openly gay service members (From the Washington Post) A federal judge in California said Thursday that the U.S. military's ban on openly gay service members violates the Constitution, the most recent in a string of court rulings overturning restrictions on the rights of the country's gay men and lesbians. U.S. District Judge Virginia A. Phillips said the government's "don't ask, don't tell" policy is a violation of due process and First Amendment rights. Instead of being necessary for military readiness, she said, the policy has a "direct and deleterious effect" on the armed services.

The report, Same-sex couples in US Census Bureau Data: Who gets counted and why, highlights key findings of a national survey of cohabiting same-sex couples designed to understand if and how they completed their Census 2010 forms and why they chose the options they did to identify their relationship. Full report, click here. Press release, click here

An End to Gay Adoption Bans? (The New York Times)

************************************* RFP's & Funding Opportunities *************************************

September 29th RFP Deadline: Contra Costa Health Services AIDS Program Request For Proposal Guidelines And Instructions (PDF) - Federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Ryan White Treatment Modernization Act funds, including federal Minority AIDS Initiative (MAI) funds, are available through the Contra Costa Health Services Department AIDS Program. Services funded through this RFP are intended to help stabilize clients' lives and reduce barriers to receiving medical attention. HRSA requires that 75% of Ryan White funding support primary care and related core services. Core services include Ambulatory Outpatient Medical Care, Medical Case Management, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Oral Health Care. The remaining 25% of funds may be used for support services, including Transportation, Health Education/Risk Reduction, Food, Housing, Emergency Financial Assistance, and related support. All services funded by the Contra Costa (CC) AIDS Program are intended to support clients to obtain regular medical care and improve health outcomes. - RFP Funding Application - Attachment A-H (DOC)

9/22/10

Hello,

Here is this week's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning Youth, Intersex and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S) Mental Health Division's Inclusion Initiative's eNewsletter.

Please note Sept. 29th deadline for CCHS AIDS Program Request for Proposals below.

Also, check out the: Local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S) Resources Website: www.EastbayPride.com

Thanks,

Tony

Tony Sanders, PhD CCMH Program Manager: Care Management Unit, Access Line, and The LGBTQQI2-S Inclusion Initiative 30 Douglas Drive #234, Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 372-4401 Fax: (925) 372-4410

Local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S) Resources Website: www.EastbayPride.com

The Inclusion Initiative phone: 925.372.4404 or 1.888.678.7277 x 24404. The Inclusion Initiative email: [email protected] The Inclusion Initiative's Dashboard: www.cchealth.org/topics/lgbtq/pdf/dashboard.pdf The MH Division's (Contra Costa Health Services Department) Inclusion Initiative Web Page: www.cchealth.org/topics/lgbtq/

************************************* CC Cnty LGBTQQI2-S Trainings *************************************

September 27th: Diversity Film Series at the Contra Costa Crisis Center. Our diversity film series resumes this Fall on September 27 with Straightlaced-How Gender's Got Us All Tied Up by Debra Chasnoff, an intimate look at the popular pressures teenagers face in school around gender and sexuality. www.crisis-center.org/the_candle.pdf 6:30 pm – Light food & refreshments, 7:00 pm – Film & Discussion. Please RSVP at [email protected] Send your name, contact phone and the number of people coming with you. If you need more information, contact Roberto by email or by phone at 925.939.1916, ext. 128.

October 18th: Gender Matters: Concepts in Working with Gender Variant and Transgender Children, Youth and Families by Caitlin Ryan, PhD. Concord, CA.

Mental Health Consumer Training to become Peer Counselors: Do you know some one interested in SPIRIT 2011? SPIRIT 2011 application work shop for Central Contra Costa. Friday September 24, 2010: 1:00- 3:00 am. 2975 Treat Blvd Bldg C, Concord, Ca 9452. see flyer for more information

The West Contra Costa SPIRIT application work shop is Thursday September 23, 2010 from 9am - 11am

************************************* Online LGBTQQI2-S Trainings *************************************

Oct. 28th Webinar: That's So Gay: Preventing and Addressing Anti-Gay Bullying

Virtual Mentor: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identification, and Patient Care

September 23 rd: Gay and Lesbian Medical Association Conference. San Diego, CA. http://www.glma.org/index.cfm?nodeid=1

September 23 rd: Sexual Freedom Day: (cut and paste into browser) http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e30ejsyo5d29059e&llr=jjktbb44

September 26 th: SF Folsom Street Fair: www.folsomstreetfair.org/

September 27th: National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day--UCSF Center for AIDS Prevention Studies (CAPS) Makes Available New Fact Sheet and Resource Booklet Available. Fact sheets on the prevention of hepatitis C (HCV) transmission and “Research & Resources with Gay Men”, a booklet for use as a resource on any planned events on National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day on Sept. 27 is available online. CAPS offers these publications as materials for trainings and presentations and as a way to stay current on results of recent CAPS research. In addition, a Fact Sheet in Spanish describing what is known and not known about transgender men, what keeps them safe and their HIV-related risks is also available for downloading. Information: To download these documents, visit the UCSF CAPS site at http://caps.ucsf.edu/

October 7 & 8 th: ISMS Conference in Berkeley: www.regonline.com/powerandprivilege

October 15th: National Latino AIDS Awareness Day: www.aids.gov/awareness-days/

October 22 nd: Rainbow Community Center's Casino Night fund-raiser in Concord. www.rainbowcc.org (Check out their September Calendar for other events.)

November 3rd: Contra Costa Mental Health will host a Mental Health Service Act Outcomes Event at the Concord Crowne Plaza. This is a meeting to apprise stakeholders of the improving continuum of care provided by MHSA funded practices and services. Please see the attached flyer for more details, and feel free to pass it on.

************************************* Trans Resources *************************************

September 25th--Sacto--Transgender Resource Day: Please join us for the 1st Annual Transgender Resource Day September 25th, held at The Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center, 1927 L St. Sacramento, CA from 11am-3pm. Discover competent transgender resources from the Greater Sacramento Area. Bring the family for a fun filled day with youth activities, food, and fun for all ages. Please support our community, allies welcome. www.thegenderhealthcenter.org

Providing financial assistance for sexual reassignment surgery (cut and paste into browser): www.thetcal.org/

************************************* LGBTQQI2-S Seniors Resources *************************************

Affordable SF Housing for Seniors: www.openhouse-sf.org

************************************* Participate in a Survey or Study *************************************

UCSF Researchers Seeking Medical Providers Treating HIV-Positive Patients for Phone Interviews. Researchers at UCSF are determining the feasibility of a national study on screening for anal cancer as a standard of care for HIV-positive patients and are seeking physicians, nurses, and medical case managers who treat HIV-positive patients who will be asked about medical research studies in general and anal cancer screening in particular. The interviews are conducted by telephone, last approximately 20 minutes, and participants will receive a $100 Amazon.com gift card for their time. Information: To learn more contact [email protected] or call 415-597-4979.

************************************* LGBTQQI2-S Youth Resources *************************************

Book: The Right to Be Out: Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in America’s Public Schools. Click here to purchase a copy of The Right to be Out, by Williams Institute Faculty Advisory Committee member Stuart Biegel, and funded, in part, by the Williams Institute. "A thorough, timely, and relevant contribution to the education community on a topic that transcends politics or geography and truly impacts every classroom in the nation.” — John Wilson, Executive Director, National Education Association

“Genderfluid, pansexual, and in high school” http://www.bilerico.com/2010/08/genderfluid_pansexual_and_in_high_school.phphttp://www.bilerico.c om/2010/08/genderfluid_pansexual_and_in_high_school.php I got this email yesterday from a queer high school student. Now how many of us went through similar experiences, only to run far away at the end and never go back?http://www.bilerico.com/2010/08/lgbt_hands-rainbow.jpg “I live in Kansas and moved from the inner city into a more rural setting this summer. I'm a junior in high school. I'm also genderfluid and pansexual. I knew before the move was solid that going from a suburban school to a rural school as a junior was going to be a challenge. It's only been a week and a half at this school, and I'm already uncomfortable. Not the first-day uncomfortable; that feeling of shyness and unfamiliarity as you stumble through the alien hallways, avoiding the eye contact of probing strangers. This is a discomfort that I have developed because, in this short time, it has become apparent to me that I can't be open about my sexuality or gender identity. You can read the rest of this blog here: http://www.bilerico.com/2010/08/genderfluid_pansexual_and_in_high_school.phphttp://www.bilerico.c om/2010/08/genderfluid_pansexual_and_in_high_school.php

“Being a Young Person’s Hero” http://www.bilerico.com/2010/08/being_a_young_persons_hero.phphttp://www.bilerico.com/2010/08/b eing_a_young_persons_hero.phpTo those of us who slip into our rainbow-breasted leotards and pink capes to daily work for "truth, justice and the American way" for LGBTQ people, last week was worthy of celebration. While the foiling of Proposition 8 in California has been the center of much of the attention, I'd like to welcome the addition of a hero to our fight for equality. Last week, talk radio commentator Stephanie Miller publicly came out as a lesbian.

You might ask why yet another celebrity figure coming out is worthy of praise, but to thousands of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people - especially young people - who think they are alone out there, another out public figure is a lifeline to them. Every year at The Trevor Project, we talk to as many as 30,000 young people from every state in the U.S. who are considering ending their lives, and in many cases, their Trevor counselor is the first LGBTQ person or affirming ally they've ever been in contact with. To us, the more high profile people who take the step to come out and be role models for young people, the more lives will be saved.

To put it another way, after coming out on Friday, Stephanie interviewed another recently out celebrity, musician Chely Wright, who had actually attempted suicide because she felt she had no way out as a lesbian woman of faith in country music. Since coming out, Chely has used her platform as a celebrity to let young people in rural parts of the U.S. know that they are not alone. Considering more than two-thirds of the youth that contact The Trevor Project don't live near a city, voices like hers are increasingly relevant, especially as we approach National Suicide Prevention Week (Sept. 5-11).

In order to do something life-changing for an LGBTQ youth, you don't have to be "one of to stand with." Straight allies like Daniel Radcliffe also play important roles in saving lives, just by being public and vocal about equality. The point is, when you are lucky enough to have a voice in the public sphere, you can make a significant impact on the lives of young people. So, as we start another week, and don our capes and spandex to again take up the fight for LGBTQ equality, I say thank you to our newest hero and role model to LGBTQ young people, Stephanie Miller.

"Anoka-Hennepin School District Responds to Concerns Over LGBT Suicides”http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/anoka- hennepin_school_district_responds_to_concerns_over_lgbt_suicidehttp://gayrights.change.org/blog/vie w/anoka-hennepin_school_district_responds_to_concerns_over_lgbt_suicideLast week we wrote about an epidemic of suicide over the past year in Minnesota’s largest school district, Anoka-Hennepin. Over the past year, seven current or recently graduated middle school and high school students have taken their lives, including three students who were gay or lesbian. With this week being National Suicide Prevention Week, the topic of LGBT suicide couldn’t be more pertinent. Studies consistently show that LGBT youth are up to four times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual peers, in large part because of bullying, fear of persecution, or alienation from family members (or indeed, a toxic climate of all three).You can read the rest of this post at:http://gayrights.change.org/blog/view/anoka- hennepin_school_district_responds_to_concerns_over_lgbt_suicidehttp://gayrights.change.org/blog/vie w/anoka-hennepin_school_district_responds_to_concerns_over_lgbt_suicide

“Country Outposts” http://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-38-fall-2010/country- outpostshttp://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-38-fall-2010/country-outposts Ninth-grader Sadie Bauer was walking hand-in-hand with her girlfriend in a hallway of Kennewick High. It was a brave act of affection, considering bigoted attitudes toward same-sex relationships in this rural area of Washington State. The words rang out, “You ******* dyke!” For the rest of this story, visit: http://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-38-fall-2010/country- outpostshttp://www.tolerance.org/magazine/number-38-fall-2010/country-outposts

“The Problems with Focus on the Family’s and The Alliance Defense Fund’s Model Anti-Bullying Policy”http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/17250/the-problems-with-focus-on-the-familys-and- the-alliance-defense-funds-model-antibullying-policyhttp://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/17250/the- problems-with-focus-on-the-familys-and-the-alliance-defense-funds-model-antibullying-policy

To read the rest of this blog, please click here: http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/17250/the- problems-with-focus-on-the-familys-and-the-alliance-defense-funds-model-antibullying- policyhttp://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/17250/the-problems-with-focus-on-the-familys-and-the- alliance-defense-funds-model-antibullying-policy

************************************* Jobs & Scholarships *************************************

Finance and Contract Manager (Concord CA) |Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County: http://www.opportunityknocks.org/JobSeekerX/ViewJob.asp?JobID=y%2BQNEQzQlnLI%2BsOcbVjohiiV3 3a8

************************************* And more quick headlines: *************************************

Williams Institute Report: increases in women and racial/ethnic minorities among Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell discharges • Nearly 71,000 lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals are currently serving either on active duty or among guard and reserve forces in the US military. • Since its inception, Don’t Ask/Don’t Tell has cost the US taxpayers as much as half a billion dollars. • If the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy had not been instituted, an estimated 4,000 lesbian, gay, and bisexual personnel would have been retained in the US military each year since 1994. Full report, click here. Press release, click here.

Making Faith Gay-Friendly With Bernard Schlager: The Pacific School of Religion's Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies celebrates ten years of education and activism. By Anneli Rufus

************************************* RFP's & Funding Opportunities *************************************

Oct 15th Deadline: Lesbian Health Fund Now Accepting Research Grant Proposals. The Lesbian Health Fund is now accepting proposals for research on lesbian health. Proposals for the fall grant cycle are due on October 15. LHF, a program of GLMA, is especially interested in applications that address the diversity of sexual minority women's communities and studies of health promotion and health improvement in lesbian and bisexual women, as well as studies that are potentially publishable and which are conducted as first steps toward larger grants. Grants range from $500 to $10,000. Proposals for fall grant cycle are due on October 15th. Since its founding, LHF has provided over $640,000 in grants to study lesbian health issues. Information: Click here for more information on how to apply. To view a list of grants previously funded by LHF visit glma.org/lhf.

9/30/10

Hello,

As part of the Mental Health Division's Inclusion Initiative, a weekly eNewsletter is being sent out to all MH staff (and other subscribers) in an effort to provide resources and training to help us to improve our services to the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning Youth, Intersex, & Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S) communities and their families.

Please note their are two LGBTQQI2-S training opportunities in October!

Also, given the rash of LGBTQQI2-S youth suicides across the country in September--note youth resources below to address anti-gay bullying and youth suicide.

Also, check out the: Local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S) Resources Website: www.EastbayPride.com

Thanks,

Tony

Tony Sanders, PhD CCMH Program Manager: Care Management Unit, Access Line, and The LGBTQQI2-S Inclusion Initiative 30 Douglas Drive #234, Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 372-4401 Fax: (925) 372-4410

Local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S) Resources Website: www.EastbayPride.com

************************************* Local LGBTQQI2-S Trainings *************************************

October 6 & 7, 2010, San Francisco: CiMH, Center for Multicultural Development is promoting an exciting training opportunity for counties and Community Based Organizations providing services to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender individuals and their families. The training will address the challenges experienced by CBOs to develop and sustain the appropriate capacity required to effectively provide mental health services and prevention activities. This two day meeting will be convened at the Women's Building in San Francisco on October 6 & 7, 2010. There is NO registration fee and assistance is available to community based organizations for travel and lodging expenses. We encourage county staff, including ESMs, MHSA, WET, and PEI coordinators to attend, particularly on the first day of the training. I have attached several information documents including registration forms for both County and CBOs. Please forward this to CBOs you know that may be interested. Please contact the CMD for questions. Hope to see you in San Francisco! Thank you, May Chan, California Institue for Mental Health, Center for Multicultural Development, 2125 19th Street - 2nd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95818, (916) 379-5328, (916) 556-3483 Fax

------October 18th: Gender Matters: Concepts in Working with Gender Variant and Transgender Children, Youth and Families by Caitlin Ryan, PhD. Concord, CA.

************************************* Online LGBTQQI2-S Trainings *************************************

Oct. 28th Webinar: That's So Gay: Preventing and Addressing Anti-Gay Bullying

Virtual Mentor: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identification, and Patient Care

************************************* In the Community Calendar ************************************* October: LGBT History Month: GSA Network is proud to partner with Equality Forum to help bring GLBT History Month to schools across California and the country! Each day in October 2010, an Icon is featured with a video, biography, bibliography, downloadable images and other educational resources. The resources for GLBT History Month 2010 Icons will be available at www.glbthistorymonth.com. There are tons of ways to celebrate GLBT History Month. GSA Network has created a resource guide to help GSAs bring these heroes into the spotlight at your school! Download the GLBT history month guide from our web site.

October 7 & 8 th: ISMS Conference in Berkeley: www.regonline.com/powerandprivilege

October 15th: National Latino AIDS Awareness Day: www.aids.gov/awareness-days/

October 22 nd: Rainbow Community Center's Casino Night fund-raiser in Concord. www.rainbowcc.org (Check out their September Calendar for other events.)

************************************* Trans Resources *************************************

************************************* LGBTQQI2-S Seniors Resources *************************************

Affordable SF Housing for Seniors: www.openhouse-sf.org

************************************* Participate in a Survey or Study *************************************

************************************* LGBTQQI2-S Youth Resources *************************************

Gay Straight Alliance NETWORK NEWS HIGHLIGHT:

BULLIED TO DEATH GSA activists mourn youth suicides and call for action Students and staff from Gay-Straight Alliance Network mourn the tragic death of 13-year- old Seth Walsh, who died yesterday after relentless anti-LGBT bullying at school drove him take his own life. Officials at Jacobsen Middle School in Tehachapi, California failed to put a stop to the bullying.

Walsh is the third LGBT student whose suicide made headlines this month. Asher Brown, 13, of Cypress, Texas, and Billy Lucas, 15, of Greensburg, Indiana, also endured years of anti-LGBT bullying that went unchecked by school officials before their suicides on 9/23 and 9/9 respectively.

Don't let Seth Walsh die in vain! Take action at your school to prevent youth suicide.

We call on students, teachers, parents, and school officials to work together to put an end to bullying and harassment based on actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.

Here are some action ideas to get you started. Email your ideas to [email protected]. 1. Make a video to tell the world what you're doing to make your school safer. Upload it to YouTube and send the link to [email protected] so that we can publicize it. 2. Call the Governor: See the action alert below. 3. Hold a GSA meeting to discuss what your club can do to prevent bullying and suicide at your school. 4. Make an altar or hold a candlelight vigil to honor Seth Walsh and other young people who have died because of homophobia and transphobia. 5. Organize an assembly to address bullying at your school 6. Write a letter to your campus newspaper or local media to educate your community about the impact of anti-LGBT bullying 7. Work with school officials to strengthen your school's policies on harassment and discrimination. 8. Make sure students at your school know that they can call 1-800-4U-TREVOR, a suicide prevention hotline. 9. Start a GSA if your school doesn't have one yet! "Starting a Gay-Straight Alliance is one of the best ways to let LGBT students at your school know that they are not alone," said Jeffree Merteuil-Clark, 17, a junior at Frontier High School in nearby Bakersfield. "Youth and adults can work together in your GSA to let bullies know that harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated at your school."

Jeffree attended GSA Network's Kern County GSA Leadership Summit last school year and is now President of his school's GSA club. Find a summit in your area.

Please send pictures and videos from your actions to [email protected].

Thank you for taking action to make schools safer for LGBTQ youth.

************************************* Jobs & Scholarships *************************************

Finance and Contract Manager (Concord CA) |Rainbow Community Center of Contra Costa County: http://www.opportunityknocks.org/JobSeekerX/ViewJob.asp?JobID=y%2BQNEQzQlnLI%2BsOcbVjohiiV3 3a8

************************************* And more quick headlines: *************************************

Making Faith Gay-Friendly With Bernard Schlager: The Pacific School of Religion's Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies celebrates ten years of education and activism. By Anneli Rufus

************************************* RFP's & Funding Opportunities *************************************

Thanks,

Tony

Tony Sanders, PhD

CCMH Program Manager:

Care Management Unit, Access Line, and

The LGBTQQI2-S Inclusion Initiative

30 Douglas Drive #234, Martinez, CA 94553

(925) 372-4401 Fax: (925) 372-4410

Local Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex and Two-Spirit (LGBTQQI2-S)

Resources Website: www.EastbayPride.com

The Inclusion Initiative phone: 925.372.4404 or 1.888.678.7277 x 24404.

The Inclusion Initiative email: [email protected]

The Inclusion Initiative's Dashboard: www.cchealth.org/topics/lgbtq/pdf/dashboard.pdf

The MH Division's (Contra Costa Health Services Department) Inclusion Initiative Web Page: www.cchealth.org/topics/lgbtq/