Thursday, April 21, 2011
What I Have To Say
(taken from the Heartstrong newsletter)
The video above is from a student who was bullied by a teacher and others in his high school in Palm Coast, FL We are grateful for his courage to stand up for himself and for those in his school who are not able to stand for themselves.
Youth Empowerment Project picks up speed.
Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) is a multi-year project of HeartStrong which will provide digital educator's guides to every school counselor in the US at public, private and religious educational institutions. YEP also provides free resources and outreach materials to GSA's and other groups. It is a mammoth project several years in the making.
We are continually asked how YEP is funded. While we have attempted to gain some grant money for this project the bulk of the funding will come from individuals making donations.
Since the majority of YEP is done electronically using email, etc., it is a very cost effective program. However the overall cost of YEP including the resource materials for GSA's and others is at about $50,000 for the entire project. This is above and beyond the funding needed for the other work for HeartStrong.
We are using every means possible to to as much as we can with what we are given.
Individuals and groups wishing to donate to help YEP reach school counselors and youth can donate by clicking here. Donations are tax deductible.
Donate here to help HeartStrong do this work.
Keep up to date with YEP by joining us on Facebook and on twitter @HeartStrongYEP
New York Times erases support group, blocks comments
(from the Heartstrong newsletter)
Executive Director's Message
Two weeks ago I was contacted by a national correspondent writer at the NY Times. He was writing a piece about gay students at religious colleges and in particular about two incidents at Baylor University and Abilene Christian University. He had learned that HeartStrong would be holding HS Forums in those towns in May and wanted more information.
I spent about 30 minutes interviewing with him on the phone about the work of HeartStrong and discussing the bravery of the students at the schools he was writing about. I also spent about 45 minutes giving him solid resources and statistical information to use for the article.
We have been waiting for two weeks and the article came out today. For some mysterious reason there is no mention of HeartStrong to be found. Its a GREAT piece about these student's courage but no mention of the only organization in the world with the sole purpose of provide help and support to GLBT students in religious schools.
As we do when an interview is not included in a media piece, we also go and place comments on the webpage for the article. HeartStrong's comment was the very first posted at 1:20am. Sometime between then and now our comment was removed from the NYT page.
We have inquired as to why it was removed but have not received word back. Additionally, they have closed comments for this article which is also odd since there are only 82 comments and the article is in today's paper.
SO, to help the NYT's readers understand that HeartStrong is the resource for GLBT students in religious schools, we are asking all of our HeartStrong Friends to write a letter to the editor.
It needs to be 150 words or less and include your name, phone number and address to get published. Send the letter to the editor at letters@NYTimes.com
Below is the letter that I sent to them. We want to inundate them with support for the students in the article and for the work of HeartStrong. When you send your letter, please send a copy of it to us here at heartstrong@heartstrong.org
Also, please post a link to this on your tweets as well!
Thank you!
************************************************************************
Gay Students at Religious Schools
Tuesday's article about gay students in religious schools is an incredible show of support for those who are working to make a difference. These brave students have done what few others are able to do. Their voices represent the voices of many others who are unable to speak up for themselves.
This is the reason why HeartStrong has existed for nearly 15 years. Providing hope and help to GLBT students in religious schools where students are bullied and persecuted by students and teachers alike. No GLBT student in any school should feel like ending their life is the answer. This is why HeartStrong is there to help and will continue to be there to help GLBT students in religious schools around the world find hope, courage, confidence and peace.
Marc Adams
Founder/Executive Director
HeartStrong Inc
heartstrong.org
heartstrong@heartstrong.org
What is PFLAG?
Marisa Ratoff did a great job on this video...even if she did use my "Hitler moustache/Alfalfa hair" pic!
Everyone did a fine job! Wish I could have made the interview meetings. Thanks much to all involved.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Program Note
The Naming Project will be part of a program, "Pray the Gay Away?," being re-broadcast on Friday night, March 11, at 9pm Eastern/8pm Central. This program is part of the Our America with Lisa Ling series of programs. Immediately following the program will be The Gayle King Hour, discussing the program with Lisa Ling and taking questions from the viewers. Highly recommend that you block the time to view both hours, to hear the full nuance of what the show tried to do. Also, call your attention to the statement made by Alan Chambers at the end of the first hour.
In this program, Lisa Ling looks at the issue of Christianity and gay, whether it is possible to be both Christian and LGBT at the same time. In addition to an interview with Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, the program will contain filmed coverage of The Naming Project, and statements from LGBT campers there as well as Ross Murray, Brad Froslee, and Jay Wiesner, co-founders of The Naming Project.
Our America is broadcast on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) and other cable networks.
The Naming Project is a faith-based youth group serving youth of all sexual and gender identities. The primary focus is to provide a place for youth who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning or allied to learn, grow, and share their experiences. In this way The Naming Project is a space in which youth can comfortably discuss faith and who they understand themselves to be--whether gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender...or straight.
# # # # #
Note: If you Google "Our America", you'll also get to the web site about the program itself. I think it's worth your time!
Thursday, March 10, 2011
This is the face of HIV
This is what HIV looks like.
You can't tell from someone's beautiful face
or sexy ass
if they are intimate with HIV.
It's invisible and quiet,
like the elephant in the room
of HIV and AIDS education
in this country.
The virus has not gone away.
Protect yourself.
The first step is to care enough
about yourself.
Knowledge is power.
For more info, check these sites;
And if you need help, e-mail me
any time
Peace....
The PERFECT song...
talks about her real issues, including fighting for
independence and identity....
and I really love the song "Perfect" for all these
reasons and more.
It's a great anthem/inspiration for anyone who
feels alone and has to find their own light within.
Every little bit helps.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Rax2PXiWA
Enjoy....
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