About Jason Landau Goodman

Jason Landau Goodman is a law student at the University of Pittsburgh, and the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Youth Congress. A recent graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Jason is a fifth generation Pennsylvanian from Lower Merion, PA.

Bucks County Transgender High School Student Ends His Life

On Tuesday afternoon, 17-year old high school student Riley Moscatel ended his life in Bucks County. The rising senior at Bucks County Technical High School placed himself in front of an Amtrak train heading for New York City at approximately 1:30pm this afternoon.

Riley’s mother, Kristine Moscatel, said in the Bucks County Courier Times that “things were just building up and building up and she just couldn’t take it anymore. She hid behind her mask. She had a mask for me, my husband, my son, my parents…everyone she had a different face for, but they were all happy (faces).” Riley was referred to as a “rising star” in the commercial and advertising arts program at Bucks County Technical High School by school officials in the article.

Both the LevittownNow and Bucks County Courier Times misgendered Riley in their reports. LevittownNow updated their online post to reflect his correct pronouns. The current headline by the Bucks County Courier Times and the Intelligencer is “Mom ‘heartbroken’ over daughter’s suicide by train.

No one is alone in experiencing depression, anxiety, or distress. If you or any LGBT youth you know ever need someone to talk with, we encourage you to call the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386.

TrevorProject

Riley2

(Contributed by Kristine Moscatel/Bucks County Courier Times)

In Pennsylvania, there are no school district or state policies which specifically affirm transgender students. PSEC is currently working to advance local and state policies to provide comprehensive support for transgender students in public schools.

Riley’s friends and family will release balloons at the Croydon Train Station in his memory this coming Sunday afternoon.

Bloomsburg Town Council to Consider Non-Discrimination Ordinance

On Monday evening, the Bloomsburg Town Council addressed the local movement urging them to adopt a non-discrimination ordinance to protect LGBT people from discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and employment. Last week, national outrage was sparked when WW Bridal denied service to an engaged lesbian couple in the town.

The Town Council chamber was packed to capacity this evening, with nearly 30 additional people forced to crowd in the doorways and into the hallways because of fire code regulations. We could not tell if the crowd was mostly against, for, or split on supporting non-discrimination. In total, over 70 residents were in attendance for the meeting, most of whom came specifically for the discussion on non-discrimination.

Dwayne Heisler, a resident of the town, was the only registered speaker during the citizen’s comment period to address this issue. Mayor Sandy Davis and Councilmembers Diane Levan and Eric Bower spoke strongly in support of such a local law. All three members of Town Council are Democrats won their elections running as both Republicans and Democrats.

BloomsburgMayor Davis concluded her brief and prepared remarks by stating that,

“We live in a world, and in a country, where we try to treat everyone equally and fairly. This is a discussion we need to have. There is a process. We will pass this on to the Community and Economic Development Committee in order to explore our various options to make sure all sides of this issue are equally and fairly recognized.”

Councilmember Bower followed by sharing, “I think it’s important we band together against discrimination of any kind, whether it is based on sexual orientation, or race, or any other protected class.

They did not provide a full timetable other than Councilmember Levan agreeing to place a draft ordinance on the agenda for the next meeting of the Community and Economic Development Committee. The ordinance could come before the Town Council for a first reading as soon as late September.

The GSA of Bloomsburg University’s PSEC Delegate, Kyle Boyes, was in attendance tonight with PSEC Executive Director Jason Landau Goodman. Kyle was unable to speak during the open comment period because of a stringent rule which requires citizens to register the week before the meeting – which was as the situation was unfolding. Kyle shared with the Keystone Student Voice that, “I have high hopes that the ordinance will be passed. We plan to work with the Town government on this issue and make sure that they see support on this from the student and youth communities in Bloomsburg.”

Packed RoomEarlier on Monday, the Bloomsburg University GSA and PSEC sent a joint letter to all the Town Council members to ask for their serious consideration of adopting an LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance. The organizations offered any resources and support they may need through the process of banning anti-LGBT discrimination in Town policy. Several PSEC leaders have been helping lead local non-discrimination ordinance work in their home communities since 2009, before the coalition formed.

When Bloomsburg University resumes for the fall semester, it will be in time for the next meeting when the ordinance will be brought up. GSA leaders will certainly be in attendance to directly voice their support as young members of the Bloomsburg community.

Bloomsburg is the only Town in Pennsylvania, and operates similar to a borough government. In total, there are 2,562 municipalities in Pennsylvania which are either cities, boroughs, or townships, or a town. 33 municipalities in the state have adopted a local non-discrimination ordinance inclusive of gender identity and sexual orientation. The Keystone State has the most number of individually adopted LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination ordinances without a statewide law banning LGBT discrimination.

Pittsburgh City Council to Update Transgender Inclusion in Non-Discrimination Policy

Pittsburgh City Council President Bruce Kraus introduced an ordinance this morning to include ‘gender identity or expression’ as an outright protected class in the city’s non-discrimination policy. Ordinance 2014-0644 will amend the current city law to place gender identity protection among the other protected classes rather than keep it buried within the existing definition of sex. In recognizing that gender identity is a distinct protected class, transgender and gender non-conforming Pittsburghers will finally be fully included in non-discrimination protections.

Of the 33 municipalities across Pennsylvania which have adopted an LGBT-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance, 28 explicitly state gender identity as a protected class. All 28 ordinances passed after Erie County’s law in early 2002 specifically have ‘gender identity’ listed amongst the other protected classes – including Allegheny County’s policy in 2009. Pittsburgh first passed a non-discrimination policy inclusive of sexual orientation in 1990, and later amended it to include transgender individuals in 1997 by sneaking in a broader definition of gender under the definition of “sex.”

Five of the six ordinances passed before Allentown’s in 2002 buried gender identity protections in either the definition of ‘Sex’ or ‘Sexual Orientation’ [Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, York, Lancaster, Erie County]. Many of these definitions are problematic and archaic. Philadelphia, which was the first in the state to adopt a non-discrimination law inclusive of sexual orientation in 1982, only provided gender identity protections starting in May 2002.

It is critical for gender identity be outright recognized as the protected class it is in these municipalities in order to rightly inform workers, businesses, and residents.

Not many people may intimately read the Pittsburgh City Code to understand that transgender people are shielded from discrimination. However, those who work and live in the city are regularly exposed to Pittsburgh’s equal opportunity statement on official documents and job postings. Today, the City’s operating policy on Equal Employment Opportunity does not even mention gender identity.

In advancing this ordinance, City Council will affirm that there is absolutely nothing to be shameful about in being transgender or gender non-conforming in Pittsburgh. It’s a minor clerical change, but inspires a new chapter of visibility for transgender Pittsburghers in policy.

The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition joins with the larger Pittsburgh LGBT community in calling for this important update. PSEC applauds the Pittsburgh City Council for being the first of the five municipalities with the omission in policy to address this issue.

PSEC leaders had a very productive meeting with Council President Kraus last week about this concern, among others. He is the first openly gay member of Pittsburgh City Council – and was elected the council president for the first time in January 2014.

South Williamsport Cancels ‘Spamalot’; No Homosexuality in Small Town Pennsylvania

South Williamsport Cancels 2015 Production of Spamalot;
Principal Claims Homosexuality Does Not Exist in Their Town*

^^^^^

*UPDATE – July 3, 2014

WNEP has redacted part of their story in which Principal Smith cited “homosexuality” as the main reason for his decision, and that he referenced that no LGBTQ people exist in South Williamsport. These were apparently NOT part of the email. The district administration has remained silent as of now in speaking out in support of LGBTQ students going forward, or apologizing for the miscommunication.

^^^^^

South Williamsport Junior/Senior High School in central Lycoming County announced on Tuesday that they would cancel an upcoming production of Spamalot, a popular musical comedy which continues its run on Broadway and recently finished a two year revival at London’s West End. While the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition understands that this show contains many adult themes which may be too lewd for a high school audience, the coalition is outraged by the process by which the show was cancelled.

The South Williamsport Area High School principal, Jesse Smith, wrote in an email that they cancelled the show explicitly due to the “homosexual themes.” According to Dawn Burch, the Director of the School’s Drama Department, the email from Principal Smith explained that homosexuality isn’t something that happens in conservative South Williamsport.

The drama department was planning on editing the musical’s adult content to be appropriate for a wider age range. Burch is now being forced to select another show for their spring 2015 performance. The Superintendent claimed the decision was made to avoid controversy.

While canceling the musical due to the sexual content may be an appropriate decision, stating that there is not an LGBT presence in the community is unacceptable and simply not true. The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition’s Assistant Convener, Dan Warner, is a 2011 graduate of South Williamsport Area High School. “As a South Williamsport alumnus who is gay, I am sincerely disappointed by the administration’s recent decision. South Williamsport High School was an important place for me to develop academically and personally. During my time with the theater department, I came to accept I was gay. All students should be provided with a safe and inclusive environment to be themselves. I fear this decision will greatly harm such spaces.”

Dan Warner has sent a letter to the South Williamsport Area School District Board of Directors and their superintendent asking them to censure the principal for his remarks and make a pledge to support LGBT students in the district.

Announcing the Time to Rise Campaign

 

 


Announcing the Time to Rise Campaign
Establishing the Center for LGBTQ Pennsylvania


Click Here for Campaign Website

Friends,

Our recent win of marriage equality in Pennsylvania is wonderful, but does not in the least mean our work is done. LGBTQ people across the commonwealth continue to experience desperate circumstances of discrimination, poverty, and violence, especially queer and trans youth.

And that is why three years ago young LGBTQ advocates banded together to form the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition. PSEC has become a fierce advocate by and for LGBTQ youth in our state – uniting thousands of young activists for social justice. Specifically we have championed the Pennsylvania Safe Schools Act which has become the most co-sponsored safe schools bill in state history with over 100 legislators in support. The LGBTQ youth movement in Pennsylvania has never been stronger.

However, the LGBTQ equality movement in PA is stalled for future success without a formal headquarters in Harrisburg to provide critically needed working space. As students we are losing precious time and resources with repeated treks to Harrisburg from our homes on campuses across the state. Our key advocates need to have a base of operations. The Bayard Rustin House: Pennsylvania’s Youth Action Center will provide a centralized home for effective young activists to design and advance policies that will promote a more affirming commonwealth.

Legacy

The time is now for us to make a serious investment in the LGBTQ movement of Pennsylvania. A headquarters will allow us to increase our capacity and win on issues such as non-discrimination, hate crimes, transgender rights, homeless youth, and foster care.

The Pennsylvania Youth Action Center will allow advocates direct access to lawmakers and community stakeholders. Other movements with influence in our state government have a substantial headquarters next to the Capitol. Every meaningful movement has a home.

This is why we are asking our closest allies, you, our friends and family, to ensure the Bayard Rustin House becomes a reality.
With your support, tangible change for young LGBTQ Pennsylvanians will be realized.

We need to raise an initial $30,000 for the center’s down payment. Every contribution is critically important to opening our doors. This will not happen without your help.

You can help ensure LGBTQ youth are authentically represented in Harrisburg. We know firsthand the hardships facing young Pennsylvanians. PSEC has already made sure LGBTQ youth are no longer invisible in state policy work. Investing in the Bayard Rustin House now will allow us to further develop innovative solutions to our most pressing challenges.

At the heart of every successful social justice movement is a thriving core of young activists dedicated to change. We have the activists. Help us make that change.

Sincerely,
The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition


The Bayard Rustin House will be used for the following purposes:

[checklist]

  • Campaign planning amongst regional and state young LGBTQ advocates
  • Private strategic planning meetings for executive youth leaders
  • Space to facilitate trainings for rising leaders, professional development for current advocates
  • Meeting space with key state stakeholders
  • Accommodations for PSEC advocates to stay overnight while coming to Harrisburg for meetings with legislators and government officials.
  • Space for meetings with legislators and community
  • Office space for headquartering the organization and movement
  • Open space for established LGBTQ community organizations to have key meetings for free, as community support continues
  • Space for the physical archives of the statewide LGBTQ movement – basement. Log it before it before history before important details are forgotten
  • Space for PSEC events and programs in Harrisburg – for fundraising, education, and community engagement[/checklist]

The Future Bayard Rustin House

The 2014 ‘Trans 100’ Celebrates Pennsylvania Leaders


On Sunday, March 30th, the 2014 Trans 100 was reveled at a celebration event in Chicago. The Trans 100 is a list to honor living transgender community leaders. For the second year, Pennsylvania leaders were featured among the cohort.

Before the first honorees were named, Jen Richards, a Co-Director of the Trans 100, said to the audience:

“I want to remind everyone that this is not a ‘top 100,’ this is not a ‘best of.’

100 is meant to be a sampling of what our community has to offer. It’s just a glimpse.

We choose 100, because if we get up to 100, that is just a way of saying we have countless people in this community doing incredible work. It is specifically curated so that we have everyone represented, so that no trans person who thinks they are alone, who thinks that they are not trans, or that they are not trans enough, or that they are doing the wrong thing, can look at this list and see something of themselves in it and feel that they are a part of this community.”

The 2014 Trans 100 includes the following Pennsylvanians.

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Photo: PSEC



Charlene Arcila
(Philadelphia) Co-Founder of the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference, longtime trans rights advocate [2014 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference Plenary Speaker]

Stallworth_Dionne_bySuziNas

Photo: Philadelphia Gay News



A. Dionne Stallworth
(Philadelphia)
Founding member of Gender PAC, longtime advocate on housing and mental health issues

michael_david_battle_headshot

Photo: Garden of Peace Project



Michael David Battle
(Pittsburgh)
Founder and Director of the Garden of Peace Project

Shay_Gonzalez_300px

Photo: Studio34Yoga



Shay(den) Gonzalez
(Philadelphia) Director of Program Development at the Safe Spaces Project, former Youth of Color Coordinator at the National Youth Advocacy Coalition

Also among this year’s honorees are Alison Gill, the current Government Affairs Director of the Trevor Project, who was a featured speaker at the 2011 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference; and Sarah McBride, Special Assistant on LGBT Issues at the Center for American Progress, who was a plenary speaker last month at the 2014 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference.

The 2013 Trans 100 featured the following Pennsylvanians.

Allyson Robinson (Jermyn)   Former Executive Director of OutServe-SLDN
[2014 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference Keynote Speaker]
Che Gossett (Philadelphia)  Author and AIDS activist, Program Assistant at the Leeway Foundation
Jenny Boylan (Valley Forge)   GLAAD Board Member, New York Times bestselling author
Mara Keisling (Harrisburg)
Founding Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality
[2011 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference Keynote Speaker]
Van Nguyen (Philadelphia) Steering Committee member of hotpot!
[2014 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference Plenary Speaker]

The keynote speakers for this year’s event were Laverne Cox and Kye Allums. Laverne spoke last Tuesday at the University of Pennsylvania, while Kye traveled directly from Bethlehem, PA, to Chicago after speaking at this year’s Lehigh Valley LGBTQIA Intercollegiate Conference. Kye will speak twice this week at the West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

The 2014 Trans 100 event can be viewed online here.


The featured image in this article is a collage from the Trans 100 of 2013. At time of this posting, the Trans 100 has not released official media for this year’s list, but is expected to do so shortly. The image will be then updated for 2014.

PA House Adopts Anti-Bullying License Plate Bill; Fails to Consider Actual Policy

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously voted to create an anti-bullying themed license plate on Tuesday, March 18th. Meanwhile, the most supported anti-bullying bill in state history, the Pennsylvania Safe Schools (PASS) Act, remains stalled in the House Education Committee.

The anti-bullying license plate, HB 845, was introduced by Rep. Karen Boback (R-117) on March 11th and passed by the chamber one week later. The PASS Act, HB 156, was first introduced in September 2012, and re-introduced in January 2013. Despite gaining a record-breaking 102 co-sponsors, backed by 50 Republican and 52 Democratic representatives, the PASS Act has yet to go to the House floor for a vote. Rep. Boback is a co-sponsor of the PASS Act.

Pennsylvania’s anti-bullying law is among the weakest in the nation, according to the US Department of Education. The PASS Act will update the current law to establish a clear and accessible reporting mechanism for incidents of bullying, provide tools for faculty and staff to address incidents of school violence, and train educators to promote safer schools. The PASS Act is supported by a large grassroots coalition of students, educators, clergy, educational organizations, and mayors within Pennsylvania.

If enacted into law, the anti-bullying license plate will be available upon vehicle registration for an additional $35 fee. Fifteen dollars from the sale of each plate will be allocated to a Bullying Awareness and Prevention Fund, which will be controlled by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. A design for the license plate has yet to be announced.

The PASS Partnership, the coalition of organizations backing the bill, supports efforts to raise awareness and funds for anti-bullying efforts. However, it is wild to know that the Pennsylvania House was able to pass an anti-bullying license plate measure in just one week, with unanimous support, but cannot push through a desperately needed update to the Pennsylvania School Code regarding the issue itself.

Funding more anti-bullying programs will be helpful, but it does not guarantee lasting or institutional change. Without effective policies to shape and support anti-bullying efforts, Pennsylvania schools do not have the necessary tools to reduce incidents of school harassment and violence.

Pennsylvanians may contact their legislators to urge their support for the PASS Act at pasafeschoolsact.com.

Downingtown Adopts Non-Discrimination Ordinance

At their Wednesday, March 19th meeting, the Downingtown Borough Council adopted a non-discrimination ordinance inclusive of protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC) congratulates the Downingtown community, Mayor Joshua Maxwell, and the borough councilmembers who led the efforts for the ordinance’s passage.

Downingtown has become the 33rd municipality in Pennsylvania to adopt a non-discrimination ordinance. The small borough of approximately 8,000 people is the second municipality in Chester County to ratify this type of local law. The Borough of West Chester, located just six miles from Downingtown, enacted a non-discrimination ordinance in September 2006.

Without an inclusive statewide non-discrimination law, Pennsylvanians who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), or those perceived as LGBT, can be legally discriminated against. Countless LGBT Pennsylvanians have been fired, evicted from their homes, or denied a public accommodation.

The ordinance was adopted in a 3-2 vote, with Councilmembers Ann Feldman (D-East) and Nick Winkler (R-West) opposing the measure. There was over one hour of discussion between the councilmembers before the final vote.

Only two residents spoke during the public comment period, both of whom were in favor of the ordinance’s passage. Karen Steinbach shared that upon learning about the ordinance she “was reminded of how proud [she is] to be a member of this community.” She asserted that “When it comes to equality, there should be no price tag. No objections. There should be no politics. There should only be humanity. We should all be able to agree that discrimination has no place here.”

Councilmembers Feldman and Winkler repeatedly spoke about issues they believe exist with the ordinance’s power. Councilperson Feldman stated her belief that “this is outside our authority and ability to protect these people.” She called the ordinance “premature” as HB 300 “is already on its way – we would be wise to not do this yet.”

Downingtown’s state representative, first-term Rep. Becky Corbin (R-155), is not currently a co-sponsor of HB 300, the state’s leading non-discrimination legislation. The counterpart bill in the State Senate, SB 300, is co-sponsored by the borough’s Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D-19). At the previous borough council meeting, several Councilmembers suggested that they send letters to their legislators in support of HB 300 and SB 300. LGBT non-discrimination efforts have been stalled for nearly 40 years in Pennsylvania. The first non-discrimination bill to include sexual orientation as a protected class was introduced into the General Assembly in 1976.

The dialogue became more pointed as the meeting progressed. In discussing a scenario when an organization would prohibit women from attending an event in the borough, Councilperson Winkler exclaimed he was “worried that long-standing things in our borough may be affected by this.” Mayor Maxwell quickly shot back in response saying “I’m hopeful long-standing things in the borough are affected by this.”

Councilperson Feldman later asked: “Are you looking to encourage people to utilize this? To complain? Because that’s what it sounded like.” Council President Anthony Gazzerro, a proponent of the ordinance, responded by saying “that’s a ridiculous question. Nobody wants to encourage discrimination. If someone is being discriminated against, they should come forward. And people today are being discriminated against who can’t come forward. They can’t do anything.

PSEC supports the adoption of local non-discrimination ordinances in order to protect all citizens from discrimination. Currently 32% of Pennsylvania’s population (4.1 million citizens) lives in the 33 municipalities with inclusive non-discrimination laws.

For further information on local non-discrimination ordinances in Pennsylvania you may visit the website of the Suburban and Rural Alliance (SARA) of Pennsylvania.

Remarks from Keystone Banquet

Below are my prepared remarks from the Keystone Banquet at the 2014 Pennsylvania Youth Action Conference, held on February 15, 2014 in Houston Hall at the University of Pennsylvania. I was given a quick moment before PSEC’s annual awards were presented to speak, and wanted to take the opportunity to share my thoughts on the required ingredient for LGBTQ youth justice: young people saying yes to getting involved.

 

 

We are incredibly saddened tonight to inform you of the passing of activist Jaci Adams, after facing a very difficult battle with cancer. Ms. Adams was a monumental figure in the Philadelphia trans community. She served on the planning committee for the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference and the Philadelphia Police LGBT Advisory Committee. Ms. Adams was also a board member of the LGBT Elder Initiative and “The God Environment” spiritual organization at the William Way Community Center. She was the recipient of the Mazzoni Center 2013 Activist Leader Award. Ms. Adams leave behind a legacy of strong, selfless, and tireless community advocacy, and we are devastated by her loss. She was always out front speaking boldly and clearly on behalf of trans Philadelphians. She will be deeply missed. Please, let us take a moment of silence.

###

Our coalition started with a simple idea, that we, as young advocates, could be equal and respected members at the community table. After three years of working together as our organizations united, within regions and across the commonwealth, we have made enormous strides towards securing justice for LGBTQ youth. And in joining us here this weekend, you are all now a part of that legacy. Thank you.

Our coalition is strong. Connected with over 80 LGBTQ student organizations in Pennsylvania, from rural communities to our largest cities, we now have the ability to widely disperse our messages, and design innovative strategies to deploy ourselves effectively into action. Like the generations of youth before us, we have a right, and the responsibility to create change. Our dreams of a world in which queer youth have a strong a valued voice will be realized through our hard work, integrity, and resilience. There are no fairy godmothers in youth-led work. We have to build on our own the tools with which we strike at discrimination and oppression. Our community is ours alone to create, sustain, and drive forward.

We are passionate and selfless leaders.

We are visionaries who see a world where people are treated fairly and with dignity.

We are a constituency that chooses our own destiny.

Our journey ahead depends on the selfless sacrifices to participate in critical actions and events. Putting others and the community before yourself. If we light a fire inside us that truly believes that we can win, we will. However, if we allow ourselves for just a moment to think it is impossible, or impractical – that no one else in my community cares, so why try – then we will fail. Then, the next generation of leaders from your community will be in no different place than you are now.

Yet, we stand here today, defiant against all odds, because of your predecessors making the decision to get involved with this coalition. Because they understood the importance of regional and state communication, of leveraging our power together as young activists.

It may take a while for some youth to realize the power they have. For some it may never happen. But we must find the strength to realize that we can be some of our community’s swiftest and most effective troops on the front lines. We are creative, mobile, and adaptive.

It is important for us to take ownership that some youth can be immensely apathetic and defeatist to this work. It’s hard to blame them, after years of being socialized to be disempowered by others and even themselves. I have found young people will say no to community engagement up to 95% of the time. Which is frustrating at first. Then it’s confusing, then disappointing, and then simply bewildering, to meet other young people who would rather have a bake sale than testify at City Hall for an LGBTQ justice ordinance. But we have to be patient, meet them where they are, and try to find ways to move forward with them. After helping power-up others and identifying the youth leaders who are ready to take the plunge forward into this work, a team will be in place that can never be stopped.

‘Yes’ can be difficult. ‘Yes’ is a commitment. ‘Yes’ is time. ‘Yes’ is responsibility piled onto an already stressed schedule. But it is the first and most important ingredient necessary for change to take place in our communities. Indeed it is the only thing that has every allowed queer youth to take any steps forward.

This work is not easy. While we are students or youth with full-time responsibilities, we also pile on long nights writing press releases and policy memos, non-stop days in Harrisburg advocating for legislation, and long weekends on the road for meetings with other leaders.

So, hold out for the rare ‘yes.’ You have all said ‘yes’ to being out here this weekend. However, there were thousands of students in the PSEC network who were aware of this conference, but who had or created their own barriers to coming. You were the ones who did and could say yes. And it is incumbent upon you to say ‘yes’ again, and as often as you can, to take action toward LGBTQ justice and freedom.

I have been to all of your schools, many times, over the past few years. Through our strong relationships, we have been working together on actions large and small. For example, the lanterns that are the centerpieces on each of your tables represent a significant movement for us in Pennsylvania. In late 2010, when LGBTQ youth suicide was becoming recognized on the national stage, we organized and coordinated vigils at over 25 schools across the commonwealth. Many of you who coordinated them are in this room. These were the lanterns that were used for the vigil at the University of Pennsylvania at College Hall. They represent some of the darkest moments from our community – but tonight and in the days, and years ahead, we ignite them for LGBTQ youth justice.

We must realize the importance of our solidarity together, building our community from the most marginalized among us, and building a table worth having, with a seat for each and every one of us.

We are in a legacy with this work. The spirit of Jaci Adams, and so many others, are surely with us in this space tonight.

We are also in a legacy with each other. I am proud to report out that earlier this week, students at the Grove City Area High School have been granted the right to form a GSA. It was through the hard work of young activists that they were able to establish a safe space in a community that has been known to be one of the most homophobic places in the nation. We have the power to stand up for ourselves, even against all odds, to create the change we seek. Congratulations to the students at Grove City.

We are a family, must look out for each other. Our struggle is real as young LGBTQ people. Some of us face abuse in our homes or violence in our schools. Others have faced homelessness or being rejected from our families. All the while trying to learn and grow into contributing citizens. For some of us, it is this very work that keeps us going.

So, welcome to the PSEC family. Together, there is nothing we cannot accomplish in our state. I look forward to an extremely productive 2014 in which LGBTQ youth lead Pennsylvania forward. Thank you.

Photo: Faith Elmes, Walter Naegle, and Jason Landau Goodman at the Keystone Banquet (February 15, 2014)

40 Lessons from a Youth Organizer

I recently had the opportunity to co-facilitate a daylong institute on youth-led activism at Creating Change 2014 in Houston. In preparation for the conference, I created  a list of the key lessons I’ve learned as an LGBTQ youth organizer the past few years. Instead of sharing a wordy editorial, I thought this format would be more fun. Enjoy!

1. Youth-led dreams come true because of hard work, integrity, and resilience

Tiana at Work

Disney / via Tumblr

Youth justice is realized through an unyielding commitment to the dignity of all. The power to
secure social change resides in authentic community leadership and the selfless dedication
of individuals toward the power of love.

 

2. There are no fairy godmothers in youth-led activism

anigif_enhanced-buzz-9141-1368916332-1

Disney / via Tumblr

No youth activists are given power outright – it must be created and sustained.
Sometimes, an individual youth leader can be tokenized and invited to ‘the ball.’
However, getting a free ticket to the local LGBT community banquet for one night
is not shifting a community power structure. You’ll still be a house-servant again
at midnight. So, empowered as your own blue fairy, you can become more than
the intern who stuffs envelopes or smiles for a poster.

 

3. The ‘movement’ does not invest in youth-led activism;
learn how to stretch a dollar

anigif_enhanced-buzz-11071-1383077832-18

Disney / via Tumblr

The institutional barriers blocking youth-led work are everywhere. It should not be
this way, but it is. Social justice movements despise financial investments in
youth-led work because funders often stereotype all young leaders as irresponsible
or unprepared. So be ready to scrape by on whatever resources you can piece
together. In 2012, FIERCE in New York found that youth self-fund over 80% of youth-led activism.

 

4. You will often be alone in believing in the power of youth

You will get regular side-eye from members of student groups, youth communities and
adult organizations alike. But keep on. You are not strange for thinking you can be an
equal and valued member of your community.

 

5. The land of youth-led justice actually exists, despite those who say otherwise

anigif_enhanced-buzz-7913-1384493400-2

Disney / via Tumblr

Even though it may have been buried underground for a few thousand years,
it’s there. #hope

 

6. Youth leaders can be taught any task

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Warner Bros. / via Tumblr

but the spark of unyielding sacrifice toward justice can only be self-made

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Disney / via Tumblr

You can teach a youth leader any task or professional standard such as how to
write an email or speak in public. Yet, it is the commitment to unconditional
sacrifices toward justice and a selfless dedication to the team that define an
authentic leader. And to sustain effective work, you need a team of authentic
leaders in it for the long haul. But only the leaders on their own can get themselves
into that mindset.

 

7. The best moments of youth activism are when youth-led work clicks

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Warner Bros. / via Pen and Muse

The best reward for doing this work, besides getting it done, is when you see the
gleam in another young leader’s eyes when they ‘get it’ – when they understand
their power. It can take months, sometimes over a year. Some will never know.
But when you see the click, it’s beautiful.

 

8. A fierce value and defense of youth dignity allows our full empowerment

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20th Century Fox / via FanPop

Youth-led dignity allows us to believe in our full empowerment – whether in our
own little corner or with a royal scepter in our hands. True empowerment is our
complete and total autonomy.

 

9. Never make yourself a person who can be bought or sold

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Paramount / via Tumblr

Plenty of youth go to the highest bidder. Sometimes adults offer rising youth
leaders “key opportunities” which are rather tools by which they can later use to
leverage and influence them. Don’t let yourself be bought by others. If you make
yourself your own boss, you can secure your success independently and be
free of manipulative relationships.

 

10. Defend your fellow youth at whatever costs

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Lionsgate / via Pandawhale

What happens to one of us, happens to us all. And next time, they will have your back.

 

11. One of our greatest rebellions as youth is standing against the institutionalization of social justice

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Touchstone Pictures / via Next Movie

The revolution will not come to us by any non-profit organization – but by our
own voice and action. Youth-led organizations have long recognized the
importance of resisting the formation of corporate, non-profit industrial
complex-based communities. It is critical to preserve this fierce sense of
organizational culture as best you can. Our movement should be sowed in the
truth of our communities, and not rooted in appealing to wealthy donors.

 

12. Once you find your groove in youth-led activism, you will have aged

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Disney / via Tumblr

You can get easily get swept into the colors of the wind. And two, three years
later…you’re supposed to age up from being youth? Ugh. There is no snooze button
on this on, unfortunately. So dance as fast as you can. And remember, this is a
good thing to keep new energy constantly coming into your youth community’s leadership.

 

13. Always take the higher road

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Disney / via Tumblr

Microagressions because of age are regular occurrences. Either from adults who
think you know nothing, and treat you like icky creatures from the deep, or other
youth who think you are insane and pretentious. It’s not worth the time or resources to respond to
these haters. Even though you certainly know they could learn a lesson or two, it is
best to leave them be and focus on the work ahead.

 

14. Work hard, to work harder

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Disney / via Tumblr

Rest? Early wake-ups for one-on-one, group, or community meetings are very
regular for youth organizers. You have to work hard, always be sharp, and be in
communication 24/7 – all the while never comprising who you are or your fighting
spirit. For some, self-care is a vacation every few months.
For others, youth activism is their self-care.

 

15. Your fellow youth-led activists will become your best friends for life

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Disney / via Tumblr

 And we are also a family

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Disney / via Tumblr

Always be there for each other, through thick and thin. Especially older youth
reaching out to younger youth to make sure they know they
are loved and cared for.

 

16. Because our struggle is real being queer youth

Ellen / via Tumblr

Through all the social justice advocacy, we are still growing up as queer people in
America. Work with this, rather against it. It is much worse to pretend it’s not a thing.
Build-in supporting those in the coming out process and affirm each other in living
true into all you do.

 

17. Youth can be evil to other youth

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Disney / via Tumblr

A young person once naively said to those in a group meeting, “well, youth don’t have politics
with each other!” Lol. Some youth will knowingly oppress other young leaders in order
to advance themselves in adult circles. This is some of the cruelest work. Best to avoid them.
They are very few in number, but these are the sharks who want to take your heart.
In order to crush grassroots youth empowerment efforts, adult organizations can hire interns
to undermine youth-led work. (#mercenaries4resumes) And along the lines of youth antagonizing
each other – some youth will contrive conflict where there is none. Instead of owning up to
responsibility in the movement they signed up to help lead, it can be easier to incorrectly
judge their counterpart leaders and youth activists as “others who are dangerous” or
“who just don’t get them,” and thereby an ‘enemy’ as well.

 

18. And some youth don’t know how to check their privilege

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Disney / via Tumblr

Sure, cast your privilege and cultural appropriation all over town!

 

19. The stages of accepting youth leaders being apathetic to social justice
When a GSA President mentions that they could care less about social justice and
mainly want to hook up with the next catch-of-the-day, blood will boil even in the
most seasoned youth organizers. There are generally five stages to accepting
youth apathy. The lesson here is that some youth are inconsolable, but never give up –
always try to find other ways in. Sometimes that is waiting for them to develop more
in their leadership. Many young leaders can be socialized to be wholly disempowered,
although it’s not generally articulated that way. Activating them, and having them
understand their potential, can be a difficult process that requires patience. Yet, marching
in with a savior-complex is highly problematic too. There is a battle to be waged against
years of being told by adults (and themselves) that they are incapable of being equal
and respected partners at the community table. It may take a long time to get through
the dragon’s keep of their internalized adultism, and for some it will never happen,
but it can be conquered. Mostly though, it makes for very entertaining stories.

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Disney / via Tumblr

First, the Mary Poppins eye roll. You are innocently stunned at their immediate
rejection to your suggestion of community engagement.

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Disney / via Tumblr

 Quickly, you will exclaim how unforgivably small-minded and uncivilized they must be.

However, you are an incredibly patient and compassionate person. You ask them
for reasons why they think they are unable to ‘divert attention or resources’ to
social justice work that happens off-campus.
 
 In horror, you take a breath.

Disney / via Blogspot

Then you explain, in no uncertain terms, that they are in a leadership position
and responsible to their community to do something more than a bake sale or drag show.

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20th Century Fox / via Tumblr

But your final plea is to no avail. A cost-benefit analysis will lead you to shush
them away from your outreach agenda – but of course open if they want to talk
or return. The work to be done is more important than extending all your resources
to help empower others who are not in a mindset to do so.
 

 

20. Youth who need constant praise or hand-holding will not last long

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Disney / via Giphy

You stuffed twenty envelopes? Yay for you! Now, it’s totally time to twirl in celebration.
Thanks for not helping the rest of us write the darn letter, which took longer because
we thought you were coming to the work party. We have all the golf claps for you. Youth
who need constant praise to keep their minimal involvement will drain you. Youth-led
work is not for people who need applause. Expect to be seldom thanked, never paid, and
continue the fight from the bottom of the totem pole.

 

21. In general, when the world does not expect you to do anything valuable as a young person, you’re shoved into invisibility

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Disney / via Tumblr

 

 

22. Telling-off the big bad wolf about his adultism is usually a bad idea

Stopping in the forest to tell-off the wolf about his adultism can have you ending
up as his dinner. It’s usually a bad idea. So, guard your basket, filled with
youth empowerment, for dear life and sprint through the forest.

 

 

23. You’ll likely never know why some adults
want to knock
youth down

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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / via Tumblr

You may never know the reason why some adults just don’t like working with youth
as equal partners. Maybe they are jealous of the swanky red shoes you have on?
Just beware of the flying monkeys.

 

24. Youth are not pawns of adults because we choose our destiny
Our lives are not the sum of a remainder of an unbalanced equation inherent to the
programming of what youth are supposed to be. Youth-led activists are not the
eventuality of an anomaly, which despite the sincerest efforts of some adults, has
been unable to be eliminated. While it remains a burden assiduously avoided, it is
not unexpected, and thus not beyond a measure of control. Which has led us,
inexorably, to action. The answer is: our choice.

 

25. Don’t get bitter against all adults

Disney / via Imgur

Not all adults are trying to manipulate you to speak for youth, harm youth communities,
or disrespect you intentionally. If you don’t perceive adults to be the enemy, they
don’t become an enemy. It’s a much calmer approach too. Lesson: think happy thoughts!

 

26. If not all youth are at the table, then the table is not worth using

Isolated and divided, our youth fiefdoms (college groups, youth groups, youth
networks, etc.) will be easily taken over. Creating an accessible space grown
from the most marginalized parts of the youth community will root yourself in
the struggle and not above it. Selfless service, and keeping your heart close to
the ground, will allow you to build the inclusive, affirming, and productive
bonds you wish to build. As one roundtable, there is nothing that can defeat
us and no dragon we cannot slay.

 

27. Let your elders in – they can be your strongest advocates

If you need a reprieve, an escape to grandmother’s house is usually safe.
Elders know a great deal and can use old-school crossbows to threaten any
wolf if he dares to come near.

 

 

28. Meet youth where they are at

Disney / via Blogspot

Always do meetings in person. Talk on the phone over email. Connect with them
where they are at in their development – not where they should be, or where you
want them to be.

 

29. Be aware of your physical presence

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Disney / via Tumblr

When meeting new students or youth, keep your physical presence in mind.

 

30. Remember, you are in a long legacy of youth-led activism

Disney / via Tumblr

Do justice to the sacrifices of youth before you, and pave the way for the next
generation in every move you make.

 

31. Know the history of your community

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Disney

Read everything you can on the youth activist histories in the Civil Rights
and suffrage movements. Their story is your story.

 

32. Get used to youth saying no when you ask them to step-up into leadership,
for all the wrong reasons

Touchstone / via Photobucket

Students and youth will say no 95% of the time not only to getting involved in
youth-led activism, but also in leading it. It is generally not a natural paradigm
for youth to understand or embrace. Similar to any group doing marginalized constituency-led
work. It is much easier to say no, then yes. Yes is a commitment. Yes is time.
Yes is responsibility. Even though those are the precise ingredients for community
change, personal responsibility is rarer than gold. The ‘no people’ are followers and
important, but not always reliable, and will not lead an effort forward independently.
And certainly need hand-holding. Defeatism: the acceptance of failure without
action or struggle.

 

33. So, hold out for the rare yes

Build a community of the youth who always say yes, and anything will be possible.

 

34. You must have a process of how to identify the successors to
established youth activists

There is no avoiding the fact that youth, as a constituency, have quick
leadership turnarounds, of usually of 2-4 years. Without a strong leadership
pipeline, your community will wither and shrivel away. #mortality

 

35. Never give up

New Line / via Tumblr

Youth combating social injustice can be met with a community torn apart, apathetic
youth, or pervasive adultism. The ever multiplying barriers can seem to be
insurmountable. But it is absolutely possible to rise up and overcome these
challenges to impact change.

 

36. Diving into youth-led activism can be petrifying

Paramount / via Tumblr

Especially when there is no safety net below, and you have no idea how long
it will take to get to your goal.

 

37. But when you’re with your team, nothing can take you down

Disney / via Data3

And through the toughest of battles, you know you’ll succeed. A day may
come when the courage of youth fails, when we forsake our friends and
break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day! This day we fight!

 

38. Why do we keep fighting? Because youth can win!
You’ll often need to ask: Why do we do it? Why get up? Why keep fighting?
Do we believe we are fighting for something? For more than our survival?
Is it freedom? Or truth? Perhaps peace? Could it be for love? No, not Illusions.
Not vagaries of perception. We can win. It’s not pointless to keep fighting.
We persist because we choose to.

 

39. Yes, down the Rabbit Hole we go

Disney / via Tumblr

You finally earn the trust of a youth leader and make the ask to them: take on the
necessary leadership for the cause to move forward, or not. Some will say ‘no,’
choosing to go home and believe whatever they want. However, there will be the rare
few youth who are ready to say: ‘I’m ready to see how far the rabbit hole goes.’
This is the only way into wonderland. And the heart of why we do this work.

 

40. Always remember: justice and love are what we are fighting for

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PSEC 2011