FROM THE FIELD: A breakdown of a new Gettysburg College survey

Students know that it is difficult to gain support for and awareness of their LGBTQIA students on campus – especially in Central Pennsylvania – but it proves even more of a challenge to bring out the “T.”

When students at Gettysburg College conducted a survey regarding sexuality awareness, they were expecting transgendered awareness to be at a low. The survey itself was administered by four freshmen enrolled in an introductory Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies course taught by Professor Nathalie Lebon to 129 random Gettysburg College students from over 15 clubs, organizations and sports teams. When they found that 86% of participants identified as heterosexual, that a majority was unaware of the differences between transgendered, transsexual and transvestite, and that 57% of participants clearly defined penetration as being definitive of sexual intercourse, they felt that their expectations for low trans awareness had become a real possibility.

Yet they were soon proven to be happily incorrect.

A majority of participants from the survey agreed there is a difference between sex and gender, that if they see a person “cross dressing” it does not mean that they are gay and that they are probably interacting with LBGTQ individuals on a daily basis.

Most importantly, 66.3% of survey participants were aware of the debate that had been taking place on the campus regarding acceptance of ROTC credits.

As has occurred on many campuses throughout the country, the acceptance of ROTC credits was again scrutinized after the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The question was: Since gays and lesbians are now allowed to serve openly in the military, should we accept credits we refused to accept prior, or continue a ban because of the remaining discrimination of transgendered individuals. Gettysburg College finally voted to allow ROTC credits to be accepted so long as students enrolled in ROTC show active participation in the school’s GSA, Allies, become Safe-Zone Trained, and continue learning about transgendered issues.

There still is a long way to go to fully represent trans inclusion; however, things are changing slowly but surely for the community, and we all have to remember going forward that the “LGB” must never exclude the “T.”

This post was written by Danielle Hernandez, treasurer of the Gettysburg Allies Club.

Swarthmore College faces continued challenge of hate speech

Chalk is for more than child’s play and blackboards, as it turns out.

The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s independent student publication, brought to the attention of the college’s community the defacing of a wall directly at the entrance of Worth Courtyard, tainted earlier today with homophobic language written in chalk that read, “Queer Dorms” and “Tits.” The writing then pointed with an arrow to the nearby Worth Hall and “Lodges,” conveying a disturbingly straightforward message of “Kill em’ all [sic].”

Local students and activists around the country are left wondering just who the ambiguous “all” entails.

“This hateful activity is harmful not only to LGBTQ students, but to the student body as a whole,” said Joy Horner, deputy director of the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC). “This is a safety threat to the campus at large, and should be of everyone’s concern.”

Swarthmore administration officials have since denounced the act, insisting that the university is looking to take more aggressive action against hate speech going forward.

“…Swarthmore is not a community that will tolerate hate or threats against any member of our community,” Dean of Students Liz Braun said in a statement. “There is more work to be done.”

The college had a similar pair of occurrences last month; first during a “Pub Nite,” when a guest stood on a bench waving the Confederate flag, chanting and drawing negative attention from the event’s attendees, and again when a slew of homophobic slurs were written on David Kemp – a Swarthmore dorm building. The administration’s then-lukewarm response to the two incidents has manifested in increased tension between students and administrators leading into today’s events.

Will Lawrence, a witness of the chalk writings and student at Swarthmore, expressed concern to The Daily Gazette that these instances will only continue if the administration does not produce stronger reactions.

“Considering that this seems to be becoming a pattern, we really need to develop an immediate response mechanism among the students that will allow the community to denounce hate speech and express support for those who were targeted,” Lawrence said.

If history is in fact meant to repeat itself, this won’t be the last we see of this controversy at Swarthmore. For the sake of student safety and civic justice, we hope Swarthmore administrators will take these issues more seriously than they have in the past.

Brandon Baker is the Director of Communications for the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC). Brandon can be contacted at bbaker@pennsec.org.

 

 

Gov. Support for LGBT Youth of Southwestern PA on the Rise

Hey yinz! We just put out this press release with PSEC and GLSEN Pittsburgh about some really awesome updates from this week. Read below for all the info. The Mayor of Pittsburgh even released his own image for youth to post around on Facebook (see below). I hope everyone has had a meaningful Day of Silence / PA: Breaking the Silence – Night of Noise!  -Nichole

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Governmental Support for LGBT Youth of Southwestern PA on the Rise

PITTSBURGH, PA– The City of Pittsburgh has made several historic steps toward addressing anti-LGBT bullying this week.

On Tuesday, April 17, Council member Bruce Kraus convened a roundtable hearing on anti-LGBT based school bullying. Leadership from several major anti-bullying and LGBT community organizations in Pittsburgh delivered testimony regarding the severity of bullying in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Council member Bruce Kraus stated, “the inherent value in each and every individual and their worth in society should not be a sensitive subject” thus indicating his desire to bring bullying to everyone’s attention, particularly parents and teachers.

Ian Syphard, Chair of GLSEN Pittsburgh also commented on the roundtable discussion. “It’s everyone in the system that needs the training on how to handle these tough situations, top down bottom up”, thus emphasizing the need for the current staff members to be trained on how to deal with bullying in their school. Janet Yuhasz, the Student Support Services Coordinator and Compliance Officer for Bullying and Harassment from Pittsburgh Public Schools said “Knowing more about the resources is one thing, and the second piece is making sure we’re spreading the word about that.”

On Thursday, April 19, leaders from the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC) met with members of the Mayor’s LGBT Advisory Council to discuss LGBT youth needs in the City of Pittsburgh. This meeting was well attended by LGBT non-profit staff and others interested in making schools safe for LGBT students.

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl recognized the Day of Silence on behalf of the City of Pittsburgh in an official proclamation and specifically commended GLSEN and the Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition for the work these organizations do with LGBT youth. This is the first known mayoral proclamation recognizing the Day of Silence in Pennsylvania.

Today, April 20th, is GLSEN’s National Day of Silence where youth refrain from speaking during the day to stand in solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of youth that are oppressed and silenced in schools every day because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. PSEC has been working with student leaders across the state to hold this crucial event. In Pennsylvania there are thousands of high school and college students participating. Also there are several Pittsburgh Public Schools administrators wearing the GLSEN Pittsburgh official Day of Silence shirts.

PSEC Executive Director Jason Landau Goodman stated that “silence is the most powerful of sounds today; when we are asked to reflect about all the voices we do not hear – and work toward a world in which we can all raise our voices and be heard; free to express, identify, and feel without fear.”

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The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC) is PA’s statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) youth organization working towards safe schools and communities for all.

The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Pittsburgh, is a chapter of the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. GLSEN Pittsburgh strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression. Founded in 1990, GLSEN National, envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community. For information on GLSEN’s research, educational resources, public policy advocacy, student organizing programs and educator training initiatives, visit www.glsen.org.

www.pennsec.org
www.glsenpittsburgh.org

GSA given greenlight in Central PA

 

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ENOLA, PA— A GSA at East Pennsboro Area High School was approved in a unanimous  vote (7-0) this evening by their local school board. Earlier this month, the East Pennsboro Area School District Board of Directors voted down (4-4) the formation of a GSA at EPA HS.

Realizing what they had done, and following a media firestorm, it was predicted that at the meeting tonight they would approve the formation of the student group.

East Pennsboro Area School District is located on the West Shore region in Central Pennsylvania – directly across the river from our capital city of Harrisburg. East Pennsboro Area High School LGBTQ and ally students have had  an informal group for several years.

PSEC Co-Founder Jason Fluke,  who is a student at Penn State – Harrisburg and recent graduate of East Pennsboro Area School District, was present at the vote this evening with other  supporters from the community. Fluke said “this is a small victory for the queer community, but a larger victory for any individual who does not fit the caucasian, heterosexual norm.”

Today, the Patriot-News published an incredibly supportive editorial in favor of the GSA’s establishment:
Gay Alliance – East Pennsboro should get it right this time.

There was minimal discussion by the Board members before the final vote. They had a greatly positive dialogue  this evening in contrast to just a few weeks before.

Following the meeting, Fluke said “with the public establishment of Coexist, hopefully now the students will feel safe and empowered to find their voices.”

We couldn’t agree more.

The East Pennsboro Area School District Board of Directors before the final vote to approve the GSA.

Trans couple issued subpoenas in Pitt bomb threat case

The US District Attorney’s office issued subpoenas on Thursday to two former Pitt-Johnstown students. The couple, Seamus (22) and Katherine Anne (56), of Cambria County, have been identified by the FBI as people of interest in the case of bomb threats at Pitt.

Over the past two months, over 30 bomb threats against buildings on the main campus have greatly disrupted university life. Seamus was an honors student at Pitt-Johnstown last fall, but was arrested and later expelled by the university for continuing to use the bathroom facilitates of the gender he identifies with – defying the university’s policy of only allowing students to use bathrooms which correspond with the sex on their birth certificates. Both Seamus and Katherine Anne identify as transgender. While the bathroom discrimination case is making its way through the university, this recent development comes as a surprise to many Pitt students. In a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article published today, Seamus and Katherine Anne deny any involvement with the bomb threats.

Seamus and Katherine Anne will appear on Tuesday before a grand jury. We will post more information as it becomes available.

More information with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Pitt to Trans Students: Birth Certificate or Bust

Pitt to Transgender Students: Birth Certificate or Bust

PITTSBURGH– The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC) is deeply disappointed by the University of Pittsburgh’s unfortunate decision on March 20th to go against the Anti-Discriminatory Policies Committee’s (ADPC) thoughtful recommendation allowing students to occupy bathrooms based on their gender identity.

The decision comes as a shock to ADPC committee members, and draws forth profound discouragement among students who are now forced to use gender-specific bathrooms matching the gender listed on their birth certificates. As a result, students are now exposed to the threat of unwelcoming environments in an area that should be private and free from danger.

The university’s careless stance and lack of public response to these new policies sets a dangerous precedent and leaves PSEC confounded by the allowance of bullying and discrimination to persevere in school environments. Discrimination on the basis of gender identity or expression is currently illegal under Pittsburgh City and Allegheny County laws.

“The university is ignoring their equal access statement by actively discriminating against and creating a hostile environment for transgender students,” PSEC Deputy Director and Pitt student Joy Horner said. “We call on the University to redact this medieval policy – to force transgender students to provide a birth certificate to use the bathroom. We must work on improving the campus for transgender students by adding trans-inclusive policies and providing gender-neutral bathrooms and housing.”

“This policy is highly discriminatory; it doesn’t take into account any of the issues that transgendered people face,” said Jake Tolan, PSEC Coordinating Committee member and student at the University of Pennsylvania. “It’s really backwards – it’s foolish of them to say something like that.”

The University of Pennsylvania set the boldest example for Pennsylvania universities yet on this issue by increasing the campus’ number of gender neutral bathrooms last November and has long allowed transgender students to use bathroom and locker room facilities of their identity. PSEC hopes that the University of Pittsburgh will not only change its stance on this issue, but follow the University of Pennsylvania’s example by considering the needs of its transgender students.

PSEC would like to note the situation which was the impetus for this policy review is not isolated as Pitt has a track record of discriminating against its transgender students on various campuses in this way.

PSEC has been closely monitoring the situation over the past month and applauds the support which has been expressed for transgender students, faculty, and staff through campus forums, programs, and passionate articles in the Pitt News. PSEC will continue to back the efforts of Pitt students to make their campus more accessible and affirming for transgender members of the community.

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The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC) is PA’s statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth organization working towards safe schools and communities for all.

www.pennsec.org

List of articles about Pitt’s new bathroom policy

Mar 19, 2012: Pitt lacks written policy on transgender showers – The Pitt News (University of Pittsburgh)
Mar 21, 2012: University defines gendered facilities policy – The Pitt News (University of Pittsburgh)
Mar 22, 2012: Pitt’s transgender students stalled – The Duquense Duke (Duquense University)
Mar 22, 2012: Campus Roundtable on Pitt’s Policy Toward Transgender Students – WPTS (The University of Pittsburgh)
Mar 23, 2012: Rainbow Alliance to fight bathroom policy – The Pitt News (University of Pittsburgh)
Mar 26, 2012: Kozlowski: Pitt’s transgender policy necessary – The Pitt News (University of Pittsburgh)
Mar 27, 2012: Through transgender policy, Pitt disregards student opinion – The Pitt News (University of Pittsburgh)
Mar 29, 2012: Letters to the Editor 3/29 – The Pitt News (University of Pittsburgh)
Apr 1, 2012: April Fools: Transgender bathroom policy works – The Pitt News (University of Pittsburgh)
Apr 2, 2012: Pitt’s transgender policy conflicts with city, county policies – The Pitt News (University of Pittsburgh)
Apr 4, 2012: Pitt bathroom policy surprises, outrages transgender faculty, students – The Pittsburgh City Paper
Apr 5, 2012: Transgender Athletes Face a Different Set of Rules – The Pitt News (University of Pittsburgh)
Apr 6, 2012: University Of Pittsburgh Imposes Anti-Trans Bathroom Policy – Think Progress
Apr 6, 2012: U Of Pitt Flushes Plan To Allow Trans Students To Use Bathroom Of Choice – Queerty

East Pennsboro: No GSA Here!

East Pennsboro School District Votes Down GSA: Violates Federal Equal Access Law

HARRISBURG, PA – Defying federal law, the East Pennsboro Area School District voted down the formation of a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at East Pennsboro Area High School yesterday evening. The Federal Equal Access Act of 1984 provides that schools districts must allow for the formation of a GSA just as any other non-curricular student club, or suspend all non-curricular activities entirely. Students at the high school have been meeting informally on LGBT issues for several years as a support group and were now vying to become an official student organization.

There are thousands of student “Gay Straight Alliances” in schools across the nation. They provide safe and supportive environments for students who may identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (LGBT), or a straight ally. In numerous academic studies, the presence of a GSA is demonstrated to greatly improve the lives in the short and long term of LGBT students.

The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition (PSEC), the statewide LGBT youth organization, exists as a coalition of GSAs at high schools and colleges throughout the state. PSEC believes there is no reason to deny the formation of a GSA at East Pennsboro Area High School other than bigotry. Funding is not an issue as there are already multiple non-curricular clubs at the school – and there are several supportive teachers willing to be sponsors of the organization.

PSEC Executive Director and student at the University of Pennsylvania Jason Landau Goodman said “this decision is simply illegal and discriminatory. The East Pennsboro Area School Board has sent a devastating message last night: LGBT students are not welcome here.” Further, Goodman stated that “East Pennsboro Area School District has a wealth of wonderful educators and administrators who want success for all their students – and allowing the formation of a GSA is critical to that mission.”

PSEC Co-Founder and Central PA leader Jason Fluke is a graduate of East Pennsboro Area High School. Jason, the former President of the GSA at Penn State – Harrisburg, reflected that “quite frankly, I am not surprised by my small town rejecting the club. It is a shame because this shows the rest of the nation that even in 2012 people in Central Pennsylvania need to be educated on diversity issues. I find it intriguing that the school board, those whom are entrusted to have the best interests of the students in mind, voted against the GSA to spite some of their most vulnerable youth.”

Recently, two GSAs were denied formation by their school boards in the Lehigh Valley – both decisions were later rescinded.

PSEC calls on the school board to reverse its decision at its next meeting, or the coalition will rally with others to consider legal action. PSEC is in the process of sending letters to the school board detailing the severity of their decision last night and urge them to reconsider.

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The Pennsylvania Student Equality Coalition is PA’s statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth organization working toward safe schools for all.

www.pennsec.org