Education network teaches equality to communities

by Nate Moster

Cincinnati-With exciting plans for this year's Cincinnati Pride Festival, GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is proud to participate in this important community event. GLSEN is the leading national organization working to end anti-gay bias in schools and the communities supporting them.

With chapters in over 90 communities across the nation, GLSEN's work is apparent in school communities throughout the country. The group works to educate teachers, students and the public at large about the damaging effects of homophobia and heterosexism have on youth and adults alike.

GLSEN strives to create school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes in creating a more vibrant and diverse community. Because education policy is determined at local levels by school boards, GLSEN establishes these community-based chapters that work to create schools where "respect for all" is taught. GLSEN strives to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity and expression.

Cincinnati's GLSEN chapter has accomplished a significant number of contributions to our local community in the past year, including presentations to over 1,500 students and teachers. The group created and hosted two Youth Summits to offer support to youth, educators and parents in the GLBT and straight-supportive community; worked closely with Cincinnati Public Schools to add sexual orientation to the system's harassment policy; created the first-ever GLSEN Speakers Bureau with skilled facilitators trained to present GLSEN seminars; and supported new hate crime legislation in Cin-

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cinnati to include sexual orientation, gender and physical disability.

In addition to educational, legislation and policy reform efforts, GLSEN offers a social element to the greater Cincinnati GLBT and straight-supportive community. Events such as the annual GLSEN Prom, monthly program meetings, Cincinnati Pride participation and other special events draw hundreds of guests each year and promote a strong sense of community.

For more information about GLSEN Cincinnati and the services it offers to the community, visit www.glsencincinnati.org.

Nate Moster is the special events chair for GLSEN-Cincinnati.

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PRIDE GUIDE 2003

GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

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SERIES 1

THEATRE SERIES 2003-2004 www.victoriatheatre.com www.humanracetheatre.org

co-presented by Victoria Theatre Association and The Human Race Theatre Company:

Spitfire Grill

October 23 November 9, 2003

Frankie&Johnny IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE

December 4 21, 2003

Mice and Men

February 19 March 7, 2004

SERIES 2

presented by The Human Race Theatre Company:

DAZZLE

September 11 28, 2003

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