Focus on Youth

Tonight we welcome community organizers working to support youth in schools and our communities. Tis the season for some HoHoHomo holiday music, as well!

Our first music break features Venus Envy's 'Rhonda the Lesbo Reindeer', from their CD I'll Be a Homo for Christmas

We welcome Maisha and Sarah to the show. They are working with youth in East Portland in planning a youth dance on Jan 28 at Montavilla Community Center. The goal of this dance is to bring together lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, queer and allied youth to socialize and support eachother. They're also recruiting adult allies for support for this event, with specific requests shared during the show. To get involved and/or to donate, email YouthPrideDance@gmail.com

Music break from Venus Envy's 'Silent Dyke'.

Next we welcome Joy, Stephanie and Sarah from Oregon Safe Schools and Communities Coalition. Joy, who is the co-chair of OSSCC's Board of Directors, shares some background on the organization. Stephanie, who coordinates requests for speakers and trainings, offers perspective on how OSSCC work engages school districts and colleges that train future teachers. Sarah, who works with the Oregon Gay and Lesbian Law Association, shares statistics from Oregon students and from national studies done by the Gay Lesbian and Straight Educator Network . We discuss changes to Oregon Law in 2009 that added sexual orientation and gender identity to groups of youth covered under school safety policies. Oregon Safe Schools created a Safe School Toolkit for the public and schools to utilize. Currently, OSSCC is surveying school districts around Oregon to assess their policies to compare them with current state laws regarding student safety -- ALL student safety, not just lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender or queer youth. We wrap up our conversation with some encouragement for parents, guardians and anyone interested in youth safety to engage with their local schools regarding their anti-bulling policies.

The show ends with a live version of Amazing Grace by Ani DiFranco.

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Thank you for listening! Until next time, stay proud & live out loud!