Back to School for LGBTQ* Families - Free Webinar for Support & Information

Calling all LGBTQ parents, educators, human service providers, and allies! 
 
Please join Pride and Joy Families for a supportive and informative online presentation, "Back to School for LGBTQ Families". This latest program in our Wednesday Webinar series will take place on September 19, 2012, 7:00 - 8:30 pm.  The webinar is free but registration is required at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/168341006. 

 
According to organizers, "September can be a stressful time for kids and parents in LGBTQ families, who may be challenged to feel safe, welcome and included in their school communities. According to a 2008 study of the experiences of LGBT parents and their children in schools,** there is good reason for concern: 3 out of 4 middle and high school students with gay parents frequently heard 'that's so gay,' and sexist remarks at school; and 2 out of 3 heard blatantly homophobic remarks. These comments can and do feel personal to children in LGBTQ-led families".
 
Specific webinar topics will include: practical advice for gay parents on how to survive and thrive in school; results of GLSEN's national survey on school climate; New York State's new anti-bullying law, the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), and its significance for LGBTQ families. Special Guest Speakers are Dr. Elizabethe Payne, of Syracuse University, and a member of the DASA State Policy Group and the NYS Education Department DASA Task Force; and Barrie H. Gewanter, Executive Director, Central NY Chapter, NY Civil Liberties Union. The 1 1/2-hour webinar will include 15 minutes of Q&A. 
 
The Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project sponsors the Wednesday Webinar Series. The Project is dedicated to helping LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer) people in Upstate New York achieve their goals of building and sustaining healthy families. Our network of Pride and Joy Families provides social and educational opportunities, and a sense of community to LGBTQ parents and their children. Please join us on Facebook and visit our website www.prideandjoyfamilies.org.
 
For further information, contact Claudia Stallman, Project Director, Lesbian and Gay Family Building Project, at [email protected] or 607.724.4308. Reserve your free seat at the webinar now by registering at https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/168341006. 

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