Two very different ways of dealing with LGBTQ issues in public schools

LGBTQ education is a controversial topic in public schools, especially with the recent outbreak of bullying and suicide.  On this new edition of OutCasting, we explore the issues LGBTQ children face in public schools, differing views on legislative action, and the benefits and repercussions of this legislation.

In California, the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful (FAIR) Education Act, which went into effect on January 1, 2012, will require public schools to include material on LGBTQ history and notable figures.  Juliana talks this week with California State Senator Mark Leno.  The openly gay Democratic senator was the law’s sponsor in the state senate.

Meanwhile, in Tennessee, the “Don’t Say Gay” bill would effectively do the opposite, prohibiting mention of anything that strays from the heteronormative in grades K-8.  Joining us are Brad Palmertree and Callie Wise from the Middle Tennessee chapter of GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network).

Middle Tenesse chapter of GLSEN - http://chapters.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/mtenn/about.html

On this ninth edition of OutCasting, we discuss LGBTQ teen relationships and the things that can make them healthy or unhealthy.  Our guests are from the Domestic Violence Education and Prevention (DVEP) Program at My Sister’s Place, which provides comprehensive shelter, advocacy, legal services, and supportive services for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse, stalking, and human trafficking in Westchester County, New York.

Our guests are Kristine Poplawski, L.M.S.W., DVEP Program Coordinator, and Rebecca Drago and Honor Adams, community educators. 

WDFH is the only public radio station in the Lower Hudson River Valley and it needs your tax deductible support! Donate here and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and iTunes!

On this eighth edition of OutCasting, Mady talks to YouTube vlogger, and musician, Joseph Birdsong.  Mady and Joseph talk about growing up gay in a small town, and the transition to college. Joseph is known on YouTube as disneykid1, and was previously a part of the YouTube channel, 5Awesomegays.

Joseph’s website - cupofjoeshow.blogspot.com
Joseph’s YouTube channel - youtube.com/disneykid1

WDFH is the only public radio station in the Lower Hudson River Valley and it needs your tax deductible support! Donate here and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and iTunes!

On this seventh edition of OutCasting, we are joined by singer/songwriter and trans activist Ryan Cassata, who recieived the Harvey Milk Memorial Award, for an interview and performance.

Ryan’s Website - ryancassata.com
Ryan’s tumblr -  ryancassata.tumblr.com

WDFH is the only public radio station in the Lower Hudson River Valley and it needs your tax deductible support! Donate here and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and iTunes!

On this sixth edition of OutCasting, we look back at Prideworks, a regional convention of hundreds of LGBTQ youth and their straight allies. OutCasting was there and brought back interviews about more sex education that is inclusive to all, whether their sexual orientation or gender expression, and about queer cinema. Also, a workshop was held at which Dr. Jallen Rix, a talked about his experiences as a “survivor” of so-called “reparative therapy,” an often religious-based effort to try to “cure” homosexuality. Dr. Rix joined us by telephone from his home to discuss this controversial and often damaging approach.

Post about your experiences of Prideworks in the comments and on Facebook!

Prideworks online - prideworksforyouth.org

Information about Dr. Jallen Rix - doctorrix.com

Basic info, testimonials/stories, and resources concerning ex-gay therapy -beyondexgay.com

WDFH is the only public radio station in the Lower Hudson River Valley and it needs your tax - deductible support! Donate here and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and iTunes!

On this fifth edition of OutCasting, we observe and discuss the importance of World AIDS Day, December 1.  Joining us are Twanna Hines, the coordinator of the Comprehensive of Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program and co-chair of the Youth Outreach Committee at Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, and Santo Barbagiovanni, CHAPS program supervisor with AIDS-Related Community Services.

http://www.plannedparenthood.org/hudsonpeconic/ - Planned Parenthood of the Hudson Valley

http://arcs.org/ - Follow CHAPS online

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