LGBT

Monmouth County Library to LGBT Teens: It Gets Better

Thursday, October 20th, the Monmouth County Library in Manalapan will be hosting “It Gets Better”, an evening for LGBT teens and their allies. The documentary Bullied will be shown, and Paul Zilber, local activist and speaker will be talking with the attendees.

The event is free, and will also feature local LGBT organizations and supporters. Questions and information can be obtained by contacting Veronica Stevens, Coordinator of Young Adult Programming at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters; 125 Symmes Drive, Manalapan, NJ 07726, 732-451-7253

Welcome Back!

It’s October now, and many of us are back to school; as students, teachers, or parents of school age children. With that comes the daily drama of social lives and school lunches, after school activities and homework. And for many, the uncertainty of how they will be received in school as a LGBT identified student.

The media has been full of stories relating to our loved ones’ identities, and it is a reminder of the long road yet to be traveled.  New Jersey is making a step in the right direction with implementing the toughest anti-bullying legislation in the country.  Some schools are making progress, and other schools are trying to figure out how to implement the changes. The legislation makes it clear that ANYBODY can report bullying in a school – a parent, friend, teacher, or other concerned individual. Schools MUST have a means to report concerns and incidents.  The  Anti-BullyingLaw_Summary outlines school responsibilities and factors in determining the severity of the situation.

If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, harassment, or intimidation, report it to your school. If you need support or help, reach out to PFLAG, The Consortium, or your local GSA.

 

Pride Triathalon in Asbury Park

This weekend is the 1st annual Pride Triathlon in Asbury Park, NJ.  With so many events for the LGBT crowd centered in Asbury, why not round out the sports offerings (Volleyball anyone? Roller Derby?) and host a triathlon! What’s even better is that Make It Better for Youth (Yippee! That’s us! The Monmouth County Consortium on LGBT Youth) is named a recipient of the charitable proceeds! The triathlon and related events begin bright and early tomorrow June 9th.

While online registrations are closed, you can register early in the morning in person!

GAYLA! an Alternative Prom for LGBTQ Youth and Their Allies

On June 10th, Monmouth Regional High School in partnership with Make it Better for Youth and PFLAG will host GAYLA! an alternative prom for LGBTQI youth and their allies.

Where: Monmouth Regional High School, 1 Norman J. Field Way, Tinton Falls NJ 07724

When: June 10th, 7 – 11 pm

Cost: $25 per person, and includes food

You must be registered in advance to attend. Please download GAYLA 2011 Registration Form and follow the instructions to complete registration. If All questions can be directed to prom@makeitbetter4youth.org . Don’t forget to organize your GSA or student group to attend! Download GAYLA! posters now!

UPDATE: If you need a registration form that doesn’t specify the organization/purpose, please download this Dance Registration Form.

GSA Adviser Meet-up

The Make it Better for Youth Consortium will be hosting an important meet-up for GSA Advisers (teacher/faculty, not student leaders) on the 10th of May at 7pm in the Middletown South High School Library. We are asking for your involvement in this meeting as we take steps to solidify our mission and roles.

This year has been an exciting one – complete with a kick-off meeting drawing more interested people and organizations than we hoped for, an incredible dance in February, and currently finding ourselves in the middle of planning another spectacular event (Alternative Prom) for June.

Please plan on attending our very focused meeting on May 10th at 7pm to determine our trajectory for the next calendar year, as well as receive important information on the Alternative Prom.

For more information, please contact info@makeitbetter4youth.org .