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.
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!
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.
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 .
On April 2, at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Asbury Park, The New Jersey Gay Men’s Chorus will be ‘making it better’ through song. Joined by guests the Harrisburg Chorus, the NJGMC will be using song as a means to remember and honor those who have experienced pain and adversity.
Please join us for what we’re sure will be a moving performance. There will be a special exhibit pre-show of groups who support and provide resources for the GLBT community with special emphasis on those that work with youth.