Help me find a speaker...LGBT issues and schooling

[megincl]

Hi Folks,

I want to create a workshop evening at my son's school to support parents in talking to their kids about LGBT folks/issues, as well as gender identity. Last year, around the time of Pride (the school has a yearly Pride assembly), there was lots of conversation in DS's class about gay rights, and I and his lesbian teacher were often the recipients of comments from parents about how kids brought these conversations home. I think that many parents, particularly those of littler kids, don't quite know what to do when conversations about "gay" come up. Same goes for conversations about gender expression/identity-- which anyone in a class with DS definitely is privy to.

Hence the idea to create some sort of evening event/workshop/conversation for parents. But, I think it needs to center around a speaker or some sort of "expert" in order to get on the calendar, have purchase, etc. There's a meeting next Wednesday where I'd like to pitch some ideas, so I'd love any suggestions.

Even if you have someone in mind who's local to you, I could look them up to get a sense as to the profile of the type of person that you think might be good at this.

Any and all suggestions GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks!
megin

[osker]

I'll ask my old boss... see if she has any ideas.

[spedteacher30]

If it is a public school,call the Massachusetts Teachers Association. they have a great program on GLBT issues in the schools.

For either public or private, GLSEN might be able to help you as well.

[cejae]

Hey Meg, I study and write about glbt teens in public schools. PM me and I can give you some ideas about people who might be useful.

[lyn_ftst]

Is your kiddo in public school? If so, we're in the same area and the district has a GLBT family liaison. I don't know her name, but I know for sure that she exists, and might be a great resource for something like this.

[megincl]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I had, of course, completely forgotten about GLSEN. I'll be pm'ing you, cejae, too.

DS is not in private school, so we can't tap into either the Cambridge liason or the MTA resources.

Since I'm looking for something that's more about supporting parents in talking to their kiddos about LGBT stuff starting at a young age (no matter the kiddo's identity), I'm having a harder time pinpointing exactly who/what type of person might be right for this.

Will keep up the search...and continue to welcome any and all suggestions.

Thanks!
megin

[erthe_mama]

That is a fantastic idea!! My DP is really involved in queer issues, and on the board of our local GLBTQQT organisation... I should see if she'll speak at our son's school.

[adoon]

I would also suggest Sherry Wolf, author of "Sexuality and Socialism", she has been on tour for like 4 months since her book came out, which is incredible. She was on the steering committee of the National Equality March in DC; her book is really amazing and goes through all sorts of gender identity/expression issues, and the history of the fight for equality. You can look her up on facebook, or message me.