Gay plays

Two of Olympia's community theaters are presenting gay themed plays this summer.

First, Olympia Little Theater is doing the outrageous comedy "The Little Dog Laughed."

Here's the info on it from their press release: "If you like to laugh, if you like outrageous satire... don't miss "The Little Dog Laughed" said Liz Smith doyenne of Hollywood gossip columnists about Douglas Carter Beane's 2007 Tony and GLAAD (www.glaad.org) award nominated play, opening June 5th at Olympia Little Theatre. The play all Broadway was talking about in 2007 has come to town!

The show runs June 4th through 21st at Olympia Little Theater with shows Thursday through Monday at 7:55pm and 1:55pm Sunday. Tickets are $10-$12 and available at Yenney Music Company, 1404 Harrison Ave NW, Olympia, 360-943-7500 (cash & checks only), on-line at www.buyolympia.com/events (Credit cards only, add 10% service charge.) or at OLT on the night of the show (when available) 1925 Miller Avenue, Olympia, WA 98506 360-786-9484 www.olympialittletheatre.org

Regular Performance dates: June 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 20 at 7:55pm:
June 14, 21 at 1:55pm.

There will be a special benefit performance for Capital City Pride Friday June 19, 7:55pm. Contact CCP www.capitalcitypride.net for tickets.


Next, Theater Artists Olympia presents "Romeo and Juliet" done with a fresh, intriguing perspective: the title roles are played by two young men. The director, Chris Cantrell, has emphasized that this is not a "drag show," but a serious production. According to TAO' publicity, "He is handling it with the utmost sensitivity and care."

Where: Minnaert Performing Arts Ctr, 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia (South Puget Sound Comm College)
When: June 25 - July 11 at 8:00 p.m. (Wed.-Sat.) / July 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets: $12 at door or buyolympia.com / Pay What You Can on 7/8
Info: olytheater.com or 360-357-3471

Steve Schalchlin: Live Online May 22

Were you at the Olympia concert and want more?
Did you miss the Olympia concert?
There is going to be a Steve Schalchlin webcast!

Steve Schalchlin: Live Online from Kulak's Woodshed.
May 22 - 8 pm Pacific time. More information: here.

Steve Schalchlin: The Big Voice in Olympia

Earlier today in his blog - South Sound Arts etc. - PFLAG-Olympia chapter president (and local theater reviewer) Alec Clayton wrote a review of our very special Mothers Day benefit concert:
The Big Voice in Olympia

Steve Schalchlin posted Alec's review on his own blog - Living in the Bonus Round - with more photos and his own comments. Check it out:
A Review of My Olympia Concert.

Both Steve and Alec love comments which you can do on their blogs.

Enjoy!

PFLAG National Blog: Speaking Out for Equality on the Global Stage

Clinton's strong condemnation of anti-gay discrimination comes on the heels of the announcement that the Obama administration plans to reverse the long-standing U.S. opposition to a United Nations proposal supporting equality for LGBT people.

According to The U.N. Dispatch, the United States recently voted in favor of the measure, after voting "no" on the 13-point proposal during the Bush administration.

The declaration, the Dispatch reports, is "to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties, in particular executions, arrests or detention." The resolution also, "...Recognizes that experiences of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance are aggravated and intersect with discrimination on grounds including sexual orientation and gender identity, and condemns all forms of discrimination and all other human rights violations based on these grounds."

Read all of
PFLAG National Blog: Speaking Out for Equality on the Global Stage:

Dignity, Dogmatism and Same Sex Relationships

BOOK REVIEW

Dignity, Dogmatism and
Same Sex Relationships
by Gilbert Rossing

Reviewed by Alec Clayton

Gilbert Rossing, known to local PFLAG members as Gib, has recently published a fascinating book titled Dignity, Dogmatism and Sam Sex Relationships (subtitled What Science and Scripture Teach us). This long title clearly maps out what the book is about.

Gib is a retired Lutheran minister who with his wife, Beth, has two gay sons and two straight daughters. When their sons came out, the Rossings had the experience shared by many PFLAG parents of learning about GLBTQ issues. As a scholar and theologian, Gib found himself struggling to understand apparent contradictions between what the Bible said about homosexuality — and more specifically the common ways many people interpreted scripture — and what his heart and scientific studies told him. In his book, he carefully examines these issues from both theological and scientific viewpoints and illustrates his commentary with personal narrative.

The facts are interesting, well researched and clearly presented, but they make for somewhat dry and academic reading. The dryness, however, is alleviated by the personal narrative.

We have two copies of this book in the PFLAG library (although as of this writing they are both checked out). They are also available at Orca Books and online at amazon.com (or Google Dignity-Dogmatism).

Celebrate Mother's Day with Steve Schalchlin and support PFLAG Olympia!

In his April 03, 2009 blog post: Personal Appearances., award-winning lyricist, composer, singer/songwriter and storyteller Steve Schalchlin wrote:

This whole new wave of personal appearances, culminating in the creation and design of a new live solo concert, began with a simple request. Gabi Clayton -- do I have to remind you who she is? -- approached me about going back up to Olympia, the place where I played the "Imagine" piano, to sing a new concert as a benefit for PFLAG-Olympia. Given the fact that I'll do anything, anywhere, for any PFLAG, my answer was yes.

So we are very excited to announce that Steve will be the very special guest at our Sunday, May 10th Mother's Day meeting.

Then he'll perform a very special benefit concert for PFLAG at Capital Playhouse at 7 p.m. Tickets are limited so get them as soon as possible before they sell out.

Lot's more information is posted on the PFLAG-Olympia website.

Please join us!

It's an absolutely fabulous way to celebrate
Mother's Day and PFLAG.

"Honoring a Very Big Heart in the Heartland"

I very much recommend reading this wonderful story which was published in the National PFLAG blog today:
Honoring a Very Big Heart in the Heartland
by Kenny Michael Murrell, posted and introduced by Steve Ralls.

PFLAG National speaks out about Reverend Rick Warren being chosen to deliver the invocation at Barack Obama's inauguration

All of us at Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) have been inspired and empowered by your eloquent reminder that LGBT people are part of the fabric of our nation and that, as you so powerfully pointed out in 2004, “we have gay friends in the red states, too.” Rev. Warren, however, has not been a friend to our families, and his selection for this prestigious role in your inaugural ceremony is unwarranted and unfortunate.

Now, more than ever, our families need an ally in Washington who will stand up for us all. Unfortunately, Rev. Warren has stood against equality for all. We know our country, and our families, can do better.

Please read all of
A Letter to President-Elect Obama
by
John R. Cepek, PFLAG National President
Rabbi David Horowitz, PFLAG National Vice-President
and
Jody M. Huckaby, Executive Director
Posted on the PFLAG National Blog on Thursday, December 18, 2008

Harvey Milk: "You Cannot Live On Hope Alone"

Harvey Milk was the first openly-gay man to be elected to public office, in San Francisco in 1977. His amazing speech, "You Cannot Live On Hope Alone," was given in 1978, shortly before he was assassinated.

Watch a great video of that speech created by Causecast:

Got Hope? Harvey Milk.

"Somewhere in Des Moines or San Antonio there is a young gay person who all the sudden realizes that he or she is gay; knows that if their parents find out they will be tossed out of the house, their classmates will taunt the child, and the Anita Bryant's and John Briggs' are doing their part on TV. And that child has several options: staying in the closet, and suicide. And then one day that child might open the paper that says "Homosexual elected in San Francisco" and there are two new options: the option is to go to California, or stay in San Antonio and fight. Two days after I was elected I got a phone call and the voice was quite young. It was from Altoona, Pennsylvania. And the person said "Thanks". And you've got to elect gay people, so that thousand upon thousands like that child know that there is hope for a better world; there is hope for a better tomorrow. Without hope, not only gays, but those who are blacks, the Asians, the disabled, the seniors, the us's: without hope the us's give up. I know that you can't live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living. And you, and you, and you, and you have got to give them hope." - Harvey Milk, 1978

Proposition 8 Protest

Olympia will join cities all around the world in protest of the passage of Proposition 8 in California, the measure that took away hard-earned equal marriage rights for gays and lesbians. The Olympia protest will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, at City Hall. Please come, rain or shine.

For information contact Alec at alecclayton.com or Anna Schlecht at aschlecht@juno.com or go to http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com/

Keith Olbermann on Marriage Equality and Prop 8

Adam R wrote today on a PFLAG National Blog post Olbermann on Marriage Equality:

Keith Olbermann of MSNBC commented on his show recently about the passing of Proposition 8 in California, and his dismay and disappointment with the results. He wonders why anyone would want to deny another person the right to the same things that they enjoy. Be sure to watch this clip...

Keith Olbermann is thoughtful, powerful, and wonderful. He said:

You are asked now, by your country, and perhaps by your creator, to stand on one side or another. You are asked now to stand, not on a question of politics, not on a question of religion, not on a question of gay or straight. You are asked now to stand, on a question of...love. All you need do is stand, and let the tiny ember of love meet its own fate. You don't have to help it, you don't have it applaud it, you don't have to fight for it. Just don't put it out.

Please watch & listen to the whole commentary.

Thank you, Keith Olbermann.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Please stand with us in Olympia on Saturday.
Olympia is joining in a nationwide protest of the passage of Proposition 8 in California, the citizens' initiative that took away the hard-earned right of gays and lesbians to get married.

Please join in the rally at City Hall, 8th Avenue and Plum Street, at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 15. Bring signs and umbrellas. There will be guest speakers. We'll meet on the south side of City Hall on the steps to Council Chambers.

Please help spread the word.

If you have any questions, local contacts in Olympia are Alec Clayton at alec@alecclayton.com and Anna Schlecht at aschlecht@juno.com.

You can find posters, signs, and more information at http://jointheimpact.wetpaint.com.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Also, see this post on my blog for a message from Rebecca Riots and a link to a free song to download: Rebecca Riots - A Thousand Hands (Wedding Song '08).

A statement from PFLAG's ED on the election of Barack Obama

Jody M. Huckaby, executive director of PFLAG, released the following statement on PFLAG National Blog following the election of President-Elect Barack Obama:

Lift Up Your Eyes to the Day Breaking For You

"All of us at PFLAG congratulate President-Elect Obama on his victory this evening. Tonight, our country has turned an historic corner, electing our first African-American commander-in-chief. As a United States Senator, and a candidate for the Presidency of the United States, Obama has been a steadfast friend to the LGBT community, our families and friends. We look forward to working with the new administration, and new Congress, in moving equality forward for our families and friends.

"Tonight, old prejudices have fallen, and outdated barriers have been broken. For those of us with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) loved ones, the significance of this moment cannot be underestimated. President-Elect Obama will arrive in the Oval Office as a remarkable advocate for our community and our families. He will be the first sitting chief executive to support repeal of the military’s prejudicial ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ ban on LGBT Americans, and the first occupant of the White House to support federal recognition of same-sex relationships. We believe our families have an invaluable ally in the White House, and LGBT Americans have a champion for ‘liberty and justice for all.’ We join our country in congratulating pro-equality candidates for Congress as well, as it appears we have obtained a significant majority of fair-minded candidates in both houses of Congress. Even as we await the results of ballot initiatives on marriage equality and adoption, we take great hope and inspiration in President-Elect Obama’s victory.

"In her 1993 inaugural poem to the nation, one of America’s greatest treasures, Dr. Maya Angelou, implored our nation to ‘lift up your eyes to the day breaking for you; give birth again to the dream.’ This evening, we have heeded Dr. Angelou’s call, and we embark on a new journey for America. PFLAG’s family, friends, supporters and volunteers are proud to join President-Elect Obama on that journey, and we salute his historic victory on this unforgettable election day in America."

PFLAG at Olympia Pride 2008

Watch the PFLAG interview at Capital City Pride Parade with some parade footage and pancake feed.

By David Raffin, Olympia writer, filmmaker, raconteur, and owner of of Blissful Rememberances.

The Q Voices Survey of 14-19 Year Old GLBTQ US Youth

The Q Voices Project is an anonymous online survey through the University of Washington's School of Social Work.

We are a group of researchers who want to better understand the experiences of teens in the United States ages 14-19 who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer, transgender or questioning their sexual or gender orientation. Because we appreciate you sharing your time and experiences with us, you'll receive a $15 gift certificate (valid only in the US) after completing the survey!

Our team is diverse: we're queer and straight, racially/ethnically diverse, and we come from different professional backgrounds. Many of us have worked with LGBTQ youth in the past, and we're all committed to understanding the experiences of LGBTQ youth. That's why we designed this survey!

Once the survey is complete, we will compile people’s answer to document the strengths and challenges in the lives of LGBTQ youth. We will share this information in various ways such as by reporting to:

• Agencies providing services and programs for LGBTQ youth
• Schools so they can better attend to people’s needs
• Other professionals who care about LGBTQ youth and are in a position to effect policies, services, education, and public compassion.

Take the survey: The Q Voices Project

GLBT youths bravely pave way for change

This article was written by Ruth Schneider who contacted a Stonewall Youth Representative who contacted me to do an interview. Ruth writes for The Olympian in the OUTspoken column. I hope you all enjoy the article as much as I did.



It's tough being a teenager. Period.

It's even tougher being a gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender teenager.

"It's kind of hard to be out there and try to be someone there for people to talk to when there's a lot of homophobia around," said Kaleigh Costello, a junior at Olympia High School and a member of Olympia's Stonewall Youth.

That's why it is up to schools to do their best to protect all students from discrimination.

A school district in central Florida failed to do just that last year.

In fact, the school so alienated the GLBT-supportive members of the student population that the American Civil Liberties Union was called on to help file suit against the district.

It all began with a lesbian student at Ponce de Leon High School in Holmes County, Fla. The student was being harassed about her sexual orientation by other students. She took the issue to the principal, David Davis.

The mission statement for area school district states, "The Holmes County School District shall provide a safe, nurturing environment and a comprehensive curriculum that will allow students to achieve their highest potential and become responsible, productive citizens."

Principal Davis' response falls disturbingly short of this mission. Davis told the student homosexuality was wrong, outed her to her parents and ordered her to stay away from children.

This is not exactly the "nurturing environment" the school district says it offers.

GLBT-supportive students responded by wearing gay pride T-shirts to school, including rainbows and pink triangles.

Then things began to get ugly. Students reported being singled out for harassment from school officials for wearing clothing with gay pride symbols. Some students were suspended.

One of those students was Heather Gillman, a senior at Ponce de Leon High who identifies as straight but staunchly defends GLBT friends. She was suspended for five days last school year, but had the gumption to do something about it. She gathered her peers and took the issue to the ACLU.

"I was upset by what the kids at school were going through and I felt wronged that the school board said I couldn't wear a shirt supporting the GLBT students," Gillman said in an online interview.

And it was the right thing to do.

Federal Judge Richard Smoak reprimanded Davis for what he termed a "witch hunt" against gays and lesbians.

The school district "probably had an opportunity, as the courts have pointed out, in the learning environment of schools, where not just comfortable issues are to be learned or debated, that this would have been an opportunity for leadership, it would have been an opportunity for understanding and an opportunity for civil discourse and a learning opportunity about tolerance and diversity," Smoak wrote in his order that forced the school to recognize the First Amendment rights of students. "Unfortunately, those opportunities were missed."

As the school year begins again, students at Ponce de Leon High School will be allowed to wear T-shirts expressing gay pride without fear of reprimands. Gillman said she already has worn her rainbow belt to school.

But the homophobia GLBT students face from their peers will persist. And it can be found in South Sound high schools as much as it can be found in schools in small towns in Florida.

Costello wears rainbow bracelets to school and walks around campus with a Parents and Families of Lesbians and Gays bag.

Just that is enough to incite taunts from peers.

"People always give dirty looks and whisper and act rude. And people yell 'Fag!' at you," said Costello, who has been out since her freshman year at Olympia High.

The barrage of homophobic insults pushed Costello to conduct a mini-experiment on campus. When a teacher would walk by, she or a friend would yell a derogatory comment to see whether the teacher would respond.

Of the 15 teachers she tried her experiment on, only one asked her to refrain for homophobic remarks. Costello maintains that with teachers allowing hateful rhetoric, it makes homophobia permissible and pervasive on campus.

The homophobia she deals with daily pushed her to become active in the GLBT community. As a youth board member of PFLAG, she is able to advise others on what it is like to be a GLBT student.

"I give them insight into the schools. It's helpful to have someone in high school and tell them what kind of bullying and harassment goes on," Costello said.

It's teens like Costello and Gillman who make a difference for other GLBT youths trying to survive the vicious teenage years.

And that deserves thunderous applause.

Ruth Schneider was not out in high school, but wishes she had been. Contact her at rschneider@theolympian.com or 360-704-6873.

Join us for Our Annual Picnic!

Every August PFLAG-Olympia has a picnic outdoors instead of the usual monthly meeting & program.

We have reserved Shelter #2 at Priest Point Park in Olympia. That's on the water side of the park, not the rose garden side. See the map here for the location. A map of the whole park is here in pdf format. When you arrive at the park, look for the PFLAG-Olympia banner at the picnic shelter.

It's a potluck meal with the PFLAG-Olympia board providing some of the basics: BBQ, hamburgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers and dogs, buns, condiments, soft drinks, water, ice, paper plates & silverware.

Please bring something like a side dish or dessert. You can leave a comment here on the blog if you know what you are bringing so that others can plan. Or just show up - please don't let not having something to bring stop you from coming.

Also bring folding chairs if you have them.

Invite your family, friends and allies!
See you on Sunday!

AUCTION AUGUST 27 6 PM - to support our GLBTQQ Support Groups at Local High Schools!

Dear Friends,

We are really excited about this upcoming auction at our house. We hope you can attend or donate money, services or items. It's really going to be fun and there is no cost to attend. The proceeds go to support groups that Lynn has been involved with. These GLBTQQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Queer and Questioning) support groups are offered right at the students' high schools.

Please read the letter below and see the PDF file for further info and a donation form.

Love you. Lynn and Lisa

AUCTION AUGUST 27 6 PM - AUCTION AUGUST 27 6PM - AUCTION

Hello,

We are asking your help to raise money to continue our GLBTQQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bi, Trans, Queer and Questioning) Support Groups at North Thurston High School, Timberline High and if we make enough money, South Sound High or maybe a high school in the Olympia School District.

Here’s the great news: We don’t need tons of money. We need enough to buy pizzas for the two weekly groups at each high school and enough to give a stipend to the facilitators. We’re talking about $2,500 - $3,500 total.

Here are a variety of ways you can help us…

1. Donate money (anywhere from $10-$1,000 will help). Make a check out to “PFLAG Olympia” and in the memo section write “pizza”. Send it to: PO Box 12732, Olympia, WA 98508-2732

2. Attend our relaxed and totally fun Auction at Lynn Grotsky and Lisa Brodoff’s house on Hick’s Lake, on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 6 pm.

Lynn and Lisa will supply appetizers and other food to eat. Come yourself, and if you can, bring a friend or two with you.

The auction will be both silent and live with the wonderful auctioneer, Carol Watson, donating her services.

And, consider bringing a dessert to the auction that we will auction off there.

3. Donate a minimum of one item yourself (see below for ideas and a link to the donation form) and, if possible, get 2 or 3 others to donate too.

4. Send this information to who you think might enjoy the auction or who might like to donate money or an item to support the high school GLBTQQ support groups.

There is no cost to attend the auction.
(Please try to RSVP so Lynn and Lisa have an idea of how much food to make.) Email them at rtmom@aol.com or see the PDF file for more contact information.

THANK YOU!
Steven Briggs, Jesse Bradford, Diana Corbin, Lynn Grotsky, Teresa Guajardo, Selena Kilmoyer, Lori Lawrence, Aimee Leggett, Kristyn Leach, Heather Lenox, Jeff Loyer, Karly Nelson, Rosalinda Noriega, Sandra Rowell, and Susan White.

Auction Item Ideas to Donate or to ask others to Donate:

Provide Services

• Clean out a garage
• Yard Work
• Wash cars
• Wash windows
• House cleaning
• Shop for someone
• Put up yard signs
• Help with a garage sale
• Help you landscape
• Etc.

Teach a skill

• You’d be surprised what skill you may have that
• others would like to learn. Examples include:
• How to use a computer
• How to use Excel or Powerpoint, etc.
• How to knit
• How to make cookies, lasagne, etc.
• How to make glass beads
• A water-coloring lesson
• One photography lesson
• How to sew
• How to make necklaces, earrings, etc.
• A voice lesson
• Some other music lesson
• How to water ski
• How to garden
• How to camp with children
• How to scrapbook
• How to make a great gift basket
• Knot tying
• How to juggle
• Yoga
• Etc.

Professional Services

• Massages or other Bodywork
• Car Detailing
• Estate Planning or a will
• Parenting Consultation
• Accounting
• Guide a hike
• Chiropractic Appointment
• Photography Session
• Dog Training

Food Ideas

• Offer dinners for as many people as you choose.
• For ex. a gourmet dinner for 4 or 6 or 12. It could
• be at your house or at the buyer’s house. Ideas for
• dinners include:
• Gourmet Salmon Barbeque
• French Cuisine
• Indian
• Moroccan
• Greek
• Thai
• A picnic lunch at a beautiful spot
• Etc.
• Provide a kid’s birthday cake
• A wedding cake
• 2 dozen cookies delivered e/ month for a year
• Homemade pizza
• Homemade bread
• A cooking lesson
• Cater a party
• Etc.

Items

• Anything you can think of that is nice and in good shape:
• Snowboards, ski equipment
• Jewelry
• Artwork
• An antique book
• Nice bowls or plates
• Bicycles
• Lamps
• Handmade or/Knitted Items
• Plants
• Good DVD’s or CD’s
• Movie Tickets
• Tickets to a play or sports event
• A vacation or condo offer

Other

• We’re open but some thoughts include:
• A day sailing
• Taking a group for a hike
• A night of improv or other fun party
• A card night
• A wildflower tour

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THIS INFORMATION IN PDF FORMAT WITH MORE INFORMATION AND A DONATION FORM.
Please share it with others.

Thank you!

Article: Rainbow connection: PFLAG (Tacoma) offers support to parents of gay children

When gay children come out to parents, there is anxiety on both sides. PFLAG – Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – is there to offer support.

Several members of the Tacoma, WA PFLAG chapter are featured in this article with photos.
The focus of the article on the closest chapter North of us is on support for parents when someone comes out.

Rainbow connection: PFLAG offers support to parents of gay children
by Debbie Cafazzo - July 20th, 2008 - in the SoundLife section of the Tribune.

Bare is in Seattle! until July 26th

ArtsWest presents the Seattle Premiere of
bare
July 10-26

bare is a gripping, provocative pop opera about students during their senior year in a private Catholic preparatory academy and their struggles with first love, sexuality, drugs, parents, and religion. A cross between Rent and Dead Poet's Society, bare tells of the relationship among a group of friends, including the secret lives of altar boy Peter and his roommate, the popular Jason.

by Damon Intrabartolo and Jon Hartmere
Directed by Christopher Zinovitch and Nick DeSantis (I Am My Own Wife)
Musical Direction by Jackie Koreski

The Seattle premiere of this hit Off-Broadway musical is performed by enormously talented students aged 17-20 who won their roles in a vigorous competition for 13 exclusive spots in ArtsWest's award-winning Musical Theater Apprentice Program.

Tickets: $15 (Under 25? Only $10!)
call or 206-938-0339
log purcase them online from:
http://www.artswest.org

For lots more information on bare, including the story anc clips from the songs, visit:
http://www.barethemusical.com

Alec and I are seeing it on Thursday, July 24th. From everything we've heard we don't want to miss it!

The film "It's Elementary" was our program yesterday

We're so glad we had such a great turnout for our program yesterday when we showed "It's Elementary - Talking About Gay Issues In School"! We had a wide range of ages at the meeting from about 10 to 80, including teachers, students, a school psychologist, at least two mental health counselors, parents, and other interested people in our community. However, the school-connected people who attended were people already involved with PFLAG; none of the school people Jeff invited showed up, which was disappointing even though we understand that summer is a bad time to get attendance from teachers, administrators and school staff.

Most of the people who did come had never seen this first film, so we are glad we decided to show it at this time. We plan to show the sequel "It's STILL Elementary" at a later date.

We had a great discussion afterwards including a reaction from one person who talked about the importance of allies being visible and vocal in their support of glbtq people and issues; and one high school student who said seeing this confirms her commitment to becoming a teacher.

For those of you who want more information on the film and how to order it, go to It's Elementary.

GroundSpark (formerly Women’s Educational Media) creates visionary films and dynamic educational campaigns that move individuals and communities to take action for a more just world. Based in San Francisco, it is a small, Academy Award-winning media production and education organization with a strong national reputation for producing high quality documentary films that open up dialogue about prejudice and discrimination and spark shifts in attitudes, behaviors, laws and policies. Over the past 20 years, GroundSpark has pioneered a long-term social change strategy that pairs media distribution with political and community organizing, and offering professional development on how to use our films to make a difference.

A leader in the field of anti-bias education, GroundSpark’s primary current focus is its Respect For All Project (RFAP). Through the distribution of award-winning films, accompanying curricula, and a training program aimed at educators, youth service providers and parents, the project strives to create safe schools and communities by opening up dialogue about diversity, prejudice and discrimination. Through this work GroundSpark has been a national pioneer advocating for the inclusion of age-appropriate curricula that addresses anti-gay bias.