Thursday, May 7, 2009

Let's not forget about the kids

I'm thrilled that yesterday Maine's governor signed into law legislation legalizing gay marriage.

But, I can't help but think about this news in contrast with the two recent deaths of kids who were harassed so badly for their perceived sexual orientation that they committed suicide.

Gay and lesbian youth are 2-5 times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.

We can't look at these two boys' deaths as separate from a society saturated with homophobia. School leaders, community members, parents, and youth allies need to take responsibility for creating environments in which all youth thrive, not just those that fit into our culture's narrow definition of 'normal'.

Curricula, films, and other tools designed to reduce bullying in schools generally do not take into account the toxic environment. Rather, resources focus on singling out bystanders, bullies, and victims singling out individual students involved without taking into account the systems in place that reinforce and reward students' bullying and harassing behavior.

Hardy Girls' Ugly Ducklings Campaign is a national campaign designed to combat bullying, harassment, and suicide of lesbian and gay students through the use of a multi-media community action kit. The kit includes a documentary film about the real effects of homophobia and hate on youth as well as a guide for creating safe, supportive environments for all youth. It also includes a special section on youth and suicide.

Check out the Campaign and preview the kit and documentary online at www.uglyducklings.org. And now, for a limited time, get a copy of the Kit and Documentary for 50% off.

Join with us. Because together we can create a better world for girls.