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MOMBIAN Pushing for inclusivity in children's books, one publisher shows how
Orca Book Publishers of British Columbia, Canada, is an independent publisher with the goal of offering "reading material that represents the diversity of human experience to readers of all ages." Among other titles, they have produced ...
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Reports: Teen to testify against Aurora church employee
A minor alleging that an Aurora area church employee solicited nude photos from them via Snap Chat and text messages will be allowed to testify against the defendant, according to reports. The Kane County Chronicle reported ...
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IL Safe Schools Alliance, Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago merge
Chicago, IL - After almost a year of integrating operations, the Boards of Directors for Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago ( PHIMC ) and Illinois Safe Schools Alliance( the Alliance ) are delighted to announce ...
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Trans ex-student prevails in restroom case
In Virginia, U.S. District Judge Arenda Wright Allen ruled Aug. 9 that a school board's transgender bathroom ban discriminated against former student Gavin Grimm, multiple media outlets reported. In 2015, the Gloucester County School Board's policy ...
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Gov. Pritzer signs pro-LGBTQ measures
On Aug. 9, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a number of measures—including at least three that are seen as specifically benefiting LGBTQ individuals. HB 246 ensures the contributions of LGBTQ people are taught in public schools. ...
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LGBTQ Inclusive Curriculum Bill Approved by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker
Students in Illinois public schools will learn about the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in state and national history after approval today of the Inclusive Curriculum Law by Gov. Pritzker, according to Equality ...
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College student balances LGBTQ+ activism, student life
After her semester at a new college, Zaiden Sowle knew she found what was lacking at her previous college. Before, her experience at Connecticut College—a small, liberal arts school in New London, Connecticut—was not the personal ...
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Education board chair on pro-trans executive order, agency plans
By Joshua Irvine
After several years as a University of Chicago ( UChicago ) administrator, former Illinois State Board of Education official Darren Reisberg has returned to the agency as chair of the board. Reisberg entered the four-year term ...
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New artist and writers group for LGBTQ for 12+
Chicago Community Activist Steve English and Licensed Professional Counselor Patti Ahern are joining forces to create an artist and writers group for LGBTQ and questioning adolescents aged 12 and up. The purpose of the group is ...
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Teen performer talks Jimmys, being on Broadway
By Joshua Irvine
He was standing on an escalator in the lobby of a Times Square theater when the magnitude of what Jacob Simon was experiencing hit him. "It was surreal," Simon said. "I was, like, 'Wow, we're in ...
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One Indiana school refuses to fire gay teacher for Catholic status, another fires
The Archbishop of Indianapolis asked a Jesuit school to fire a teacher who is in a same-sex marriage—but it refused to do so, CNN.com reported. And because of the Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School's defiance, Archbishop Charles ...
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Trevor Project gala raises more than $2M
On June 17, The Trevor Project hosted its 2019 TrevorLIVE New York gala at Cipriani Wall Street. With actress/comedian/writer Nicole Byer and actor/director/digital producer Eugene Lee Yang co-hosting, the event helped raise more than $2 million. ...
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Windy City Times marks Pride Month with annual 30 Under 30 Awards
Windy City Times celebrates Pride Month with annual 30 Under 30 Awards . The ceremony takes pace Wed, June 26 at Polo Cafe and Catering, 3322 S. Morgan St. beginning with a 5:30 p.m. reception, with ...
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HRC Foundation releases report on child-welfare agencies
The Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) Foundation released "Celebrating Everyday Change-Makers in Child Welfare"—a first-of-its-kind report highlighting more than 70 child-welfare agencies across the country that partnered with the HRC Foundation's All Children-All Families ( ...
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DignityUSA reponds to Archbishop denying school "Catholic" label
Boston, MA. June 21, 2019. Leaders of DignityUSA, the world's oldest organization of Catholics supporting equality and full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex ( LGBTQI ) Catholics in the church and society, ...
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Point Foundation announces 2019 scholarships to 41 LGBTQ students
LOS ANGELES, JUNE 19, 2019 — Point Foundation ( Point ), the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer ( LGBTQ ) students, today announced its 2019 scholarship recipients. The students receiving ...
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About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble to debut '20/20'
The About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the world premiere of 20/20—a dive into recent queer history devised and performed by members of the About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble ( AFYT ...
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30 Under 30 Awards to be held June 26
Windy City Times will again mark Pride Month with its annual 30 Under 30 Awards. The ceremony will take pace Wed, June 26. As in the past few years, the event will take place at Polo ...
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Teens competing at Jimmy Awards
Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards' Marguerite Reed and Jacob Simon will be among 86 students being celebrated at the 11th Annual Jimmy Awards, honoring the best performances in U.S. high school production this past year, ...
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Pride South Side hosts inaugural Pride Fest
Chicago, IL — The Pride South Side Organizing Committee has organized its first inaugural pride festival with activities beginning Friday, June 28 and going until Sunday, June 30, 2019, in partnership with various venues on the ...
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Teens competing
at Jimmy Awards
Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards' Marguerite Reed and Jacob Simon will be among 86 students being celebrated at the 11th Annual Jimmy Awards, honoring the best performances in U.S. high school production this past year, ...
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About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble celebrates 20th anniversary with 20/20
CHICAGO ( June 12, 2019 ) — The About Face Youth Theatre Ensemble is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the world premiere of 20/20, an exhilarating dive into recent queer history devised and performed by members ...
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Barrington community members show support after hate crime
Local politicians and Barrington residents were among those who registered support the evening of June 10 at a meeting of the Barrington village board in support of a gay student whose house had been vandalized. Police ...
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Trevor Project survey shows link between suicide, conversion therapy
The Trevor Project released a new survey showing that 57 percent of young people who experienced conversion therapy attempted suicide in the last year. The National Survey on LGBTQ Youth: Mental Health 2019 is consistent with ...
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Student bullied in Barrington, Commissioner Morrison responds
ELK GROVE, Ill. —June 10, 2019—Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison calls on residents to support one another amidst recent bullying and harassment of an LGBTQ youth in Barrington. Commissioner Morrison said, "We must all work ...
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Morrison hosting 'Earth, Air, Water and Fire Day' event June 15
Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison will host Earth, Air, Water, and Fire Day—featuring a fishing derby, casting lessons, kids' tree climb, guided hikes and other family fun activities in the forest preserves of Cook County. ...
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NATIONAL Conversion therapy, honoring trans pioneers, case against ex-guv
Colorado banned gay conversion therapy as openly gay Gov. Jared Polis signed a bill one day before the start of LGBT Pride Month, ABC News reported. Polis actually signed two bills dealing with LGBT rights: the ...
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Illinois Senate Directs Auditor General to Evaluate Care to LGBTQ Youth in DCFS
SPRINGFIELD - Today, the Illinois Senate passed Senate Resolution 403, which calls on the Auditor General to evaluate the care provided to LGBTQ children and youth in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and ...
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Gay teens claim bias by Big Boy Gyros
Two teens from Lane Tech High School—Kendall Anderson and Peder Sevig—have accused Big Boy Gyros, 3541 N. Western Ave., of anti-LGBT discrimination stemming from an alleged incident involving a hug between the couple at the restaurant ...
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Lurie Children's, DCFS identifying LGBTQ youths in foster-care system
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago ( Lurie Children's ) and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services ( DCFS ) are teaming on a research study to identify LGBTQ youth who ...
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OP-ED: I didn't know what being gay was until middle school
At 20 years old, I am now an out and proud lesbian—but, growing up, I didn't even know queer people existed. I have lesbian aunts who have been in a committed relationship since before I was ...
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Illinois Collaboration on Youth holds gender-expansive services symposium
Illinois Collaboration on Youth ( ICOY ) held a day-long gender expansive services symposium May 13 at the Chicago Teachers Union. The day focused on how girls and gender non-conforming youth are impacted by the juvenile-justice ...
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Planned Parenthood' youth-led initiative to hold day-long conference May 18
CHICAGO - Planned Parenthood of Illinois' ( PPIL ) youth-led initiative My Body. My Story. is hosting the Generation Empowered conference for young people of all ages on Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 ...
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New Planned Parenthood videos connect teens to Sex Ed answers
Video below
New York, NY — Planned Parenthood Federation of America is excited to debut Roo High School, YouTube videos that answer some of teens' most common questions while showing how easy, fun, and helpful it is to ...
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Chicago launches first festival celebrating the future of learning
( Chicago, Illinois ) May 8, 2019 — From May 16 - 19, Chicago's neighborhoods, particularly those on the South and West sides, will turn into a learning laboratory through Remake Learning Days Chi ( RLD ...
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Pro-trans college aid bill sent to Pritzker
A bill that would allow transgender students to receive state financial aid for college, as well as undocumented students, is on its way to Gov. J.B. Pritzker's desk. House Bill 2691, known as the Retention of ...
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DePaul dinner honors trans icons Johnson, Rivera
On April 24, DePaul University students and faculty attended the Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera Dinner Gala to commemorate the trans icons who two of the influential figures of the Stonewall riots, The DePaulia reported. ...
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'No Boundaries' motorcycle event May 19
Organized Chaos and Youth Outlook will host a motorcycle charity ride Sunday, May 19, 10 a.m., at Fox River Harley Davidson, 131 S Randall Rd, St. Charles. ( Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. ) There will ...
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Event supporting scholarships for future LGBTQ leaders planned for May 23
Point Foundation Scholarships support the next generation of LGBTQ leaders through direct financial contribution toward the cost of education. Beyond that, each scholar is paired with a mentor and participates in leadership development programs and events. ...
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'Queer Prom' at Center on May 10
Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., is hosting the 2019 Queer Prom ( theme: "Midnight in Paris" ) for LGBTQ youth on Friday, May 10, 5-8 p.m., on the building's third floor. The annual prom ...
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Nominations sought for 30 Under 30 Awards
Windy City Times is seeking to recognize 30 more outstanding LGBT individuals ( and allies ) for its annual 30 Under 30 Awards. The ceremony will take place Wed., June 26. There will be a 5:30 ...
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NATIONAL Teen suicide, scholarship loss, discrimination cases
Out.com reported that Alabama high-school student Nigel Shelby died by suicide after being the target of homophobic bullying, according to reports that began to surface over the weekend on Facebook. Rocket City Pride—the local LGBTQ+ Pride ...
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Safe-schools group holds annual 'Night of Noise' fundraiser
The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance held its third annual Night of Noise fundraiser—titled "Onward and Upward"—on April 14 at the Haymarket Pub and Brewing. The event—which included a VIP reception, raffle and variety show—is a direct ...
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Anti-trans District 211 lawsuit dropped
Long-running litigation involving public-accommodations access for transgender students in the Northwest suburbs came to a seeming end April 15, when U.S. District Judge Jorge Alonso on Monday approved the dismissal of a lawsuit seeking to bar ...
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National Black Justice Coalition on Morehouse College's Inclusivity Policy
WASHINGTON — Morehouse College, a historically Black men's college, announced that they would be accepting applications from Trans men. In response to the news, the National Black Justice Coalition released the following statement: "Every student has ...
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'Night of Noise' variety show April 14
The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance will be "breaking" the Day of Silence with its third annual variety show, "Night of Noise: Onward and Upward" on Sunday, April 14, at Haymarket Pub and Brewing, 737 W. Randolph ...
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Federal Judge Allows Palatine Transgender Bathroom Lawsuit to Proceed
( April 9, 2019 — Chicago ) A federal district court judge is allowing a parent-student privacy lawsuit to move forward against Palatine School District 211. The Thomas More Society, along with the Alliance Defending Freedom, ...
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Quigley and Carson spar over LGBT youth homelessness
U.S. Housing and Urban Development ( HUD ) Secretary Ben Carson faced questions from a House subcommittee April 3 over his agency's response, or lack thereof, to the homelessness and housing instability crisis amongst LGBT persons. ...
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House passes bill requiring LGBT content in state-funded textbooks
By Peter Hancock, Capitol News Illinois
SPRINGFIELD—The Illinois House, on March 13, passed a bill requiring public school textbooks purchased with certain state funds be nondiscriminatory and unbiased in their treatment of racial and ethnic minorities, and that they highlight the contributions ...
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Girls 4 Science brings women leaders out for STEM for Chicago girls April 30
CHICAGO ( MARCH 20, 2019 ) — Girls 4 Science welcomes a new season with an evening supporting the budding young minds of future leaders in STEM. The nationally recognized non-profit organization, dedicated to exposing girls ...
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'Night of Noise' variety show April 14
The Illinois Safe Schools Alliance will be "breaking" the Day of Silence with its third annual variety show, "Night of Noise: Onward and Upward" on Sunday, April 14, at Haymarket Pub and Brewing, 737 W. Randolph ...
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LGBTQ inclusive curriculum bill passes Illinois House
SPRINGFIELD — Students in Illinois public schools would learn about the contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Illinois and U.S. history because of a measure approved by the Illinois House of Representatives, according ...
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High-school complex to be named after Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama's Chicago high school alma mater, Whitney Young High School, will name its new $4.3-million athletic complex after the former first lady, according to an WGNTV.com item that cites The Chicago Sun-Times. Obama graduated from ...
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LGBTQA youths sought for park committee
The Chicago Park District is hosting a series of LGBTQAI+ events this summer and fall, in partnership with Night Out in the Parks. Queer youths ages 14-20 are needed for a Teen Party Planning Committee. Participating ...
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Attorneys General file amicus brief supporting trans student in discrimination case
NEW YORK — New York Attorney General Letitia James led a coalition of 21 Attorneys General in filing an amicus brief with the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, in support of a ...
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Night Ministry head discusses proposed Crib move
The Night Ministry, the Chicago-based advocacy for persons experiencing homelessness, announced on Feb. 22 that officials are proposing a move of The Crib, which mainly serves LGBT young people, from its current West Addison Street location ...
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Queeriosity open mic kicks off 'Louder Than a Bomb'
More than 20 of Chicago's LGBTQ and questioning high schoolers gathered Feb. 23 for the annual Louder Than a Bomb ( LTAB ) edition of Queeriosity, a monthly open-mic series presented by Young Chicago Authors ( ...
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Night Ministry proposes Crib move to Bucktown
The Night Ministry, the Chicago-based advocacy for person experiencing homelessness, announced Feb. 22 that its Lake View facility for young adults, the Crib, will likely be leaving for a new location in the Bucktown neighborhood. Plans ...
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HRC and UConn release Black LGBTQ youth survey
The Human Rights Campaign ( HRC ) Foundation, in partnership with the University of Connecticut ( UConn ), released the Black & African American LGBTQ Youth Report, a groundbreaking resource detailing the experiences of Black LGBTQ ...
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'Chicago Magic Lounge: A Family Show' Feb. 16
"Chicago Magic Lounge: A Family Show" will take place Saturday, Feb. 16, 2:30-4:30 p.m. at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. The Chicago Magic Lounge, located in Andersonville, is known for its stage and close-up ...
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Chicagoan among Pedro Zamora scholarship honorees
Karlo Manzo-Arroyo, a freshman at the University of Illinois in Chicago, is among 10 undergraduate students nationally who have been honored by The National AIDS Memorial, through its Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship, according to a ...
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Committee passes inclusive curriculum bill
The Illinois House Education School Curriculum Committee has passed the Inclusive Curriculum Bill ( SB 3249 and HB 5596 )—legislation calling for the inclusion of LGBT-related historical events and contributions in state classrooms—by a vote of ...
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NATIONAL Anti-LGBT attacks, N.J. education law, Gen. Pulaski a woman?
A violent attack outside a bar in Center City Philadelphia is under investigation, and police are trying to figure out if the victim was specifically targeted, 6ABC.com reported. Bartender Josh Schonewolf said he witnessed "a car ...
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Chicago Polar Plunge March 3
Registration for the 19th annual Chicago Polar Plunge is now open to all. The Chicago Polar Plunge will take place at North Avenue Beach on Sunday, March 3, and helps to support the activities and events ...
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Report highlights lack of support for student survivors of domestic violence
A report published by Chicago's Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law shows that while coverage of the incidence of sexual abuse in Chicago Public Schools has spurred critical dialogue around how school officials respond to ...
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1,000 LGBT youth protected from conversion therapy in 2018, five states pass laws
New estimates from the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law find that 1,000 LGBT youth ages 13 to 17 will be protected from conversion therapy by a licensed health care professional in the five U.S. ...
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ACLU decries central Illinois school letter
ACLU of Illinois weighed in with a letter Dec. 19 advising a central Illinois middle-school principal who had declared that talk of sexual orientation in school settings was disruptive that such prohibitions would be in violation ...
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GenderCool Champions on their lives, Chicago trip, future hopes
The GenderCool Project started when founders Gearah Goldstein and Jen and John Grosshandler teamed up to create an organization dedicated to spotlighting the stories of transgender teens across the country under the banner "Who we are, ...
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LGBTQ groups condemn federal commission move to rescind school disciplinary guidance
NEW YORK, NY— Yesterday, GLSEN, the National Black Justice Coalition ( NBJC ), the National Center for Transgender Equality ( NCTE ), and PFLAG National condemned the recommendation of the Federal Commission on School Safety to ...
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ACLU: Schools must not limit talk of sexual orientation as "disruptive"
CHICAGO — Discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity are appropriate topics for middle school students, and schools should not limit such discussions in the lunchroom or hallways, or during time when students are not receiving ...
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DeVos Rescinds Obama Guidance, Leadership Conference responds
WASHINGTON — Vanita Gupta, president and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, issued the following statement on the School Safety Commission's report: "The School Safety Commission report lays out policies and practices ...
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Thrift shop exhibits AIDS artwork by homeless youth
December usually means holiday cheer, hot cocoa and family gatherings. For Monarch Thrift Shop in Avondale, at 2866 N. Milwaukee Ave., it also means honoring World AIDS day—for the entire month. The thrift shop's latest addition ...
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Report shows most budget-friendly LGBTQ campuses
Student Loan Hero commissioned a report that spotlights the most budget-friendly LGBTQ college campuses in the nation. This report features schools that offer LGBTQ-identifying students a safe and supportive learning environment, without breaking the bank. Eastern ...
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MOMBIAN's LGBTQ children's book gift guide
It's time for my annual roundup of some of this year's best LGBTQ-inclusive children's and middle-grade books! This is one of the first years when ( happily! ) there were more books published than I can ...
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Coming out to your kids in midlife
How to navigate tough conversations and a new family model
When the parents of Natalie Perry and her sister sat their girls down for a family meeting, Perry learned that their father, a chief judge for the Court of Appeals in Boise, Idaho, was gay. The ...
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