The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network of Chicago's Youth Leadership Summit 7, held Sept. 23 at DePaul University, was by all measures a huge success, according to organizers.
Approximately 60 people ( mostly students ) participated in a day that included lots of discussion about what's happening in local high schools and the sharing of specific strategies for ways students can take leadership in the movement to end anti-gay/anti-trans bias in their own schools.
The day—sponsored by GLSEN Chicago with help from PlanetOut, PFLAG Glenview, DePaul Pride, Kelly Bartels ( GLSEN ) , and Dan Weber from DePaul—was planned and led by students ( Hannah Garber-Paul from the University of Chicago Lab Schools, Elisa Harkness from York in Elmhurst, and Joe Hollandoner, formerly of Marist and now at UIC in the social work program ) with support from Toni Armstrong Jr., GLSEN Chicago's coordinator of youth leadership and scholarship programs.
One of the most striking aspects of the day was how few students are now reporting hostile administrators, GLSEN reported. A few short years ago, when the Summits began, it was common for principals to refuse to allow the formation of pride clubs and gay-straight alliances ( GSAs ) , although the federal Equal Access Act guarantees students the right to have such clubs. Although there are still widespread problems with harassment and homophobia/transphobia in the Chicago-area schools, principals in general seem to be more respectful of student rights and more willing to prosecute classmates who attack LGBT students ( verbally or physically ) , GLSEN said. In a few schools, principals have even taken the lead in making sure the school atmosphere is supportive to LGBT students and staff. The consciousness-raising work that has been done in the local schools by dozens of students and adult GLSEN members is apparently already beginning to pay off, GLSEN said.
In the late morning at the Summit, youth service providers from many agencies presented information on what these groups do, how they can help students and GSAs, and how the students might become more involved in these organizations. Presenters included Janine Kelley ( Transgenesis ) , Betty Lark Ross ( GLSEN ) , Prem Pahwa ( Horizons ) , Joe Hollandoner ( Aunt Martha's, South/Southwest suburbs ) , Faughn Adams and Charlie Morris ( Pride Youth, North/Northwest suburbs ) , James Nurss ( QYC, DuPage ) , Susan Abbot ( Prism, Oak Park ) , Draco Forte ( Minority Outreach Intervention Project ) , Laura McAlpine ( Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health/CESO ) , Destiny Love ( FUEL Youth ) , and Elisa Harkness ( About Face Youth Theatre ) .
In the early afternoon, students split into two groups to discuss pressing issues. Those with new GSAs ( or who want to start one ) discussed their legal rights, ideas for activities, the importance of building coalitions with other groups in their schools, and ways to establish good working relationships with administrators and supportive community people. Students who already have established GSAs and/or several years' experience working to end homophobia in their schools met to discuss issues related to gender and how to be more inclusive in their groups.
In addition to the screening of the films I Just Want to Say and Straight From the Heart, participants ended the day with a version of the game Queer Chair, during which everyone had a chance to explain what they planned to do for National Coming Out Day ( Oct. 11 ) . Ideas ranged from telling parents to distributing Pride paraphernalia to getting announcements on the school PA to coming out in school as a committed straight ally.
Participants came to the Summit from several Chicago schools, including Bogan Tech, Farragut, Foreman, Jones Magnet, Lane Tech, Latin, Lincoln Park, U. of Chicago Lab Schools, and Whitney Young. The suburbs were also well-represented: Camelot Care Center ( Palatine ) , Evanston, Glenbard West ( Glen Ellyn ) , Glenbrook North ( Northbrook ) , Illinois Math and Science Academy ( Aurora ) , Maine East ( Park Ridge ) , Maine South ( Park Ridge ) , New Trier ( Winnetka ) , Oak Park-River Forest, Sandburg ( Orland Park ) , Stevenson ( Lincolnshire ) , and York ( Elmhurst ) .
The next Youth Leadership Summit will be held in April. Also, a third youth event will be held in February. The theme will be how students can deal with people who use religion as an anti-gay weapon. Contact Toni Jr. at ( 773 ) 769-9009 or GLSENToni@aol.com .
