Project Reality's Third Annual 'Teens Speak Out' Essay Contest
Project Reality is now accepting essay submissions from Illinois teens through Jan. 15, 2006. Teens between the ages of 13 and 18 are eligible to enter the contest.
Teens need to compose a 500-word ( or less ) essay on the topic, 'How would you spread the abstinence message among your peers?' Essays should be focused on the physical, emotional and social benefits of abstinence.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the first-, second- and third-place winners and five students will be selected to receive honorable mentions.
For more information and details visit www.ProjectReality.org or contact them at 847-729-3298.
The Trevor Project Announces Recipients of Annual Awards
Desperate Housewives' Marc Cherry is slated to receive The Trevor Life Award and LPI, Media, Inc. to Receive The Trevor Hope Award at The Trevor Project's Eighth Annual Cracked Xmas Event
The Trevor Project, the non-profit organization that operates the nation's only around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth, announced the recipients of its annual honorary awards. The awards will be presented at The Trevor Project's eighth annual Cracked Xmas event, which will be held Dec. 4, 2005 at The Wiltern LG in Los Angeles.
The Trevor Life Award honors an individual who, through his or her example, support, volunteerism and/or occupation, is an inspiration to gay and questioning youth. The Trevor Hope Award honors a company or organization that, through its policies, initiatives and other efforts, demonstrates a commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender causes and is a prominent, public example of corporate acceptance of individuals regardless of sexual orientation. Past recipients of The Trevor Life Award are Debra Messing and Megan Mullally ( 2004 ) , Rosie O'Donnell ( 2003 ) , and Armistead Maupin ( 2002 ) .
'Given the strong, positive gay sensibility in his body of work and his visible example as a successful, out role model for gay youth across the country, we're thrilled to be honoring Marc Cherry with this year's Trevor Life Award,' said Jorge Valencia, executive director of The Trevor Project. 'In addition, Marc's important personal contribution helping to underwrite the short film Trevor, the inspiration for The Trevor Project, allows us to further our mission of curbing suicide among gay and questioning teens.'
'Through its groundbreaking and widely read publications, LPI has provided unprecedented support and acceptance of the LGBT community in general and youth in particular and they are, indeed, a worthy recipient of The Trevor Hope Award,' said Mr. Valencia.
The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth. The Trevor Helpline, 866-4-U-TREVOR, is a free and confidential service that offers hope through its trained counselors. In addition to the helpline, the organization's Web site provides information on identifying and assisting potentially suicidal youth and 'Dear Trevor', a confidential resource where youth can ask questions about sexual orientation and identity issues.
The organization was founded by three filmmakers whose film, Trevor, about a teenager who attempts suicide after realizing that he might be gay, received the 1994 Academy Award for Best Short Film ( Live Action ) . For information about The Trevor Project, visit www.TheTrevorProject.org . The Trevor Project is a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) organization.
News and Notes from the Youth Pride Center
There is now a South Side location: Youth Pride Center ( YPC ) —formerly Chicago Gay Youth—is bringing its LGBT youth programs to the South Side of Chicago. In addition to its regular programming on the North Side, YPC will offer a drop-in at its new satellite location 11300 S. Halsted, on Tuesdays from 3-7 p.m.
— Every Thursday at 8 p.m., YPC is sponsoring a free movie night at Loews on Michigan Ave. LGBT youth who are no older than 23 must come to Saturday drop-ins for ticket information.
— 'DeJaVu,' the YPC's dance team, will hold its winter auditions on Saturdays from 1-2 p.m. Prospects should go to 1130 S. Wabash.
— The address of 1130 S. Wabash is also the new site of YPC's administrative offices. ( Items should be sent to 1130 S. Wabash, Suite 404, Chicago, IL 60605. ) Moreover, YPC will continue to operate its youth programs on both the North and South sides.
ALMA Hosts Tortilla Heaven
On Oct. 27, the Association of Latino Men for Action ( ALMA ) hosted a showing of Tortilla Heaven, Jade Esteban Estrada's one-man bilingual performance that tells the story of three generations of Mexican-Americans. The event took place at Circuit 2.0 Nightclub at 3641 N. Halsted.
Since the story involves many characters, the audience got to see Estrada take on several personas—sometimes in one skit. Characters ranged from a blonde flight attendant with a southern accent to a San Antonio woman who urges her family to speak English around her visiting boyfriend. According to Estrada's Web site, Tortilla Heaven was written by his sister, Celeste Angela Estrada.
To learn more about ALMA, visit www.almachicago.org . To find out more about Estrada, see www.getjaded.com .
University of Minnesota hires Director of Systemwide GLBT Programs Office
Anne Phibbs has been named director of the systemwide programs, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Programs Office at the University of Minnesota.
As director, Phibbs will play a key role in supporting the university's commitment to improving the campus climate for GLBT people and fostering a university community and campus environment that values and actively supports inclusiveness and diversity. The GLBT Programs Office director position has been expanded from a Twin Cities campus position to a position with system-wide responsibilities.
'I plan to continue the important and excellent work that has gone before me here in the GLBT Programs Office,' Phibbs said. 'One of my goals is to increase the visibility, acceptance and support for all GLBT and allied students, staff, faculty, alumni and visitors on every campus in the University of Minnesota system.'
In her new position, Phibbs will educate and consult with constituents on all the university's campuses about the needs and issues of GLBT people. She will also advocate for and support those who experience harassment and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identification.
'The groups that Anne will be supporting are those that unfortunately still face discrimination and prejudice,' he said. 'Aligning her work with the broader university goals will ensure that the GLBT Programs Office can help shape campus attitudes and behaviors, creating a place that respects all members of our community.'
