Lambda Literary Foundation, in partnership with the Gay/Straight Educators Alliance and the National Council of Teachers of English, is proud to announce a new pilot program aimed at including LGBT
issues and texts in English studies and English language arts classrooms. LGBT Writers in Schools will connect authors with classrooms via free Skype or inclass visit to discuss the author's work and LGBT issues.
Designed for teachers of upper level high school classes, universities and colleges, the LGBT Writers in Schools program is an opportunity for writers to discuss their work openly with students and to encourage diversity not only in the students' reading and writing lives, but also in society at large.
This initiative will broaden the foundation of experience for students of Literature, Creative Writing, English, and Secondary Education as well as accomplish these goals:
-To bring LGBT writers into high schools, colleges and universities to share their knowledge and
experience in order to promote diversity and encourage understanding of the LGBT community
-To enrich the high school, college and university English curriculum by incorporating and teaching LGBT texts in the classroom which will acknowledge LGBT writers' contributions to literature
-To foster an open environment to discuss LGBT issues and their impact on society and the individual through LGBT texts in a vibrant and moderated classroom atmosphere
-Giving a voice to those who have long been silenced
This is a really exciting venture for Lambda Literary Foundation and for the Gay Straight Educators Alliance. LGBT literature should be represented as one voice among the many in any contemporary curriculum. "Teaching LGBT literature helps us raze the barriers of heterocentrism, homophobia, ignorance, and guilt that stand in the way of much instruction and learning. Including the authors of these texts in larger class discussions can help all students find reflections in their own images," said John Pruitt, Chair of Gay Straight Educators Alliance and Associate Professor of English at the University of WisconsinJanesville.
The way to help counter prejudice and bullying is through educating others and it is vital to support any efforts that would help achieve this goal.
"LLF's Writers in Schools program introduces the rich literary traditions of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community to high school and college students, some of whom may be gay themselves," said Tony Valenzuela, LLF's Executive Director. "Encouraging young people to read and talk about LGBT books with LGBT writers creates a supportive and safe environment for gay students, but also a richer
learning experience for all students."
About the Lambda Literary Foundation: The Foundation nurtures, celebrates, and preserves LGBT
literature through programs that honor excellence, promote visibility and encourage development of
emerging writers. LLF's programs include the Lambda Literary Awards, the Writers' Retreat for
Emerging LGBT Voices, and our web magazine at www.lambdaliterary.org .
