Keori has a legislative round up over at Pam's House Blend.  Great job wrapping up the national scene in terms of LGBTQ legislation.  No news in terms of Pennsylvania. 

And because it is so wonderful, GAINESVILLE VOTED DOWN A REPEAL OF ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS THIS WEEK!!! WOOOO!!!!

I encourage you to check it out.  There's really quite a lot going on.  The comments section is filled with even more detail.  It would be awesome if some of the local folks working on the Allegheny County Anti-Discrimination Ordinance tapped into Keori as a resource to keep some national scrutiny on their efforts.

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Persad is launching a new afterschool program for LGBT youth.  This is awesome news.

Beginning in April, Persad Center will offer after-school services to youth ages 14-18.  The after-school program will be housed at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center and will operate from 3-7 PM on Tuesdays and Thursdays, expanding days as attendance increases.  Unfortunately, many GLBT youth are confronted with bullying regularly as part of their school day.  Harassment results in youth avoiding certain classes or missing school and this leads to poor school performance and can affect students? lives far beyond their school years.  Many youth struggling with their sexual or gender identity lack adult support and their isolation makes them vulnerable.

 

The After-School program will provide a safe, supervised and supportive environment for teens to interact with their peers, receive important prevention information and treatment services when needed, and get their homework done.  Persad is looking for a few teachers and educators who are willing to become volunteer tutors in the program.  For more information about the after-school program or to apply to become a volunteer, contact Melissa at 412-441-9786 x233.

This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference and a much needed resource.  I know from personal experience that having supportive adults in your academic world can just make a world of difference. 

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The Bilerico Project, a huge national LGBTQ blog, went "dark" after being targeted by anti-progressive hackers.  Read about it here.

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