Archive for the ‘education’ Category

GET DOWN WITH THE LGBTQIA

A generation of "post-gay" activists say "LGBT" is a thing of the past.

Posted by Josh Middleton on 1/10/2013 at 3:11PM | No Comments

You know you’re old if you’re still using the term “LGBT,” or at least that’s what an article published in today’s New York Times suggests. The University of Pennsylvania makes an appearance in the piece, which talks about a young, emerging group of “post-gay gender activists” and how they are “forging a political identity all their own, often at odds with mainstream gay culture.”

“If the gay-rights movement today seems to revolve around same-sex marriage, this generation is seeking something more radical: an upending of gender roles beyond the binary of male/female. The core question isn’t whom they love, but who they are — that is, identity as distinct from sexual orientation.”

It’s been evolving for a while, but this “younger, more progressive” set is firmer in adopting an acronym that works to embrace everyone: L.G.B.T.Q.I.A. What does it stand for? You’re free to pick and choose.

“‘Q” can mean “questioning” or “queer,” … “A” stands for “ally” (a friend of the cause) or “asexual.” … And with a plethora of ever-expanding categories like “genderqueer” and “androgyne” to choose from, piecing together a gender identity can be as D.I.Y. as making a Pinterest board.”

Campuses across the country have embraced this mouthful of a label, including Amerherst, which even went so far as to emblazon a few extra letters on their  L.G.B.T.Q.Q.I.A.A. center. Most however, have been slower on the uptick. That’s where the University of Pennsylvania comes in. Though ranked last year by The Advocate as one of “The Top 10 Trans-Friendly and Universities,” several Penn freshmen have expressed concern that out of the nearly two-dozen gay student groups, none focused on gender identity. The outcome has been the emergence of a new group, Non-Cis, which stands for non-cisgender.

“For those not fluent in gender-studies speak, “cis” means “on the same side as” and “cisgender” denotes someone whose gender identity matches his or her biology, which describes most of the student body.”

So does that mean we need to add an “N” now? Check out the rest of the article to learn more about the group’s all-encompassing beliefs, and about other changes that are happening at Penn to embrace our ever-evolving spectrum of queerness … or whatever you choose to call it.

 

 

 

 

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TRANSGENDER NO LONGER A MENTAL ILLNESS

What are the implications?

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 12/6/2012 at 10:49AM | 3 Comments

Photo by Think Stock

In a big step for transgender rights, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) has removed being transgender as a mental illness. Rather than being labeled as mentally unfit, transgender individuals will now be diagnosed with something called gender dysphoria – which suggests emotional stress when it comes to gender identity. This is a major change from when gender identity disorder was listed as a mental disorder 20 years ago.

In an interview with The Advocate, APA’s Jack Drescher said, “All psychiatric diagnoses occur within a cultural context. We know there is a whole community of people out there who are not seeking medical attention and live between the two binary categories. We wanted to send the message that the therapist’s job isn’t to pathologize.”

So rather than to suggest that somehow gender identity can be treated, if not cured, the new classification will ideally bring more acceptance. In the legal world, it could also have positive implications as many transgender individuals risk losing their jobs and children when the case is made for mental incompetence.

Keep in mind that homosexuality was also considered a mental illness up until 1973.

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WATCH: HOMELESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

A glimpse into life on the streets as an LGBT youth

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/28/2012 at 11:30AM | No Comments

Rigo is a 20-year-old bisexual Latino man and Marine Corps veteran. But since he was just 14, he’s been living on the streets, often taking refuge on the subways by night. Being homeless became so difficult, he even considered committing suicide by drowning a few years ago.

Today, he’s telling his story as part of a video series – “Homeless for the Holidays” – created by the Ali Forney Center for LGBT Youth. “It is a terrible thing that so many LGBTQ youth are driven from their homes and forced into destitution in the streets,” says the series’ creator Carl Siciliano. “It is truly one of the most terrible expressions of homophobia in our time. And what they endure is made far worse by their not having access to shelter.” A new video of a homeless young person will be shared each week online between now and the New Year.

This is Rigo’s story:

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IT’S THE TRANSGENDER DAY OF REMEMBRANCE

Plus: Important moments on the trans history timeline

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/20/2012 at 10:13AM | 2 Comments

For the past week, the LGBT community has been participating in Transgender Awareness Week (Nov. 12 – 19), capping off with today’s Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR), which looks back on the people who have been lost to violence. Here in Philly, the trans community still faces the unsolved murder of Krya Kruz. Stories like hers are why the event was created.

You can learn about what’s happening today in cities around the world by clicking here.

GLAAD has also created a timeline that takes a look back at important events in transgender history:

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LGBT HEALTH

Trends, prevention and how to come out to your doctor

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/14/2012 at 10:19AM | No Comments

Photo by Think Stock

“LGBT health issues are not all that different from the average patient’s. Lack of access to affordable health care is a major factor,” says Dr. Seth Kaufer of Hahnemann University Hospital in Center City. The out doc shares some serious facts about LGBT health issues and how patients can be better informed about everything from home HIV tests to coming out to your doctor.

Truth vs. Fiction

Not only do docs take oaths to treat everyone, but an open and honest doctor-patient relationship can help everyone make smarter, more informed health-care decisions. “In my experience,” says Kaufer, “the overwhelming majority of physicians have no bias whatsoever when treating patients. Having said that, though, since I have been featured in publications as an openly gay doctor, I have had a surge of LGBT patients making appointments who have confided that they feared discrimination. Obviously this disconnect serves as a huge barrier to LGBT health care.”

3 Biggest Health Issues

HIV treatments: Meds allow people to live longer, healthier lives. And testing can be done in a few minutes—there’s even a new HIV home test.

Barriers to care: People who face discrimination can be estranged from their families and health-care options. LGBT patients also face the added stress of coming out.

Transgender realities: As men and women make transitions, more is being learned about how the process affects long-term physical and mental health.

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HRC RATES JEWISH ORGS

Find out what the first faith-based report has to say

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/12/2012 at 11:14AM | No Comments

HRC‘s Jewish Organization Equality Index (JOEI) survey is a first. Not only does it rate Jewish non-profits in the U.S. on their policies, practices and programs for LGBT employees and members, but the 18-month collaboration between the HRC Foundation and Jewish community organizations also includes a survey of current practices and educational resources.

HRC rates Jewish organizations for LGBT inclusiveness

It’s the first-ever survey of a faith-based community by the HRC, which is well-known for its Corporate Equality Index. Of the 204 Jewish nonprofit organizations that participated, 50 percent received the top score of “inclusion,” meaning they are taking significant steps to welcome LGBT individuals and families. By contrast, the first year of HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, which rates Fortune 1000 companies on LGBT issues, only 13 organizations (4 percent) received the highest score.

“As times change, so do our places of worship and faith-based organizations,” says HRC President Chad Griffin, who touts the report for not only shedding light on a religious community, but also emphasizing the importance of inclusion.

The final report highlights the advances that have already been made – and the work still needed to be done to create an even more inclusive atmosphere in the Jewish non-profit world. Here are some highlights:

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HOMOPHOBIA DRIVES KIDS FROM SPORTS

A new report sheds light on what it means to be LGBT in athletics

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/2/2012 at 10:04AM | 1 Comment

Photo by Think Stock

It turns out bullying in sports not only creates problems for students on the high school level – but also in colleges and universities. A new report sheds light on what it means to be LGBT in athletics – and why being discriminated against on the court, field, track or rink makes many young people give up sports entirely.

The National Union of Students says that only a third of LGBT students at the university level participate in a team sport. And almost 40 percent of these athletes say they are not out to their teammates for fear of homophobia, transphobia and outright bullying.

And for those LGBT students who don’t join teams, almost half admit that they find the sports world to be “unwelcoming,” with just as many saying they’ve suffered negative experiences that have made them want to give up sports entirely.

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KIDS WITH LESBIAN MOMS ARE ALRIGHT

New study follows teens who are happy, healthy and academically succesful

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 11/1/2012 at 9:39AM | 2 Comments

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Sorry, Mitt, but it turns out that teens with lesbian mothers are successful and happy with their lives, according to a new report from the U. S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study. Even though Romney has come out against same-sex parenting, he should probably consider that the 17-year-olds participating in this, the longest-running study of lesbian families, not only had stellar high school GPAs in the A and B range, but nearly all planned to attend four-year colleges.

These kids also had strong family bonds, and they were nearly unanimous in describing their mothers as “good role models.” They also make friends with plenty of straight peers – and most say they feel comfortable bringing friends home and being open about their mom’s sexual orientation.
“We have been following these families for 26 years,” says Dr. Nanette Gartrell at the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law in California. “These kids were planned and their lesbian mothers were very engaged in parenting. At the end of high school, the teens tell us that they have excellent grades, feel connected to their families and friends, and admire their parents. As a psychiatrist, I can say that these are the types of childrearing outcomes that every parent hopes for.”
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MANNA LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE, SHARES RESULTS

Plus: Find out how to buy a pie and support the local organization

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 10/29/2012 at 10:20AM | No Comments

MANNA, which delivers nourishing meals to people living with life-threatening illness throughout the

MANNA delivers nutritional meals to those suffering from life-threatening illness - and with powerful results, says new study (photo courtesy of MANNA).

region, launched its new website this week. Not only is it the go-to site for ordering pies this season during the popular Pie in the Sky fundraiser (gotta love the pumpkin, people), but the website also provides critical information about MANNA’s own mission, upcoming events and dietary facts.

The organization recently released results of a new study that shows the impact nutritional services can have on those who are suffering from illnesses, including everything from chronic conditions like HIV and AIDS and diabetes to kidney and heart disease.

“This study is an important step to being able to quantify the ways that a model program, such as MANNA, which offers a package of nutrition and support contributes to controlling healthcare costs and helps to support the health of individuals so that they can maintain and even improve their health, avoid hospitalizations and nursing home placement,” says Dr. Etienne Phipps, director of the Einstein Center for Urban Health Policy and Research.

Here are some highlights:

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THE KIDS REALLY ARE ALRIGHT

New study says gay moms and dads are just as good for kids as straight ones

Posted by Natalie Hope McDonald on 10/23/2012 at 9:21AM | 1 Comment

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A new UCLA study has confirmed something we’ve known all along – gay moms and dads are just as good for kids as straight parents. Psychologists studied high-risk children who were adopted from the foster care system in Los Angeles – and who were placed with both same-sex and straight parents.

“On average, children in both household types showed significant gains in cognitive development and maintained similar levels of behavior problems over time, despite gay and lesbian parents raising children with higher levels of biological and environmental risks prior to adoptive placement,” the researchers revealed in this month’s American Journal of Orthopsychiatry. “Results demonstrated that high-risk children show similar patterns of development over time in heterosexual and gay and lesbian adoptive households.”

On average, kids’ IQs also increased when placed in homes with parents. For children in the system who need homes – this study can have significant implications, especially when you consider that potentially two million gay and lesbian parents are interested in adopting, according to a study from a few years ago (that number could actually be higher as more states make it easier for this to happen). Currently, only 19 states allow gay people to adopt (this includes Washington D.C.).

The study’s co-author Letitia Anne Peplau says: “There is no scientific basis to discriminate against gay and lesbian parents.”

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