Written by editor on 29 June 2011
By Diane Long, for Out in the Backyard CHAT
On Tuesday, June 16, 2011, a little over 30 people gathered at the Cultural Wellness Center to share dinner and watch the film “Bullied.” It told the story of a young man named Jamie Nabozny, who was bullied in middle school and high school for being gay. The event was sponsored by Out in the Backyard, the LGBT Queer and Allied (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) CHAT.
People are bullied for all kinds of reasons ”“ because of sexuality, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, physical ability, size, etc. This film addressed bullying based on sexual orientation and showed how prejudice and stereotypes are used to justify discrimination.
Young LGBT people are especially at-risk for bullying, harassment, physical assault, and suicide. In 2009, the National School Climate Survey found that:
Ӣ
80% of LGBT students had been verbally harassed at school
Ӣ
40% had been physically harassed at school
Ӣ
60% felt unsafe at school
Ӣ
1 in 5 had been the victim of a physical assault at school (www.stopbullying.gov)
Feeling uncomfortable at school leads 25% of gay and lesbian youth to drop out. They may also feel rejected by family members. Gay and lesbian youth comprise 25% of all youth who are homeless and 30% of suicides (Health Concerns of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community, 2nd Ed).… Read the rest “Making Connections in Community”
Written by editor on 28 June 2011
By Harvey Winje
Dave Moore and I, went to Cambridge and Boston Massachusetts in early June to be a part of the Wendell Phillips Bicentennial Symposium, Social Justice: Then and Now. We were inspired and ready to help plan Alley Communication”'s celebration this Fall near his birthdate, Nov. 29th. Watch for future announcements.See Dave”'s newest “Spirit of Phillips” cartoon for his report on the symposium.
Symposium Keynote Speaker and Macalester Professor of History James Brewer Stewart will be featured with articles in each of the next four issues of The Alley leading up to that event. Stewart founded Historians Against Slavery (see historiansagainstslavery.org) as an organization to use lessons from the past to work on the issues of social justice that still need change. His articles will be addressed specifically to issues and cultures affected here in Phillips and published in English, Spanish, and Somali as recognition of Wendell”'s inclusive attitude of all cultures, classes, and nationalities.
We will be using Phillips”'s poignant thought and words as a framework to assess current affairs and as advice to address injustices today and tomorrow. We will also continue to remind ourselves of the great pride we may have in our namesake and be proud to live and work in the Phillips Community.… Read the rest “Wendell Phillips Bicentennial in Phillips”
Written by editor on 28 June 2011
by Shirley Heyer
Midtown Phillips Neighborhood Association, Inc. (MPNAI) invites you to enjoy music, food and community at its first annual “Midtown Phillips Festival,” an all-ages family event, Sat., July 23, at Stewart Park, 12th Ave. S. and E. 26th St. This is rain or shine, noon to 8 p.m. The park”'s gym will be available in case of rain.
Co-sponsors with the Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board, MPNAI also presents this event in association with the city”'s annual Aquatennial Celebration that celebrates Minneapolis”' famous lakes, rivers and parks. This neighborhood does not have lakes or rivers but it does have parks and the Midtown Greenway!
In celebrating its diversity, the neighborhood showcases numerous athletic contests for all ages throughout the day at the Ben Casey baseball diamond and new soccer field ”“ both funded through contributions from the Minnesota Twins.
Related Images:
