School bans gay book
A school board in New Jersey this week voted unanimously to ban a book that offers a collection of stories written by LGBT youth.
The Rancocas Valley Board of Education decided at its May 4 meeting that “Revolutionary Voices: A Multicultural Queer Youth Anthology” was too racy for teens at the regional high school it oversees in Mount Holly.
“We felt, from an obscenity perspective, there were some things our children didn’t need to see,” school board member Jesse Adams told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “We don’t allow our children to curse in school, and we don’t think this is something we should be promoting in the school.”
The issue was initially raised in March, after a group that identified itself as the 9.12 Project — an initiative launched by conservative Glenn Beck — urged the board to ban “Revolutionary Voices,” as well as two other LGBT books. While the board voted to ban the first work, it elected to keep the other two.
Superintendent Michael Moskalski told the Inquirer that the board’s lawyers advised him that they can ban books for obscenity, but not for political reasons.
Tennis season opens
Local LGBT sport club Philadelphia Liberty Tennis Association will host an opening-day party from 2-6 p.m. May 8 at FDR Park, 1500 Pattison Ave., across from the sports stadiums in South Philadelphia.
Guests don’t need to be members of the PLTA to attend, but only members will be eligible for the free giveaways that will be offered by the United State Tennis Association at the event.
The party will feature free food and the chance to meet and greet with current members and learn about joining the organization.
For more information, visit www.plta.us.
Business scholarships available
Applications for an new scholarship for LGBT business students will be accepted until June 11.
The Business Scholarship Award is offered by LGBT grantmaking agency Sapphire Fund and LGBT chamber of commerce Independence Business Alliance.
The $1,000 award is open to local LGBT or ally undergraduate students who are seeking a degree in a business-related discipline and who demonstrate leadership abilities. The student must attend an accredited college or university in Philadelphia.
For more information or to apply, visit www.sapphirefund.org.
— Jen Colletta