“For queer people, our first act of resistance is choosing to stay alive. ”— Geoffrey Winder
Most of us are aware that this school year started with 23 fewer public schools in the Philadelphia district, as compared with last year. The large number of school closings forced thousands of students across the city to enroll at new schools in new neighborhoods, often much farther from their homes. This has raised serious concerns about students’ safety and well-being.
For LGBTQ youth, who are already among the most vulnerable and the most frequent targets of bullying and violence, the situation was especially frightening. This has been the dominant narrative around the state of Philadelphia public schools. While it does in fact remain a conversation that must continue, we also should be introducing a narrative that speaks to the power and wonder of young people.
Last month, two members of our Student LEADership Board facilitated a training on “Creating Safer Spaces” for teachers at their school. Imagine that! Students reminding us all that, while some resources are dwindling in schools, youth are in fact our greatest resource! When asked how they felt training the teachers who are charged with maintaining the safety of students, they responded, “We do not need saving, we are saving the world.” It is that kind of youth leadership that is at the core of Mazzoni Center’s Ally Safe Schools Program.
Since 1998, the Ally Safe Schools Program has been working with students, teachers, parents and administrators in the Philadelphia Public School District. The objective is to help create safer, more welcoming and more inclusive climates for LGBTQ youth, who are by far the most frequently targeted by bullying in schools. The Ally program works to help establish and coordinate gay-straight alliances in middle and high schools throughout the city, and also provides in-school trainings for students, teachers and staff. Last year the Ally team worked with 56 active GSAs at middle schools and high schools in the Philadelphia School District and hosted seven citywide GSA meetings, which brought dozens of students from the city and surrounding areas together for networking, collaboration and friendship.
Given the School District of Philadelphia’s current state, it is imperative that we work to ensure that all youth have access to resources that not only enhance their education, but also their personal development. We know that students who were forced to change schools have faced difficulties and challenges during the transition — and many continue to express concerns about their physical safety, as they navigate new school environments without GSA/QSAs. We know that the most vulnerable youth are the most likely to be impacted by violence and bullying.
We need to create safe spaces for students to express their concerns, feel affirmed in their power and gain the necessary knowledge and tools to navigate the troubled waters of the education system. It is also essential to reinforce that being an Ally means not simply creating a safe space for LGBTQ students, but leading others to celebrate diversity in all forms, through nonviolent interactions. To that end, in the past six months, we have worked directly with more than 20 GSA/QSAs to support the great work of students and teachers.
One way Mazzoni Center works to provide such a space is through the annual LEAD conference, which will take place from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. March 1 at Science Leadership Academy, 55 N. 22nd St. Organized by students, LEAD is aimed at any high-school student who is currently involved or interested in becoming involved in a GSA at his or her school. In addition to students, their family members, teachers and school faculty are invited to attend. This free, daylong event will include interactive workshops for youth and adults, raffles and giveaways for youth and an exciting performance from our Ally Drag Revue hosted by legendary Icon Ebony Fierce.
The workshops presented at LEAD are not only designed for students, they are facilitated by the youth themselves. This provides a great opportunity for young people and their allies to network, build relationships and develop strategies to create safer schools and stronger GSAs. All high-school students, young people, teachers, parents, GSA leaders, community members and allies are invited to attend.
We believe the young people who are facilitating and participating in this event are extraordinary — that’s why we call them LEADers. Being a LEADer takes a lot of work, and it is also important to celebrate the incremental steps towards progress.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided to all LEAD attendees, and we’ll have snacks available throughout the day. We will also have SEPTA tokens to cover transportation for middle- and high-school students.
The only thing missing from LEAD is you and your youth! If you’re a student, a teacher or family member who wants to advocate for the young people in your life, please call us at 215-563-0652 ext. 251 to register today. We look forward to a powerful day filled with passion, fun and transformation.
Louie Ortiz is Mazzoni Center’s education manager. For more information, visit www.mazzonicenter.org or call 215-563-0652.