Resources on LGBT Issues
We are indebted to Sivagami (Shiva) Subbaraman of the Office of Human Relations Programs and the Office of LGBT Equity at the University of Maryland, for creating this vital resource for the NCDD website. Note: LGBT is short for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender.
- The Best Links for LGBTI Issues and Info
- History and Background on LGBT Issues
- LGBT Dialogue Guides
- Tools for Trainers and Educators
- Tools for Activists and Policymakers
- Resources for Allies & Activities on Heterosexual Privilege
- Resources on Same-Sex Marriage
- Resources for Teaching & Learning About Transgendered People
- Addressing LGBT Issues and Needs on Campus
- Model College-Based Intergroup Relations Programs
Introduction...
There is a lot of information and misinformation about LGBTI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) people from various knowledge sources: media, web, and even books. It is extremely important to be vigilant and critical of the sources of our information particularly in this area, which because of its very nature and scope, tends to be fairly explosive.
Few of us have all the information we need to handle the variety of questions and situations that may come our way. The process, as much as in unlearning racism and sexism, is an ongoing and continuous one, so that we can better allow ourselves to be co-participants with sexual and gender minorities. The following places are meant to be points of departure, and not an exhaustive list.
There is much misinformation circulating about LGBTI people, and few of us are completely immune to its effects. As allies it is important to evaluate both our knowledge about LGBTI people, and the sources of that knowledge, and to correct any misunderstandings about the people we are allied with.
- Sivagami (Shiva) Subbaraman
The Best Links for LGBTI Issues and Info
American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association (APA) is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the U.S. and is the largest association of psychologists worldwide. While a scientific organization, its attitude toward lesbians, gays and bisexuals can be described as fairly positive. Searching for a given topic on the APA?s site is likely to produce a wide variety of types of results - anything from guidelines for psychotherapists dealing with a particular issue to research papers to APA-authored amicus briefs. Their public policy office contains a page devoted to issues pertinent to LGB people, which can be found at www.apa.org/ppo/issues/plgbi.html.
You may also consider visiting the web site of the APA?s Office of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Concerns (www.apa.org/pi/lgbc/homepage.html) for a look at what?s currently of interest to members of the APA working on LGB issues. Additionally, the APA is organized into particular divisions, and division 44 is dedicated to psychological study of LGB issues. Of special interest is their newsletter (www.apa.org/divisions/div44/), which includes reviews of relevant research, as well as articles and references to new LGB-related publications.
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD)
GLAAD is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. GLAAD?s high-quality Media Reference Guide, now in its 6th edition, offers the tools journalists need to tell the stories of LGBT people in a fair, accurate and inclusive way. The media guide, which can be found at http://www.glaad.org/media/guide/index.php, includes glossaries of terms, offensive terminology, a directory of community resources and other useful features.
The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)
GLSEN works to create safe and effective schools for LGBT students. Although its focus is on primary and secondary schools, some of its resources - which include background on why an organization like GLSEN is necessary, tools to help ensure safe schools, information on current legal and political battles over safety for LGBT students, classroom curricula and lesson plans, and tools to assist with local organizing/training - may be of a more general interest.
Human Rights Campaign
The largest national LGBT organization, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) bills itself as ?a bipartisan organization that works to advance equality based on sexual orientation and gender expressing and identity, to ensure that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.? The scope of the information on HRC?s website is immense, and it is typically broken down by issue (same sex marriage, transgender issues, lesbians and gays in the military, workplace discrimination, etc.). The site?s content varies by issue, but typically includes at least some of the following: background information on the issue, reports issued by the HRC or other credible organizations or government agencies, current legislation, and previous congressional scorecards. On HRC?s website, you may also research individual states? climates for LGBT people (as made evident through the states? laws), as well as current legislation of specific interest to LGBT people.
Lambda Legal
A national organization, Lambda Legal pursues litigation, education, and public policy work to secure full civil rights for LGBT people as well as those with HIV or AIDS. Lambda Legal?s web site primarily documents its legal work, and as such can provide a good overview of current legal issues of concern to LGBT people.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force?s Policy Institute
The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF) is the national progressive organization working for the civil rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, with the vision and commitment to building a powerful political movement. Of particular note for those looking to research LGBT issues is NGLTF?s Policy Institute, which regularly produces reports and research on issues of concern to the LGBT community. You can find the Institute?s latest papers by clicking on ?Policy Institute? from NGLTF?s main page. For a complete collection of the Institute?s work, as well as a collection of speeches, editorials, issue maps and other materials generated by the NGLTF, click on ?Library + Publications? from the main page. Note that, while the web site gives users the option to purchase printed versions of the Institute?s reports, most or all of the materials may be downloaded at no charge from the ?Library & Publications? page.
The National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Organization (LLEGO)
LLEGO, the National Latina/o LGBT Organization, is the only national nonprofit organization devoted to representing Latina/o LGBT communities and addressing their growing needs regarding an array of social issues ranging from civil rights and social justice to health and human services. LLEGO develops solutions to social, health and political disparities that exist due to discrimination based on ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender identity and which affect the lives and well-being of Latina/o LGBT people and their families. Through a growing network of nearly 200 affiliate groups throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico, LLEGO serves as a center of information and resources for Latina/o LGBT communities.
Soulforce
Soulforce is an interfaith movement committed to ending spiritual violence perpetuated by religious policies and teachings against LGBT people. The website?s ?Resources? links are of particular use here, and contain biblical, medical, psychiatric, psychological, and scientific evidence from both Soulforce and other organizations (the APA, the AMA, etc.) for the legitimacy of LGBT people and issues.
Trikone: A South Asian GLBT Organization
Trikone is a registered non-profit organization for LGBT people of South Asian descent. Founded in 1986 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Trikone is the oldest group of its kind in the world. South Asians affiliated with Trikone trace their ethnicities to one of the following places: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Pakistan, Sri?Lanka, and Tibet. Through social and political activities, Trikone offers a supportive, empowering, and non-judgmental environment, where queer South Asians can meet, make connections, and proudly promote awareness and acceptance of their sexuality in society. Trikone actively works against all forms of oppression based on race, gender, class, and other identities.
History and Background on LGBT Issues
Cause For Concern: Hate Crimes in America
Civilrights.org, the Civil Rights Coalition for the 21st Century.
The first major comprehensive assessment of the hate crime problem in the United States, Cause for Concern discusses what is being done to promote respect for diversity and to combat crimes based on bias. The document includes ten recommendations for additional action by every sector of society. View at www.civilrights.org/publications/reports/cause_for_concern/
From Wrongs to Rights: 1973 to 1999 Public Opinion on Gay and Lesbian Americans Moves Toward Equality
By Alan Yang. Introduction by Dr. Kenneth Sherrill. Produced by the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (www.thetaskforce.org).
Securing accurate, factual, well-researched data on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities remains one of the biggest challenges facing the advocacy movement and policy makers. This report marks an important step to deliver such data. From Wrongs to Rights collects and analyzes data from a wide range of public opinion polls done over a more than twenty year period. Alan Yang offers a balanced perspective on trends in public opinion toward lesbians and gay men over time. His original analysis of publicly available data reveals what has been gained by the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender movement for equality and what aspects of public opinion still remain in flux. Download the 40-page PDF at www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/fwtr99.pdf.
Homophobia: The Least Dealt with ?Ism?
Shiva Subbaraman. Office of Human Relations at the University of Maryland.
Acccording to Subbaraman, even progressive practitioners of dialogue with highly articulate and developed analytical and critical skills around issues of Gender, Race, Ethnicity, Religion, Nationality, Disability and other ?isms frequently falter on the issue of homophobia and heterosexism. This document lists some commonly held beliefs, stereotypes, and myths that may help us recognize and address issues of homophobia in ourselves and in others. Read the report.
Queering Gender: Trans Liberation and Our Lesbigay Movements
Seshadri, P. and L. Ramakrishnan. July 1999 issue. Trikone Magazine. 14(3): 6-8 & 18.
As our queer movements grow in numbers and strength, the diversity within them becomes increasingly visible. Here we discuss the concerns and struggles of those of us gendered queer, who, despite historical associations and identification with lesbigay people and activism, have in recent years been becoming increasingly alienated from them because of the mainstreaming of the lesbian and gay movements. We conclude with some reflections on lesbigay politics and a call for unifying struggles against gender oppression. Available at http://members.tripod.com/pallavi/gender.html.
LGBT Dialogue Guides
Constructive Conversations About Challenging Times: A Guide to Community Dialogue
Public Conversations Project.
This Guide draws on over a decade of experience conducting dialogues about divisive public issues such as abortion, homosexuality, and how to use natural resources. It contains instructions for a two-hour structured dialogue and suggestions for briefer or less formal conversations that have the spirit of dialogue. For step-by-step support in hosting your own dialogue in person or online ? about this or any other topic - download a free copy of PCP's Guide to Community Dialogue at http://publicconversations.org/pcp/index.asp?page_id=172&catid=1.
Reaching Across Boundaries: Talk to Create Change (2nd Edition)
2003. The Study Circles Resource Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
This free guidebook was developed for teens who are interested in discussing the cliques and social boundaries in their schools. It's part of the Mix It Up program, a partnership between the Study Circles Resource Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Helps young people identify, question, and cross social boundaries in their schools and communities with a Mix It Up Dialogue. To order a free Mix It Up Handbook, go to www.studycircles.org/pages/issues/guides.html or www.tolerance.org/teens/dialogue.jsp.
Toward a More Perfect Union in an Age of Diversity: A Guide for Building Stronger Communities Through Public Dialogue, Busy Citizen's Discussion Guide
Study Circles Resource Center. 1997.
A four-session discussion guide examining ideas about unity, diversity, and pluralism, and how they affect us as members of our communities and our country. Also available in Spanish from SCRC. Access from www.studycircles.org/pages/issues/guides.html.
Working with Controversial Issues and Intergroup Conflicts: Gay Marriage
Title of the May 11, 2004 issue of Facilitator Interconnection, a weekly publication written by Ratnesh Nagda for Intergroup Dialogue, Education, and Action (IDEA) Training & Resource Institute (http://depts.washington.edu/sswweb/idea/main.html).
This issue of Facilitator Interconnection focuses specifically on facilitating intergroup dialogue on ?Gay Marriage? at the Everett Community College. This session focuses on students? perceptions, messages, and understanding of sexuality and legislation legalizing gay marriage. This session, as one of two that look at controversial and current issues about racism, aims to link structural-political issues to individual experiences and perspectives. Download the 12-page PDF.
Tools for Trainers and Educators
Anti-Bias Curriculum: Tools for Empowering Young Children
Louise Derman-Sparks and the A.B.C. Task Force. Educators for Social Responsibility.
This resource shows early childhood educators how to examine biases, learn how they influence children, and explore ways to reduce, handle, or even eliminate them. The guide moves beyond multicultural education to creating an anti-bias environment that is developmentally appropriate. Includes a comprehensive bibliography as well as sections on learning about disabilities, gender identity, racial and cultural differences, and how to resist stereotyping. $14.00. Order at the ESR online store, at http://esrnational.org/Merchant2/merchant.mvc, or call 800-370-2515 during normal Eastern time business hours.
At Issue: Marriage. Exploring the Debate Over Marriage Rights for Same-Sex Couples
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network). 2003.
Exploring the Debate Over Marriage Rights for Same-Sex Couples offers educators six lesson plans for high school aged students that challenges them to explore the range of complex issues reflected in the marriage debate. This resource was developed at the time when the U.S. was awaiting the decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Court on the right of same-sex couples to civil marriage. Available at www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/educator/library/record/1411.html.
Guide to Using the Gender Variance Model
The Office of LGBT Equity, University of Maryland
Jessica Xavier?s Gender Variance Model, which can be found at www.gender.org/resources/dge/gea02006.pdf), is introduced in this guide prepared by the University of Maryland?s Office of LGBT Equity. The model and accompanying materials helps us to understand both the wide variety of possibilities for gender variance, as well as the oppression faced by those deemed variant. Xavier?s model makes clear that most of us could be deemed ?gender variant,? and that the more extreme one?s variance, the more extreme the oppression one might face. Download the guide.
LGBTQI Terminology
This terminology sheet was created by Elizabeth R. Green and Eric N. Peterson at the LGBT Resource Center at UC Riverside. 2003-2004.
An excellent source for definitions of LBGT-related terms. Includes information detailing the use of gender neutral pronouns. Each of these definitions has been carefully researched and closely analyzed from theoretical and practical perspectives for cultural sensitivity, common usage, and general appropriateness. Download the 11-page PDF document.
Reaching Across Boundaries: Talk to Create Change (2nd Edition)
2003. The Study Circles Resource Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center.
This free guidebook was developed for teens who are interested in discussing the cliques and social boundaries in their schools. It's part of the Mix It Up program, a partnership between the Study Circles Resource Center and the Southern Poverty Law Center. Helps young people identify, question, and cross social boundaries in their schools and communities with a Mix It Up Dialogue. To order a free Mix It Up Handbook, go to www.studycircles.org/pages/issues/guides.html or www.tolerance.org/teens/dialogue.jsp.
Understanding GID (Gender Identity Disorder): A Guide for Friends and Family
This brochure was written in 2002 by a transgendered person. Every effort has been made to insure it is factually correct. It may be duplicated and distributed without licence or fees as a public service or for private use.
This is a printable 3-panel brochure for friends and family members of people struggling with their gender identify. The brochure helps explain what GID is (and defines Drag Kings/Queens, Transsexuals, etc.), how common it is, and what a friend or family member can do to help support a person who is struggling with their gender identity. As an example, in response to the question, ?Are they mentally ill??, the brochure states ?Your friend or family member with GID isn?t insane! Because GID is a misunderstood, and socially unaccepted condition, it carries with it related psychological problems like guilt, shame, anxiety, paranoia, fear, and often a severe depression. These problems stem from SOCIAL non acceptance, or perceived non acceptance. These psychological problems do not originate from a source within the person, but originate from prejudice (or believed prejudice) from others.? Download the brochure.
Working with Controversial Issues and Intergroup Conflicts: Gay Marriage
Title of the May 11, 2004 issue of Facilitator Interconnection, a weekly publication written by Ratnesh Nagda for Intergroup Dialogue, Education, and Action (IDEA) Training & Resource Institute (http://depts.washington.edu/sswweb/idea/main.html).
This issue of Facilitator Interconnection focuses specifically on facilitating intergroup dialogue on ?Gay Marriage? at the Everett Community College. This session focuses on students? perceptions, messages, and understanding of sexuality and legislation legalizing gay marriage. This session, as one of two that look at controversial and current issues about racism, aims to link structural-political issues to individual experiences and perspectives. Download the 12-page PDF.
Tools for Activists and Policymakers
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Civil Rights Laws in the U.S.
Research by Jane Goldschmidt. The Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (www.thetaskforce.org). August 1998.
This publication lists state and municipal laws that concern gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender rights. These include hate crimes laws, sodomy statutes, domestic partnership laws and registries, anti-same-gender marriage statutes, and state, city and county ordinances which include coverage against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Wherever possible, gay rights laws that have been repealed have also been included. Download the 27-page PDF document.
Legislating Equality: A Review of Laws Affecting Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered People in the United States
By Wayne van der Meide. Produced by the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (www.thetaskforce.org).
All over the nation local and county governments are considering the enactment of laws that protect or benefit the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community. By advocating for civil rights protections, domestic partnership registries and benefits, and hate crimes laws, local GLBT and GLBT supportive activists are pushing their cities and counties to ensure equal rights and benefits for equal work and to create safe communities for GLBT people. As evidenced by the 236 local and county laws described in this publication, effective GLBT activism at the local level is proving that equality begins at home and is providing the bridge to successful state and federal advocacy. Download this 93-page PDF document at www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/legeq99.pdf.
Transgender Equality: A Handbook for Activists and Policymakers
By Paisley Currah and Shannon Minter (introduction by Jamison Green). Produced by the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, National Center for Lesbian Rights. 2000.
This handbook provides activists and policymakers with the tools they need to pass transgender-inclusive non-discrimination and anti-violence legislation. Written by three of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender movement's brightest transgender scholar-activists, Transgender Equality is an invaluable resource guide, providing an introduction to transgender issues, model language for legislation, talking points, responses to frequently asked questions, and a comprehensive resource listing and bibliography. Download the 104-page PDF at www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/transeq.pdf.
Resources for Allies and Activities on Heterosexual Privilege
Privilege and Oppression
Developed by the Office of LGBT Equity at the University of Maryland.
Discrimination of all types is typically a result of unearned privilege or unearned oppression. As allies, it is always in our best interest to fight against unearned privilege and oppression, whether or not we feel we directly suffer from its consequences. This document demonstrates how we all pay the price for homophobia. Read the report.
What Do We Really Think? A Group Exercise to Increase Heterosexual Ally Behavior
Tanya Smolinsky, 2001. GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network).
The 20-minute group exercise is adapted from Social Norms Theory and the work of the Gay Alliance of the Genesee Valley. The exercise encourages heterosexual ally behavior by exploring the ways in which faulty assumptions perpetuate anti-LGBT bias. It may be adapted for use with adult and student audiences. The activity can be found at www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/educator/library/record/888.html
What is Heterosexual Privilege?
Shiva Subbaraman. Office of Human Relations at the University of Maryland.
This model for identifying heterosexual privilege can be used as a checklist in classes, community groups, or any groups planning to explore LGBT issues. Based on Peggy McIntosh?s groundbreaking models on Gender and Race Privilege. Access the model.
Resources on Same-Sex Marriage
At Issue: Marriage. Exploring the Debate Over Marriage Rights for Same-Sex Couples
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network). 2003.
Exploring the Debate Over Marriage Rights for Same-Sex Couples offers educators six lesson plans for high school aged students that challenges them to explore the range of complex issues reflected in the marriage debate. This resource was developed at the time when the U.S. was awaiting the decision of the Massachusetts Supreme Court on the right of same-sex couples to civil marriage. Available at www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/educator/library/record/1411.html.
Ways to Protect Same-Sex Marriages: A Comparison
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (www.thetaskforce.org).
This one-page chart compares the portability, federal protection, availability and benefits of marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships. Download the PDF at www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/MarriageDifferences.pdf.
Working with Controversial Issues and Intergroup Conflicts: Gay Marriage
Title of the May 11, 2004 issue of Facilitator Interconnection, a weekly publication written by Ratnesh Nagda for Intergroup Dialogue, Education, and Action (IDEA) Training & Resource Institute (http://depts.washington.edu/sswweb/idea/main.html).
This issue of Facilitator Interconnection focuses specifically on facilitating intergroup dialogue on ?Gay Marriage? at the Everett Community College. This session focuses on students? perceptions, messages, and understanding of sexuality and legislation legalizing gay marriage. This session, as one of two that look at controversial and current issues about racism, aims to link structural-political issues to individual experiences and perspectives. Download the 12-page PDF.
Resources for Teaching & Learning About Transgendered People
Note: Transgendered people are individuals of any age or sex whose appearance, personal characteristics, or behaviors differ from stereotypes about how men and women are ?supposed? to be. Transgendered people have existed in every culture, race, and class since the story of human life has been recorded. Only the term ?transgender? and the medical technology available to transsexual people are new. (From Transgender Equality: A Handbook for Activists and Policymakers)
Guide to Using the Gender Variance Model
The Office of LGBT Equity, University of Maryland.
Jessica Xavier?s Gender Variance Model, downloadable at www.gender.org/resources/dge/gea02006.pdf, is introduced in this guide prepared by the University of Maryland?s Office of LGBT Equity. The model and accompanying materials helps us to understand both the wide variety of possibilities for gender variance, as well as the oppression faced by those deemed variant. Xavier?s model makes clear that most of us could be deemed ?gender variant,? and that the more extreme one?s variance, the more extreme the oppression one might face. Download the guide.
LGBTQI Terminology
This terminology sheet was created by Elizabeth R. Green and Eric N. Peterson at the LGBT Resource Center at UC Riverside. 2003-2004.
An excellent source for definitions of LBGT-related terms. Includes information detailing the use of gender neutral pronouns. Each of these definitions has been carefully researched and closely analyzed from theoretical and practical perspectives for cultural sensitivity, common usage, and general appropriateness. Download the 11-page PDF document.
Transgender Equality: A Handbook for Activists and Policymakers
By Paisley Currah and Shannon Minter (introduction by Jamison Green). Produced by the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, National Center for Lesbian Rights. 2000.
This handbook provides activists and policymakers with the tools they need to pass transgender-inclusive non-discrimination and anti-violence legislation. Written by three of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender movement's brightest transgender scholar-activists, Transgender Equality is an invaluable resource guide, providing an introduction to transgender issues, model language for legislation, talking points, responses to frequently asked questions, and a comprehensive resource listing and bibliography. Download the 104-page PDF at www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/transeq.pdf.
Understanding GID (Gender Identity Disorder): A Guide for Friends and Family
This brochure was written in 2002 by a transgendered person. Every effort has been made to insure it is factually correct. It may be duplicated and distributed without licence or fees as a public service or for private use.
This is a printable 3-panel brochure for friends and family members of people struggling with their gender identify. The brochure helps explain what GID is (and defines Drag Kings/Queens, Transsexuals, etc.), how common it is, and what a friend or family member can do to help support a person who is struggling with their gender identity. As an example, in response to the question, ?Are they mentally ill??, the brochure states ?Your friend or family member with GID isn?t insane! Because GID is a misunderstood, and socially unaccepted condition, it carries with it related psychological problems like guilt, shame, anxiety, paranoia, fear, and often a severe depression. These problems stem from SOCIAL non acceptance, or perceived non acceptance. These psychological problems do not originate from a source within the person, but originate from prejudice (or believed prejudice) from others.? Download the brochure.
Addressing LGBT Issues and Needs on Campus
Assessing Campus Diversity Initiatives: A Guide for Campus Practitioners
Mildred Garcia, Cynthia Hudgins, Caryn McTighe Musil, Michael T. Nettles, William E. Sedlacek, and Daryl G. Smith. 2002. Association of American Colleges & Universities.
This 184-page guide provides tips and tools for designing and developing effective diversity evaluations. Topics addressed include the need for assessment, designing an evaluation plan, institutional context, audience, data collection and analysis, performance indicators, and theoretical models. An appendix also includes sample assessment and evaluation tools from campuses across the country. SKU: GUIDE; ISBN/ISSN: 0-911696-86-5. $18.00 (non-member price). To order AAC&U publications, email or call 800-297-3775 (202-387-3760).
Bibliography: "Campus climate" reports
Originally compiled by Robin Miller for the National Consortium of Directors of LGBT Resources in Higher Education. Last updated October 22, 2002. View the bibliography at www.lgbtcampus.org/resources/campus_climate.html
Campus Climate for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender People: A National Perspective
Susan R. Rankin. The Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (www.thetaskforce.org). 2003.
This report details the experiences of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) people at 14 colleges and universities across the country. Based on a survey of nearly 1700 students, faculty, and staff, Campus Climate documents experiences and perceptions of anti-GLBT bias and harassment, along with levels of institutional support for GLBT people. It highlights differences in experiences between various identity groups (e.g. students vs. faculty/staff, gays/lesbians vs. bisexuals, people of color vs. whites, etc.). Intended for administrators and others committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for GLBT people, Campus Climate concludes with a series of recommendations toward achieving this goal. Download the 78-page PDF document (1mb) at www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/CampusClimate.pdf.
Diversity in Higher Education
Coleman, Arthur. The College Board.
?Diversity in Higher Education? is a manual for administrators and policy makers who believe in the importance of diversity in education and are committed to equity and excellence. The manual is designed to help university administrators overcome the challenges they face in their quest to ensure a stimulating intellectual, cultural, and pluralistic campus. $25 plus shipping and handling. To order, call 800-323-7155.
Education Policy: Issues Affecting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth
Jason Cianciotto and Sean Cahill. The Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (www.thetaskforce.org). 2003.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the school experiences of LGBT youth, and existing policy interventions aimed at making schools safe and affirming environments for all students. It also examines recent federal policy changes that complicate these efforts, and offers a research agenda to fill these gaps in our understanding of the experieinces of LGBT youth and children of LGBT parents. Download the 769k PDF document at www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/EducationPolicy.pdf
LGBT Campus Organizing: A Comprehensive Manual
Curtis F. Shepard, Ph.D., Felice Yeskel, Ed.D. and Charles Outcalt. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (www.thetaskforce.org). 1996.
An invaluable how-to manual for creating, stabilizing or building the capacity of a student, faculty, staff, or alumni group on campus. Includes an organizing guide to domestic partnership, AIDS education, media, responding to homophobia, GLBT studies and more. Download this 348-page (!) PDF document (2982k) at www.thetaskforce.org/downloads/campus/campusman.pdf
Safe Place to Learn: Consequences of Harassment Based on Actual or Perceived Sexual Orientation and Gender Non-Conformity and Steps for Making Schools Safer
Summary Fact Sheet from a Report by the California Safe Schools Coalition and the 4-H Center for Youth Development, University of California, Davis. 2004.
The Safe Place to Learn report is the largest ever study of harassment in schools based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The report shows that this is a widespread, dangerous and preventable problem. Download summary fact sheet at www.casafeschools.org./SafePlacetoLearnFactSheet.pdf, or the entire 39-page report at www.casafeschools.org./SafePlacetoLearnLow.pdf
Student Advocacy for University Anti-Bias Policies that Include Sexual Orientation: How to Stop Campus Administrators from Passing the Buck
Lambda Legal, 2000.
Eradicate discrimination and harassment on your campus. With the help of this Lambda Legal publication, you can make sure that your college or university has strong and effective protections for gay and lesbian members of your campus community. View at www.lambdalegal.org/cgi-bin/iowa/documents/record?record=657
Working with Controversial Issues and Intergroup Conflicts: Gay Marriage
Title of the May 11, 2004 issue of Facilitator Interconnection, a weekly publication written by Ratnesh Nagda for Intergroup Dialogue, Education, and Action (IDEA) Training & Resource Institute (http://depts.washington.edu/sswweb/idea/main.html).
This issue of Facilitator Interconnection focuses specifically on facilitating intergroup dialogue on ?Gay Marriage? at the Everett Community College. This session focuses on students? perceptions, messages, and understanding of sexuality and legislation legalizing gay marriage. This session, as one of two that look at controversial and current issues about racism, aims to link structural-political issues to individual experiences and perspectives. Download the 12-page PDF.
Model College-Based Intergroup Relations Programs
Arizona State University - Intergroup Relations Center
The IRC provides education and training opportunities to students, faculty, and staff as well as intergroup conflict prevention and mediation services. It sponsors retreats, workshops, seminars, and institutes for faculty, staff and students, and collects, develops, and disseminates educational resources and data on discrimination, hate crimes, and intergroup conflict incidents at ASU.
www.asu.edu/provost/intergroup/
University of Illinois - Program on Intergroup Relations
The Program on Intergroup Relations (PIR) facilitates dialogue among students from different social and cultural backgrounds. PIR provides students with a proactive educational experience that promotes the exploration of group identities and open discussion of social justice issues such as discrimination based on class, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. PIR seeks to advance students' understanding of and respect for diversity and social justice issues and to augment students' skills in responding to intergroup differences and conflicts. Their pedagogical model is based on the University of Michigan's Program on Intergroup Relations.
www.intergrouprelations.uiuc.edu
University of Kentucky - Dialogue Program
This site is primarily useful for UK students who are interested in getting involved in the University's excellent dialogue program.
www.uky.edu/ILC/html/dialogues
University of Maryland, College Park - Office of Human Relations Programs
As a result of student demand, UM College Park's Office of Human Relations Programs (OHRP) developed a Student Intercultural Learning Center in 1999. Through educational, intercultural, and interdisciplinary programs and initiatives, SILC strives to make diversity-related dialogue and learning substantive and convenient for students at varying levels of both self and social awareness.
University of Michigan - Dialogues on Diversity
Dialogues on Diversity is a campus-wide initiative which provides opportunities for the open exchange of views about the value of diversity. Dialogues on Diversity develops and administers a variety of programs for students, staff and faculty which enrich campus discussion and facilitate honest dialogue. Their website serves as an information gateway for all diversity-related activity at the University of Michigan.
University of Massachusetts, Amherst - Social Justice Education Program
Social Justice Education is an interdisciplinary program of study with a focus on social diversity and social justice education particularly as they apply to formal educational systems, kindergarten through higher education. The masters concentration focuses on reflective practice; the doctoral concentration focuses on research informed by reflective practice. Our goals are to generate knowledge about social justice education and to apply new knowledge to the design and delivery of effective social justice educational programs. The Social Justice Education Program boasts a strong intergroup dialogue component run by Ximena Z??iga.
University of Michigan - Program on Intergroup Relations (IGR)
IGR is a social justice education program which works proactively to promote understanding of intergroup relations throughout the student community. It assists students as they explore models of intergroup understanding and cooperation while acknowledging differences between and within groups. IGR provides students with opportunities to learn, experience, and work constructively with one another through structured dialogues and experiential activities across social group boundaries and through social conflict. A number of other universities have used IGR as a model for developing similar programs.
University of Oregon - Center on Diversity and Community
CODAC promotes inquiry, dialogue and understanding on issues of racial, ethnic and cultural diversity at the University of Oregon. It advances interdisciplinary scholarship, innovative programs and events, information exchange and partnerships with individuals and communities throughout the region on diversity and social justice issues. CODAC fulfills its mission through individual and collaborative research initiatives, interdisciplinary courses, fellowship and award opportunities, conferences and publications, sponsored programs and events, as well as partnerships to contextualize and address regional, national and global diversity issues.
University of Washington - IDEA
IDEA (Intergroup Dialogue, Education, and Action Training & Resource Institute) was started in November 1996 at the University of Washington School of Social Work as a response to the urgent challenges for social work educators to prepare competent practitioners who can work with an increasingly diverse clientele and embrace the profession's social justice mission. These challenges call for changes not only in the content of future practitioners' knowledge, but also in classroom pedagogies that can enhance their learning experiences while developing competencies to work in a multicultural society. The mission of the Institute has now expanded to supporting campus and community efforts geared toward addressing issues of oppression, empowerment, and alliance building for social justice.
http://depts.washington.edu/sswweb/idea/main.html
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