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Gay Youth Resources
Welcome! Here are resources for gay and questioning youth - as well as
straight youth who want to support their gay friends.
Rubberman's Queer Dictionary
Wondering what queer or transgender means? Here are some definitions.
| Homosexual |
A
person who is attracted to a person of the same sex. |
| Lesbian |
Women
who are attracted to other women. |
| Gay |
A
term that can apply to either men or women who are attracted to someone
of the same sex. It is usually used to describe men, e.g., "gay
men." |
| Bisexual |
A
person who is attracted to someone of the same sex, as well as someone
of the opposite sex. |
| Queer |
Currently
being used by many gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons
to show their pride in being different. |
| Transgender |
Someone who
crosses the traditional definitions of "man" and "woman."
Transgender describes many people such as drag queens and cross-dressers.
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| Heterosexual
"Straight" |
A
person who is attracted to a person of the opposite sex. |
| Heterosexism |
Believing
that heterosexuality is better than other orientations. |
| Homophobia |
Fear
or hatred of same sex relationships. A belief that gays/lesbians are
"less than" heterosexual or straight people. |
Local Queer Websites
and Resources
Check out the Diversity Center at 1117 Soquel Avenue near downtown
Santa Cruz. Visitors can use their library, watch videos, or relax
and socialize with others.
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Triangle Speakers work to stop prejudice against gays, lesbians,
and bisexuals. They go to schools and speak about their experiences.
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Check when & which channel.
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Closet Free Radio
Closet Free Radio is the longest running radio show in this country
featuring Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered programming. For
more info, email info@closetfreeradio.org.
Other Queer Websites and Resources
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Lyric - also check out their
Youth Talkline at (800) 246-PRIDE
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Check out GSA's
What are GSA's?
A Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA)
is a student-run club, typically in a high school, which provides a safe
place for students to meet, support each other, talk about issues related
to sexual orientation, and work to end homophobia.
Does my school have a GSA?
Check out GSA's website for a complete list of schools with a GSA. The
following schools in Santa Cruz County have a GSA as of October, 2004:
- Watsonville High School
- Santa Cruz High School
- Soquel High School
- Harbor High School
- Scotts Valley Middle & High School
- Aptos High School
- Georgiana Bruce Kirby Preparatory
7 Action Steps to End Harassment
Are you being harassed because you are gay? Or because people think you
are gay? When we talk about harassment, we don't just mean getting beaten
up. Name-calling, jokes, and threats are also ways people get harassed.
80% of queer youth have been verbally attacked. And 40% have been threatened
with physical violence. It's not okay to be treated this way, and there
are things you can do about it:
- Call Youth Talkline at (800) 246-PRIDE. At this number, you can talk
to another youth. It's free and anonymous.
- Find an adult you can trust and who will back you. Share your story
with him or her.
- See if your school has a GSA - a student
club for gay and straight youth.
- Know your rights. There is a law called AB537 that gives you the legal
right to be protected at school. It's your school's responsibility to
provide you a safe school.
- Check out the Gay Straight Alliance
(GSA) Network website about AB537. They tell you how you can change
your school to be gay friendly and how to make sure AB537 works.
- Check out Lamda
Legal Defense Education Fund. Their "Back to School Kit"
offers steps you can take to make your school safe for queer youth and
teachers.
- If you are feeling hopeless or like you might harm yourself, call
the Suicide Hotline. In Santa Cruz, call 458-5300. Or call toll-free
at 877-663-5433.
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