Last week, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein announced that the Department of Education is launching its first-ever “Respect for All Week” in New York City. Respect for All Week is designed to focus each school’s attention on sustaining safe, supportive, and inclusive environments, providing an opportunity to highlight and build upon their existing efforts to combat bullying and harassment based on ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other characteristics.
“Students should have the right to pursue, and we have an obligation to provide, an education without the fear and distraction of bullying,” UFT President Michael Mulgrew said. For some, home is not a safe place. School is and should be.
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) has been a huge partner in the launch of this week. “We believe that Respect for All Week is an opportunity for all of us to focus on very specific ways that we can build a culture and climate of respect in our schools,” said Mark Weiss, Education Director of Operation Respect. Now, if you've read my blog at all, those words probably sound familiar. That is exactly what we are trying to do with the Safe Schools Program of PFLAG NYC.
The response from schools reaching out to PFLAG NYC for speakers during this week was so overwhelming, we could not even accommodate all during this week (but don't worry, we'll catch up next week). I spoke at Bronx Community HS on Tuesday and will speak at the United Federation of Teachers Conference on Saturday. Tuesday, I had an experience much different than I had last year at the same school. This year was a classroom full of girls who already supported and embraced their gay and lesbian friends. My focus was to praise them, thank them, and encourage them to continue their vocal support. It seems as though they didn't even understand how radical they and their views are - that's a neat characteristic of this generation. I'm looking forward to sharing with the teachers because teachers and guidance counselors need to be armed with the correct tools and language to use in supporting their LGBT youth and the bullying that can be associated.
I'm proud of the City Council's incredible initiative in this 1-week dedication to "Respect for All." My hope is that the teachers and community members can help sustain these attitudes far beyond March 8-12, 2010.
I know some Indianapolis folks read my blog, so I wanted to share a great event with you.
My younger sister, Hannah, is an intern for Indiana Youth Group where my parents also serve on the committee/board (?). They are having a fundraiser and art auction next weekend!
IYG Art Auction
Saturday, March 13, 2010
7:00-10:00 p.m.
Wheeler Art Center in the historic Fountain Square
This year's event promises an evening packed with live entertainment, our favorite artists, autioneers and friends. * I have 5 pieces in this event (below), so please - go bid!
One day left of Early Bird Tickets: VIP for $40 and General Admission $15 Prices at the door are VIP $45 and General $20
The VIP social hour will start at 7:00 p.m. New features for our VIPs include a private auction, complimentary drinks, hors d'oeuvres and VIP surprises throughout the evening. All proceeds from the event go to support the programs and services of IYG.
I have your weekend plans ready for you. I've been working hard with friends from college, Terra and Marcie, to produce a benefit concert for Haitian Relief. We have had some amazing people jump on board, namely the cast of Broadway's RACE, singer/songwriter Scott Alan, my dear friends Leigh-Taylor Smith (Miss NY 2008) and Jen Corey (Miss DC 2009), and many of the rising stars and voices you'll see in Broadway soon, but we need YOU to finish our circle. So here goes:
In light of the recent disaster that has devastated Haiti, a group of New York artists are coming together to produce a benefit concert to fund medical relief. The music and voices of Broadway, the passion of spoken word and slam poetry, the rhythm of Indie rock, R&B and reggae will all come together in one night at The Canal Room in New York City. Sunday, February 28 at 8:00 pm, please join us in celebrating our gifts of song, word and laughter to benefit the Haitian people.
Purchase tickets at www.canalroom.com -- PRESALE DISCOUNT $40, At the door $50 Make donations by contacting me 646.469.7559 or emailing lightforhaiti@gmail.com An for more information, a complete (and incredible) list of perfomers, and to see exactly where our money is going, the GHESKIO Medical Center, go to www.lightforhaiti.net
So, this is not a traditional post in my blog...but you have got to see these dresses! Last Tuesday, the PFLAG Executive Director invited me to attend a private screening of CELINE: Through the Eyes of the World, a movie/documentary of Celine's Dion's tour. My roommate Matt and I went, not really knowing what to expect. It was great! - Private screening room at Sony Headquarters on the UES. The movie really humanized the "celebrity" of Celine Dion...she's a nutcase and has a beautiful relationship with her family. But really the point of this post is just fashion-oriented. LOOK AT THESE MINIS!!! Girlfriend looks amazing - hello 40+ with a bod like that, has amazing hair, and I wanted to wear basically EVERYTHING that she walked on stage in ... ok and off!
She had some fantastic long dresses as well. That's all.
As Miss Jubilee 2009, Claire represents the Five Boroughs of New York City and Long Island. She promotes embracing diversity with her personal platform "Straight for Equality: Promoting Acceptance through Dialogue." Spokesperson for PFLAG NYC, Straight for Equality, The Human Rights Campaign
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