RESOURCES

RESOURCES IN MASSACHUSETTS:
(While mostly headquartered in Boston, all can provide assistance to anyone in Massachusetts).

The Massachusetts Commission on GLBT Youth (MCGLBTY) – investigates the use of resources from both the public and private sectors to enhance the ability of state agencies to provide services that support Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender youth. Contact Bernie Gardella, Administrative Assistant at 617-624-5485; Bernie.gardella@state.ma.us. The MCGLBTY website, www.mass.gov/cgly, provides background on the Commission, the MA Student Anti-discrimination Law enacted in 1993, and the data concerning GLB students from the MA Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted every other year by the MA Dept. of Education.

MA Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DOE) – The DOE website provides helpful info, resources and grant opportunities for schools at: http://www.doe.mass.edu/cnp/GSA/outright.pdf; http://www.doe.mass.edu/lawsregs/603cmr26.html; http://www.doe.mass.edu/cnp/gsa and http://finance1.doe.mass.edu/Grants/grants08/rfp/194.html. For info on programming addressing Gender & Sexual Orientation in Career/Voc/Tech Education, contact Jeff Perrotti at 617-547-8046; jmperrotti@aol.com.

MA Department of Public Health (DPH) – Safe Spaces for GLBT Youth – Fosters collaborations with other state and community agencies to maximize the use of resources and help achieve program goals relative to the safety and support of GLBT youth in Massachusetts. Safe Spaces funds 10 programs, outstanding in their community-based focus on specific racial, cultural and class enclaves of the GLBT youth community, which include homeless GLBT youth and transgender youth programs. Many of the Safe Spaces programs focus on violence, suicide and injury prevention while addressing a range of other critical public health issues effecting each population. Contact Paula Tessier at 617-624-5285 or paula.tessier@state.ma.us.

Fenway Community Health - Peer Listening Line - anonymous and confidential phone line that offers gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth a “safe place” to call for information, referrals, and support. 617-267-2535; Toll Free: 800-399-PEER

GLAD – (Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders) – www.glad.org/rights/school.shtml – offers expert legal information on the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students (or those perceived to be) in Massachusetts public schools, and advice on how to proceed if you believe such rights have been violated. Contact 1-800-455-GLAD or email gladlaw@glad.org.

The GLBT Youth Group Network of Massachusetts - Managed by The Boston Alliance of GLBT Youth (BAGLY), www.bagly.org, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth Group Network of MA is a statewide support and development partnership of community-based direct service organizations which exist to ensure that queer and questioning youth from the Commonwealth have access to a broad array of supports, services and opportunities. These groups, located across Massachusetts, offer safe, non-exploitative environments where youth can make friends, discuss experiences, and get support, info and referrals about sexual and gender identity and other issues of concern. Contact Jessica Flaherty at jflaherty@bagly.org or at 617-227-4313.

The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth Support Project, a program of Health Care of Southeastern Massachusetts. Inc. An important ‘program arm’ of the Massachusetts Commission on GLBT Youth in conjunction with the MA Dept. of Public Health Safe Spaces Program, the GLBT Youth Support Project provides training, technical support and networking opportunities for educators, school administrators, and community-based health and human service providers who are working to support GLBT youth. The GLBT Youth Support Project distributes a monthly statewide electronic newsletter for providers and educators who support GLBT youth. Sign up for the newsletter, request materials, or get information about resources, trainings, meetings, conferences and events at www.hcsm.org/glys.htm, or 800-530-2770. Marisa Howard-Karp, Program Director: mhoward-karp@hcsm.org.

GLSEN/Boston - www.glsenboston.org – offers a comprehensive selection of programs designed to support schools and individuals on a number of different levels, including teacher and staff training, student trainings, GSA support, a comprehensive professional development program, workshops focused on specific issues, retreats for educators, and the annual conference, which provides curriculum training opportunities, networking and skill building. Contact glsenboston@glsenboston.org or 617-536-9669.

Greater Boston PFLAG - Safe Schools and Communities Project - www.gbpflag.org (The Greater Boston Chapter of Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays, Bisexuals & Transgendered People) offers powerful speaking engagements on GLBT issues in schools and/or community settings. Contact Pam Garramone: 781-891-5966; Pflagsafeschools@aol.com to book, or to find your nearest PFLAG chapter.

JRI Health – Boston GLASS Community Center - a drop-in center for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning young people between the ages of 13 and 25 - a safe space to hang out, make new friends, and just relax; with board games, discussion groups, a TV with DVD player and documentaries, computer stations, a resource library, living room, and a kitchen. A staff of full-time professionals is available to offer support with issues such as coming out, health, relationships, work, school, family… and help with questions and finding resources. 617.266.3349; http://www.jri.org/programs/additional-adolescent-programs/boston-GLASS.php

Massachusetts Asian and Pacific Islanders (MAP) for Health – www.mapforhealth.org – contact Daniel Tu for info on programs for API GLBT youth. dtdannytu@gmail.com; 617-426-6755 x 206.

Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) – www.masstpc.org – provides an online transgender resource guide; community, high school/college organizing e-lists; info on laws, public policies, and initiatives on trans civil rights and protections.

Project 10 East, Inc. - www.project10east.org - assistance and support services to create and sustain safe space in schools and communities through workshops, community forums, resources and technical advice. Contact 617-864-GLBT; ed@project10east.org

SpeakOut – www.speakoutboston.org - offers educational speaking engagements on the lives and issues of LGBT people.

Young Trans Support Group (BATS) – based in the Boston area, a peer-run support group for teen/high school/college age and twentysomething transgender people, and anyone questioning their gender, from MTF to FTM to genderqueer to whatever gender descriptor you prefer. Contact afran@mit.edu or visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/boston-area-trans-support

Youth Pride - www.massyouthpride.org For information about the annual Youth Pride rally, march and festival for GLBTQ youth & supportive allies, and the Youth Pride Planning Committee, contact Kelly Lydon at klydon@friendsofglbtyouth.org; 617-450-1333.

OTHER WEBSITES WITH INFO AND REFERRALS FOR GSAs AND GLBT YOUTH ISSUES:

www.centeryes.org (Youth Enrichment Services - Program of LGBT Community Ctr., NYC).

www.nyacyouth.org (National Youth Advocacy Coalition, Washington DC).

www.glsen.org (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network – GLSEN)

www.gsanetwork.org (check out what they’re doing in California…!)

www.personproject.org (Public Education Regarding Sexual Orientation Nationally)

www.safeschoolscoalition.org (based in Washington State; helpful info for Safe Schools everywhere)

www.thetrevorhelpline.org - 866-4-U-TREVOR (866-488-7386 - confidential 24/7 crisis helpline for GLBTQ youth)