AWESOME!! Namely, the measures my (ex-)coworkers worked very hard on!
“The two youth bills the governor signed include the Student Civil Rights Act and the Safe Place to Learn Act. The Student Civil Rights Act (SB 777), authored by Sen. Sheila Kuehl, D-Santa Monica, protects students from harassment and bullying in public schools by making sure teachers and school administrators fully understand their responsibilities to protect youth. The Safe Place to Learn Act (AB 394), authored by Assemblymember Lloyd Levine, D-Van Nuys, further strengthens youth protections by ensuring that the state’s nondiscrimination policies are rigorously enforced.” — EQCA
CONGRATS, GSA Network, and a job well done! :D
Nevertheless, the Governator vetoed the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act (AB 43). In the words of EQCA’s Executive Director, Geoff Kors:
Gov. Schwarzenegger refused to lift the cloud of discrimination that hangs over millions of Californians and their families. With the people of California increasingly in support of marriage for same-sex couples and the Legislature once again affirming fairness and equality, the governor stands alone in perpetuating discrimination against same-sex couples. With the stroke of his pen, he has denied countless loving couples the joy and validation he and the First Lady experienced when they got married. Equality California will not rest until we have achieved full equality for the entire lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.
Werd. Still a TON of work to do!
In other queer youth news: “For what appears to be the first time in school history, the Davis Senior High student body has elected a gay couple into homecoming royalty. With each boasting a white sash declaring his title as “Prince,” the two 16-year-olds rode through the city of Davis Friday afternoon in the school’s annual homecoming parade.” In your face, heteronormativity! Read more about the homecoming princes here!
While I’m on the topic, just wanna take this opportunity to say thanks to everyone who’s always supported my cause(s), if not to merely support me following my hopes and dreams! For everyone that’s kept me going and urged me to keep fighting, y’all ROCK. I’m soooo proud of my colleagues and myself for all the hardwork we’ve all put in to make successful things like this happen! In YOUR face if ever thought my gender/sexuality studies were a waste of time!
And here’s a chance for me to recognize and acknowledge my own ability-to-pass-as-heterosexual privilege: Happy (official) one month anniversary, babe! Remember how it was our first date over a year ago and I asked you what you would do if you found out I was transsexual a few months into our relationship and how that totally set you up for our relationship for the rest of your life? (hahahhaha sucker.) I RUVVVV YOOOUUU!!
Here’s some pics from Queer Youth Advocacy Day 2007 at Sac, where we lobbied our legislators to support SB 777 and AB 394 back in March (and the postcard I made for people to urge Schwarzenegger to sign those bills!):
