FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Renna Communications
Cathy Renna, cathy@rennacommunications.com, 917.757.6123
Syd Peterson, syd@rennacommunications.com, 917.621.6411
FAMILY PRIDE RELEASES “BACK TO SCHOOL” TOOLS FOR LGBT PARENTS
Materials encourage and equip LGBT parents to join in their child’s school community and work for family equality
August 22, 2006 –
“This time of year, most parents are making out ‘Back to School’ lists: pens and pencils, backpacks and lunchboxes, jeans and sneakers,” said Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director of Family Pride. “It’s just as important to add Family Pride’s resources to that list. Introduce your family, check for anti-harassment and anti-bullying policies, insure that school forms and curricula are inclusive of all types of families. Family Pride encourages LGBT parents to consider your child’s needs, to know your rights, and to reach out to the school community.”
The tool provides checklists of concrete methods for parents to be proactive in their dealings with the school community. It provides strategies for talking to teacher and principals, formulating questions about inclusivity and language, and working with others to enact positive change.
"Like all parents, the reality is that LGBT parents have to raise the needs of our kids and help educators do their jobs better with positive solutions and innovative ideas,” continued Chrisler, whose twin sons started pre-school last week. “If our schools had asbestos, we’d stand up, if our playgrounds were unsafe, we’d stand up. Children are facing anti-LGBT hostility and we need to stand up.”
Working successfully with a school community isn’t always about lofty projects “It’s often the little things that make the most difference,” said Trina Olson, Family Pride’s Program and Education Manager. “For example, we suggest you speak with your child’s teacher about the language your family uses. ‘I’m Mom and Jill is “Momma.”’ This kind of basic information gives your child’s teacher the framework he or she needs to talk about your family. By giving these specifics, you have given the teacher the tools to be comfortable talking about and advocating for your family,” continued Olson.
“Building Family Equality” is a simple and easy to use guide that encourages parents to play an active role in shaping their children’s schools. The materials also encourage parents to talk with their kids about what they need at school; they may have helpful insights about their school community, and preferences for how they are represented.
To obtain a copy of “Building Family Equality in Every Classroom”, go to www.familypride.org or call (202) 331-5015.
Family Pride is the only national non-profit organization dedicated to securing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents and their families.