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Beyond Matthew Shepard …

Beyond Matthew Shepard … . Wyoming’s initiatives to work with our LGBTQ youth. Who Is Matthew Shepard?. About Wyoming . Total population of less than 600,000 K-12 population of 88,000 One 4-year University (UW-Laramie) and seven 2-year schools throughout state

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Beyond Matthew Shepard …

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  1. Beyond Matthew Shepard… Wyoming’s initiatives to work with our LGBTQ youth

  2. Who Is Matthew Shepard?

  3. About Wyoming • Total population of less than 600,000 • K-12 population of 88,000 • One 4-year University (UW-Laramie) and seven 2-year schools throughout state • “Population centers” are several hours away from one another….60,000 or fewer folks • Fiercely independent

  4. Suicide and Sexual Minority Youth Sexual Minority Youth were more likely to: 2.4 times - contemplate suicide (48% vs. 20%) 2.5 times - actively plan suicide (38% vs. 16%) 4.0 times -attempt suicide (33% vs. 8%) 5.8 times - require medical attention for a suicide attempt (17% vs. 3%) Massachusetts YRBS 1995 - 2003

  5. Violence and Sexual Minority Youth Sexual Minority Youth were more likely to: 2.1times – be in fight at school (25% vs. 12%) 2.7times – havecarried a weapon at school (18% vs. 7%) 3.4times – have been threatened or injured with a weapon at school (24% vs. 7%) 3.4times - skip school because they felt unsafe (18% vs. 5%) Massachusetts YRBS 1995 - 2003

  6. Challenges… It’s frontier/rural America The kids are more open, in some cases, than parents/teachers/administrators We know of the students/adults who want to be involved – how do we include those who don’t know we exist? Less government intrusion is good

  7. A need, unmet A lack of resources – kids dropping out Increased use of ATOD Suicide/suicidal ideation Bullying prevalent in schools – “kids will be kids”

  8. Reaching Out

  9. Building A foundation

  10. Sexual Minority Youth Advocates (SMYA) • Statewide advocate organization • Support to local/statewide GSAs • WDE, WDH, UW, Community Colleges, media, nurses, and other mental health professionals • Focused around bullying, suicide prevention, youth empowerment and education • Conduit of information

  11. Trainings, advocacy, getting the masses interested and involved

  12. On March 2, 2009, the Wyoming State Legislature passed HB 223 –Safe Schools Climate Act • The act required that school districts implement district policies prohibiting harassment, bullying and intimidation at school, as prohibited by law under the enacted legislation, as of December 31, 2009.

  13. Legislative • The Bullying legislation did not require inclusive language (only 8 of 48 districts chose to include sexual orientation in their policies) • Both in 2009 and 2011, WY legislators voted against legislation that would include sexual orientation into discrimination language • In 2011, legislation changing the state constitution to prohibit recognition of same sex marriage was introduced – and failed.

  14. Successes • Trainings in communities and school districts • GLSEN chapter being formed • 5 existing GSAs in the state (2008 = 1) • College-level GSAs getting re-energized • SMYA use of technology to engage and connect GSA students: “see and hear” • GLBTQ issues included in conversation

  15. Percentage of schools that have a student-led club that aims to create a safe, welcoming, and accepting school environment for all youth, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

  16. Opportunities… The Safe Zone Project at UW has taken their program on the road to all 7 community colleges GLSEN is in the process of getting accredited New PFLAG chapters are being formed WDE/WDH supporting youth Equality Summit, early 2011 and GSA Leadership Summit in April, 2011 Beyond Mathew Shepard Training conducted in 3 communities—more are scheduled Don’t Tell My Parents Dinners – 2 held, another 2 scheduled

  17. So, you’re interested in having this conversation… • Community partners • University/community college folks • Existing GSAs • HIV, STD, Unintended pregnancy prevention folks • Nurses, counselors, social workers • Juvenile Justice • Suicide prevention • ACLU • Who else?? • National Resources • Safe Schools Coalition • The Matthew Shepard Foundation • Answer at Rutgers (Sex, etc) • NYAC (National Youth Advocacy Coalition) • PFLAG • GLSEN • HRC • Lambda Legal • Others???

  18. What would you like to bring back to your school/community? Reflection

  19. Meaghan M. McClellan HIV Prevention Education Consultant Wyoming Department of Education mmccle@educ.state.wy.us 307.777.3339

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