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Beyond Matthew Shepard …

April 15, 2010 Ref: RHJ -10-1006. April 15, 2010 Ref: RHJ -10-1006. Beyond Matthew Shepard … . Wyoming’s initiatives to work with our LGBTQ youth. A little geography…just in case . About Wyoming . Total population of less than 600,000 K-12 population of 86,000

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Beyond Matthew Shepard …

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  1. April 15, 2010 Ref: RHJ -10-1006 April 15, 2010 Ref: RHJ -10-1006 Beyond Matthew Shepard… Wyoming’s initiatives to work with our LGBTQ youth

  2. A little geography…just in case

  3. About Wyoming • Total population of less than 600,000 • K-12 population of 86,000 • 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 less folks • Fiercely independent

  4. 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”

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. Legislative • The Bullying legislation did not require inclusive language (only 8 of 48 districts chose include sexual orientation in their policies) • Also in 2009, 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 passed.

  9. 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

  10. 2008 22 22 7 20 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 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.

  11. 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 Leadership Summit in June, 2011 Beyond Mathew Shepard Training conducted in 3 communities—more are scheduled Don’t Tell My Parents Dinners Data gathering

  12. Meaghan M. McClellan, HIV Prevention Education Consultant Wyoming Department of Education mmccle@educ.state.wy.us or 307.777.3339 Rob Johnston, HIV Prevention Program Manager Wyoming Department of Health Robert.johnston@health.wyo.gov or 307-777-6563

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