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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… Wyoming’s initiatives to work with our LGBTQ youth
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
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
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
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
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”
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
Trainings, advocacy, getting the masses interested and involved
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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???
What would you like to bring back to your school/community? Reflection
Meaghan M. McClellan HIV Prevention Education Consultant Wyoming Department of Education mmccle@educ.state.wy.us 307.777.3339