BGMLC Letter to The School District of Philadelphia

Below is the contents of the letter that was sent to the School District of Philadelphia from the Black Gay Men's Leadership Counicl (BGMLC) in support of their decision to inculde gay and lesbian history month on their school calendar. For more information, see my related post from last week.

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October 10, 2006

Philadelphia School District
440 N Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19130

Dear Mr. Nevels:

This letter is written in support of the School District of Philadelphia’s recent decision to include Gay and Lesbian History Month to its school calendar. This is an important decision, which will help create safer and more supportive learning environments for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) students. As you know, both verbal and physical discrimination against GLBT students can have detrimental consequences on not only their academics, but also their mental health and overall well-being. For example, in 2005, the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, a national survey implemented by the Centers for Disease Control, found that “Nationwide16.9% of young people in grades 9-12 seriously considered attempting suicide during the 12 months preceding the survey” Other research has found that GLBT teens account for up to 30% of all teen suicides in the United States. This underscores the need to have the important dialogue that will be created by educating adolescents on GLBT issues.

I know the school district is meeting significant opposition from parents, teachers and other community members about this decision, but we hope that you will maintain your stance in spite of the resistance. Schools play a unique role in students’ lives and help them learn about the multitude of cultures that exist in the world, which is what makes it the perfect place for adolescents to learn more about the lives of GLBT’s. Schools owe the students a fair and balanced education which will allow them to make the decisions they will based on the factual information provided to them by teachers.

In closing, the Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council fully supports the school districts bold and admirable decision to be inclusive of its GLBT students. We also support the great work that the Greater Philadelphia Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Youth Coalition has done and continues to do in conjunction with the school district to educate teachers and administrators on GLBT issues. This decision alone provides the opportunity to: help decrease the dropout rate among GLBT students because of anti-gay school environments; help decrease suicide among GLBT teens who feel they have no supports or places who validate who they are; and help refute stereotypes and negative perceptions of GLBT’s, which helps to eradicate homophobia. Addressing these important public health issues speaks to the commitment the Philadelphia school district has to making the school system a place where all students are welcome and reflects your true investment in cultural diversity.

The Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council lends its support to your efforts and if there is anything we can help with, feel free to contact me. I can be reached via email at phl_bgmlc@yahoo.com or by phone at (215) xxx-xxxx.

The mission of the BGMLC is to use advocacy, education and community collaborations to empower Philadelphia's diverse communities of black gay men by focusing on their social and political advancement and health and wellness needs, while developing local, regional and national leaders.


Sincerely,


Lee Carson, MSW- Chair
Black Gay Men’s Leadership Council
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If you live in the Philadelphia area, and would like to give your support write a letter to the City School district letting them know you support their decision.