Monday, January 26, 2009

Lt. Governor to Kick-Off Iowa GSA Day


Governor Proclaims Day Honoring Student Groups that Help Curb Violence in Schools

WHAT:
Lt. Governor Patty Judge will help Iowa Pride Network students, teachers and supporters kick-off events for Iowa Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Day at Ritual Café. Iowa GSA Day, declared yearly by the Governor for the past three years honors GSAs, students, teachers and community members around that state that work to end violence and homophobia in Iowa schools and colleges.

GSAs are important in reducing violence and homophobia in Iowa schools. As the 2007 Iowa School Climate Survey shows, GSAs are clearly needed now, more than ever:

o 1 in 3 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) students is physically harassed—pushed or shoved
o 1 in 6 LGBT students is physically assaulted—punched, kicked or injured with a weapon
o LGBT students will skip two weeks of school this year because they are simply too afraid to go

LGBT students who have a GSA in their school are:

o 23% less likely to skip class and 15% more likely to attend school because they feel comfortable and safe
o 23% less likely to be physically assaulted because of their sexual orientation

WHEN:
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
5:00-7:00 p.m. (Address by Lt. Governor and IPN staff and Students at 6:00 p.m.)

WHERE:
Ritual Café
1301 Locust Street (between Grand Ave. and Locust St.) in Downtown Des Moines
Free Food provided from 5-7pm

BACKGROUND:
About Iowa Pride Network
IPN works directly with LGBT and Allied youth to cultivate advocates and leaders who fight homophobia and transphobia and strive for social justice.

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