Oct. '22 Shout Outs!
A monthly update on GSAs & the PSUSD LGBTQ Alliance
Dear school leaders, GSA advisors, teachers, families, and students
This is the PSUSD LGBTQ Alliance's monthly newsletter. Our vision is to empower and affirm the LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families of PSUSD by developing policy, implementing trainings, and increasing student, parent, and community engagement.
October is nationally recognized as LGBTQ+ History Month! Read on for resources to share with staff, students, and families to celebrate this month. Additionally, this October issue of the Shout Outs Newsletter is chock full of updates from GSAs across the district, as well as some great information about mentoring work being done in our middle schools by the Equality California Institute.
You can also find great resources, including the Alliance's master calendar for the year, helpful glossaries of terms, updates on GSA clubs, a staff resource library, and more!
🌈PSUSD LGBTQ Alliance
Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month!
Additionally, October 11th is National Coming Out Day!
Check out the resources below - they can be used in school sites, workplaces, and shared with families!
Out and About Across the District!
Desert Hot Springs High School GSA
Desert Springs Middle School GSA
The members have also shared personal stories on why or how they are connected to the LGBTQ+ community, which has helped their club form a safe space.
Mt. San Jacinto HS - DHS GSA
Mt. San Jacinto HS - Cathedral City GSA
Cabot Yerxa ES Rainbow Club
In future meetings, they are looking forward to making a giant Pride banner for the school, crafting friendship bracelets, learning about their own identities, and educating their peers.
The Cabot Yerxa ES Rainbow Club is also a proud recipient for the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus Grant! The funds will be used to purchase materials for Rainbow Club activities such as crafts, posters, and t-shirts.
We want to celebrate YOU!!
If you would like your school featured in the next newsletter,
send updates and pictures to Annie Axsom at aaxsom@psusd.us!
Equality California Institute Mentoring Program
For twenty years, Equality California Institute (EQCAI) has worked in partnership with community organizations and leaders across the state of California to improve the lives of LGBTQ Californians through policy, education, and collaboration. The Equality California Mentorship Corps has placed AmeriCorps Members at middle schools in Palm Springs Unified to provide LGBTQ-inclusive mentorship focused on social and emotional learning.
Mentorship sessions are weekly and delivered one-on-one, giving students an opportunity to focus on personal growth, socio-emotional wellbeing, leadership development, and goal setting.
Members also support school GSAs and work with local non-profits on youth-focused programming. This program connects mentors who are eager to support the development of an inclusive school climate with schools and students who are eager to do the same.
2022-2023 Year at a Glance
If you would like your school's event or GSA meeting dates added to the calendar, email the PSUSD LGBTQ Alliance at lgbtq@psusd.us.
Brave Spaces Parents
LGBTQ PAC
All are welcome to attend the LGBTQ+ Parent Advisory Committee meetings to offer input and learn about supports and services offered in PSUSD.
Please share these flyers with the families at your school!