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Welcome to our first show of 2012!  Dr. Ardel Thomas, department chair of the LGBT Studies Program at City
College of San Francisco and several of her students joined Professor Dianna Chiabotti from Napa Valley College to talk about the LGBT Studies Program offered at both colleges and the new partnership the two colleges have forged.  City College was the first public college in California to offer a degree program in LGBT studies.  But, they have been offering classes in this subject since 1978.  Napa Valley College will be starting a certificate program in collaboration with City College starting in the fall of 2012.  These programs will prepare students to transfer to San Diego State University where they can earn a 4-year degree.  The students and staff at both college shared their ideas about these innovative programs and explained how students can enroll.  Both programs will also be supporting local public school teachers with training on how to deliver new curriculum required by the Fair and Inclusive Education Act that now includes the contribution of LGBT people to society.

Learn More

LGBT Studies Program at City College of San Francisco
LGBT Studies Program at Napa Valley College

Listen to this edition of Outbeat Youth here.

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It’s Christmas Day!  Happy Holidays to everyone.   The end of another year is upon us, so I thought it would be a great opportunity to look back as some of the notable events from the LGBT community in 2011. We begin with a look at some of the major news events featured by the Advocate, our main source of news on Outbeat Radio.  There were a number of celebrities who came out in 2011 including many affiliated with professional sports.  We hope this trend continues.

We spent the rest of the show featuring some of our favorite guests from last year including Kayla Kearney and Bobby Jo Valentine.  We revisited “I’m From Driftwood,” and, “You Can Be Anything,” two websites inspired by Harvey Milk’s famous mantra, “You Gotta Give’m Hope.”  Nathan Manske created “I’m From Driftwood” which features coming out stories from people around the world.  South Florida firefighter Brett Dunckel was inspired by both Milk and Manske when he created a place for LGBT professionals to post videos to inspire LGBT youth to pursue whatever career they wish no matter their sexuality.

2011 was a good year for us, but we realize LGBT youth still face many challenges.  2012 is a new year with new promise.  We conclude this year with a montage of “it gets better messages” From all of us at Outbeat Radio, we wish you a very happy new year!

Listen to this edition of Outbeat Youth here.

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Last month while producing the special show about Matthew Shepard, I found a YouTube video produced by a young actor from Canada, Denis Theriault.  I ended up interviewing Denis for the special about Matthew and talked with him about how Matthew’s story impacted his life.  I invited him back this month to share more about his story coming out and his pursuit of a career in acting.  Denis is a great guy and wonderful role model.  I thought his coming out story about telling him mother is one of the best I’ve heard.  Denis also shares his passion for film and movie making as well as how he was motivated to start his own YouTube channel.

We also have an “it gets better” message sent to us by one of our listeners, Aaron Allbright.  He’s written a book about his life with his partner and is donating the proceeds to the Trevor Project.  If you would like to share your own “it gets better” message, all you have to do is record your message and send it to us in an MP3 format.  Learn more by clicking on Share Your Story at the top of this page.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkySIWQJSoY

Learn More

Denis Theriault YouTube Channel
Denis Theriault Facebook Page

Listen to this edition of Outbeat Youth here

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The holidays can be really stressful times for families.  Young people who are still figuring out their sexual orientation or gender identity as well as those who know themselves, but who haven’t yet come out, face a unique kind of stress that can make the holidays seem less than joyous.  And, of course, for those young people who have come out, but who are not accepted by their families, an entirely different kind of stress is often aggravated around the holidays when grandparents, aunts and uncles, and all the cousins show up to share a meal, like today on Thanksgiving.   If you find yourself waking up and dreading the upcoming family gathering, here are some tips to help you get through the day.

1.  I remember a friend of mine telling me how a friend of his came out to his family at the Thanksgiving dinner table.  He was surrounded by 30 or so relatives and, of course, his parents.  Conversation was bouncing around back and forth.  And then he said, “Hey mom, I’m gay.  Can you pass the mashed potatoes please?”  The silence that followed was deafening.  Holidays are generally not the ideal time to “come out” to members of your family especially while everyone is sitting around the dinner table.  We should amend the rule about discussing religion and politics at the table to include coming out.  Sharing this aspect of yourself is very personal and you need to remember that while you may have come out to yourself already some time ago, it may be very new for your family.  While we always hope for acceptance, love, and celebration after coming out, the reality is that it doesn’t always go that way.  At the holiday dinner table, you and your relatives may feel trapped with no place to escape in event things don’t go well.  Save it for a more intimate and controlled situation that is not connected with a holiday.

2.  Make time for yourself.  If you are not out or not accepted in your house, make time to be with your partner or your own friends.  It’s really all about balance.  Consider the fact that your relatives coming in  from out of town are here and want to spend time with you, but allow yourself some time away on the holiday to be with your other family.  Maybe it’s meeting up before dinner or hanging out after the relatives are napping on the couch.  If you cannot bring your boyfriend or girlfriend to dinner, for whatever reason, that’s OK.  Plan a special time for just the two of you to celebrate the holiday together.

3.  Be careful about drinking alcohol or self-medicating to ease the emotional pain, fear, or stress you might experience.  Aside from the physical health issues, alcohol can cause people to act very differently especially in response to stress.  You don’t want to end up saying something or doing something that you will regret later.  It’s normal to feel frustration and even anger toward those who do not accept you or who you feel won’t accept you to the extent you can’t come out, but trust me, lashing out on a holiday and making a scene isn’t going to help your cause.  If things get tense at home, take a break, go for a walk.  Give your best friend a call and share what you are feeling with someone who understands.

4.  Be present where ever you are.  Whether it’s with your friend, the one your love, or your family, set Facebook and texting aside for the holiday.  Give your families a chance and use the time to learn a little more.  You’ve heard parents say things like, “Gosh, he/she never talks to us.  I don’t even feel like I know him/her anymore.”  It’s one day, maybe even just part of one day.  I know you may feel like you have absolutely nothing in common with your family, but identifying as LGB or T isn’t a difference that wipes out all of the other aspects of you that you may have in common with your cousins, siblings, and other relatives.  At least consider the possibility that you will have a good time.

5.  Treat yourself well.  One of the best ways to combat stress of any kind is physical activity and exercise.  Go for a bike ride, a walk, a run, or some other kind of physical activity that you enjoy the morning of the holiday.  Starting your day that way will really help you prepare physically for whatever stress comes along.  It will also help those of you who are fighting a weight problem with the exploding number of calories that come with a Thanksgiving dinner.  Holidays are time for celebration, ritual, and tradition.  Find something that makes you feel good about who you are and treat yourself to some time enjoying it.  Remember, it’s all about balance.

Finally, if things end up going really bad, don’t despair.  You won’t have to spend holidays this way, every year, for the rest of your life.  If you are feeling alone and don’t have friends you can call as I wrote about above, know that there is someone out there for you 24 hours a day to listen and to provide you with support.  Hurting yourself in anyway as a way to either end the pain you are feeling or to lash out at those who have hurt you in some way isn’t the answer.  When you need that break and that friend who will understand you, call the Trevor Project at 1-866-4-U-Trevor (1-866-488-7386).  The call is free and totally confidential.

From all of us at the Outbeat Youth program and Outbeat Radio show, be safe, take care of yourself, and find the kind of joy and happiness you deserve this holiday season.

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This month on Outbeat Youth, south Florida firefighter Brett Dunckel joined us to talk about the new website he created featuring videos of LGBT professionals talking to young people about their success and how “you can be anything” you want to be.  Being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender shouldn’t limit anyone from pursuing their career dreams.  Brett is successful firefighter who also happens to be “out” and gay.  Anyone interested in submitting a video should go to their website for how to create and upload their story.

Our second guest was on our show last year talking about a video he made for his 25 birthday.  But this month, Michael Huerta joined us to talk about his run for mayor of Las Cruses, New Mexico.  Michael always dreamed of being mayor of his home town and this November, his dream may come true.  Michael shared some great stories from his campaign experience.  In addition to winning the title of mayor, Michael may also become the first openly gay man to be elected to a public office in New Mexico.

Learn More

You Can Be Anything website
Listen to Michael Huerta’s first interview

You can listen to this edition of Outbeat Youth here 

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Our guest this month was Sonoma County vocal musician Bobby Jo Valentine.  Ever since he contacted us on Outbeat Youth, we’ve seen his name all over the place playing local gigs and
benefits, on music videos, and even on a recent award for his work writing original songs.  Bobby grew up here in Rohnert Park in a conservative fundamental Baptist household.  He attended religious schools and studied to become a minister.  He told us about when he discovered he was gay and how he was able to come out at the age of 23.  Bobby found only love and support from her parents and he told us that he is grateful for how his parents raised him.

The music he writes is heavily influenced by his experience growing up and coming out.  You can listen to his music on his website and can order signed copies of his latest CD.  Bobby leaves for a three month road tour in October.  He shared with us his song “Fly” from his CD “A Place To Be” which you can watch here on this music video.  It’s a beautiful song!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2DUWHlblEm0

Learn More

Bobby Jo Valentine’s Facebook Page
Bobby Jo Valentine’s Website

You can listen to this edition of Outbeat Youth here

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It’s the end of August and most of our young listeners are already back to school.  Some have started high school while others have left home for the first time to attend college.  High school and college years are the time for many LGBT young people to “come out” and wouldn’t it be great to be able to find a “guide” for how to work through this challenging time right in your own school library?  This month we talked with Kathy Belge and Marke Bieschke who co-authored, “Queer: The Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens.”  Kathy and Marke talked about how they came together to write a book they hope will help young people find themselves and their sexual and or gender identity.  The book is excellent and offers advice on coming out, dating, and sex.  Kathy and Marke share pieces of their own stories and important pieces of LGBT history throughout the book.  There is also a contemporary reference section in the back.

Max Alder, from the cast of Glee, also shared he is “It Gets Better” message with us.  As promised, we will be featuring an “It Gets Better” message each month as a regular part of Outbeat Youth.

Learn More

Queer: The Ultimate LGBT Guide for Teens
A video interview with the authors
Zest Books

You can listen to this edition of Outbeat Youth here

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Next month, many of our listeners are going off to a new college or university.  It can be a challenging time for LGBT students.  How do you find your community?  Should you come out to your new dorm mate right away?  Is college a good time to come out now that you are away from home?  Our guest has some of these answers and recommendations.  Shane Windmeyer is the creator and executive director of Campus Pride, the nations leading organization supporting LGBT students and staff at colleges and universities.  Shane talked to us about what to do when you get to your campus and how to make yourself “visible” programs, groups, and other students to find you.  He shared his thoughts about joining a fraternity or sorority and offered some good advice for those LGBT students who will be looking for an LGBT friendly college next year.  Shane also talked about the exciting New Years Caribbean Cruise he is putting together as a benefit for Campus Pride.

Learn More

Campus Climate Index
Campus Pride
New Years Cruise

You can listen to this edition of Outbeat Youth here

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It’s Pride weekend in the San Francisco Bay Area!  Happy Pride to everyone and if you were out at the parade and festival, we hope you had a great time.  On this month’s show, we had two guests.  Jason Galisatus just graduated from Aragon High School in San Mateo where he served as the president of the Gay-Straight Alliance for three years.  Jason talked about coming out in 8th grade and how he found acceptance from his family and friends.  He told us about the secrets to a successful GSA.  Last year, the Aragon High GSA was the most popular club on campus boasting 35 members!  Jason served on the Board of Directors for the GSA Network and put together a youth summit last spring with over 200 attendees.  He told us all about the impressive list of speakers who participated.

We also talked with Nathan Manske who created an incredible website called imfromdriftwood.com.  Nathan told us how he was inspired after watching “Milk,” the movie about Harvey Milk, and how he connected with Harvey’s story growing up gay in a small town.  Nathan grew up in Driftwood, Texas and now works for an advertising agency in New York.  He created the website to capture stores from gay people living in towns, large and small, all over the world.  The site features short shorties and videos that people have made telling about their lives, first loves, and coming out.  Nathan hopes to inspire young people living in small towns with these stories and to give them hope, much like Harvey Milk wanted to do.  Nathan is hoping more young LGBT people will submit stories for the site.  You can simply go to imfromdriftwood.com, press the submit story button and cut and paste your story into the text box.  It’s that easy!

Learn More

GSA Network
Bay Area Youth Summit
I’m From Driftwood Website

You can listen to this edition of Outbeat Youth here

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June is Gay Pride month in the California Bay Area and a great time to celebrate who we are.  There are so many ways to celebrate pride here locally in Sonoma County and throughout the greater Bay Area.  Here is a list of pride events and suggested activities for you to make the most of this year’s pride celebration and to make yourself feel proud!

Outbeat Youth will be at a number of the events listed below.  Of course the best way to keep tabs on where we are is to follow us on Facebook or Twitter.  We’ll keep you updated all month long with the latest information about pride 2011.  Don’t forget, Outbeat Youth airs at 8PM on the Sunday night of the San Francisco Pride parade – June 26, 2011.

San Francisco Pride

San Francisco Pride Festival

Saturday, June 25, 2011 – Noon to 6:00PM at San Francisco Civic Center
Sunday, June 26, 2011 – 11:00AM to 6:30PM at San Francisco Civic Center
Click Here For A Map

San Francisco Pride Parade

Sunday, June 26, 2011 – 10:30AM on Market Street between Beale and 8th Street – Click Here For A Map

“San Francisco Pride has been said to be “one of the last remaining pride events that can truly be called a rite of passage.” 2011 marks the 41st anniversary of the San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Pride Celebration and Parade.  The SF Pride Celebration will be held over the weekend of June 25 and 26, 2011 in downtown San Francisco in Civic Center at the foot of San Francisco’s historic City Hall where Harvey Milk once stood and addressed Pride-goers more tha thirty years ago.  With over 200 parade contingents, 300 exhibitors, and 19 stages and venues, the San Francisco LGBT Pride Celebration and Parade is the largest LGBT gathering in the nation.  The San Francisco Pride Celebration is teaming with people and a wide variety of exhibitors, artists, music of all kinds, performers, dance stages and venues, and more. There really is something here for everyone.

How To Get There

The best way to get to San Francisco Pride is any other way that with a car.  Parking will be very difficult if not impossible.  From the North Bay, the ideal way to get to pride is on a ferry of course!  Go to the Larkspur Ferry Terminal and take a spectacular ride across the bay right to the foot of Market Street where the pride parade begins. You can take Muni or BART from the Embarcadero Station to the Civic Center Station.  BART is also the best way to get into San Francisco from the East Bay Area.

Click Here For Information About The Ferry
Click Here For Information About BART

Things To Do During Pride Month

Attend the GLBT Frameline Film Festival
Click Here For A Calendar Of All The Official San Francisco Pride Events

Visit the Castro in San Francisco.  You don’t have to be 21 to enjoy a great day in a neighborhood that accepts all.  It’s a great place to learn a lot about GLBT history and the current day fight for civil rights.  Start out at the base of the biggest rainbow flag around located at Harvey Milk Plaza, Market and Castro.  There is a monument there dedicated to founder of the rainbow flag.  Walk across Castro Street and stop in at the Hot Cookie for the best chocolate cookie around.  Now you are set for walk up to 575 Castro Street to the new Human Rights Campaign (HRC) store – the same space where Harvey Milk’s camera store was located.  If you look up, you will see a mural next to the apartment where Harvey Milk lived.  The new HRC store is also home to the Trevor Project. The best place to learn the most about GLBT history is at the GLBT Museum.  Walk back down Castro Street, turn left on 18th Street, and then walk up the block.  You will find the museum on the left side of the street next to Badlands, at 4127 18th Street.  By this time, you should be ready to eat and there are lots of great restaurants all around the Castro.  Walk around and explore.  My favorites?  Harveys for a burger, Blue for Mac and Cheese, and Sweet Inspirations for amazing desserts.

Join us on Outbeat Youth!  You can express your pride in a variety of ways and share your message with the world.  Create your own “It Gets Better” message, share your coming out story, or perform your poetry or music on one of our shows.  Use the menu at the top of this page to get involved!

Create your own personal pride celebration.  Wear a rainbow all month and host a pride party of your own.  Invite your straight allies as a way to build community.  Start a journal to record each day what you do to make yourself feel proud.  Treat yourself well.

A Little Bit About The History Of Pride Celebrations

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=60qznLGr-1M

Check back to this page frequently as we will update it with information and new events as we learn of them.