Heading back to school

Or, at least, I'm heading back to virtual school to teach a new class online. I'm pleased to announce that I'm teaching Grant Writing & Fundraising Communications for writers who want to expand into the market. The course starts June 7. The registration deadline is June 1.

Much to my utter astonishment, I've worked in development for 15 years. I never intended to spend that much time in a field that, at first, seemed as alien as another planet. However, I've found a bit of fulfillment, and more than a few good paychecks in the field. For the past three years as an independent writer, development work has been a strong revenue stream. (The key to surviving as a self-employed writer is developing multiple streams of income, or at least, that's always been my theory. So far, it has worked!)

I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to share what I've learned with others. I'm also excited to have the chance to teach again. I've taught writing and journalism at Michigan State University and the University and Kansas, and I'm one of those silly fools who simply loves to teach. I'm not certain I can even explain why I enjoy it so much, but I get a charge out of reaching people and helping them move to a new level of achievement.

Of course, I do love to pontificate. My son can testify to that.

Newark superintendent finally applies the Golden Rule to gay teen

By Diane Silver

I'm pleased to see that the head of the Newark School District met today with a high school student and apologized in person for ordering the teen's photo blacked out from his yearbook.

The photo showed Andre Jackson and his boyfriend kissing. It was contained in a yearbook that included many shots of heterosexual students kissing.

After first apologizing only via a news release, the superintendent spoke to student Andre Jackson and his graduating class at East Side High School in New Jersey, AP reports.

The personal attention shows class and commitment to treating all people decently. It's about time someone remembered the importance of the Golden Rule.

Being treated fairly and decently, just as anyone else wants, is all LGBT people want. Nothing more and absolutely nothing less.

More details on what happened is in this previous post.

Literally erasing gay lives

By Diane Silver

[1:28 p.m. update]

The Newark School District has apologized and said it will issue an uncensored version of the yearbook. See below for details.
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We know our history as gays and lesbians has been repeatedly erased, but this is almost too blatant to believe.

Newark East Side High School in New Jersey literally erased -- or in this case blacked out -- a kiss between Andre Jackson and his boyfriend in the school yearbook. Note that their kiss was on a page Jackson purchased for $150. The New York Times reports:

The thin, hardcover yearbook, titled “Take Another Look,” features many pictures of the Class of 2007, including several of heterosexual couples embracing and kissing. On the page immediately opposite Mr. Jackson’s, a young man and a young woman kiss on a couch, his hand on her leg as she sits on his lap.

Garden State Equality is fighting back. Pam's House Blend also has information and commentary.
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PHOTO: Above is the offending photo. I'm reprinting it precisely because it was censured.