FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | November 15, 2004

Tool Kit Released to Help Transgender Teens Create Safer Schools

(San Francisco, CA, November 15, 2004) — In honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance, a coalition of lesbian, gay and transgender rights advocates are hosting a news conference at a San Francisco high school to announce the official launch of a new publication called Beyond the Binary: A Tool Kit for
Gender Identity Activism in Schools. Designed for student leaders, teachers, activists, and gender non-conforming people who want to challenge the gender binary system in schools, the tool kit provides concrete steps about how to create gender-inclusive policies in schools and raise awareness about gender through education of students and staff.

The news conference will feature:

• Sylvia Guerrero, mother of slain transgender teen Gwen Araujo
• Transgender youth who contributed to the project
• Washington High School students and their youth advisor who have organized extensive Transgender Day of Remembrance activities
• Representatives of the organizations that created the tool kit: Gay-Straight Alliance Network, Transgender Law Center and National Center for Lesbian Rights

WHAT: News Conference to Announce Release of New Safe-Schools Tool Kit
WHEN: Thursday, November 18, 2004 at 11 a.m.
WHERE: George Washington High School Auditorium 600 32nd Avenue, San Francisco

WHY: In recognition of the National Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20th According to a survey conducted by the California Safe Schools Coalition, 27% of all students reported being harassed because they weren't "masculine enough" or weren't "feminine enough." Students facing harassment, bullying and discrimination based on their gender expression need tools to create a safer school environment.

VISUALS: Washington High School's Transgender Day of Remembrance Activities Members of the go Youth Advisory Council will distribute black armbands to students and faculty who wish to show their support for transgender issues and display a mock grave site, posters, and the Queer Quilt with the names of transgender individuals killed in hate crimes. Activities will conclude with a noon-time speaking engagement with Sylvia Guerrero, mother of slain transgender teen Gwen Araujo, who will speak about the death of her daughter and the issues facing transgender communities.

DIRECTIONS: Enter on 32nd Avenue between Anza and Balboa. Check in with security, then proceed to the main office to sign in and get a yellow visitors sticker. Walk down the hall to the Auditorium Lobby.