Film Series Explores Ways to End
Anti-Gay Bullying in Schools
In the wake of six recent suicides by young people who were bullied and humiliated for being gay, two Alameda organizations have come together to screen two films aimed at educating the public about ways to combat this crisis. First Congregational Church of Alameda (www.fccalameda.org) and Community Alliance Resource for Education (C.A.R.E., www.alamedacare.org ) will show "It's Elementary" at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 18 and "Bullied" at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 25. Both films will be shown at First Congregational Church Alameda, 1912 Central Ave at Chestnut. A community discussion will follow each film.
"It's Elementary" shows how schools can combat anti-gay prejudice with practical lessons that allow students to talk about gay people in age-appropriate ways. Shot in six public and private schools, the film shows what happens when kids in kindergarten through eighth grade discuss family diversity, name-calling, stereotypes, community building and related issues. The award-winning film shows that children are eager and able to wrestle with stereotypes and absorb new facts about what it means to be gay or lesbian.
"Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case that Made History" chronicles the story of high school student Jamie Nabozny, who suffered relentless verbal and physical abuse at the hands of his classmates in Ashland, Wisconsin. Despite pleas from Jamie and his parents, school officials failed to stop the attacks. A lawsuit filed by Jamie and his parents led to a landmark federal court decision holding school officials accountable for stopping the harassment and abuse of gay students. "Students should never be afraid for their safety at school," says Jamie, now 34. "This film offers hope to students who are being harassed and should inspire educators to live up to their responsibility to stop the bullying that is shattering lives."
"This film series is not just informational, it is a matter of life and death," says Laura Rose, pastor of First Congregational Church of Alameda and a member of the Alameda C.A.R.E. steering committee. “It is imperative that parents, teachers and community members know what tools are available to help allies advocate for victims of bullying.”
For more information, call First Congregational Church at (510) 522-6012.Childcare will be available on a limited basis. Please call 522-6012 x 21 by Oct. 16 to reserve a spot.
Media contact: Allan Mann, (510) 455-6512
