February 13, 2003: NCLR and EQFL Issue Call to Action
The National Center for Lesbian Rights & Equality Florida issued a
Call to Action, "Contact the Hillsborough County School Board and Superintendent", Urge then to eliminates gender bias in the school dress codes particularly when it comes to senior portraits. Alert includes, Background History, Legal Summary, Coalition Position,
National Center for Lesbian Rights Press Release
The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) filed suit on behalf of Robinson H.S. Senior Nikki Youngblood against the Hillsborough County School District, Florida for creating and enforcing the illegal senior portrait policy that prevented Youngblood's senior portrait from appearing in the High School yearbook alongside those of her classmates.
School Board Pays $451,000 To End Gay Student's Lawsuit
Aug. 29: Derek Hinkle was beaten, spat upon, called names and threatened with a lasso during his three years in three separate high schools in Reno, has settled a lawsuit with the district school board. The teen calls his high school experience "a campaign of intimidation and harassment" that literally left him fearing for his life.
Washoe School Board Endorses Settlement With Gay Student
Aug.8, 2002: After holding meetings to discuss settling Derek Henkle's suit, the Washoe County school trustees agreed 7-0 to pay $451,000 and change three
civil rights policies under a settlement agreement to resolve former gay student's claims of discrimination at school.

Nevada School may Settle Student's Harassment Claim
Aug 6, 2002: A two-year federal court case in which former high schooler Derek Henkle accused Washoe County, Nev., district teachers, principals, and police officers of failing to intervene when classmates harassed and assaulted him because he is gay, may soon be resolved. School district officials in Washoe County, Nev., are considering paying former student $451,000 to settle claims
of discrimination and harassment based upon his sexual orientation.
HISD May Protect Sexual Orientation in Student Code of Conduct
June 28, 2002: In a landmark initiative this past April, Houston Independent School district required every principal and at least one vice principal from each school in HISD to attend a two-hour training workshop addressing the rights of gay and lesbian students and the responsibilities of school officials to insure their safety on campus.

Seeking Tolerance: Gay Teens, Educators Discuss Harassment Issues
April 3, 2002: Gay teen-agers who on Wednesday shared their experiences of harassment with principals at Houston Independent School District at a two-hour training session called "Healing the Hurt." The session covered a variety of school related issues involving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students.
Suit Claims School Officials Failed to Protect Gay Student
Jan. 28, 2000: A former high school student sued Washoe County school officials in federal court, claiming they failed to stop verbal and physical harassment inflicted by classmates because he is gay. Derek Henkle alleged school officials denied him equal protections because of his sexual orientation and denied him free speech rights by allegedly urging him to hide his sexual orientation.
Young Gay Activists Making a Difference
By the time he was an eighth grader at West Snyder High School in rural Snyder County, Pennsylvania, Mark Snyder knew what he wanted to do with his life. Having endured daily physical and verbal anti-gay harassment by classmates since he entered the school in seventh grade, Snyder resolved to make schools safer for himself and others like him. ``I kind of knew because of access to the Internet and TV that there were normal people out there," says the 19-year-old Emerson College sophomore. ``[I knew] that there was another world outside of Snyder County and I kind of promised myself in eighth grade that I was going to dedicate my work, my career, my life to creating change as far as the rights and safety of
LGBT youth."

Gay Students Seek Anti-Discrimination Law Sponsors. Get Legislator's Homophobic Tirade.
Tallahassee, Florida
April 10, 2001:
A group of Gay and Lesbian high school students hoping for legislative sponsors for
Florida Dignity for All Students Act. Instead endured legislators lesson in intolerance
and severe predudice. The students were particapating in Youth Lobby Day, lead by
Equality Florida.  After he listened to their request for support, Rep. Allen Trovillion,
ambushed the students saying, "I don't know why the gay population is being so
vocal." Trovillion represents the suburbs of Orlando, he then added as quoted in the
Tampa Tribune article, "Your are going to cause the downfall of this country which
was built on christian principles."                                         

One 17-year-old student, Chris Vasquez, was so upset after Trovillion told them, the
students,"They were all going to hell" was in tears, Vasquez was quoted saying, in
gay.com article, "The part that really bothers me is the fact that he is one of the
people we're supposed to look up to for moral guidance and support," he added,
"Trovillian is spouting ideas that only make the world more dangerous for gay youth".
Chris is an honor student and editor in cheif of Edgewater High School.

Attempting to give Trovillion an idea of what gay students are faced with in our Florida schools, Thomas Gentile had spoke of being attacked and beaten, based of his sexual orientation his freshman year at a Boca Raton high school. When the school administrators suspended his assailants for one day, they also suspened Thomas [The Victim]. They Suggested he had provoked the violence becauese he was "To Openly Gay". [Does this mean if you are just openly or alittle openly gay and are attacked and beaten, your not suspended along youe assailants?]. Trovillion showed his compassion by saying,"You suffer the consequences of your actions".

As Trovillion's diatribe he also quoted  selective scriptures, "God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and he is going to destroy you and a lot of others"and "No Homosexual will see the Kingdom of God, and I can't put it much straighter than that" Trovillion added.

Students did find a few friendly ears, Sen. Skip Cambel [D] Tamarac expressed interest  in sponsoring the bill. Also, Sen Buddy Dyer D-Orlando wouldn't commit, he gaves of encouragement by saying,"Keep doing what your doing".

Tampa Bay Coalition's Special News Report, "Trovillion's Tirade of Intolerance & Hate"
Comprehensive coverage of the events that took place during the Tirade and the events following this ambush
on our unsuspecting gay high school activists. Including the firestorm of condemnation that Trovillion received.
Quiet No Longer, Teens Find a Voice
Teens Recognizes Gay-Rights Activist for Taking a Stand. Chris Vasquez remembers what other
kids did to a friend in middle school. They taunted him, hurled insults at him, accused him of
being gay. Chris kept quiet, hiding his own sexuality. He's no longer quiet. He has found his voice
and is a megaphone for gay student rights.

Tirade Doesn't Deter Student Gay Rights Activist
Gay and lesbian students from across state were back at Florida's Capitol. Gay rights activists
return to lobby for Dignity for all Students Act. Undetered by last years homophobic ambush. This time they have two new allies, Rep. Ken Gottlieb and Sen. Skip Campbell, each are sponsors of a measure to protect them from harassment and abuse in public schools. Equality Florida News and Call for Action.
School Board Trustee Quits, Accused of Sending a Homophobic Email
Catholic District School Board trustee resigns after accused of calling Marc Hall supporter a "faggot". Marc Hall's fought against Catholic School Board ban of boyfriend from his prom.
TBC Eye on GLBT News Special Report "Homophobia Gives Gay Teens Schoolaphobia"
TBC extensively researched the horrendous treatment of our gay youth. What we discovered is that they
suffer constant harassment, bullying, tormenting, verbal and physical abuse of gay students in our public school's across the country. What was most disturbing was the this abuse of our gay teens was not only
at the hands of their fellow students, but, at the hands of school administrators, teachers and the staff.
TBC's report includes the results from a number of research projects, studies and surveys. Just a sample
of the some of the alarming results found was that 97 percent of high school students heard homophobic remarks regularly from their peers and that 53 percent said they heard them from school staff members. Another found, that gay students are four times as likely as heterosexual children to be threatened with a weapon at school. The same study found gay youngsters are three to seven times as likely to attempt suicide. The heartfelt stories of three gay teens who share their personal experiences. Stories of gay teens who could not bare the daily torment which became so great, they ended their lives to end their pain and suffering. The purpose of this special news report was to bring awareness to the plight of our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. That it would open the hearts and minds of those who were not aware and to those were aware, but, were still remaining silent. To provke them into getting personally involved and in actively particapating with the many groups and individuals, who are working to end our gay youths daily
and constant tormenting in our schools, once and for all. Weigh your attitudes & beliefs on homosexuals. See how you rank on "Homophobia Scale", by filling out the Homophobia Questionnaire posted.

WARNING: The material that is contained in this report can cause, anger, frustration, outrage, sadness, heartache, great distress and cause tears to run down your face, uncontrolable at times. If you are prepared to with stand the possible effects listed in the WARNING and view TBC Special Report "Schoolaphobia"
NOTE: Although, TBC researched and prepared this news report in 2001, not much has changed in the treatment of our gay youth in our schools. So, there is much work for us to do, if we are to ever change the anti-gay atmosphere in our schools and are able protect our gay youth from continued abuse.
Lesbian High School Teen Told No Dress, No Yearbook Photo
Nikki Youngblood and her mother agreed, when Nikki sat for her Robinson High senior yearbook photos, she would wear a black suit jacket, white dress shirt, and tie. But, they were told that their choice in wardrobe didn't suit what the school's choice of attire was. Female students would be photographed in a scoop-necked black velvet drape. Shirts and ties could only be worn by male students. The family is considering filing a lawsuit, but, deadline for yearbook production has passed. It may be a moot point for Nikki. Perhaps it may serve to create change for the future Nikki's, who will face the same sad situation. TBC commends Nikki, for her taking a stand for equality. Nikki's aware her efforts will most likely not help correct her situation. Yet she persists so others may benefit from her efforts. For this Tampa Bay Coalition considers Nikki Youngblood one of Our Gay Teen Hero's.

No Drape, No Photo, Leaves Teen Wondering
Since she was 8 years old, Nikki Youngblood wanted to dress like a boy. As a child, she played with G.I. Joes and Ninja Turtles and preferred jeans and loose shirts to dresses and skirts. By the time she was 17, she was wearing tuxedoes to school dances and refusing feminine clothes.
Tampa Student Sues for Being Left Out of School Yearbook
Nikki Youngblood is accusing Robinson High and Hillsborough County
school leaders of discrimination as well as violation of her rights to free expression and equal protection under the law. Nikkirejection of a dress code kept her portrait out of her high school yearbook has sued the school district in federal court.

Lesbian Sues School Over Attire for Yearbook
A Robinson High student who was not allowed to pose for her senior yearbook picture in a jacket and tie filed a lawsuit in federal court Wednesday, claiming the school's actions violated her constitutional rights.
As we all share in the great victory achived by Marc, Lance and their supporters. We still must still be aware of the plight that many of our gay, lesbian, bisexual and trangender youth have
to endure daily in our schools across our country. Below is a TBC Special News Report on the atmosphere of homophobia that exists in our schools and it horrific effects on our gay youth's lives. And, a few Gay Teen Hero's who speak out and share their personal experiences It is a sad reminder, that we still have much more work to do if we are to protect our gay youth.
Chief Justice Cites Prom Case As Proof Constitution Works
Mat 14: The Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin of the Supreme Court of Canada calls the case of a Toronto area teen who took a school board to court when it tried to prevent him from going to a high school prom with his boyfriend a powerful example of the strength of the Constitution.
Judge Tells Marc, "You Can Take Your Boyfriend to You Prom"
May 10: Marc Hall arrived with boyfriend Jean-Paul Dumond to applause from his fellow students at Friday nights Prom. Just hours earlier Ontario Superior Court Judge said, 17 year-old could not be barred from bringing his same-sex date to the high school prom. The happy couple
arrived in a limousine and strolled into the Trillium Trails Banquet Centre
holding hands. Board said ruling violated the Catholic school system's right to practice it's religion, will appeal.  Message posted on Marc'c Website Announcing Ruling.
Gay Teen Vows to Keep Fighting, Thanks Supporters & Talks on Prom Fight
May 11~12: Marc Hall only won an injunction to allow him to attend the dance. Now
the case will go to trial and Marc is going to see it through. In for him order to set a
clear precedent, a judge will have to decide whether the Catholic school board's right
to run schools in accordance with religious values trumps the rights of students to
freedom from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. At a post-prom rally to hail the Injuction victory, Marc said thank-you to all those who had helped him win his fight to take his boyfriend to his high school prom. As Marc celebrates the court win, he talked about his prom and the toolthe fight has taken. About the whole ordeal, "It's been really hard on J.P. and me, on our relationship and the party was anti-climactic". Read three articles in this post. TBC's Comprehensive News Coverage on Marc Hall's fight against the ban on his boyfriend
attending his prom, from the first announcemet of the ban to his victory.
TBC Eye on GLBT Teen Hero's
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Gay Teen Vows to Keep Fighting, Thanks Supporters & Talks on Prom Fight
May 11~12: Marc Hall only won an injunction to allow him to attend the dance. Now
the case will go to trial and Marc is going to see it through. In for him order to set a
clear precedent, a judge will have to decide whether the Catholic school board's right
to run schools in accordance with religious values trumps the rights of students to
freedom from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. At a post-prom rally to hail the Injuction victory, Marc said thank-you to all those who had helped him win his fight to take his boyfriend to his high school prom. As Marc celebrates the court win, he talked about his prom and the toolthe fight has taken. About the whole ordeal, "It's been really hard on J.P. and me, on our relationship and the party was anti-climactic". Read three articles in this post. TBC's Comprehensive News Coverage on Marc Hall's fight against the ban on his boyfriend
attending his prom, from the first announcemet of the ban to his victory.
"Marc Hall Fights Catholic School for Right to Attend Prom With Boyfriend.
Marc Hall the Blue Hair Wonder (White Tux) and
his Boyfriend~Prom Date Jean-Paul Dumond (Black
Tux) Arrived at the Prom
to the applause from his
fellow students,
Photo Credits
(R-R) 365Gay.com
(L-L)Jean-Pierre DuGay
(L-R) Globe & Mail.
(Below) Aaron Harris / The Canadian Press
Marc Hall and his Supporters attend School Borad Meeting
Click Photo for Marc's Website
(ABC News)
Judge Tells Marc, "You Can Take Your Boyfriend to You Prom"
May 10: Marc Hall arrived with boyfriend Jean-Paul Dumond to applause from his fellow students at Friday nights Prom. Just hours earlier Ontario Superior Court Judge said, 17 year-old could not be barred from bringing his same-sex date to the high school prom. The happy couple
arrived in a limousine and strolled into the Trillium Trails Banquet Centre
holding hands. Board said ruling violated the Catholic school system's right to practice it's religion, will appeal.  Message posted on Marc'c Website Announcing Ruling.
Marc Hall and Jean Paul Dumond. BERNARD WEIL/TORONTO STAR
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Chief Justice Cites Prom Case As Proof Constitution Works
Mat 14: The Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin of the Supreme Court of Canada calls the case of a Toronto area teen who took a school board to court when it tried to prevent him from going to a high school prom with his boyfriend a powerful example of the strength of the Constitution.
As we all share in the great victory achived by Marc, Lance and their supporters. We still must still be aware of the plight that many of our gay, lesbian, bisexual and trangender youth have
to endure daily in our schools across our country. Below is a TBC Special News Report on the atmosphere of homophobia that exists in our schools and it horrific effects on our gay youth's lives. And, a few Gay Teen Hero's who speak out and share their personal experiences It is a sad reminder, that we still have much more work to do if we are to protect our gay youth.
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Tampa Student Sues for Being Left Out of School Yearbook
Nikki Youngblood is accusing Robinson High and Hillsborough County
school leaders of discrimination as well as violation of her rights to free expression and equal protection under the law. Nikkirejection of a dress code kept her portrait out of her high school yearbook has sued the school district in federal court.

Lesbian Sues School Over Attire for Yearbook
A Robinson High student who was not allowed to pose for her senior yearbook picture in a jacket and tie filed a lawsuit in federal court Wednesday, claiming the school's actions violated her constitutional rights.
Nikki Youngblood
Nikki Youngblood is looking good dressed for success. But, could not wear a jacket and tie for her senior yearbook picture.
(Photo St Petersburg Times)
Lesbian High School Teen Told No Dress, No Yearbook Photo
Nikki Youngblood and her mother agreed, when Nikki sat for her Robinson High senior yearbook photos, she would wear a black suit jacket, white dress shirt, and tie. But, they were told that their choice in wardrobe didn't suit what the school's choice of attire was. Female students would be photographed in a scoop-necked black velvet drape. Shirts and ties could only be worn by male students. The family is considering filing a lawsuit, but, deadline for yearbook production has passed. It may be a moot point for Nikki. Perhaps it may serve to create change for the future Nikki's, who will face the same sad situation. TBC commends Nikki, for her taking a stand for equality. Nikki's aware her efforts will most likely not help correct her situation. Yet she persists so others may benefit from her efforts. For this Tampa Bay Coalition considers Nikki Youngblood one of Our Gay Teen Hero's.

No Drape, No Photo, Leaves Teen Wondering
Since she was 8 years old, Nikki Youngblood wanted to dress like a boy. As a child, she played with G.I. Joes and Ninja Turtles and preferred jeans and loose shirts to dresses and skirts. By the time she was 17, she was wearing tuxedoes to school dances and refusing feminine clothes.
Nikki Youngblood Told No Dress No
Photo in her High School Yearbook.
(Times photo: Thomas M. Goethe)
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TBC Eye on GLBT News Special Report "Homophobia Gives Gay Teens Schoolaphobia"
TBC extensively researched the horrendous treatment of our gay youth. What we discovered is that they
suffer constant harassment, bullying, tormenting, verbal and physical abuse of gay students in our public school's across the country. What was most disturbing was the this abuse of our gay teens was not only
at the hands of their fellow students, but, at the hands of school administrators, teachers and the staff.
TBC's report includes the results from a number of research projects, studies and surveys. Just a sample
of the some of the alarming results found was that 97 percent of high school students heard homophobic remarks regularly from their peers and that 53 percent said they heard them from school staff members. Another found, that gay students are four times as likely as heterosexual children to be threatened with a weapon at school. The same study found gay youngsters are three to seven times as likely to attempt suicide. The heartfelt stories of three gay teens who share their personal experiences. Stories of gay teens who could not bare the daily torment which became so great, they ended their lives to end their pain and suffering. The purpose of this special news report was to bring awareness to the plight of our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. That it would open the hearts and minds of those who were not aware and to those were aware, but, were still remaining silent. To provke them into getting personally involved and in actively particapating with the many groups and individuals, who are working to end our gay youths daily
and constant tormenting in our schools, once and for all. Weigh your attitudes & beliefs on homosexuals. See how you rank on "Homophobia Scale", by filling out the Homophobia Questionnaire posted.

WARNING: The material that is contained in this report can cause, anger, frustration, outrage, sadness, heartache, great distress and cause tears to run down your face, uncontrolable at times. If you are prepared to with stand the possible effects listed in the WARNING and view TBC Special Report "Schoolaphobia"
NOTE: Although, TBC researched and prepared this news report in 2001, not much has changed in the treatment of our gay youth in our schools. So, there is much work for us to do, if we are to ever change the anti-gay atmosphere in our schools and are able protect our gay youth from continued abuse.
This section is dedicated to our Gay Teen Hero's. Those who speak out against bias and discrimination.
And are willing to fight for equality in rights and treatment for not just themselves, but, all gay youth.
Some were victorious and some were not. However, each were not detered by those who opposed them, even when the odds were stacked against them. They found the strength and determination to fight on. Win or lose, each brought us one step closer to realizing our dream of ending discrimination, bias, torment and in achieving equal treatment of our gay youth in our schools and our communities.
"Our Gay Teen Hero's"
(Click Photo for Their Section or Scroll Down Page)
School Board Trustee Quits, Accused of Sending a Homophobic Email
Catholic District School Board trustee resigns after accused of calling Marc Hall supporter a "faggot". Marc Hall's fought against Catholic School Board ban of boyfriend from his prom.
Marc Hall
Quiet No Longer, Teens Find a Voice
Teens Recognizes Gay-Rights Activist for Taking a Stand. Chris Vasquez remembers what other
kids did to a friend in middle school. They taunted him, hurled insults at him, accused him of
being gay. Chris kept quiet, hiding his own sexuality. He's no longer quiet. He has found his voice
and is a megaphone for gay student rights.

Tirade Doesn't Deter Student Gay Rights Activist
Gay and lesbian students from across state were back at Florida's Capitol. Gay rights activists
return to lobby for Dignity for all Students Act. Undetered by last years homophobic ambush. This time they have two new allies, Rep. Ken Gottlieb and Sen. Skip Campbell, each are sponsors of a measure to protect them from harassment and abuse in public schools. Equality Florida News and Call for Action.
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Chris Vasquez
(Photo Gay.com)
Gay Students Seek Anti-Discrimination Law Sponsors. Get Legislator's Homophobic Tirade.
Tallahassee, Florida
April 10, 2001:
A group of Gay and Lesbian high school students hoping for legislative sponsors for
Florida Dignity for All Students Act. Instead endured legislators lesson in intolerance
and severe predudice. The students were particapating in Youth Lobby Day, lead by
Equality Florida.  After he listened to their request for support, Rep. Allen Trovillion,
ambushed the students saying, "I don't know why the gay population is being so
vocal." Trovillion represents the suburbs of Orlando, he then added as quoted in the
Tampa Tribune article, "Your are going to cause the downfall of this country which
was built on christian principles."                                         

One 17-year-old student, Chris Vasquez, was so upset after Trovillion told them, the
students,"They were all going to hell" was in tears, Vasquez was quoted saying, in
gay.com article, "The part that really bothers me is the fact that he is one of the
people we're supposed to look up to for moral guidance and support," he added,
"Trovillian is spouting ideas that only make the world more dangerous for gay youth".
Chris is an honor student and editor in cheif of Edgewater High School.

Attempting to give Trovillion an idea of what gay students are faced with in our Florida schools, Thomas Gentile had spoke of being attacked and beaten, based of his sexual orientation his freshman year at a Boca Raton high school. When the school administrators suspended his assailants for one day, they also suspened Thomas [The Victim]. They Suggested he had provoked the violence becauese he was "To Openly Gay". [Does this mean if you are just openly or alittle openly gay and are attacked and beaten, your not suspended along youe assailants?]. Trovillion showed his compassion by saying,"You suffer the consequences of your actions".

As Trovillion's diatribe he also quoted  selective scriptures, "God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and he is going to destroy you and a lot of others"and "No Homosexual will see the Kingdom of God, and I can't put it much straighter than that" Trovillion added.

Students did find a few friendly ears, Sen. Skip Cambel [D] Tamarac expressed interest  in sponsoring the bill. Also, Sen Buddy Dyer D-Orlando wouldn't commit, he gaves of encouragement by saying,"Keep doing what your doing".

Tampa Bay Coalition's Special News Report, "Trovillion's Tirade of Intolerance & Hate"
Comprehensive coverage of the events that took place during the Tirade and the events following this ambush
on our unsuspecting gay high school activists. Including the firestorm of condemnation that Trovillion received.
Our Cyber Activists and Gay Rights Organizations Mobilized
TBC and other GLBT Rigts Organizations responced to Rep. Allen Trovillion's tirade and ambush on a group of unsuspecting brave gay teen high school Gay Activists. One of those brave gay teens was Chris Vasquez. Chris, did not allow this horrific event to deter him
fighting for Florida Dignity for All Students Act. He continues to lobby
for sponsors and passage for the bill. Photo right, A few of the gay high school activists, shown after Trovillion's Tirade.

Chris Vasquez
Homophobic Lawmaker Rep. Allen Trovillion
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Jennifer Melenciano activism was the next step after coming out. coming out
(Photo Marilyn Humphries)
Jennifer Melenciano
Young Gay Activists Making a Difference
By the time he was an eighth grader at West Snyder High School in rural Snyder County, Pennsylvania, Mark Snyder knew what he wanted to do with his life. Having endured daily physical and verbal anti-gay harassment by classmates since he entered the school in seventh grade, Snyder resolved to make schools safer for himself and others like him. ``I kind of knew because of access to the Internet and TV that there were normal people out there," says the 19-year-old Emerson College sophomore. ``[I knew] that there was another world outside of Snyder County and I kind of promised myself in eighth grade that I was going to dedicate my work, my career, my life to creating change as far as the rights and safety of
LGBT youth."

Alex Jarrad
Alex wanted to help gay teens deal with homophobia at their school. He wanted to Organize a Gay/Straight Alliance, but, was denied permission. Yet, Alex did not give up and his school now has Gay/Straight Alliance.
Jason Cianciotto
Six years of reparative therapy,
taunted, bullied, an outcast at school, booted out of his house, because, he was unable to be what his parents wanted, straight. He survived, found a loving partner
and mending fences with parents.
Dominick Halse
After years of living the terrifying experience of being tormented, harassed and death threats. Dominick thought of committing suicide, he felt his life just wasn't worth living. He managed to find the strength to overcome the abuse
Click Dominick, Alex and Jasons photo for each of their personal stories.
TBC Eye on GLBT News Special Report
"Homophobia Gives Gay Teens Schoolaphobia"
While researching information for this report, TBC came across these three brave gay teen hero's and survivors.
Each shares their personal experiences dealing with the devastating effects that homophobia had on their lives.
We are very thankful each survived the abuse they endured and can learn a great deal from their experiences.
Dominick          Alex             Jason           Nikki             Marc            Jennifer          Chris            Derek
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A Voice Heard is a Voice Counted and A Voice That Remains Silent
Allows the Voices of Others To Determine Their Future Destiney.  Z.
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Derek Henkle
Suit Claims School Officials Failed to Protect Gay Student
Jan. 28, 2000: A former high school student sued Washoe County school officials in federal court, claiming they failed to stop verbal and physical harassment inflicted by classmates because he is gay. Derek Henkle alleged school officials denied him equal protections because of his sexual orientation and denied him free speech rights by allegedly urging him to hide his sexual orientation.
HISD May Protect Sexual Orientation in Student Code of Conduct
June 28, 2002: In a landmark initiative this past April, Houston Independent School district required every principal and at least one vice principal from each school in HISD to attend a two-hour training workshop addressing the rights of gay and lesbian students and the responsibilities of school officials to insure their safety on campus.

Seeking Tolerance: Gay Teens, Educators Discuss Harassment Issues
April 3, 2002: Gay teen-agers who on Wednesday shared their experiences of harassment with principals at Houston Independent School District at a two-hour training session called "Healing the Hurt." The session covered a variety of school related issues involving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender students.
Frontline Interview ~ Derek Henkle
By the age of five, Derek Henkle knew he was different from other boys growing
up in Reno, Nevada. By the time he got to high school, Derek was openly gay
and paid the price for it. In this interview he talks about daily harrassment he confronted. He eventually dropped out of school and left Reno and is now a full-
time activist, helping other gay teens cope with harassment, as he experienced.
Click Derek's Photo for Frontline Interview Transcript
(Photo Texas Triangle News)
Washoe School Board Endorses Settlement With Gay Student
Aug.8, 2002: After holding meetings to discuss settling Derek Henkle's suit, the Washoe County school trustees agreed 7-0 to pay $451,000 and change three
civil rights policies under a settlement agreement to resolve former gay student's claims of discrimination at school.

Nevada School may Settle Student's Harassment Claim
Aug 6, 2002: A two-year federal court case in which former high schooler Derek Henkle accused Washoe County, Nev., district teachers, principals, and police officers of failing to intervene when classmates harassed and assaulted him because he is gay, may soon be resolved. School district officials in Washoe County, Nev., are considering paying former student $451,000 to settle claims
of discrimination and harassment based upon his sexual orientation.
Derek Henkle: Says he was harassed because he is gay. (AP file photo)
TBC is pleased to knowledge and honor, Derek as a very special Gay Teen Hero. Not only did his actions hold school officials accountable for not protecting him and other gay youth in our
schools, from harassment, torment, verbal and physical abuse. His lawsuit was not just not to punish them monetarily, but, change the schools civil rights policies, to educate the educators on gay and lesbians rights. Which will protect our gay youth in years to come. And, now he is
continues on as a full-time activist, dedicated to helping other gay youth to cope with the same
type harassment he had experienced.
Derek Henkle
"Gay Teen Hero"

Sport
sNews

School Board Pays $451,000 To End Gay Student's Lawsuit
Aug. 29: Derek Hinkle was beaten, spat upon, called names and threatened with a lasso during his three years in three separate high schools in Reno, has settled a lawsuit with the district school board. The teen calls his high school experience "a campaign of intimidation and harassment" that literally left him fearing for his life.
National Center for Lesbian Rights Press Release
The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) filed suit on behalf of Robinson H.S. Senior Nikki Youngblood against the Hillsborough County School District, Florida for creating and enforcing the illegal senior portrait policy that prevented Youngblood's senior portrait from appearing in the High School yearbook alongside those of her classmates.
February 13, 2003: NCLR and EQFL Issue Call to Action
The National Center for Lesbian Rights & Equality Florida issued a
Call to Action, "Contact the Hillsborough County School Board and Superintendent", Urge then to eliminates gender bias in the school dress codes particularly when it comes to senior portraits. Alert includes, Background History, Legal Summary, Coalition Position,
*Click on Nikki's Photo for February 13, 2003 Updates