New grant round, 'Know Your Rights' guide & care packages

John –

Today the Campaign for Southern Equality is announcing a new slate of Back-to-School programs to support LGBTQ+ youth ([link removed]) , many of whom live in states where discriminatory legislation took effect over the summer or where political hostility is on the rise.

Anti-LGBTQ curriculum censorship policies are now in effect in Florida and Alabama; anti-transgender student sports bills have taken effect in every Southern state but North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia; and students have seen their access to healthcare and affirming literature extensively debated. Additionally, rising levels of anti-LGBTQ rhetoric have a chilling effect for youth across the South.

At the same time, however, there is unprecedented public and community support for LGBTQ+ equality and CSE and partner organizations are working to ensure that youth feel that resoundingly.

Our staff member Allison Scott said today, “The disturbing reality is that many LGBTQ students in the South are going back to school amid the most hostile political climate for LGBTQ youth in recent memory. Southern lawmakers have pushed an endless stream of toxic, discriminatory bills that stigmatize LGBTQ+ youth and explicitly exclude trans students, and the 2023 legislative session could be even worse. We wanted to illustrate for these young people that there is a huge community out there that affirms and loves them for who they are – and that will always have their backs."

Check out all of our Back-to-School offerings here and below – and please spread the word to people in your community. ([link removed])

Thank you,
The Campaign for Southern Equality Team
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Special $45,000 Grant Round Now Open for Southern Organizations Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth, in Partnership with The Ally Coalition ([link removed])

CSE and The Ally Coalition (TAC) opened an application today for a special Back-to-School grant round, totaling $45,000. Organizations or projects in the South that support LGBTQ+ youth are now eligible to apply for up to $1,500 in funding through the Southern Equality Fund. Applicants are not required to be registered 501c3 organizations. Learn more and and submit an application. ([link removed])

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New “Know Your Rights” Guide Published to Support LGBTQ+ Students, Parents, Staff and Administrators in Creating Inclusive Climates ([link removed])

CSE today published Supportive Schools for LGBTQ+ Students: A Guide to Policies and Best Practices, a new 40-page guide with research, analysis, and model policies on many topics related to LGBTQ inclusion and dignity in schools. The guide, a project of our Supportive Schools Program, contains information for students and families, as well as administrators, faculty, and staff. Covered topics range from restrooms and facilities to records and documents to school athletic programs. The resource is available here. ([link removed])

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Submit a Comment on the Biden Administration’s Important Title IX Guidance Protecting LGBTQ+ Youth ([link removed])

Much of the guide grapples with the Biden Administration’s correct interpretation that Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits discrimination based on sex, which is inclusive of sexual orientation and gender identity. The Administration is currently hosting a public comment period, through September 12, where anyone can submit their views on a proposed Title IX rule change granting greater protections for LGBTQ+ young people. The Campaign for Southern Equality submitted a public comment last week applauding the rule change. Read our comment here, ([link removed]) and to submit your own, click here. ([link removed])

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Support Back-to-School Care Packages for LGBTQ+ Youth Across the South, Alongside TAC and Community Partners ([link removed])

This month CSE has assembled and will distribute 300 “Back-to-School” care packages for youth, partnering on distribution with direct service organizations across the South. The care packages include school supply essentials, the Supportive Schools guide, and messages of solidarity from the CSE community. Special thanks to TAC and Bombas Socks for contributing pairs of socks to the care packages. Distribution partners include the Magic City Acceptance Center and Prism United in Alabama; Time Out Youth, the LGBTQ Center of Durham, and Youth OUTright in North Carolina; the Uplift Outreach Center in South Carolina; and the Oasis Center in Tennessee. Want to support these care packages? Click here to make a donation and sponsor a care package. ([link removed])

Donate to the Campaign for Southern Equality ([link removed])

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