Media Trail
© 2008 Philadelphia Gay News

Chicago to amend partner benefits

NY juvenile jails start new trans policy

365gay.com reports New York state juvenile detention centers now allow transgender youths to wear whatever uniform they choose, be called by whatever name they want and ask for special housing under a new antidiscrimination policy.

“When you have a system like the New York Office of Children and Family Services putting out a clear nondiscrimination policy, it should be seen as a model for similar kinds of agencies all over the country,” said Roberta Sklar, a spokesperson for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

The policy went into effect March 17, the day Gov. David Paterson was sworn into office. Paterson spokesperson Errol Cockfield said the policy reflects the state’s intent to be “tolerant, responsive and respectful” of gender identity and gender-expression issues.

Students can’t skip gay-friendly classes

The Vancouver Sun reports the Vancouver board of education plans to enforce a policy that prevents parents from pulling students out of classes that deal with alternative sexuality.

Under a recent recommendation from the Vancouver board of education, parents can pull their children out of sensitive lessons in health classes but can’t opt children out of gay-friendly lessons in other classes.

According to ministry guidelines, students aren’t exempt from the lessons completely and must learn the material by home instruction or self-directed studies. They also must prove they’ve learned it.

— Larry Nichols

DOJ employees celebrate Pride

Washblade.com reports that LGBT and ally Department of Justice employees took part in its first June Pride Celebration in five years June 18.

Former Attorney Generals John Ashcroft and Alberto Gonzales had banned members of DOJ Pride, the department’s LGBT organization, from holding any events on department property without significant cost. The administration also prohibited DOJ Pride from posting notifications of organizational meetings on department bulletin boards.

In January, however, U.S. Attorney General Michael Mukasey revised the equal employment opportunity policy, barring LGBT discrimination in the Justice Department. Mukasey spoke at the event, applauding the diversity within the department.

— Jen Colletta