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, First Congregational Church of Alameda and Alameda Community Resource for Education have come together to screen two films aimed at educating the public about ways to combat this crisis.

The first film, "It's Elementary", will be shown on Oct. 18th.  This film shows how schools can combat anti-gay prejudice with practical lessons that allow students to talk about gay people in age-appropriate ways. This film is shot in six public and private schools, it shows what happens when kids in kindergarten through eighth grade discuss family diversity, name-calling, stereotypes, community building and related issues. This award-winning film shows that children are able to absorb new facts about what it means to be gay or lesbian.

The second film, "Bullied: A Student, a School and A Case that Made History," will be shown on Oct. 25th at 7pm.  This film chronicles the story of high school student Jamie Nabozny, from Ashland, Wisconsin.  Jamie suffered relentless verbal and physical abuse from his classmates. Despite pleas from Jamie and his parents, school officials failed to stop the abuse. 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.

A community discussion will follow each film. "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 and advocates for victims of bullying."

Childcare will be available on a limited basis.  Please call 522-6012 x 21 by Oct. 16 to reserve a spot.