Are you visiting the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival this year? Look for the Zebra Coalition May 17 – 27 on the festival lawn to find out how you can get involved with our organization. Visit http://orlandofringe.org/ for more information.
Coalitions of civil-rights groups in North Carolina, were largely let down on Tuesday, May 8 when North Carolinians voted in favor of Amendment One, banning marriage recognition for same-sex marriages and civil unions. The loss was relatively expected, based off poll results leading up to Tuesday. The Amendment One supporters won by more than 20 points, with 61 percent in favor and 39 percent opposed. North Carolina is now the 30th state to approve a constitutional amendment prohibiting marriage between gay and lesbian couples. Read the full article here: http://huff.to/KMlWEl
Please take a few minutes to complete this online survey and share your experiences, concerns and hopes for the future. This survey is completely anonymous and will help the Human Rights Campaign advocate for and represent your generation in our work. We need to hear directly from you—from LGBTQ youth from every corner of the country and from all backgrounds. Click here to take the survey: http://go.hpolsurveys.com/HRC 
Celebrate MILK day with us by watching the award winning movie MILK. It will be followed by a discussion on Coming Out. Space is very limited. If you don’t RSVP, you will not have a seat. Information and registration: http:// Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/380313558673488/ Brought to you by Come Out With Pride, Zebra Coalition & GLSEN
Support for marriage equality in the United States is on the rise, according to the latest survey by Pew Research Center. The survey found that 47 percent of respondents favored marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples, while 43 percent said they opposed. These numbers have drastically changed compared to previous surveys in 2004 and 2008 on the subject. For example, in 2004, only 31 percent of respondents said they supported marriage rights for gay couples. Read the full article by the Advocate here.
The news that Brad and Angelina are finally engaged is a reminder that many same-sex couples with children are asked when they’re getting married and don’t have answers. But how do you reassure them that your relationship matters and a “life partnership” hold the same value as marriage? Read Steve Majors op-ed piece to find out more
Supporting equality of all women, starting in fall 2013, the Miss Universe Organization will allow transgendered women to participate in the global competition. Currently, pageant officials are working on the language of the official rule policy change but expected final word to come soon. The new policy comes after transgender contestant Jenna Talackova sued after being disqualified from the Miss Universe Canada contest. Talackova was later allowed to compete by Miss Universe officials. To continue reading article click here. 
At first, the devout Muslims who gathered in a Washington, D.C., conference center seemed like they could have come from any mosque. There were women in headscarves and bearded men who quoted the Quran. But something was different. While mingling over hors d’oeuvres, they discussed how to change Islam’s future. A woman spoke about fighting terrorism; she had married outside the Islamic faith, which is forbidden for a Muslim woman. A Pakistani man mentioned his plans to meet friends for drinks, despite the faith’s ban on alcohol. In a corner of the room, an imam in a long gray tunic counseled a young Muslim with a vexing spiritual conflict: being gay and Muslim. The imam, also gay and in a relationship, could easily sympathize with the youth’s difficulties. Continue reading… http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/29/progressive-muslims-launch-gay-friendly-women-led-mosques_n_1368460.html?ir=Gay+Voices&ref=topbar
The Other F Word 100% of the proceeds from “The Other F Word” will go to the Zebra Coalition! The Other F Word is an original devised play, based on true stories, that explores gender identity by breaking down the walls of gender norms to expose the reality within the 21st century today. This theatre piece for social change will bring support for all students who fear that they will be judged simply because of who they are. When: March 22-24, 2012 at 8PM Where: UCF Performing Arts Center, Theater Building, Studio 1 Cost: FREE for all UCF students with valid UCF ID, $7 general admission, $15 Reserved Seating, $30 *VIP Reception (only valid March 24th) *VIP Reception tickets include reserved seating, and admittance into the VIP Reception following the show, Saturday, March 24th. This includes free catering from Pom Pom’s Tea House and Sandwicheria and Tako Cheena along with complimentary wine (if 21+ with proof of ID) sponsored by Revolution Nightclub. Visit The Other F Word’s Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/151309818323499/ ______________________________________________________________________________________________ St. Patty’s Day 5k The St. Patty’s Day 5K Recovery Run/Walk on March 18th is benefiting Zebra Coalition! When: Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 8AM Where: UCF Campus (free parking on weekends) 4000 Central Florida Blvd Orlando, FL. Start/Finish: Memory Mall (between Psych building & HPA I) Cost: $25 through 3/17. $30 on race day. Entry fees are non-refundable. Cash or check only accepted on race day. Everyone receives a t-shirt and prizes will be given to the top overall 3 males & females and the fastest faculty member. For more information visit: http://www.raceit.com/search/event.aspx?event=92e509c1-21e8-4747-be5e-7beacc799315.aspx
There are tens of thousands of homeless youths across America who are LGBT — lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Most are on the streets because they have nowhere else to go — outcasts who leave home after being rejected by family members or flee shelters because residents bully or beat them. LGBT young people represent a dramatically high proportion of an estimated 600,000 or more homeless youths across the country — between 20 percent and 40 percent, according to the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute. But only about 5 percent of youths identify themselves as lesbian, gay or bisexual, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “We’ve won battles for gay marriage and gays in the military,” says Carl Siciliano, founder and executive director of the New York-based Ali Forney Center, the nation’s largest organization for LGBT youth. “This is the next frontier, the next battle: helping these youths.” The White House has taken notice. Members of the Obama Administration are hosting a national conference on housing and homelessness in America’s LGBT communities on Friday in Detroit. They’ll discuss these issues with advocates, community leaders and the public. Detroit City Council President Charles Pugh, who is openly gay, is one of the participants. “I take this discussion personally because I know too many people who have been kicked out of their homes because of their orientation,” he told The Associated Press. “To get this kind of attention from the White House is exactly what we need to raise conscientiousness and to help parents find a way to deal with their kids’ orientation.” Click here to continue reading this article by the Associated Press.
"We're All Ears"
Public awareness poster for the Zebra Coalition.
Anti-Bullying Campaign: For Educators
Set of posters to bring awareness to and discourage bullying.
Anti-Bullying Campaign: For Students
Set of posters to bring awareness to and discourage bullying.
For Parents & Educators
Tri-fold brochure about the Zebra Coalition, including contact information for Coalition members.
For Youth
Brochure with topics important to LGBTQ youth.
