WEDNESDAY IS IOWA GAY-STRAIGHT ALLIANCE DAY

A Day to Honor and Celebrate Student Groups that Work to End Violence and Harassment in Schools and Colleges

WHAT: Iowa Pride Network (IPN), a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to helping lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight allied students (LGBTA) will celebrate its Fifth Annual Day to honor and recognize Gay-Straight Alliances (GSA) —a group of gay and straight students working to end homophobia and transphobia in schools and colleges)  

WHEN: Wednesday, January 26th, 2011, All day

WHERE: On high school and college campuses across Iowa

WHY: According to recent Iowa School Climate Surveys, nearly 38% of gay and lesbian students are physically harassed (pushed or shoved) and 21% are physically assaulted (kicked, punched or injured with a weapon) in Iowa schools because of their sexual orientation.

However, students with a GSA in their school are 23% less likely to be assaulted.

Given the rash of LGBTA student suicides this past fall, this day comes at an important time as many schools are looking for ways to make sure ALL students, including LGBT students, feel safe and supported on campus.

About Iowa Pride Network
Iowa Pride Network empowers students to fight homophobia and transphobia in high schools and colleges by supporting gay-straight alliance (GSA) clubs and providing leadership opportunities and organizing projects centered on social justice.

For more information call Iowa Pride Network at 515-471-8062.