“I was excited that we were able to host this event on such short notice,” said Chris Cognetta, YFT’s Chair of the Board, “this would have never been possible without the resounding community support we have received in the past month.”

Youth First Texas would like to thank all whose support make this magical night possible for LGBTQ youth who may not have been as welcome at other formal “rite of passage” dances held this time of year – namely their high school proms.  Without the overwhelming donations from residents of the greater Dallas area and the National Adam Lambert Fan Club we could not have hosted this event free for every youth in attendance.  Much thanks to the chefs from the Le Cordon Bleu Institute of Culinary Arts in Dallas for an outstanding dinner.  The energy levels stayed high all the way through midnight thanks to DJ Matt Purvis.  Attendees were able to have formal photographs taken thanks to Nicholas and Kimberley Scattergood.  Last, but definitely not least, the event could never have happened without the efforts of over a dozen volunteers coordinated by Roger Ryan.

“I was honestly concerned with the short amount of time and budget we had to work with,” said Amie McNamara, YFT’s Youth Programs Coordinator, “but the work of everybody involved was magical and created a magical night for LGBTQ youth.  I was also really impressed with the decorum and perfect behavior of the youth in attendance.”

Controversy erupted last year when the Gayla Prom restricted ages to 14 to 18 from the historical 14 to 22.  YFT chose to continue with its own tradition and revive the 14 to 22 age range for the Spring Formal Ball.  The results were a nearly 50% increase in youth attendance compared to last year’s Gayla Prom.  “In consideration of the concerns held by the coordinators of Gayla Prom last year we chose to increase security for this event and we are very pleased to report that we did not have a single incident or issue for the Spring Formal Ball,” said Jeremy Liebbe, YFT’s Chair of Social Services who also serves as a police operations commander for many of the large special events in the Oak Lawn area.  “I would like to thank LGBT Liaison Officer Laura Martin for providing a uniformed presence that both increased security and reminded the youth that there are police officers they can turn to for help or just hang out with when taking a break from dancing.”

The attendance at this event continues to show the need for services and opportunities directed to LGBTQ youth and their allied friends.  Youth First Texas has seen a 28% increase in program attendance this year as compared to the same time period last year, with forty-nine new youth coming through the doors for their first time in recent months.  We look forward to continue offering a safe space for LGBTQ youth and their allied friends to strengthen opportunities for life skills, leadership development, peer support, and educational advancement.

First Annual Youth First Texas Spring Formal

Friday May 25th 2012, 7pm to 12am

Youth First Texas’ Drop-in Center

In the absence of the Dallas Resource Center’s annual Gayla Prom.  Youth First Texas has launched its first Spring Formal for LGBTQ youth ages 14-22 and their allied friends.  Youth from Youth First Texas, SMU interns, and Youth First Texas Volunteers came together within weeks to put together this event.  The outpouring of donations from the greater Dallas area and from the National Adam Lambert Fan Club has been overwhelming. Decorations, food, formal clothing, and much more has been coming in each day supporting Youth First Texas.  Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts School instructors and students will be providing the catering for this event– an amazing and appreciated contribution.

Youth First Texas continues to provide a safe-space for LGBTQ-A youth and a “prom” or formal is a right of passage that is easily attended by most youth– but can be difficult for those who may not feel safe at their school due to their gender, orientation or other reason.  We welcome all.  There is no cost for any youth to attend this event– however, donations will always be welcome. DJ Matt Purvis will be on hand as well as lighting provided by the Scattergoods, and PFLAG will be providing photography services as well as others.

The youth will be eligible to participate for Spring King and Queen– and many different raffles to win great prizes including iPods, gift-cards and much more.  The first 50 youth to attend– get a great SWAG bag full of great gifts from cosmetics to gift-cards and much more.

We will need volunteers, in three shifts, which include those who do set-up and decorations, general chaperones to monitor the event, and a third shift which is the close down and tear-down for the clean-up.  All volunteers will be required to attend a short-briefing from the Prom coordinators.  Parents are welcome to attend and spend time in the Parent’s lounge if they desire.

Learn more as we count-down to Spring Formal night on Facebook (Youth First Texas) and our Twitter feed (@yftprograms or call our main number and get more information.

NOTE:  Security will be tight for this event and their is a no tolerance policy for smoking, drugs, alcohol, intoxication and there will be no- in-and-out at the event.

BREAKING THE SILENCE PARTY

DOORS OPEN AT 4PM AND CLOSE AT 11PM

DINNER, DANCING, DOOR PRIZES,

PERFORMANCES AND MORE!

YOUTH UP TO AGE 22 CAN JOIN THE PARTY

Supporting and Breaking the Silence Together
Youth First Texas and Dallas’ GLSEN chapter are partnering to support youth in this important day.  Thursday Youth First Texas will provide materials for the Day of Silence including masks, and postcards and stickers indicating their participation in the day of silence.

Friday the doors open at 4pm and the center will remain silent until 6pm when we break the silence and celebrate our accomplishments over dinner at the Youth First Texas Center, followed by a dance party and performances until 11pm.  Door prizes, and favors and a whole lot more at the breaking the silence party.

Please read on about this important and historical movement… (EXCERPTED FROM GLSEN’S WEBSITE)

The Truth about the Day of Silence

Every year, more and more students participate in the Day of Silence, which began 13 years ago when University of Virginia students wanted to find a way to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment on campus. As the day’s popularity and exposure have increased, many misperceptions have spread about what the Day of Silence is, why the day exists and what participating in it means. Here are 4 truths that address common misinformation about the Day of Silence.

The Day of Silence’s purpose is to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment and effective responses. The goal of the Day of Silence is to make schools safer for all students, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. In a Harris Interactive study on bullying, students said two of the top three reasons students are harassed in school are actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender expression. Additionally, nearly 9 out of 10 LGBT students experience harassment at school. Students across the country participate in the Day of Silence to bring attention to this problem, let students who experience such bullying know that they are not alone and ask schools to take action to address the problem.

Hundreds of thousands of students of all beliefs, backgrounds and sexual orientations participate in the Day of Silence. Anti-LGBT bullying and harassment affects all students. Slurs such as “faggot” and “dyke” are commonplace in school. The Day of Silence is an example of students, from middle school to college, working together proactively to bring attention to the anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment experienced by LGBT and straight students alike. GLSEN, the Day of Silence’s organizational sponsor, encourages participants to be counted by registering at www.dayofsilence.org. Students from nearly 8,000 middle and high schools registered for the 2008 Day of Silence. GLSEN protects the privacy of students and does not publish a list of students who have registered or their schools. Many students who participate also belong to Gay-Straight Alliance student clubs, of which nearly 4,000 are registered with GLSEN. The first GSA was created by a straight student over 20 years ago, in the fall of 1988.

Day of Silence participants encourage schools to implement proven solutions to address anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment. Adopt and implement a comprehensive anti-bullying policy that enumerates categories such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender expression/identity. Provide staff trainings to enable school staff to identify and address anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment effectively and in a timely manner. Support student efforts to address anti-LGBT bullying and harassment on campus, such as the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance. Institute age-appropriate, factually accurate and inclusive curricula to help students understand and respect difference within the school community and society as a whole.

The day is a positive educational experience. The Day of Silence is an opportunity for students to work toward improving school climate for all students. GLSEN advises students interested in participating to discuss their intentions with their administration and teachers long before the event. The day is most successful when schools and students work together to show their commitment to ensuring safe schools for all students. Many schools allow students’ participation throughout the day. Some schools ask students to speak as they normally would during class and remain silent during breaks and at lunch. There is no single way to participate, and students are encouraged to take part in the way that is the most positive and uplifting for their school. For the latest GLSEN findings about anti-LGBT bullying and harassment and the school experience go to: www.glsen.org/research

Amie McNamara, interim Youth Programs Coordinator at YFT, has put together a list of some free and almost free ideas for you so you don’t have to do, ugh, “research”, while on break!

YFT’s Dallas location will be opening early at 2:00pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday all week.

YFT is hosting a field trip to the Dallas Aquarium on Tuesday, March 13th.  Be at the center at noon for lunch.  We will leave for the aquarium after lunch and return to the center at about 4:30pm.  $5.00 is all you will need for food, transportation, and admission to the aquarium.  Amie needs to know who will be attending so she can get an accurate count for passes so please let her know by email (amie.mcnamara@youthfirsttexas.org) or telephone (214-879-0400).

Events at YFT this week (remember, we open early all week):

• Sunday, 5:00pm — YFT Collin County: Spring Break Edition (@NTYC in Allen)
• Tuesday, 12:00pm – Lunch and Dallas Aquarium trip:  It’s only $5!
• Tuesday, 7pm — GLEE Watch Party:  Who cares if it’s a rerun?
• Wednesday, 6:3pm — “Redbox” Wednesday:  Join us for a featured film
• Thursday, 6:15p — Spirituality Discussion Group: Join David for this week’s discussion
• Thursday, 7:30pm — Big Group: LAMDA Legal is joining us this week
• Friday, 6:00pm — St. Patrick’s Day Party!!!!
• Saturday, 10:00am — Youth Defenders: Join Jeremy and Shawn for a day of self defense training

Free Stuff To Do in Dallas:

• Dallas Museum of Art  § www.dm-art.org
  1717 N. Harwood, 214-922-1200.
  Underground parking is available for a fee, nearby pay lots and on-street. Parking is free for members.
  Free Hours: Thursday 5-9pm and the first Tuesday of the month
• Crow Collection of Asian Art § http://www.crowcollection.com/
  2010 Flora at Harwood, 214-979-6430. Parking in nearby pay lots or at the DMA.
  Hours: Tue – Sun 10-5, open Thur until 9. Free!
• Museum of Geometric and Madi Art § http://www.madimuseum.org
  3109 Carlisle, 214-885-7802. Free parking.
  Hours: Tue – Sat 11-5, Thur until 8, Sun 1-5. Cost: Free!
• Meadows Museum § www.meadowsmuseumdallas.org
  5900 Bishop, 214-768-2516. On the Southern Methodist University Campus. Visitor parking is nearby.
  Free Thursday 5-8pm
• Bath House Cultural Center § http://www.bathhousecultural.com/
  521 E. Lather, 214-670-8749. Plenty of free parking.
  Hours: Tue-Sat 10-6.
  Comments: Small gallery showing local artists, also a small theatre. Located on the shores of beautiful White Rock Lake.
• Dallas Center for Contemporary Art § http://www.thecontemporary.net/
  2801 Swiss Avenue, 214-821-2522. Plenty of free parking.
  Hours: Tue-Sat 10-5.
  Comments: Rotating shows of local and regional contemporary art. Located in a historic area.
• McKinney Avenue Contemporary § www.the-MAC.org
  3120 McKinney, 214-935-1212. Free parking.
  Hours: Wed – Sat 11-10, Sun 1-5. Cost: Free!
  Comments: The MAC shows local and national contemporary art and it also has two theaters. An easy drive from the museums, there are great places to eat and shop in the area as well. It’s the best art space in town and the best for supporting local artists.
• Walking Tours of Dallas Public Art § http://www.dallasfoundation.org/tour/index.html
  Comments: Maps and information on over 30 public works of art.
• Texas Discovery Gardens §
  Explore the 7.5 acres of diverse garden styles and botanicals. Native plants as well as plant species from other regions of the world are on display along with a butterfly house and insectariums.
  Where: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
  When: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesdays (Gardens only)
  Phone: 214-428-7476 ext. 341
• Oak Cliff Cultural Center § http://www.dallasculture.org/OakCliffCulturalCenter
  Features art exhibitions, artist workshops, art, music, and dance classes, summer camps, and cultural festivals for both children and adults.
  Where: 223 W. Jefferson Blvd.
  When: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays
  Phone: 214-670-3777
• The Art Gallery at Bishop Arts Theater Center §  http://www.artandseek.org/organization.php?id=961  
  One of the best places to find eclectic artwork. Curator Frank Frazier will introduce you to the works of real masters
  Where: 215 S. Tyler St.
  When: 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Mondays – Thursdays
  Phone: 214-948-0716
• Goss Michael Foundation § http://www.gossmichaelfoundation.org 
  The collaborative effort of Kenny Goss and recording artist George Michael. Founded in 2007, the foundation exists in order to provide a forum for British Contemporary art by presenting exhibitions, programs and resources to educate, engage and inspire youth and adult audiences in the Dallas area and abroad. While admission is free, donations are gladly accepted.
  Where: 1405 Turtle Creek Blvd.
  When: Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Saturdays, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  Phone: 214-696-0555
• The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art §
  Forces its patrons to think outside of the box! This artform which emphasizes innovative designs using an array of geometric forms, focuses on the playful, whimsical side of art that breaches the square and rectangular boundaries that restrain traditional art.
  Where: 3109 Carlisle St.
  When: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays; 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Thursdays; 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Sundays, closed Monday
  Phone: 214-855-7802

Enjoy your Spring Break and stay safe!

“We’re supporting the creation and growth of safer schools with a safe space for LGBTQ youth and their allies,” said Giancarlo Mossi, a YFT youth who worked to plan the event, “Be sure to pass the event on to people who you know will or might be interested! Lets make all of North Texas a safe space for all, starting with the leaders of tomorrow – our youth.”

For more information or to make a donation in support of this event please contact giancarlo.mossi@youthfirsttexas.org or visit the Facebook event page at http://www.facebook.com/events/143972809047566/.

November 10th, 6pm – 10pm — Help set up for the Black Tie Silent Auction and be one of the first people to see this year’s silent auction items up close and personal (casual attire)

November 11th, 6pm – 12am — Volunteers are needed to help greet guests, give directions, help with the silent auction and more.  Various duties and shifts are available and there will be a pizza party for YFT volunteers at the hotel. (dress to impress!)

YFT launched an all-out recreational foray against Six Flags Over Texas (positions shown are approximate)

August 6th was a Saturday, and probably one of the few things I’ll remember of my teenage years. It was a special day because it was a day to for my friends and me to put aside all of our troubles and worries and just have fun together, even in the blazing heat of another Texas summer. It was the day Youth First Texas was going to Six Flags! Anyone who had paid the bargain price of only 15 dollars was granted transportation and entrance to the park plus a coupon to get one of three free lunch options consisting of either pizza, chicken strips, or a cheeseburger, along with a side, and a drink.
In the morning, all the youth who needed transportation to the park met up at the YFT center. Everyone was energetic and enthusiastic to go. After listening to the rules and regulations in the Big Group room, we all were more than ready to head out at 9:30 or so.
Once we arrived at the park, everyone split up into separate groups and pairings, making sure at least one person had a cell phone. Then we left to go have some fun and unleash our lovely insanity on the park, all while still managing to remain model citizens. Before lunch time, our group had gone on at least five rides. At approximately 2:00 p.m., we got a text message from Jeremy, one of the volunteers, reminding us that we would be meeting up at the restaurant, Johnny Rockets, in an hour to eat and check-in. It was then that we got to visit with the youth who’d come with their own rides, and group pairings changed.
By the end of the day, we had gone on the Conquistador, Texas Giant, Aquaman, Runaway Mine, Roaring Rapids, Superman, Flashback, and Batman, and even though some of the rides scared me, it got a little less frightening and a little more exciting with every time I yelled, “Llamaaas!” Despite the occasional dirty or shocked expressions of passersby or the few who were rude enough to say something uncalled for, we had so much fun. When we got into the van, we were all more or less soaked from either perspiration or water from the rides we’d been on, and everyone was pretty tired. This was my second trip to Six Flags this summer, not to mention the second time in my entire life. It was also my first trip to the park with Youth First, and even in the over a hundred degree temperatures, I think I speak for Marco, Sarah, Daniel, Hunter, Drake, Aurora and most everyone who attended in saying that I’d do it again in a heartbeat, and a big thank you to Jeremy, Chris and Joe for chaperoning the event!

The "man's man"

Like a Rock by Aunt Equality Melanie

A Hollywood icon, Rock Hudson was the epitome of a “man’s man,” his status as the paragon of heterosexuality seemingly secured through his films. But to Hollywood insiders, it was all an illusion, and it came toppling down for the American public when he disclosed that he had AIDS. Looking back over his body of work, there are the occasional clues, waiting for the right audience to pick up on them. Man’s Favorite Sport? is one such film, and Aunt Equality Melanie does a great job of breaking down the film from a queer perspective, providing a much-appreciated foundation as Movie Camp gears up for a special screening of the film, complete with a Goldfish buffet, this coming Tuesday.

Draconis VonTrapp

What’s in a Name (Change)? by Draconis VonTrapp

One of the most important, and symbolic, moments in the life of a transgendered person is the moment they decide upon and adopt their ‘true’ name. But, as youth Draconis VonTrapp points out, this is not the easiest of processes. From potentially exorbitant fees to the confusing intricacies of the bureaucratic system, Draconis outlines his own journey as he puts the paperwork together and then takes the all-important step of getting a court date.

Pink Triangle

Always Remember, Never Forget by Kenny Schreiber

When it comes to the Holocaust and World War II, the persecution of the Jews is probably the first thing that comes to people’s minds. But they were not the only group targeted by the Third Reich. Also included were the Roma, or gypsies, the handicapped, and homosexuals, among others. Through September 5, The Dallas Holocaust Museum is featuring an exhibit that details the persecution of homosexuals during the Holocaust. As volunteer Kenny Schreiber notes in his blog entry, some people may feel an odd sense of déjà vu while reading the arguments of the Nazis. Rumor has it that YFT is planning an outing to the museum, so stay tuned for details.

Those are the words you would hear if you were one of the hundreds of people eagerly waiting in line to get into Scarborough Renaissance Festival, a seasonal event that’s been active for 30 years. It takes place in Waxahachie, Texas and runs 8 weeks long. It’s got everything you would expect from a Renaissance festival during the reign of King Henry VIII: turkey legs, wandering actors, stage shows, shopping, and belly dancers.

I’ve worked at Scarby (as it’s affectionately nicknamed) for the past three years as a belly dancer. Dancing for my dinner might seem like a strange occupation for a female-to-male transgender, but I couldn’t ask for a better atmosphere to work in. The faire is one of the most accepting environments you’ll ever find. When you’re there it’s about having fun, immersing yourself in medieval shenanigans, and dressing like a local — from that period, of course. You won’t find a single soul there who will judge you for donning your best wares and acting silly.

The faire is an LGBT safe haven. It’s one of the few places you can express yourself without fear of retribution. In a crowd full of knights, jesters, pixies, and royals, a gay couple holding hands is hardly something to be frowned upon. The faire-goers are eclectic and merry, open-minded and friendly. Everyone is there to have a good time, which seems to transcend prejudice.

The faire isn’t the only place you’ll find merriment and belly dancers, however. Just last month I performed at the 2011 Gayla Prom, an event held every year for LGBT youth at SMU. Youth from ages 14 to 18 are invited to attend, making me two weeks too old, however, since my birthday was so close to the date of the prom, they made an exception.

As far as size is concerned, it’s a much more intimate event than Scarby, with this year’s attendance ranging between 30 and 40 youth, but the experience was no less accepting. The event consisted of everything you would expect at an average high school prom (with a few fabulous flairs, of course), including a live DJ, dance floor, catered food, and non-alcoholic drinks on request.

Later in the evening, the crowd reconvenes in the theater for the night’s performances, many of which played off this year’s theme of “Runway,” and included fierce dancing, and of course lots of drag. This year’s performances were spectacular, even though we were lacking in designers for a fashion show. I performed in all the dances, including my own belly dance solo, which got loud approval from the audience. In conclusion, the show was a success, and we were all back on the dance floor once the prom king and queen were crowned.

So whether you’re getting your nerd on at the faire or putting your high heels on for prom, you won’t have to worry about others raining on your parade for showing your pride. Maybe someday the rest of the world will catch on. Until then, as we say at Scarby, “gramercy and good morrow.”