The Great Lakes PeaceJam LGBTQ Action Program is a curriculum and service-based program for high school students which challenges them to explore the experiences of LGBTQ individuals in the United States and around the world and to use the insights they gain to become powerful advocates for LGBTQ Equality in their own communities.
In the fall of 2009 our country was reminded of a tragic truth: that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender young people are two to six times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight and cisgender peers. In order to prevent this tragic loss of life, we must ensure that all youth, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning their identity feel safe, accepted, and celebrated.
The Great Lakes PeaceJam LGBTQ Action Program prompts student from all backgrounds, orientations, and genders to closely examine the experiences of LGBTQ individuals and how homophobia and transphobia function in our society and to then turn their knowledge to action as they design and implement project advocating for LGBTQ equality in their own school, town, or state. Participating students emerge with the knowledge, skills, and experience to advocate for their LGBTQ friends, family, and peers.
Students who participate in the LGBTQ Action Program emerge with the knowledge, skills, and experience to advocate for their LGBTQ friends, family, and peers. As this program spreads through our region of Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio these students will have deep impacts on their families, friends, schools, and communities. We hope that by exposing the leaders of tomorrow to the important values of LGBTQ equality we can make the future a better place for LGBTQ youth.
