This fall, Sharon Rec is launching the Town of Sharon’s first community-wide resource initiative to provide awareness and support for youth lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBTQ+) individuals, their families, and their allies. The Rainbow Connection – Sharon’s Safe Space is a new initiative to promote tolerance and acceptance town-wide and to provide a safe, non-judgmental space as a support network for LGBTQ+ youth and allies who share a common vision of social equality.
The initiative will begin on October 15, 2015, millions of Americans will wear purple on Spirit Day in a stand against bullying and to show their support for LGBTQ+ Youth. Conceptualized in 2010 by a high school student wanting to memorialize those who lost their lives to bullying, Spirit Day has since become an international movement of solidarity for LGBT kids, teens, and young adults.
Today, 8 out of 10 LGBTQ+ students experience harassment while at school. By inviting students, administrations, teachers, town employees, patrons, and public officials to participate in Spirit Day, we can send a strong message of support to the Town of Sharon’s LGBTQ+ and allied students, while taking a firm stand against bullying. As a member of this community, I would like to see my hometown and my workplace become a safer place for all.
There are a number of ways to promote and participate:
1.) Join Christine Kasparian, Assistant Recreation Director, and Ames Beckerman, Sharon High School Alumni and LGBTQ+ Activist for THE SAFE ZONE PROJECT Workshop.
Where: Sharon Community Center Ballroom; 219 Massapoag Ave. Sharon, MA 02067
When: October 15, 2015 from 5pm-7pm
Light refreshments will be provided!
RSVP to Christine at ckasparian@townofsharon.org or sign-up at www.sharonrec.com.
2.) Educate students, faculty, staff, community members and colleagues about The Rainbow Connection – Sharon’s Safe Space and encourage them to wear purple on Spirit Day – October 15, 2015.
3.) Post about Spirit and The Rainbow Connection – Sharon’s Safe Space on your Social Media accounts. (see attachments) Don’t forget to use #SpiritDay, #SharonsSafeSpace, and #TheRainbowConnection!
Participation is simple, but impactful. Of the disproportionate number of LGBTQ+ students bullied in the past year, less than half of those targeted sought help from their school/community. The Rainbow Connection – Sharon’s Safe Space in tandem with Spirit Day shows LGBTQ+ Youth that there are people they can go to for help and acceptance.