Designed to honor the leadership of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered or Intersexed (GLBTI) young people in our community. Five $500 awards will be given to Queer Youth who are 12 to 18 years of age.
2005 Queer Youth Ledership Award – Awardees
Talena Callen
New School High School Student
Talena Callen was a new student at New School and new to Watsonville. Nevertheless, this did not hinder her from coming out to people in school and becoming actively involved with community movements that advocated for the rights of underrepresented groups. After only two weeks at New School, she courageously came out to the staff and faculty. Currently, Talena speaks openly to her fellow peers at school about her sexual orientation with the hopes of educating them and breaking down existing stereotypes about Queer youth. Her bravery is an inspiration to others at her school and community members who predominately come from traditional backgrounds. Talena understands the importance of civil rights in her community, and is already a young advocate. Recently, Talena read a statement to the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees supporting California’s anti-harassment laws. Her involvement is sure to influence and inform other Queer youth about speaking out and knowing their rights. After only three months in Watsonville, Talena is already expressing her personal commitment and dedication to community activism. With the support from her school and family, we are sure to see Talena become a community leader and a dedicated activist.
Colin Cermak
Santa Cruz High School Student
Colin Cermak has been an active and dedicated member of the Queer youth group Rainbow Alliance at Santa Cruz High School for three years. During his years of involvement and dedication to the Rainbow Alliance, Colin has truly found his voice and purpose in his community. Colin speaks about himself as a Queer youth and on behalf of his fellow peers. He understands that not all of his peers can be upfront, so he takes that position for them. At one time, speaking out was not so easy for Colin. But with his courage and the support of his friends, the Rainbow Alliance and Santa Cruz High School, he was able to come out. With his speaking, he becomes a mentor to others who identify with his experience, his struggle and his dedication to the Queer youth community. Colin frequently speaks on youth panels and in various meetings, and he is not discouraged from speaking the truth. His friends say they can “easily see him become a leader for Queer youth in the future.” Colin is interested in working with Triangle Speakers and other agencies that promote Queer youth rights so that he can continue to grow as a leader in his community.
Tabitha Elizalde
Watsonville High School Student
Tabitha Elizalde is more than a just role model for others at Watsonville High School to look up to; she is a young leader who has dedicated herself to fighting and speaking out against injustice targeted towards the Queer youth community of Santa Cruz County. She is described by her peers to be a “very good leader because she doesn’t know the word “I”…She helps in any way she can and still stands strong enough to carry on with her life.” Tabitha is an active member of the Watsonville High Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), Gay And Proud (GAP), and STRANGE. In this capacity, she draws on her personable leadership skills to support her peers with friendship, love and loyalty. Tabitha follows her heart in what she believes is right, and making the Watsonville High campus environment safer and equal for Queer Youth is a concern of hers. She has committed herself fully to GAP and STRANGE while still having the time to focus on herself and education. She is “strong of heart” and maintains a delightful disposition even when things get rough. Tabitha truly is a remarkable example of Queer youth leadership for her peers and fellow students to take after.
Alex Farnsworth
San Lorenzo Valley High School Student
Alex Farnsworth is a student leader for the National Coalition Building Institute/Diversity Club at San Lorenzo Valley High School. Alex trained diligently with NCBI on prejudice reduction and exemplified his training by spearheading diversity trainings with nine other students. All freshman students at San Lorenzo Valley High School attend four-hour diversity workshops, some of which are conducted by Alex. He also organized and facilitated similar training workshops for the SLV Junior High “Make A Difference” Club. His goal is to have prejudice reduction trainings as a requirement for all 7th grade junior high school students. Alex is a leader and mentor, as well as an excellent public speaker who is committed to creating awareness for Queer youth. He understands what it is like to be discriminated against because he is openly gay at school. He channels his experiences into activism and empowering his peers. Alex’s dedication to making positive changes at all levels demonstrates his courage to take a stand no matter what the odds are. Recently, Alex attended the Teenwork Conference in Anaheim where he was part of the presentation team on prejudice reduction. Alex is dedicated to his school community because of his personal commitment to activism and justice.
Brandi Foucheaux
Harbor High School Student
Brandi Foucheaux is president and member of the Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) at Harbor High School in Santa Cruz. Her interest and forte is educating people on Queer rights. Brandi leads by example at her school. She has been part of many projects for Queer youth advocacy. For example, Brandi has organized lunchtime rallies for students to become informed on Queer student issues, and she represented the Queer youth community and their issues on a local television station. Brandi has posted fliers around campus about anti-discrimination laws and other things alike. She has a great desire in becoming an outreach worker and lobbyist for Queer rights. Brandi is very inspirational to others, and is always willing to listening to their ideas and solutions. She would like to create a safe space for students to feel comfortable with their sexuality and their identity on campus and in their communities. Brandi also feels that middle school Queer youth students are not supported enough, and she works with them through the Middle School Project of the Safe Schools Project of Santa Cruz County. Brandi is a talented leader within her community because she is always working for a brighter tomorrow in everything that she does.
The Allies to Queer Youth Award
Three non-monetary awards designed to honor allies who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, or Intersexed youth and youth who have GLBTI family members.
2005 Ally to Queer Youth Award- Awardees
Jonathan Cunha-Meneses
Aptos High School Student
Jonathan Cunha-Meneses has proven his allegiance to the Queer youth community in his dedication to the re-establishment of Aptos High School’s Gay Student Alliance (GSA). His efforts have been so successful that now during lunch time, Aptos High fosters a safe space for Queer students and their allies to meet, and most importantly, to become educated on issues surrounding the Queer community. What is worth honorable mention is the method in which Jonathan has chosen to use to lead the GSA meetings. Jonathan begins each meeting with information about Queer people in history, a vocabulary lesson, and/or another piece of helpful (and often fun!) information. He has intertwined education and activism into his meeting agendas in order to make each one a productive and enjoyable experience. Jonathan’s “positive attitude and intolerance for hate have made the Aptos High School’s GSA meetings a fun, supportive, positive, and safe place to spend lunch. His spirit and kindness are contagious!” The Queer youth rely on allies like Jonathan to make that extra step and stand up for its representation despite what ever the odds. Jonathan displays a type of leadership that will certainly earn him future roles within the Queer community and other communities that strive for equality.
Gail Levine
New Brighton Middle School, Assistant Principal
Gail Levine is the Assistant Principal at New Brighton Middle School in Capitola. She works tirelessly on behalf of students by educating parents, co-workers and professionals about homophobia and how it impacts Queer youth. Gail’s role as an ally extends beyond her school activities. She works on the education committee at Temple Beth El, and is recognized in her congregation for consistent leadership in confronting issues GLBT individuals face. Gail is an articulate advocate who can be outspoken – “telling it like it is” – yet works to create dialogue and consciousness among all. Gail has co-founded Gay-Straight alliance groups such as the Rainbow Alliance at Santa Cruz High School and the SCCS GLBT Task Force. She was also involved in organizing a group focused on GLBT youth, Santa Cruz County’s Queer Youth Task Force. Her Queer youth work is integrated with other programs that strive to reduce oppression, such as She Rocks, Teen Women’s Day, Women As Allies and Friday Night Live. Openly lesbian, Gail has spoken to UCSC students working on their teaching credentials about the necessity to speak out on behalf of gay youth and against homophobia. With many years as an exceptional advocate and leader in Santa Cruz for Queer youth, Gail Levine exemplifies the model Queer Youth Ally.
Jill and Rene Ohana
Scotts Valley High School Teachers
Jill Ohana, a teacher at Scotts Valley High School, describes her classroom, as quoted by her student, as “the ‘Falcon’s Nest’, and reminds students when they are having difficult days to visit the falcon’s nest, because nothing and nobody can hurt you there.” Her partner, Rene Ohana, also a teacher at Scotts Valley High, works with Jill to create a positive image of Queer families for their students. They work together and individually to address Queer oppression in their classrooms by turning them into safe spaces for all students of diverse backgrounds to feel comfortable in. Most importantly, however, they breakdown existing stereotypes of Queer families by talking openly about their child and wedding anniversary. The students, especially Queer students, have a working and trusting relationship with both Jill and Rene. They rely on them for support in their actions to take a stand against homophobia and/or for a shoulder to cry on. They have been nominated this year as Allies to the Queer youth community because, as one student put it, “the Ohanas deserve this award because of all that they give to students behind the scenes. They have given us so much, and it is time that they both got something wonderful back.”
2005 Ally to Queer Youth Award- Nominees
Ashley Evans
Scotts Valley High School Student
A Queer youth ally is a person who interrupts Queer oppression by taking a stand for Queer youth. This is exactly who Ashley Evans has proven herself to be as a student at Scotts Valley High School. Ashley has worked to create support for Queer youth by her involvement with and as a founding member of the Scotts Valley High’s National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI). She is also a member of Scotts Valley High’s gay student alliance, Unity Through Diversity (UTD). Ashley has been an active member of both NCBI and UTD throughout her academic career. She has taken an active role in her community by speaking out against homophobic slurs and also by creating and posting fliers and banners throughout Scotts Valley High to promote equality and AB 537. Ashley has taken it upon herself to regularly speak at Scotts Valley High Board meetings regarding Queer youth rights and issues. She encourages independence, leadership and acts as a positive role model for younger students at her school to look up to. Ashley is a young leader with a promising future. She truly has proven herself to be committed to the fight for equality for underrepresented groups like the Queer youth community.
Kathy Goldenkranz
Out In Our Faith
Kathy Goldenkranz is a member and leader of the Temple Beth El’s Twice Blessed organization. In this capacity, Kathy has organized an award winning weekend workshop in 2004 titled “Out in Our Faith.” Also in 2004, Kathy coordinated a program that brought together clergy and community leaders to discuss ways to address homophobia and also to find methods to heal the spirit of the Queer community, including Queer youth. This program lasted over a span of four months during which multiple faith communities came together in a public forum to support the Queer community. Because of Kathy’s hard work and dedication to this program, it became the recipient of the prestigious Reform Jewish Movement “Fain” Award For Social Justice. Kathy’s leadership has been described as effective and lasting. Her community work includes grant writing for the Santa Cruz Community Foundation and she continues to recruit community members to support Temple Beth El with follow-up grants. Kathy, “through her community organization skills has created a permanent and replicable body of work that others faith communities can use.” She is an ally that couples her activism and faith to create a safe and accepting environment for the Queer youth community of Santa Cruz County.
The Rev. David Grishaw-Jones
First Congregational Church – UCC, Santa Cruz, Senior Pastor
David Grishaw-Jones is the Senior Minister at First Congregational Church (UCC) in Santa Cruz where he works hard to make his church a safe and welcoming place for its members and the Queer community. David performs same-sex commitment ceremonies throughout Santa Cruz County and also performed a blessing for the same-sex couples married in San Francisco this past year. During the welcome portion of Sunday morning service, David makes sure to include the GLBT community on his list of people he welcomes directly. His welcoming gestures and commitment to same-sex unions and families, demonstrate David’s extensive dedication to advocating for Queer representation and rights. Furthermore, his support for Queer marriage provides Queer youth with a positive image of faith communities like First Congressional Church. David walks the extra mile to welcome all youth into his church especially with its youth groups by “always acknowledging the diversity of the congregation.” He creates a supportive environment for Queer youth to experience their faith without feeling ashamed of their identity. David is not just devoted to his own faith and ministry, but also to the security of Santa Cruz County’s youth community. He is a fine example of dedication and kindness from which Queer youth can learn from and rely on.
Ron Indra
Harbor High School Teacher
Ron Indra is a history teacher at Harbor High School and a longtime Queer youth ally. Described by his students as the “backbone of Harbor High School’s Gay Straight Alliance (GSA),” Ron motivates and instills confidence into the members of Harbor’s GSA as its staff advisor. Ron is admired by the Queer youth students at Harbor High and is also well respected by the entire student body and staff. His efforts to take Harbor High’s GSA to the next level extend to his willingness to encourage other teachers at the school to post fliers in their classrooms which discuss Queer issues so they too can become and/or grow as Queer youth advocates. It is teachers like Ron that make up the heart of the Queer youth ally community because they continue to set positive examples for their students. One student described Ron’s commitment to the GSA members by saying that “without his support and encouragement we would have never had the confidence we do today.” This student went on to say that Ron is a “loving, funny and supportive human being.” Ron is also the AB 537 representative on campus and sits on the SCCS District’s GLBT Task Force, which enforces AB 537, and helped write the new Anti-Harrassment/Discrimination Policy for the District.
Matt Oderman
Scotts Valley High School Teacher
Matt Oderman teaches history, government and economics at Scotts Valley High School. Remarkably, despite it being his first year at Scotts Valley High, he has proven himself to be a public advocate and strong ally of his Queer youth students. He spoke openly earlier this year at a Scotts Valley School Board meeting in support of and to defend the rights of Queer students, staff and teachers in his community. Matt has strong convictions about equality as demonstrated in his initiation of dialogue in his classes about civil rights, feminism, and equality. He also advocates for Queer representation at faculty meetings. Many students see him as an exceptional male role model who exhibits compassion, integrity and a high level of commitment to the right for individual expression, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. Not only is Matt a fine role model for his students to look up to, but also for other faculty and staff. Matt is greatly appreciated by many students and faculty – “just an amazing man” – at Scotts Valley High, and consistently serves as a steady, determined spokesperson for Queer youth during the continuing challenges of homophobia the high school and his school board have endured.
Roxy Scher
Scotts Valley High School Student
Roxy Scher will not shy down in the face of injustice. Roxy is a member of Temple Beth El in Aptos and a founding member of the gay straight alliance, Unity Through Diversity (UTD) at Scotts Valley High School. She is also involved within the Scotts Valley High School’s Queer youth community. Roxy has made a commitment recently to the community by attending hearings at her local school district discussing Queer representation within the district. She has performed at QYLA for four years in a row — this year marking her fourth year to sing. She says she sings at QYLA as an ally to offer her support for her LGBT friends and their allies. Roxy is a wonderful example of how young people must advocate as allies for the LGBT community. Roxy is self-motivated, articulate and very bright. She is admired for her organization and committed to human rights issues. A member of the community, describes Roxy as having “a connection with our community and I think that her faith is part of what inspires her to act.” Roxy is that exceptional ally who makes that track beyond her own community to help and support marginalized groups like Queer youth of Santa Cruz County.
Nancy Serigstad
Scotts Valley High School, Principal
Nancy Serigstad is completing her first year as the Principal at Scotts Valley High School, where she faces considerable controversy over the right of expression about Queer youth issues at the school. Throughout this difficult time, Nancy has been a beacon of light amidst the hostility, conflict and harassment from community members who disagree with the inclusion of equal right for GLBT teachers and students on campus. She maintains a high profile as Principal by demonstrating strong integrity regardless of the stress or discomfort of serving in the school’s key leadership role. Nancy advocates for inclusive curriculum, supporting her teachers to make the best decisions based on their experiences – she trusts and supports her staff to use affirming, anti-discriminatory posters and encourages them to do what is right to advocate for Queer youth. A strong, capable leader, she has refused to back down or compromise despite intense media coverage. She strives to ensure that all viewpoints are heard, facilitating the integrity of the GLBT community throughout this process. Nancy works to implement California’s school safety bill, AB537, which assures Queer youth an environment free from harassment and bullying. At the helm, weathering a storm of controversy, Nancy is vigilant as an Ally of Queer Youth.
Sarah Shane
Santa Cruz High School Student
Sarah Shane has made a personal commitment to the Queer community because she strongly believes in equality for all people, no matter who they love. Sarah has a lesbian aunt and many gay friends that she supports through her involvement as an ally to the queer community. She is also a member of an open and affirming church, and wants people to know that there are Christian congregations that are gay-friendly. Sarah honors and supports her queer friends and family by taking a stand and confronting peers when they use homophobic slurs. For the past three years, Sarah has been an active member of the Santa Cruz High School Rainbow Alliance, and is co-president this year. Last year Sarah brought High Contrast to Santa Cruz High School, a hands-on display devoted to the harmful effects of slurs against Queer youth. Sarah has also participated in the Day Of Silence and last year participated in the Youth Speak Out on community television. This year, she will participate in the Out In Our Faith panel discussion, which brings together many religious groups and churches to explore the topic of Queer people in religious communities. It is important to Sarah that Queer youth activism extends into all aspects of society, especially within religious groups.
Chris Weir
Triangle Speakers, Board of Directors
Chris Weir is a member of the Triangle Speakers Board of Directors and a Triangle Speaker since 2000. Esteemed by her colleagues, Chris’ skills are coupled by the “force of her wonderful personality” and “her absolute dedication has been invaluable” to the community which she serves. When Chris joined Triangle she took the position as Chair of the fundraising committee and immediately began working as a volunteer. She has made numerous fundraising and recruitment connections for Triangle which have helped to increase Triangle’s Fall fundraising income by 45% and their raffle income by 100%. Her funding efforts are vital to Triangle’s ability to recruit speaker volunteers and have an office with a working staff that coordinates speaker panels for K-12 classrooms. Also because of Chris’ grant writing skills, Triangle has been able to fund their Latino/a Outreach Coordinator position which helps to increase Triangle’s visibility within the GLBT Latino/a youth community. Thanks to dedicated community members like Chris, Triangle continues to prove itself as an accomplished agency. Chris has worked tirelessly to bring in funding so Triangle Speakers can continue to be an agency that not only serves the Queer youth community, but also advocate for Queer youth representation and rights.
Angelica Zamudio
Triangle Speakers, Board of Directors
Angelica Zamudio has been a Triangle speaker since 2002 and joined the Triangle Speakers Board of Directors in 2004. Angelica is a UC Santa Cruz graduate and basketball coach. As a Triangle speaker, she educates youth specifically about being a lesbian and a loving mother. As a board member, Angelica plays an active role on the Latino Outreach Committee and by planning and implementing events for monolingual Spanish speaking trainings. In late 2004, the Latino Outreach Program of Triangle Speakers organized and carried out a bilingual Queer awareness campaign for the young Spanish speaking community in Watsonville. Despite the fact that Angelica does not speak Spanish, she came out and hand delivered fliers to Watsonville High students during lunchtime. Angelica has worked to increase the visibility of Queer people in different ways by constantly making herself a point – person for Queer rights and by breaking stereotypes when she talks to youth on speaker panels about her personal experiences. Her dedication to the community extends as far as involving her second grade daughter in Queer related organizing meetings. Her work is invaluable and worthy of praise. The Latino/a Queer youth community of Watsonville and Santa Cruz are fortunate to have her as their personal advocate.
The Queer Youth Organizational Alliance Award
Two non-monetary award designed to honor an organization that has made significant contributions to improving the lives of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, or Intersexed youth in Santa Cruz county.
2005 Organizational Allliance to Queer Youth- Awardees
Horizontes
Watsonville
Horizontes is an organization designed exclusively for monolingual Spanish speaking GLBT individuals in Santa Cruz , Monterey and San Benito Counties. Over the past three years, Horizontes has served Spanish speaking Queer youth via biweekly group meetings, and organizes other social and team building events. Horizontes has assisted Queer young adults in establishing productive lifestyles, finding employment, and returning to school. Members attend English as a second language classes and/or learn professions such as dental assistance. Some members have moved from agricultural work to managerial positions in the service industry. Horizontes’s leadership has helped empower youth to take part in gay pride events, and educate their peers in the community regarding sexual health. Through Horizontes functions, youth observe how older Spanish speaking GLBT individuals are who more comfortable with their sexuality and attend college. Horizontes serves as a place of safety, as the majority of the Queer youth participants have been forced to leave their homes. The organization not only provides a place for youth to find role models but also is a safe place to learn and get support despite the overwhelming homophobia often experienced in South County. Horizontes is an island of solace in a world full of constant reminder of injustices.
National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI)/ Diversity Club
San Lorenzo Valley High School Student Club
San Lorenzo Valley High School’s National Coalition Building Institute/Diversity Club (NCBI/D) facilitates trainings on prejudice reduction within their campus and local communities. A student directed and organized organization, NCBI/D was founded six years ago. They also believe in a partnership between adults and youth while working together to fight discrimination. With the assistance of a faculty advisor, the students are trained to lead workshops and seminars that address diversity. They then implement their leadership skills into other activities and workshops relative to topics of diversity. Participants of the trainings also partake in dialogues about their own experiences. Recently the group has been targeting “heterosexism.” Student participants often comment after the workshops by saying that the trainings had educated them greatly on Queer youth awareness and issues. Recently, the club teamed up with SLV Junior High School’s “Make a Difference” Club to begin diversity trainings at the junior high level. NCBI/D extends their assistance to the San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School Conflict Resolution Training as well. Their organizations understand the vital need to erase homophobic stereotypes at the elementary and junior high school levels and it is for this reason that NCBI/D is a valued and well respected ally within the Queer youth community.