DALLAS  – Gay and lesbian youth from Youth First Texas  demonstrated at a silent flash mob Friday at the Rosa Parks Plaza to  honor the National Day of Silence.

With their mouth covered in  duct tape and homemade surgical mask, the youth joined hundreds of  thousands of students nationwide to take a vow of silence to bring  attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in their  schools.

The flash mob took place at 5 p.m. in which participants  literally froze in place for five minutes while other park patrons  continued on with their daily lives. Some park patrons were confused  while others stood stunned at the sight of the frozen youth.

After  the flash mob ended at the Plaza, the youth started phase two of their  silent protest on a one-mile train ride to the Southern Methodist  University campus where a “Breaking the Silence” event was being held by  the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network.

Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence has become the largest single  student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of  sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

In a bold move, President Barack Obama on Thursday in support of  LGBT rights presented a memorandum to the Department of Health and Human  Services to establish a rule that would prevent hospitals from denying  visitation privileges to gay and lesbian partners.

“There are few moments in our lives that call for greater compassion  and companionship than when a loved one is admitted to the hospital.  … Yet every day, all across America, patients are denied the  kindnesses and caring of a loved one at their sides,” the president  said.

Obama ordered that any hospital receiving Medicare and Medicaid  funding must allow patients to decide who can visit them and prohibit  discrimination based on a variety of characteristics, including sexual  orientation and gender identity.

The president’s Thursday memo said, “There are few moments in our lives that call for greater compassion and companionship than when a loved one is admitted to the hospital. … Yet every day, all across America, patients are denied the kindnesses and caring of a loved one at their sides.”

Gay and lesbian Americans are “uniquely affected” by relatives-only policies at hospitals, Obama said, adding that they “are often barred from the bedsides of the partners with whom they may have spent decades of their lives — unable to be there for the person they love, and unable to act as a legal surrogate if their partner is incapacitated.”

When Lisa Pond collapsed during a family vacation in Florida three years ago, her partner of 17 years was kept away from her hospital room.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Read the president’s memorandum (PDF)

On the National Day of Silence, hundreds of thousands of students from all over the country take a vow of silence to bring attention to anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment in their schools. Each year the event has grown, and now hundreds of thousands of students participate to encourage schools and classmates to address the problem of anti-LGBT behavior. Founded in 1996, the Day of Silence has become the largest single student-led action towards creating safer schools for all, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Find out more about the Day of Silence by clicking on these topics:

• HISTORY
• FAQ
• 4 Truths about NDOS

This year, WE WANT YOU to participate!

Here are the instructions for the Flash Mob on Friday, April 16th:

It all started thanks to Beaux Wellborn, a YFT Volunteer and the Assitant Director of Campus Harmony Inc. The Dallas Voice Instant Tea Blog shares more about the project on their website. To read more about this project, click here.

September 22nd, 2009.

Last night during the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce’s Pride Dinner at the Warwick Melrose Hotel, keynote speaker Cleve Jones issued a challenge: If you can’t make it to the National Equality March in October, send someone in your place.

Shortly after Jones concluded his remarks, six chamber members and/or Pride dinner attendees responded, with each agreeing to pay for one of the local LGBT youth on hand to go to Washington. The six beneficiaries from Youth First Texas, shown after the dinner, are Will Mason, Chris Lopez, Victor Rodriguez, Steven Richmond, John McKnight and Hai Duong. They are pictured along with chamber member Jay Forte, far right.

Sending the youth to D.C. reportedly was the idea of longtime lesbian activists Louise Young and Vivienne Armstrong, who conceived it during the dinner and will be sponsoring one of the youth. Afterward, Young noted that many of Dallas’ pioneering activists, including Bill Nelson and Don Baker, attended the first gay-rights march on Washington in 1979.

“I think it’s so important for the next generation of activists to have some of the experiences that have sustained us,” Young said. “These things [marches] are very energizing.”

UPDATE: According to Chamber President and CEO Tony Vedda, the others who agreed to send a youth to D.C. were Cordey Lash, Derrick Brown, Mark Reed (2) and Jonathan Palant.

— John Wright

The object of the game was simple: in a team of 5, eliminate the other team without getting hit! For a full list of the rules, hit up LifeWalk’s official web page.

Our first team was YFT’s ‘Wet Behind the Ears,’ which was the volunteer team (guest starring iLead Team member Giancarlo Mossi). They took 5th place.

Jason Minter, the team captain, took out the most players with deadly power–this raging dodgeball machine survived the game without once being hit. Kenny Schreiber and Jim Hampton were the other two powerhouses of the team.

Father and Son, Loras Freihoeffer and Giancarlo Mossi, were a great asset to the team. Giancarlo with his natural athleticism provided the team with an edge, despite being the youngest member. Loras Freihoefer definitely caught the most balls of the team! Boasting a success rate of 33.3%, the highest of all players, Loras racked up kills for the team.

Jason admitted he was more of the cheerleader (or queerleader, as we like to call them) for Youth First Texas during the tournament, despite his skills as one of the valuable players. “They did a very good job. I felt sorry because [Giancarlo and Squee] were sick. I thought Hai was going to jump out of his skin, he was so hyper. I didn’t care if we won or lost – I just wanted to make sure [we] had fun.” Well said, team captain!

Our second team was the ‘YFT Youngsters’ composed entirely of the youth. These “Youngsters”–with their vicious vivaciousness–demonstrated YFT’s ferocity, nabbing 2nd place!

Jesus Montelongo and Hai Duong were the nimble “glass cannons” of the team, executing the most kills; ironically, they were also the most susceptible to injuries. Jesus suffered from an open blister from foot burns throughout the entire tournament. (Ouch!) Hai had a torn off toe nail as well as major skin abrasions to the elbow and knee. (Double ouch!)  These two provided Pride EMS their only patients for the event – returning after every game they played!

The man with the plan was Victor Rodriguez – the well rounded tactician of the team, capable of dodging blows and dishing out a few of his own.

Then there was Frankyee Popovich and Kristin “Squee” Lane, the distraction component of the team’s strategy. Frankyee proved his staying power when it was down to just him fending for himself and yet managed to pull off a Sudden Death for the team. Meanwhile, brave Squee took most of the shots for the team – the majority of them to the crotch even when she’s not in the game! (Triple ouch!)

The team, looking bleak at first, got off to a rocky start winning the first round by prevailing through the longest and most gruesome of showdowns. Vic stated, “I thought we might lose. That was too close!” The team gained momentum after learning from their mistakes from the first round to easily wipe out three more teams reaching the finals round only to succumb in another Sudden Death match against The Other Team. Rosebuds, the team to defeat Wet Behind the Ears, came in 3rd and Woody’s came in 4th.

YFT Youngsters were awarded with gift certificates which would include a Hilton’s Spa Weekend, a Blue Mesa brunch for two, a Sambucca dinner for two, an Adventure Land admission, and more!

There will never be an event where YFT would not be accompanied and encouraged by supporters from the organization. Nathan Edgerton and Eva Lopez were there as the action photographers to capture every exciting moment.

Our champions faced formidable foes that represented many organizations such as JR’s, Woody’s, Caven Enterprises, Pride Radio, the Dallas Voice, Sue Ellen’s, Station 4, and others. The event was made possible by sponsors including Pride Radio, Red Bull, Smoke ‘em Joe’s, and others who set up booths during the tournament.

One notable booth was the dunking booth in which our very own Giancarlo became a victim of by request from his father, Loras, to celebrate his recent birthday!

Of course, none of this would have been possible for Youth First Texas without the continuous support of the volunteers. Jessica Short, Rebecca Soloman, and Lara Whittington kindly sponsored the aspirations of Kenny, Squee, and Frankyee, respectfully.

“Oh my god, I loved it! It was such a great opportunity for all of us to bond! It was such great fun!” uttered the still jittery Hai Duong. A free-for-all fest ensued at the end concluding yet another wholesome Youth First Texas event that embodied charity towards a greater good, fellowship among close friends, and another moment in YFT history.

Where does the Board of Directors (BOD) plan to take Youth First Texas (YFT) from here?

The BOD is currently developing a 5 year strategic plan for the organization. The vision we are basing this on includesLeasing a safer, more modern space for the next 5 years Developing a plan to purchase a permanent home for YFT. Expanding staffExpanded programmingStrong Youth Lead ProgramsExpanded social services support and availability like individual and group counseling, temporary housing, job training, increased educational opportunitiesOpportunities to be visible and contributing members of the larger Metroplex LGBT community.

What changes will be seen at YFT and how can the youth get involved?

We will always be changing and growing, youth need to be involved in that bybeing in touch with the Youth Board (YB);joining committees the YB establishes;volunteering to a BOD member to be on a BOD committeeattending and contributing in regular Board meetingspresenting ideas for programs and services to staff, board members and/or volunteersattending GSA meetings at your schools to spread the word about YFT and the services it providesSome changes that we foresee could be in staffing and programming. Youth would help provide feedback on this by helping the board answer these questions:What kind of staffing roles/positions would you like to add?What new programs would you like to start?What programs, if any, aren’t effective and need to be reworked or eliminated?

Do you see your role a more of a parental-figure, role model, or what?

The BOD has defined “role” to act as the responsible agent in money, planning and staffing matters for the organization. Beyond that, we are all successful professionally and could be looked upon as role models. The reality of this is that no one chooses to be a role model it just happens.It’s not likely that the members of the BOD views themselves as parental figures, but we do get to wear different hats, so at any one time, we could be playing a different role. For example, when we have to make organizational decisions such as determining how much money to spend on rent, we are acting in a custodial role for the organization. Other times, you will see board members serving as mentors or helping staff Youth events. So in those cases, we are then in more of a volunteer type role.There is always a balancing act that the adults in the YFT organization must master. They must learn to establish positive, healthy relationships with the youth, while always remembering that they do have to bring a certain level of authority from time to time. So this does mean we sometimes have to make decisions that may make us appear to fill more of a parent style role.

What other affiliations are y’all involved with?

Board members of YFT bring a wide range of talents to the organization. Some have been actively involved in non-profits while others work in the corporate, for-profit spectrum. For some, this is their only focus as far as volunteering while for others, they support multiple volunteer organizations.
As the board of directors of Youth First has grown in number over the years, it has been a goal to put members on the board who bring a wide range of diversity to the board. By this, we mean not just race or gender, but rather their backgrounds as well. Because the board must make a lot of business decisions, having accountants, lawyers, counselors or teachers for example, will allow the board to better solve issues that arise because of the expertise that these individuals bring from their day jobs.

Why did you choose to on the Board of Directors at YFT?

This answer would be slightly different for each board member, however I am sure we all began by wanting to contribute to our community, and then deciding that YFT is a place that we could give back, and most greatly affect the future of our community. YFT is also a very well respected organization in Dallas and in some cases, statewide and nationwide. Serving on this board brings with it a sense of honor. We are honored to continue to carry the YFT message for the future. YFT has a bright future in front of it that each board member is eager to see fulfilled

What do you all discuss at the board meetings?

All board members hold a responsibility of a board committee, organizational committee or liaison within the organization or greater community. We are all responsible for generating a report to the BOD each meeting on the progress these committees make. We also discuss business brought before the BOD by not only these committees but the staff alike and make decisions about the direction we take on that business. These committees includeFinance (making sure we have proper accounting for all monies)Community Outreach (build bonds with the community we serve)Governance (the board making sure the board members follow their own rules)Executive (employment and board issues)Fundraising (finding new money for YFT so we can survive and grow)New Space (temporary committee charged with finding a new building to replace the one we are in)Once a year, the staff of YFT submits a proposed budget to the board spelling out in detail the financial needs for the year. It is the board’s job to review and discuss that budget and make revision suggestions and finally, approve the budget.The staff presents their status reports to the board on a monthly basis and the board reviews that information.If there are ever sensitive or private matters, the board will have a board members only meeting. Generally these are limited to when personnel decisions are made or on issues where a certain level of confidence must be maintained.

What are the responsibilities of the Board of Directors?

As spelled out in the Bylaws -
It shall be the duty of the directors to: Perform any and all duties imposed on them collectively or individually by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws;Appoint and remove, employ and discharge, and, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, prescribe the duties and fix the compensation, if any, of all officers, agents and employees of the corporation;Supervise all officers, agents and employees of the corporation to assure that their duties are performed properly;Meet at such times and places as required by these Bylaws;Register their physical and electronic addresses with the Secretary of the corporation, and notices of meetings mailed or electronically mailed or telegraphed to them at such addresses shall be valid notices thereof.

DUTIES OF THE CO-CHAIRS
The Co-Chairs shall be the chief executive officers of the corporation and shall, subject to the control of the Board of Directors, supervise and control the affairs of the corporation and the activities of the officers. They shall perform all duties incident to their office and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, or which may be prescribed from time to time by the Board of Directors. Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, they shall, in the name of the corporation, execute such deeds, mortgages, bonds, contracts, checks, or other instruments which may from time to time be authorized by the Board of Directors.

DUTIES OF SECRETARY
The Secretary shall: Certify and keep at the principal office of the corporation the original, or a copy, of these Bylaws as amended or otherwise altered to date. Keep at the principal office of the corporation or at such other place as the Board of Directors may determine, a book of minutes of all meetings of the directors, and, if applicable, meetings of committees of directors and of members, recording therein the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, how called, how notice thereof was given, the names of those present or represented at the meeting, and the proceedings thereof. See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law. Be custodian of the records and of-the seal of the corporation and affix the seal, as authorized by law or the provisions of these Bylaws, to duly executed documents of the corporation. Exhibit at all reasonable times to any director of the corporation, or to his or her agent or attorney, on request therefore, the Bylaws, and the minutes of the proceedings of the directors of the corporation. In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation, or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors.

DUTIES OF TREASURER
The Treasurer shall have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and securities of the corporation, and deposit all such funds in the name of the corporation in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the Board of Directors. Receive, and give receipt for, monies due and payable to the corporation from any source whatsoever. Disburse, or cause to be disbursed, the funds of the corporation as may be directed by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements. Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of the corporation’s properties and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains and losses. Exhibit at all reasonable times the books of account and financial records to any director of the corporation, or to his or her agent or attorney, on request therefore. Render to the Co-Chairs and directors, whenever requested, an account of any or all of his or her transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the corporation. Prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify, or cause to be certified, the financial statements to be included in any required reports. In general, perform, or cause to be performed, duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as may be required by law, by the Articles of Incorporation of the corporation, or by these Bylaws, or which may be assigned to him or her from time to time by the Board of Directors.
The following is not spelled out in the bylaws;, however, is implied and we operate under this model:
DUTIES OF DIRECTORS
All directors, not listed as officers, shall chair a committee of the BOD as named by the BOD: New Space Committee; Revenue Development Committee, Community Outreach Committee; Nominations Committee, Governance Committee, Youth Board Liaison

What is your plan to reach out to new youth?

This is really a question for staff, and frankly youth, however we would like to continue to reach out to new youth through the GSA network in North Texas, by maintaining a web presence, and of course word of mouth by the youth at YFT. Some of our best outreach are really things like the after prom party where we give new youth an opportunity to walk through our doors socially. We would also like to expand our satellite groups (like the Collin County group) to places like Ft. Worth and Denton in Tarrant and Denton counties.We also plan to use our resources to expand the programs and services we offer at YFT. By adding these additional services, we will be better prepared to help the new youth who do come to YFT seeking specific help or services. Also, by offering these services, other organizations will be able to lead more youth to our doors that need our assistance.Ultimately, however, the best way to reach more youth is for the current youth of YFT to outreach to them.

This performance concludes Dallas PUMP!’s outstanding season of great achievements.

• The GLSEN School House Rock event marked Dallas PUMP!’s humble beginnings performing at the House of Blues on November 17, 2008
• Turtle Creek Chorale’s “Hottest Holidays Ahead!” concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center on December 7 and 10, 2008
• The first Youth First Texas event, Winter Ball in the Weisfield Center on December 20, 2008.
• Hall Street Journal for Youth First Texas at the Zubar on March 18, 2009
• North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce dinner on March 25, 2009
• Dallas PUMP! represented Youth First Texas internationally in Vancouver for “Sing for the Cure”

With an amazing season of performances under their belt, the singers of Dallas PUMP! achieved international recognition as well as immense support at the home base. Recruitment for Dallas PUMP! is starting next fall! Come be a part of pure greatness!

From THE WHITE HOUSE, Office of the Press Secretary:

Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.

LGBT Americans have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society. There are many well-respected LGBT leaders in all professional fields, including the arts and business communities. LGBT Americans also mobilized the Nation to respond to the domestic HIV/AIDS epidemic and have played a vital role in broadening this country’s response to the HIV pandemic.

Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration — in both the White House and the Federal agencies — openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.

The LGBT rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. LGBT youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and LGBT families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect.

My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security.

We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.

These issues affect not only the LGBT community, but also our entire Nation. As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected. If we can work together to advance the principles upon which our Nation was founded, every American will benefit. During LGBT Pride Month, I call upon the LGBT community, the Congress, and the American people to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.

– Barack Obama