Anti-bias and Anti-racism in HUSD is not just a professional development training, it is an approach to education in general
Celebrating Pride Next Month
Hayward Unified School District proclaims June 2021 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month. Resolution 2021-39 also proposes to fly a Pride flag at each school and facility within HUSD throughout the month of June to signify support for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer community.
“LGBTQ Pride Month is commemorated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City. In June of 1969, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn staged an uprising to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBTQ Americans were commonly subjected. This uprising marked the beginning of a movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ Americans. Today, LGBTQ Pride Month celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, attracting millions of participants around the world.” ADL, 2021
One important thinker and activist for equity and anti-racism is Dena Simmons, who has explained that one approach to act for the cause in education is to engage in vigilant self-awareness; increase your knowledge of accurate history and concepts associated with equity and AB/AR; hold each other accountable; affirm our students and families; consider our larger context; and constantly check in with our students and families as our educational partners. This month’s feature on HUSD’s AB/AR in Action will highlight one story of how these suggestions have been taken up by some of our own.
Hayden Orellana (he/him/his), 7th Grader at Bret Hart and mom Ana Navidad and sister Sabrina, 2nd grader at Stonebrae
Hayden is currently a Student Leadership Antiracism Movement (SLAM) member; Gay-Straight Alliance Club Member; and recently co-presented at a school board meeting with his mom to advocate for LGBTQ rights and issues in our district. And he is currently designing a Pride mural. He said, “You can find out how to make changes. You can stand up for kids and kids’ voice. I like being a voice for those who may not have one yet. I think, if not me, then who?”
Mom has been and/or is currently involved in the PTA; SSC; ELAC; Tea with the AP; Coffee with the Principal; Parent Support Group; and School Usage Design Team. She commented, “I like to be involved. In all these meetings it teaches me something and I use that to be a better parent and help my community.”
Hayden feels that being a part of the SLAM program has also helped increase his sense of self and empowered him to use his voice even more.
“I have grown a lot more. If you would have asked me a year ago if I would be doing all this I would have called myself crazy. I have voice in my projects now. I hang out more in school and with my friends and my mom. I have more maturity and an understanding of the world and who I am.”
"I was thinking, why didn't we have pride month at school, and why was no one involved?" Like I asked my mom once if she realized that we have 16% of the homeless kids in the world that are LGBTQ and are not accepted by their families! I want to be someone who can help and say here’s a way you can get support.”
-Hayden
“I couldn’t be any prouder of Hayden. He is such a sweet, smart, kind, caring, respectful child to me as his mom and to his sister who has special needs. He is almost like a friend checking on others - he is always checking on others and seeing how they are and if he can help. He says ‘I can listen, how can I help?’ He is more than smart, he truly cares about others.”
-Ana
“Hayden is who he is not just because of me, but because of the influence of his teachers and staff that have helped me see who he is. There are so many great teachers and staff and programs in this district. For example, Mr. Bess has helped him explore his voice and opinions. Mr. Bergquist has been so caring and welcoming and creates a safe space for LGBTQ students. Superintendent Wayne, Bridget Spencer, and Sandra Escobedo have been so helpful to make sure I have access to resources for my kids both for Special Education and general education. And outside of HUSD, Mr. Kwong and Dr. Chen have included Hayden in talent shows and plays, which Hayden wants to bring back to Bret Hart Middle School.”
-Ana
Additional Resources:
LGBTQ+ Therapists and Support Groups
Pacific Center for Human Growth
This little-known community center serving the LGBTQ+ community.
San Francisco’s Queer LifeSpace offers sliding-scale therapy and peer support groups for the queer and trans community
Hayden has learned more about the Latinx experience through the Puente Program and they credit Ms. Johnson with having a culturally responsive program that has empowered Hayden. Hayden has shared some of his learning by sharing these texts from Puente with his mom
*The Circuit
*Enrique’s Journey
*The Outsiders
Hayden has also been an advocate for the Black Lives Matter Movement helping get signatures on petitions to address police brutality and injustice. And Hayden has created art to show support for Black History Month at his school.
Hayden recalls when someone offered him a LGBTQ flag. He says, “How about you give that to someone who doesn’t have one since I already do. And more than that, I have a supportive family who accepts me and maybe that flag can help someone who doesn’t have a mom like me. I have an accepting mom and others may not. If someone is struggling in the closet, maybe this would help them.”
Ana says, “Every day, we do things as a family to check in on each other. And Hayden gets to pick. We may sing, play the ukulele, listen to music and different styles because Hayden has introduced me to so many different types of music. We watch videos and sometimes Hayden draws while we talk. He reads stories to me. And before bed, we each ask each other what the best and worst parts were from our days and we include Sabrina so everyone gets their time to share. There are no limitations here. I make time for both because Sabrina’s special needs means I have to give her more time mostly in the first part of the day, so I make sure to give Hayden time later in the day just with me and we also all do things together.”
Through the Stonebrae ELAC, both Hayden and his mom collected over 1000 books to support early literacy after seeing a student in need with a parent that could not afford a book for their child. And they worked with 6th grade parents and the Schaefer Park PTA to raise over $10,000 for the 6th grade promotion and they personally stuffed goodie bags for each graduate.
“I also want to shout out Ms Sargent for her parent support group at Bret Hart. Being a part of this group has helped me gain friendships, have connections, get advice, and just have a happy place for some adult time.”
-Ana
Additional Resources:
Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Teens: Facts for Teens and Their Parents
Therapists of Color
National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network
The National Queer and Trans Therapists of Color Network offers a directory of queer and trans therapists of color and a fund for prospective clients seeking financial assistance.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-8255
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Hotline
800-662-4357
Safe & Sound’s Parental Stress TALK Line
415-441-5437
San Francisco Women Against Rape
415-647-7273
800-656-4673
415-924-1070
800-246-7743
TrevorLifeline for LGBTQ+ youth under age 25 (also available via text message and chat)
1-800-488-7386
Text START to 678-678
877-565-8860
CUAV (Community Unite Against Violence) LGBTQ+ Support
415-333-4357