How to Deal With The Opposition

Photo:Les Hammer

RULE 1. Be pleasant. Be firm. Stay focused. Don't get sidetracked.

RULE 2. Offer information.

RULE 3. Remember the basic facts about sexual orientation and gender identity.

RULE 4. Remind opponents that we are PUBLIC EDUCATORS, and that our responsibility is to serve ALL children.

RULE 5. That ALL children are deserving of dignity and respect.

RULE 6. That the mission of PUBLIC EDUCATION is to teach children how to live peacefully in an increasingly diverse society.

RULE 7. That personal beliefs MUST be separated from public policy.

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WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY

• Nobody knows the cause. There is no single factor.

• Sexual orientation and gender identity appears to be established early in life.

• Attempts to change lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people into heterosexuals have been largely unsuccessful.

• Most LGBTs are unidentifiable by appearance or mannerism.

• Homosexuality is NOT a mental illness. It was declassified as such by the American Psychiatric Association in 1973.

• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people are NOT sick, deviant, or perverted.

• LGBT people have the same capacity for loving, long lasting relationships, and productive lives as do heterosexuals.

©2002 Friends of Project 10, Inc.