Foster care foundation to screen film about gay discussion in schools
QSanAntonio.com, September 19, 2009

Casey Family Programs, an advocacy organization for children in foster care, will screen the documentary "It’s Elementary: Talking About Gay Issues in School" on September 30 at its two San Antonio locations.

Created by Academy Award-winning director Debra Chasnoff and producer Helen S. Cohen, "It's Elementary" is a highly acclaimed film shot in first through eighth grade classrooms across the US. The film, intended for an adult audience, is described as a window into what really happens when educators address gay issues with their students in age-appropriate ways. With surprisingly funny and moving footage, the documentary seeks to demystify what it means to talk with kids about gay people.

The film makes a compelling argument that anti-gay prejudice and violence can be prevented if children have an opportunity to have these discussions when they're young. Released in 1996, "It's Elementary" has won numerous awards for excellence, been acquired by nearly 2000 educational institutions, and has received widespread acclaim from educators, policy makers, parents and religious leaders.

Casey Family Programs is a Seattle-based organization with offices in 17 states and is the nation’s largest operating foundation entirely focused on foster care. According to their web site: "As advocates for change, we are committed to our 2020 Strategy – an ambitious yet attainable goal to safely reduce the number of children in foster care and improve the lives of those who remain in care."

Janet Garza, a case worker at Casey involved with planning the screening, told QSanAntonio that the event, dubbed as a Community Brown Bag, was scheduled to help drum up positive exposure and acceptance for GLBT families and for GLBT youth who are in foster care.

Garza said the screening is open to anyone who works in youth and foster care agencies, counselors who work with GLBT teens and anyone interested in promoting positive attitudes toward GLBT families.

Casey Family Programs Community Brown Bag screening of "It’s Elementary: Talking about Gay Issues in School." Wednesday September 30 from 12 p.m. until 2 p.m. at two locations: 2840 Babcock and simultaneously at 816 Camaron St. (Finesliver Building), Suite 1.02. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP with your location by September 25 to Irene Garza (210) 507-3352.