Because GSAFE committed to helping all LGBTQ students thrive, we have developed a collaborative program to build peer support and leadership among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) and ally high school students of color in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD). The Racial Justice Program focuses on building the leadership of LGBTQ and ally youth of color, improving school climate for LGBTQ youth of color, and advocating for policy solutions that will improve health and educational outcomes for all youth of color, including LGBTQ youth of color.
The Racial Justice Program consists of the following:
- Foundations of Leadership course, focused on building the leadership of 9th and 10th grade students from across MMSD high schools. The course is inclusive of racial justice, LGBTQ issues, and social justice. Foundations of Leadership also includes monthly meetings of students with adult mentors.
- The New Narrative Project, which aims to be a bridge between incarcerated young people at the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center and self-determination. This series of weekly workshops has been designed to specifically empower young people though an orientation of their imaginations allowing incarcerated youth access to their own endless potential, as they cultivate their ability to think analytically about the social justice issues they are impacted by.
- LGBTQ Youth of Color Leadership Conference and Leadership Training Institute
- Student leader trainings with student of color clubs (e.g. Black Student Unions, Latinos Unidos, Asian Clubs, etc.) on creating safe and supportive environments for LGBTQ students.