Date: Tue, 28 Feb 1995 18:10:52 -0800 From: GLPCINat@ix.netcom.com (James Fagelson) Scholarship for Children of Lesbian and Gay Parents FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- February 7, 1995 For the second year, the Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International (GLPCI) and Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE) will be awarding $500 in scholarship money to further the education of a deserving child of a lesbian or gay parent. "The GLPCI-COLAGE Scholarship Fund was started by a generous gift from a gay father," said GLPCI's Executive Director Tim Fisher. "He knew firsthand how little support our families get in society and wanted to start a program which would provide some tangible support back to our community." "We hope this scholarship program will continue to grow over time," continued Fisher. "And of course, your contributions to the fund are always welcome." Applicants must have at least one lesbian, gay or bisexual parent and be enrolled as a full-time student in an accredited post-secondary institution. The scholarship recipients will be announced on July 3rd, 1995 at GLPCI's 16th Annual Conference in Los Angeles, California. Applications for the 1995 GLPCI-COLAGE Scholarship are available now by writing to GLPCI at P.O. Box 50360, Washington, DC 20091; or call (202) 583-8029. The deadline for applications is May 15, 1995 For more information, contact the Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International, Box 50360, Washington, DC 20091 - (202) 583-8029; Fax: (201)783-6204. ============================================================= "IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILDREN"??? Nebraska Moves to Bar Homosexuals From Being Foster Parents The Nebraska Department of Social Services has implemented a statewide ban on foster parenting by lesbians and gay men. On January 24, 1995, the Director of the Department, Mary Dean Harvey, released a new policy saying it was in the best interest of the state to place children in the most "family like setting," and not with lesbian and gay parents. "Clearly, Nebraska's new anti-gay foster parenting policy is not in the best interest of Nebraska's children," said Tim Fisher, Executive Director of the Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International, a worldwide advocacy and support group for lesbian moms, gay dads and their families. "At present, there are almost 2,000 children in Nebraska waiting for foster placements. These children have the right to a nurturing relationship with a parent or parents who convey to them an enduring sense of love and care." Adoptive and foster parents should be chosen based on their abilities. Single factors -- including sexual orientation -- should not automatically rule out a prospective parent. So say the experts, including: the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the Child Welfare League of America, the National Association of Social Workers, Dr. Benjamin Spock, Dr. Joyce Brothers, and columnist Abigail Van Buren ("Dear Abby"), among others. "There are over four million lesbian and gay parents in the U.S.," continued Fisher, a stay-at-home father of two pre-schoolers, "providing love and care -- in family settings -- to over eight million kids. The children of Nebraska deserve leaders who make laws and policies based on the facts about gay parents and not the myths and lies of the Radical Right." "The scientific evidence is clear and conclusive," said Stefan Lynch, Director of Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE). Children of lesbian and gay parents grow up to be no different from kids of heterosexual parents." A 1992 review of over 30 psychological studies comparing the children of lesbian or gay parents to those of heterosexual parents showed no significant differences in terms of gender identity, gender role-behavior, social relationships or sexual orientation. Other studies show no significant differences in peer relationships, leadership ability, interpersonal flexibility, self-confidence or self-esteem. "There is no reputable, peer-reviewed study that refutes any of these findings," added Lynch, who was raised by a lesbian mother and gay father. Prior to the release of Nebraska's new policy, only two states, New Hampshire and Florida, placed restrictions on foster parenting or adoptions by homosexuals. Gay parenting activists are worried that, with November's conservative shift in legislatures and statehouses around the country, other states may attempt to enact similar laws and policies. "The issue of gay adoption and foster care is a 'referendum-issue' for straight Americans," said Fisher. "It's how the question is framed -- on surveys, for school projects and debates. The larger issue is: Are gays and lesbians a threat to children? Should we be granted custody and visitation of our own children? Can we be effective school teachers and scout leaders? The myths about gay parenting are the bedrock of homophobia." "The truth is," explained Lynch, "lesbians and gay adults are not a threat to children. In a recent study, the Child-Protection Team of the Children's Hospital in Denver, Colorado, respon-ding to charges of the Radical Right that 50% of child abusers are homosexual, found that only 0.7% (that's zero point seven percent) of suspected child sexual abusers were lesbian or gay." "What about lesbian and gay youth, who are often rejected by their families and tormented by their peers?," questioned Hope Berry, a member of Second Generation, a support organization for gays and lesbians who have gay and lesbian parents. "Nebraska's foster care policy cannot possibly be in their best interest. If your family throws you out, you need to find a family unit that loves you unconditionally and provides you with the role models you need to become a healthy, happy adult. Too many of our youth end up on the street, or become infected with HIV, or commit suicide, because they don't have that home, that family, that acceptance -- that lesbians and gays can and do provide." In an tragic footnote, the Omaha World-Herald reported that, less than 12 hours after the policy announcement from the Department of Social Services, a troubled gay youth hung himself in his Omaha, Nebraska foster home. Officials are uncertain if the two events are related in any way. "The bottom line is -- the 2,000 Nebraska kids waiting for foster homes are the ones really hurt by this policy," concluded Lynch. "We must continue to allow foster parenting and adoption by lesbians and gay men. It's in the best interest of all of America's children!" For more information, contact the Gay and Lesbian Parents Coalition International, Box 50360, Washington, DC 20091 - (202) 583-8029; or Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere, 2300 Market Street, Box 165, San Francisco, CA 94114 - (415) 861-5437. For immediate response, contact Tim Fisher, Executive Director (GLPCI) at (201) 783-6204-phone and fax; or Stefan Lynch, Executive Director (COLAGE) at (415) 861-5437-phone; (415) 255-8345-fax. Call for Action: Register your opinion on the Nebraska foster care issue by writing, faxing or phoning Mary Dean Harvey, Director, Nebraska Department of Social Services, P.O. Box 95026, Lincoln, NE 68509-5026; phone: (402) 471-3121, fax: (402) 471-9449. Copy Governor Ben Nelson at P.O. Box 94848, Lincoln, NE 68509-4848; phone: (402) 471-2244, fax: (402) 471-6031.