Date: Fri, 14 Oct 1994 19:28:33 -0500 (CDT) From: Kevyn D Jacobs Subject: PROJECT 10 FOUNDER TO SPEAK IN WICHITA N E W S R E L E A S E For immediate release. CONTACT: Margot Breckbill October 15, 1994 316-634-2244 PROJECT 10 FOUNDER TO SPEAK IN WICHITA ON GAY YOUTH IN OUR SCHOOLS Wichita, KS -- Dr. Virginia Uribe, founder of a gay youth outreach program called Project 10 in the Los Angeles school system, will be in Wichita to present a conference entitled "Dealing With Diversity: Lesbian & Gay Youth in our Schools." sponsored by Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (Parents-FLAG), The College Hill United Methodist Church, The Center for Women's Studies and Planned Parenthood of Kansas, the conference is targeted for school educators, counselors and administrators (CEU's available), but is open to the public. While doing graduate work, Dr. Uribe realized that there was very little available in support systems for gay and lesbian youth within the public school system. A pilot program was started at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles called Project 10 to prevent suicide, alcohol / substance abuse and risk of AIDS within the schools gay and lesbian population. The programs focus is on education, reduction of verbal and physical harassment, and integration with other dropout prevention programs. "Since it's inception, Project 10 has affected the lifes of thousands of lesbian and gay youth," said Margot Breckbill of Parents-FLAG. "We are delighted that Dr. Uribe is coming to Wichita for this conference." Dr. Uribe will educate all who attend the conference on the truth about sexual orientation and will give strategies and interventions to use with students who are having a difficult time dealing with this area of their lives. Other speakers and panels will also be featured during the conference with emphasis on outreach to gay and lesbian youth. In addition, the Wichita State University Student Health Services and University Theater will do a presentation of "Secrets," a play that explores the AIDS pandemic from a student's perspective. The "Dealing with Diversity: Lesbian & Gay Youth in our Schools" conference will be held at the College Hill United Methodist Church; 2930 East First Street (First and Chautauqua), on Saturday, October 22 from 8 am to 4 pm. Registration is $10 which includes a catered lunch. For more information call the Parents-FLAG hotline at 316-687-4666 or write: Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays; Post Office Box 686; Wichita, KS 67201-0686. -= END =-