Unique Minnesota Conference, January 18, 2013, Aims to Reduce GLBT Bullying in Schools

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A one-of-a-kind conference in Minnesota will be held Friday, January 18, 2013 at Hamline University in St. Paul to help teachers, social workers, administrators, coaches, athletic directors -- as well as students and parents of GLBT individuals -- to create a safe school environment. The 2^nd annual conference is hosted by PFLAG Twin Cities, a nonprofit that promotes the health and well-being of the GLBT community, their families and friends.

The conference will also feature a forum moderated by Philadelphia Flyers’ scout Patrick Burke, and will highlight a panel of gay and lesbian athletes, including Esera Tuaolo, former NFL player; Nick Kleidon, former high school hockey player who came out as gay in his 2012 senior speech; and Becca Lindquist, former NCAA rower and co-founder of the Cal Student Athlete Gay-Straight Alliance.

PFLAG (www.pflagtc.com) will recognize five individuals and organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to making schools safer for GLBT students.

Outstanding Ally Award Winner - Cal Clutterbuck
Professional hockey player and forward for the Minnesota Wild, Clutterbuck, a straight ally, reaches out to the NHL and its players to end homophobia in sports.

Outstanding Student Award Winner – Alec Fischer
Fischer, a 2012 Edina High School graduate, has produced a powerful documentary about the effects of bullying on the lives of Minnesota students.

Outstanding Educators Award Winners - Chad Kampe and Janet Thometz,
Friends School of Minnesota
FSM has been a leader in developing age-appropriate gender, sexuality and family curriculum in the lower grades.

Outstanding Organization Award winner - MN School OUTReach Coalition
(MnSOC brings together students, educators, families, community members and organizations to address the issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

Robert & Joyce Curoe Family Award winner – The Lagerstrom Family
Leslie and David Lagerstrom are the supportive parents of Sam, a transgender teenager who has transitioned female to male.

PFLAG’s conference begins at 8:15 a.m. on Friday, January 18, 2013 at Hamline University. The conference -- sponsored by the Hedgeman Center for Student Diversity Initiatives and Programs at Hamline -- includes lunch and a resource fair, followed by a dinner and awards ceremony. To register, contact Jackie Lee Stone at 612-245-1483; [e-mail].