Dine and donate fundraiser June 30 in Petaluma could save young lives
Suicide. A parent never wants to hear that topic uttered from their child’s mouth. But, unfortunately, for parents of children who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, or other sexual and gender minorities (LGBTQIA+), suicide is a real concern.
According to a 2019 survey by the Trevor Project, 71 percent of LGBTQIA+ youth said they felt sad or hopeless due to being discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Even in Sonoma County, with one of the largest LGBTQIA+ populations in the country, kids still suffer from innocent questions like “are you a boy or a girl?” and “who do you like?”—and even bullying.
Last semester, an elementary student transferred to McKinley School in Petaluma after being bullied for being gay. Seven guardians of elementary and middle school students reached out to Ani Larsen, the principal of McKinley School, concerned about their LGBTQIA+ kids who were withdrawing and showing signs of depression—and some of them, even suicide.
Suicide rates are much higher for LGBTQIA+ youth compared to their heterosexual peers. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, LGBTQIA+ youth are five times more likely to attempt suicide. A 2019 survey by the Trevor Project reports that almost one in three transgender and non-binary youth reported that they attempted suicide.
After receiving those calls, Larsen united the principals of Petaluma City Schools to create virtual panels for guardians on how to support their LGBTQIA+ kids. This August, they’ll start student education nights, as well as Amor Para Todos (APT) elementary clubs—a safe space for all students, including LGBTQIA+ kids, to be their authentic selves.
Ana Flores Tindall, a parent and substitute at Cesar Chavez Language Academy in Santa Rosa, said that there’s interest among parents, teachers, and students for APT clubs at their school. “I wish that a club like this could have existed for me when I was a student,” said Flores Tindall.
APT clubs originated from a Petaluma Old Adobe Union School District elementary student within the LGBTQIA+ community. They asked, “‘Wouldn’t it be great if there were a club where we could teach everyone to love each other and support and respect each other?’” said Renee Ho, the founder of APT, a local organization that the club was named after, meaning “Love For All” in Spanish. “We put the idea out in the district, and a lot of students showed interest in an APT student club.”
The first APT clubs—split between lower and upper elementary students—started at Loma Vista Immersion Academy in Petaluma, and soon after, La Tercera Elementary School adopted the clubs. This fall, all five OAUSD elementary schools plan on starting APT clubs in person.
“Students created mantras, artwork, videos, and even designed merchandise to spread the word about Amor Para todos,” said Irene Gilchriese, an upper elementary Loma Vista teacher and APT club advisor. For example, one upper-elementary student shared an APT video they made; images of the Progress Pride flag, raised fists, and rainbow hearts were the backdrop for phrases like “You Are Valid” and “Love Is Never Wrong.”
“The feeling at every meeting was one of community care, excitement, and unlimited possibilities,” said Gilchriese. “It allowed students to come together in a positive and uplifting space, and their creativity and enthusiasm have flourished.”
When the Progress Pride flag rose this month at Loma Vista, LGBTQIA+ students who aren’t active members of APT told Gilchriese that they “feel safer being themselves just knowing that the club exists,” she said.
Loma Vista APT club members already have their eyes set on possible school-wide events for when they see each other in person in the fall like game and movie nights, and they’re also getting out into the community. On June 12th, Loma Vista’s APT student club was represented at Positive Image’s Pride Picnic in Santa Rosa. Their table was crowded with little ones as APT students taught kids how to make rubber band bracelets—inspired by one of the upper-grade club meetings.
APT student clubs are one of five initiatives of the organization APT’s Saving Lives Now project.
June 30 fundraiser
On Wednesday, June 30, APT club and organization members will host a dine-and-donate fundraiser at Ayawaska RestoBar from 3 to 9 p.m. Reservations are encouraged and are already filling up. APT aims to raise $20,000 by 9 p.m. on June 30—the culminating day of their month-long virtual fundraiser. The campaign will fund the Saving Lives Now project , and helping prevent LGBTQIA+ youth from becoming another suicide statistic.
Outside of the restaurant, there will be a bracelet-making table and a spin-to-win wheel with candy as the prize. There will also be a specialty APT drink at the bar—where a percentage of the profits will be donated to APT—a raffle, and a DJ from 7 to 9 p.m.
In addition to supporting APT student clubs, the Saving Lives Now project is working toward ensuring that single-stall restrooms in schools and communities have all-gender signs.
They are also bringing LGBTQIA+ inclusive and anti-bias professional development trainings to OAUSD. Another focus is advocating adoption of a family life and sex education curriculum that’s gender inclusive and in compliance with the California Healthy Youth Act, along with a general LGBTQIA+ inclusive curriculum for transitional kindergarten through sixth-grade.
To make a donation online, visit https://www.giveoutday.org/organization/Amor-Para-Todos, and to start an APT club at your school, contact amorparatodosapt@gmail.com.
How to get help:
- North Bay Suicide Prevention Hotline: 855-587-6373
- 24-hour Emergency Mental Health Unit: 800-746-8181
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-SUICIDE
Resources also are available for those who have lost someone to suicide. Sutter VNA & Hospice offers several support groups, including those for survivors of suicide, children who have experienced a loss and parents who have lost a child. Call (707) 535-5780.
