Massachusetts Student Safety Plan 1998

For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Students

"...the vigilant protection of constitutional freedoms is nowhere more vital than in the community of American scools."

-The Supreme Court



Your Civil Rights:

     Massachusetts criminal law protects gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth from being victimized on the account of sexual orientation or gender. It is against the law for anyone to threaten you, harass you, touch you in a way you don't like or without your permission, or otherwise physically mistreat you. All of these actions are illegal, and are considered a "hate crime" if the person doing them to you uses homophobic language.

Examples of Hate Crimes:

Stop the Hate:

     If a hate crime happens to you, or you see one happen to another, it is vital hat you tell someone you can trust.      Report it by phone at the Violence Recovery Program of the Fenway Community Health Center; 617-927-6250, or on the web at www.stopthehate.org

REMEMBER: YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE SAFE!!

If you don't want to give your name, or if the adult you tell does not help you, call:

Fenway Community Health Center Violence Recovery Program:
617-927-6250

Governor's tak Force on Hate Crimes:
617-660-4740

Samariteens (teen to teen line):
1-800-252-TEEN (3-9pm)

Governor;s Comission on Gay and Lesbian Youth:
617-727-3600 x312

Other Confidential Resources:

National Gay and Leasbian Youth Hotline:
1-800-347-TEEN

National Youth Crisis Hotline:
1-800-448-4663

Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays:
508-562-5807

Gay and Lesbian Adolescent Social Sevices (GLASS):
617-266-3349

BAGLY (Boston Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth):
1-800-42-BAGLY

Child Abuse Hotline:
1-800-792-5200

Fenway Community Health Center Gay & Lesbian Helpline:
617-267-9001

FCHC Peer Listening Line (for Gay and Lesbian Youth):
1-800-399-PEER

Gay and Lesabian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD):
617-426-1350