The Blog of P.U.R.E. and Sue Scheff

Tolerance, acceptance and parenting.  Our kids learn by example, what are they seeing at home? With the recent teen tragedies that involve bullying and harassment towards gay teens, parents and communities need to step up and step into action . Bullying is an endemic problem in American schools. Anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) bullying is one of the most pervasive forms of bullying and often the weapon of choice for bullies, regardless of the bullied student’s sexual orientation. Yet many schools have not effectively addressed anti-LGBT name-calling, bullying and harassment . GLSEN recommends four approaches that schools can implement now to address anti-LGBT bullying and make schools safer for all students. 1. Adopt a comprehensive anti-bullying policy that enumerates categories such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation and gender expression/identity. 2. Require staff training to enable school staff to ide...

Many celebrities are known by one name.  Whether it is Cher, Madonna or Ellen - we know exactly who they are and what they do.  They are recognizable. Ellen , who makes people laugh everyday on her television talk show, is using her voice and her celebrity to help spread the word about bullying prevention .   There is nothing funny about bullying and she is dedicated to helping those that are being harassed, teased and viciously attacked. Her website recently launched a resource page for bullying prevention. The following organizations are all devoted to ending bullying . You can learn more at their websites about the resources each organization provides.   The Trevor Project runs the Trevor Lifeline , a 24-hour, national crisis and suicide prevention lifeline for gay and questioning teens. The number is 1-866-4-U-Trevor. You can learn more about The Trevor Project and the other great program they have at their website: thetrevorproject.org . The Nat...

Homosexuality can be a sensitive subject, however  today there are many resources to help educate parents and teens on sexuality.  No matter what your beliefs are, teens will be teens and going through puberty is not easy, whether you are gay or straight, life has challenges.  However society can be harsh when they are not tolerant to different lifestyles. This is not about right or wrong, it is about differences.  Differences is what makes the world go round and makes our country a wonderful place to live.  Freedoms to be who you are and be proud of it. How many times have you said something you wish you could take back? How many times have your children repeated things you wish you never said? As many parents know, what goes in their little ears can come out of their mouth - when you least expect it or want to hear it! How about when your teens repeat personal matters in your family? If you are sharing private information with your teenagers...