How To Deal With The Opposition

• RULE 1. Be pleasant. Be firm. Stay focused. Don't get sidetracked.
• RULE 2. Offer information.
• RULE 3. Remember the basic facts about sexual orientation and gender identity.
• RULE 4. Remind opponents that we are PUBLIC EDUCATORS, and that our responsibility is to serve ALL children.
• RULE 5. That ALL children are deserving of dignity and respect.
• RULE 6. That the mission of PUBLIC EDUCATION is to teach children how to live peacefully in an increasingly diverse society.
• RULE 7. That personal beliefs MUST be separated from public policy.

WHAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY

• Nobody knows the cause. There is no single factor.
• Sexual orientation and gender identity appears to be established early in life.
• Attempts to change lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people into heterosexuals have been largely unsuccessful.
• Most LGBTs are unidentifiable by appearance or mannerism.
• Homosexuality is NOT a mental illness. It was declassified as such by the American Psychiatric Association in 1973.
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people are NOT sick, deviant, or perverted.
• LGBT people have the same capacity for loving, long lasting relationships, and productive lives as do heterosexuals.