Identity, Bullying, & Building a Better School
Dynamic Presentations for Middle School & High School Students
That's so gay! echoes down the hallways of schools throughout the US and the UK. We seek to create a safe space for all students, but sometimes it seems the most we can do is correct students when they say or do something homophobic.
Peterson Toscano has created energetic, positive and effective talks and performances for students that not only address name-calling but move into actual problem solving and community building.
Using performance, storytelling, interactive activities, and comedy, in small and large group activies, Peterson facilitates a discussion about homophobia and the impact it has on all students—lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning AND straight!
Using positive protocols for problem solving and self-reflection, Peterson helps students get beyond mere tolerance to a deeper understanding and willingness to create and maintain a healthy, safe environment for all students.
(45 or 90 minutes)
- Read a blog entry where Peterson writes about visits to two different schools--Doin' Time in Middle School & High School
- Read an excerpt from Linda Nathan's book The Hardest Questions Aren't on the Test where she writes about Peterson's work in her high school among facutly, staff and student. See page 42.
- For high schools take a look at Queer 101--Now I Know My gAy,B,Cs
Peterson has performed in public and private schools throughout North America and Europe including Lincoln Sudbury High School (MA), Sidwell Friends School (DC), New Garden Friends School (NC), Lincoln School (RI), Francis W. Parker Essential School (MA), Shimna Integrated School (Northern Ireland), Instituto Enseñanza Secundaria (Madrid, Spain), Connecticut Children Medical Center School, Watkinson School (CT), Abington Friends Middle School (PA), Fenway High School (MA), Boston Academy of the Arts (MA), United World College (NM), Woolman Semester (CA), Friends Central (PA) The Calhoun School (NY), The McLean School (MD)
--What schools are saying about Peterson's dynamic presentations--
I found your presentation funny, thoughtful and entirely appropriate for our audience. You made students feel comfortable and left them with a powerful message.
-Rebecca Zug, Assistant Principal and Dean of Students, Sidwell Friends School, Washington, DC
Peterson’s presentation to our middle and high school students with special needs was exceptional. Before the assembly, he came to the school to learn the needs and understanding levels of the students. He presented valuable information about accepting differences in a practical, entertaining and understandable way. He actively engaged the students as participants. Comments from the students showed that they understood the content and appreciated the message.
-Paul Quin, CCMC School, Wethersfield, CT
…Peterson’s performance was something I needed to see. It helped me in two different kinds of ways. One is it made me have more courage about myself. Seeing that, it made me feel like other kids understood that we have feelings and we are human. Because of that, I thank the school for having Peterson come to the school and making a change in everyone.
-John, a middle school student
Peterson spent the school day with us, interacting with a wide range of students--from 4th graders to high school kids. During each interaction he showed great skill in relating to the age level, and making his own life story and issues of queer identity accessible and relevant to our students. His afternoon performance and discussion with faculty helped our adult community broaden and deepen our exploration of LGBTQ-related topics while being thoroughly entertained by Peterson’s considerable talent as a performance activist.
-Hilary North, Director of Diversity, Calhoun School, NYC
A queer, white Quaker talking to a school with predominantly straight, black Christians provided a bit of a culture shock. But, Peterson's ability to use his diverse humor to reach out to my school was phenomenal. His eight character monologue still has students talking about him, asking 'When will he come back? He was so great.' More than a few eyes were opened that day.
-Justin, a high school student
(Peterson’s staff training) was the best one that we have had in my seven years at CCMC School. I thought it gave staff a chance to grow personally and professionally. We spend so much time on bettering our students that sometimes we forget to take time for ourself and our co-workers. This workshop gave us a chance to come together and talk to each other about us. I really think we can use the “fish bowl” activity with staff when issues come up. I think that it is a way to talk about some hard issues without being confrontational and have people listen to both sides.
-Nicole Haeseler, Special Education Teacher, CCMC School, Wethersfield, CT
Peterson also offers workshops for teachers & staff
on LGBTQ issues, diversity & creative teaching
Click here for Contact and Booking.