Last week in Iowa City I realized the LGBT movement spends too much effort preaching to gay urban audiences. We need to invest more time gathering support from straight neighbors, especially in suburban and rural areas, so that LGBT acceptance becomes a full community affair.

Although I was cold from the rain during my few days in Iowa City, my heart was warm from seeing firsthand a local community energized to advance LGBT acceptance.

Who was the first human bully? As I contemplate October’s designation as National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month, I wonder that very thing.

If we see bullies as individuals who assert their dominance over a weaker individual to achieve their own ends, was it the first human that recognized themselves as stronger and hungrier than the rest of the tribe? We see and understand this trait in animals but, in an enlightened civilization, why does it continue to happen among humans?

SAN DIEGO -- To raise money for the only annual national educator conference focused on LGBTQ youth - Supporting Students ~ Saving Lives - a fundraiser and book release party will be held Thursday, Oct. 4, at the At HOM store in Little Italy.

Event organizers hope that community members will come out and support the fundraiser, especially in light of the startling statistics:

- Nine out of 10 LGBT students are harassed at school.

- LGBT students are 4 times more likely to attempt suicide.

- LGBTQ students have a dropout rate three times the national average.

SAN DIEGO -- In an effort to provide a space for youth to emerge into leadership roles in the community, San Diego Pride will host its first ever Youth Leadership Academy on Saturday, Oct. 13.

Students and youth between the ages of 16-23 are welcome to apply to be a part of the academy program, which will train them on how to be an active leader in both their school and community. The one-day seminar will include outdoor activities, bonding exercises, and empowering workshops, and introduce participants to topics such as empowerment, sexual identity, school advocacy, and network building.