Earlier today, WBHM posted on their Facebook page that Dr. Michael Wilson will be leaving Glen Iris Elementary school to lead a proposed charter school for LGBTQ students in Birmingham.
According to the Birmingham City Schools Facebook page, Dr. Wilson was named “the National Distinguished Principal of the Year for the state of Alabama by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP)! The program honors outstanding principals who ensure children acquire a sound foundation for lifelong learning and achievement.”
The school, which AL.Com reported on in April, will be named the “Magic City Acceptance Academy” is expected to open as soon as 2020.
According to the AL.Com story, “more than 800 LGBTQ youth have received services through the Magic City Acceptance Center, which Birmingham Aids Outreach opened five years ago to provide many free programs, including a legal clinic, counseling, HIV/STI/STD testing and health and wellness workshops.”
According to their website, “The Magic City Acceptance Center (MCAC) provides a supportive and affirming space for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer or Questioning individuals in Birmingham, Alabama.”
MCAC initiatives for LGBTQ youth, ages 13-24 include*:
- Drop-In Hours
- Movie Nights
- Art Workshops
- Unicorn Pizza Club- a monthly discussion forum focusing on various and diverse aspects of LGBTQ sexual health and well-being.
- Access and linkage to Community and National Resources
- Free HIV/STI Testing and Education
- Free Counseling with Licensed Professional Counselors
- Steel City Spectrum- a peer-led advocacy group for trans and non binary individuals QTPOC Talk- LGBTQ People of Color Talk
- Self-Care Workshops
- BAGSLY (Birmingham Area Gender and Sexuality League of Youth)
- BAGSLY YouTube Channel
- Racial/Social Justice Workshops
- Know Your Rights Workshops
- Special Events: Holiday Parties, Pride Events
- Magic City Acceptance Summer Camp
- Prom and Homecoming
LGBTQ Children’s Program:
- Space to Be Me- This is a professionally facilitated group for parents of trans youth under the age of 14. Children will also have space to meet, connect and participate in activities with other trans youth.
LGBTQ Adult Programs:
- Speak OUT: Professionally facilitated support group for LGBTQ adults, ages 25+.
- Out and About- A social group for LGBTQ individuals ages 40 and better. Programs include movie nights and art programs.
- Steel City Spectrum- Professionally facilitated support group for trans, non-binary and genderqueer adults ages 25+.
- Love TRANSformed- Professionally facilitated support group for partners and spouses of trans adults.
- All-Gender Survivors of Sexual Assault Support Group- professionally facilitated, in partnership with the Crisis Center of Alabama.
- LGBTQ Book Club
- Gay Dad’s Support Group
- Monthly BAO Bingo
- Legal Name Change Clinic
- Wills/Permanency Planning Legal Clinic
