PFLAG-KC

Vigil in Remembrance of Lawrence King

2008-02-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

We've received the following information from GLSEN about a vigil for Lawrence King on Friday, February 22, 2008 7:00 P.M. at Broadway Church.

A Call for Healing

On Tuesday February 12, 2008, Lawrence King, fifteen years old, was shot in the computer lab of his school. On February 14, 2008, his name was added to the countless victims of hate and violence against sexual orientation and gender identity. Please join us to remember not only Lawrence and his freedom of expression, but all victims of LGBT hate and violence and those whose hearts continue to hold on to this hatred in a call for healing and safety for everyone.

Heartland Men’s Chorus

Heartland Men’s Chorus has volunteered to sing in memory of Lawrence and in support of opening our hearts to prevent such violence and hatred from allowing any more tragedy.

Mid-America Freedom Band

Taps will be performed by XY, Trumpet in memory of Lawrence King.

Kansas City Women’s Chorus

Kansas City Women’s Chorus has volunteered to sing in memory of Lawrence and in support of opening our hearts to prevent such violence and hatred from allowing any more tragedy.

Marcia Fleischman

Marcia, co-pastor of Broadway Church who has opened its doors for this event, will speak a few words in Lawrence’s memory.

Kansas City Anti-Violence Project

All donations will go to the Kansas City Anti-Violence Project to help provide awareness of LGBT domestic violence and provide support for persons who have experienced LGBT domestic violence.

Broadway Church

Broadway Church has opened its doors for this event to help promote healing and non-violence in the community.

Where: Broadway Church

39^th Terr. And Broadway

Kansas City, MO 64111

When: Friday, February 22, 2008
7:00 P.M.

Questions: Chris Keen-Noble 816-237-6686

kansascity@chapters.glsen.org

Support

There will be representatives from PROMO, Kansas Equality Coalition, KCAVP, Passages, Campfire USA, Heartland Council, Scouting for All, The Keen Foundation, UMKC LGBT Office and Women’s Center, Kansas City Safe Schools Coalition, P-FLAG, Harmony, and GLSEN Kansas City to help and provide information.

Thank You!

We would like to thank the Heartland Men’s Chorus, the Heartland Women’s Chorus, Mid-American Freedom Band, Macia Fleischman, PROMO, Kansas Equality Coalition, KCAVP, Passages, Campfire USA, Heartland Council, Scouting for All, The Keen Foundation, UMKC LGBT Office and Women’s Center, Kansas City Safe Schools Coalition, P-FLAG, Harmony, GLSEN Kansas City, all those in attendance, and the countless individuals who have helped make this event a success. Together we can heal from violence and create a world of love.

GLSEN Kansas City

P.O. Box 2655

Mission, KS. 66201

Phone: 816-217-3102
Email: kansascity@chapters.glsen.org

December Meeting Cancelled

2007-12-09T08:58:00.001-08:00

December's meeting has been canceled because of the bad weather.

Happy Holidays from Rainbow Legends

2007-12-01T08:40:00.000-08:00

Rainbow Legends is increasing the amount given for each book, Dragonfly Stories, Vol. 1, sold during December to 50% for the LGBTQ organization of the buyer's choice. That's $9.33 per book.

STAY AT HOME AND SHOP

Do your holiday shopping from your computer. You can avoid the crowds and the weather and feel good about the gift you are giving this holiday season. Publisher, Rainbow Legends has a great book, Dragonfly Stories, Vol. 1 that has been nominated for the LAMBDA Literary Award, Stonewall Book Award and the Nautilus Book Award. The book will also be featured in an upcoming release of Curve and Jane & Jane magazine. Rainbow Legends is giving PFLAG KC 50% of Dragonfly Stories, Vol. 1 sold on-line through their website, www.rainbowlegends.com during the month of December 2007.

Dragonfly Stories is a collection of 24 personal stories from the LGBTQ community. From stories of love to coming out, transgender and cross gender, building courage and seeking faith, raising families and dating, hate crimes and living with HIV, building a community and accepting oneself, each story is sure to touch the hearts of all who read them. Whether part of the LGBTQ community or not, this collection is certain to bring laughter and tears, reflection and empathy, camaraderie and insight.

So buy a great gift for a loved one and support your LGBTQ community. Go to www.rainbowlegends.com and select PFLAG KC when purchasing the book.

Where do presidential candidates stand on LGBT issues?

2007-11-27T18:32:00.000-08:00

Good question and PROMO informs us that they are co-sponsoring a forum with the answers.

Where do presidential candidates stand on LGBT issues?

Find out this Wednesday, November 28!

Come get educated at a local forum, co-hosted by the UMKC LGBT Student Life Office and the Four Freedoms Democratic Club, and co-sponsored by the Lesbian and Gay Community Center, PROMO, The Kansas Equality Coalition, KC Pride Democratic Club, and the Human Rights Campaign-KC.

Learn where candidates stand on LGBT issues, ask questions, and find out how to become involved!

Date and time: Wednesday, November 28, 7:00PM-9:00PM
Location: UMKC School of Law, Room 4, 52nd and Oak

See you Wednesday!

Dragonfly Stories, Vol. 1

2007-11-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

The Rainbow Legends site is donating 40% of the purchase price of the book "Dragonfly Stories Volume One" to an LGBTQ organization of your choice and PFLAG-KC is one of the organizations you can choose.

Christmas Tree

2006-12-05T17:28:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture of a tree PFLAG-KC sponsored in a local charity tree auction.

October Speaker

2006-09-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

Our speaker for October's meeting is Jaron Asher.

Jaron will be speaking to us about the "T" in LGBT---transgender issues are still a mystery to many pflagers and here is your chance to get a fuller understanding.

He has been working in the LGBT community on such projects as the Youth Violence Prevention Project, speaking engagements, and working with health care organizations to ensure that the needs of transgender people are treated with dignity and respect.

Jaron has also worked with educational organizations to help faculty, administration and staff to effectively communicate with all persons, especially those within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

UPDATE:
Jaron asked us to post the following links to more information:

Transgender

A Parents Perspective on Transgender Identity

Glossary of Transgender Terms

Columbia/Mid-Missouri Chapter

2006-04-03T20:35:00.000-07:00

The Columbia/Mid-Missouri Chapter of PFLAG has a new website - http://pflag.missouri.org

Announcing Greater KCMO SSN Group Meeting

2006-03-29T19:05:00.000-08:00

We've received the following info about the next Straight Spouse Network meeting.

The Greater Kansas City area SSN support group will meet Monday night, April 3, from 6:00-8:30 PM, room 124 at Village
Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd, Kansas City. Come in the south entrance. Go down the stairs, turn left and immediately turn right. The room is about 20 feet past.

TOPIC---Mixed Orientation Marriages that Stay Together--Our past group facilitator will speak to this topic and will answer questions. About 1/6th of straight spouses stay married. We will also have time to explore any of our other issues, too.

FOOD--Feel free to bring your dinner and drink and/or snacks with you.

DIRECTIONS:
From I-35 south, take Rainbow or 7th St exit south on Rainbow several miles to Shawnee Mission Parkway. Turn right. At the second light, Mission, turn left and weave around a little until 67th St. There is a light here. The church is on the left. Take the next left into the South parking lot.
From the South, exit at Roe or State line north to 75th St. Mission is between Roe and State Line. From 75th St, go north on Mission past Prairie Village Shopping Center. Church is on right.

If 6:00 PM is too early for you, please feel free to come when you can.

Please contact me, either by phone or email, to let me know you will be attending and/or to let me know if you wish to car pool.

Donna in KS
785-221-8794

Love Needs No Cure

2006-02-22T20:47:00.000-08:00

Here's some info we've been sent about the Love Needs No Cure vigil in St. Louis, Missouri:

Love Needs No Cure.
A Peaceful Vigil.
A Response to the Anti-Gay message of “Love Won Out”

Saturday, February 25, 2006
Vicinity of First Evangelical Free Church
1375 Carman Road, Ballwin, MO 63021

Frequently Asked Questions.

What is this about? Our community is responding to the hurtful and untrue message being promoted by “Focus on the Family” and “Exodus International” in their “Love Won Out” conference. These organizations are asserting, against all established, educated, and scientific studies and practices, that people can be “cured” of homosexuality. Our community-based response, which was organized by a group of people from various faiths, professions, political backgrounds, etc., will be respectful, joyous, life/love-affirming.

Who is invited to attend? All fair-minded people who stand in unity with the LGBT community, or oppose the oppression of others are invited to attend.

How long will the vigil last? Due to the structure (registration & adjournment) of the conference, we hope to have a large group of people attending the vigil during the morning and late afternoon hours. Certainly, people are invited to stay the entire duration of the conference, but your presence is appreciated even if only for a half-hour.

Morning Gathering: 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Afternoon Gathering: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

What else can I do to contribute? We also need financial support to organize this event, along with subsequent events to “counter” the message being delivered throughout our region on billboards. Please send any financial contributions to PROMO (www.promoonline.org) attn: Love Needs No Cure, 438 North Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130.

Where do I park? Due to the anticipated turnout, we encourage you to carpool with your friends and family. In addition to very LIMITED parking around the intersection of Carman and Weidman, we will be hosting a shuttle service from the following locations:

Queeny Park | 550 Weidman Road (West Park Entrance)

Commuter Parking Lot | Northwest Corner of I-44 & Hwy 141

Manchester United Methodist Church | 129 Woods Mill Road @ Manchester Road
**Please park in the Northwest corner of parking lot.**

Good Shepard Lutheran Church | 327 Woods Mill Road (.25 mi. North of Manchester Road)
**Please park in the south side of parking lot – closest to house and garage.**

Interested in carpooling? Carpools will be available only in the morning (6:00 a.m.) from two locations:

Delmar Loop Metrolink Station | 660 Rosedale Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63112
St. John’s United Methodist Church (also MCC Church), 5000 Washington Avenue @ Kingshighway, located in the Central West End.

Interested in being a Peacekeeper? We need people to ensure the safety and security of those involved, and also be mindfully watching for possible disturbances. If interested, please contact:
Perry: 314-283-4050 | opus397@aol.com
Rob: 314-353-5951 | robbieblue11@msn.com

Kickoff Meeting For the Johnson County Chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition

2006-01-23T18:17:00.000-08:00

Please attend the kickoff of the Johnson County Chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition. The purpose of this meeting is to:

approve the Chapter bylaws; and

elect board members for the Johnson County Chapter

Your participation in this organization is crucial to setting the direction for GLBT Kansans and ensuring fairness and equality for all. You can make a difference.

***Please note that in order to vote on bylaws and board members you must be a member of the Kansas Equality Coalition. There will be volunteers at the meeting to process your registration. Annual membership dues are $25 (household); $15 (individual); and $5 (full-time student). Checks accepted.***

January 25, 2006
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Colonial United Church of Christ
7039 Mission Road
Prairie Village, KS
Heritage Room

7:00 – 7:10 Welcome
7:10 – 7:20 Review of Bylaws
7:20 – 7:35 Membership Drive
7:35 – 7:45 Acceptance of Bylaws
7:45 – 8:15 Chapter Board Elections
8:15 – 8:25 Legislative Overview
8:25 – 8:30 Next Steps/Adjourn

The Kansas Equality Coalition is a new, unified statewide group of fair-minded people who are determined to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We seek to ensure the dignity, safety and legal equality of all Kansans.

We are nonpartisan and include people who are religious and secular as well as straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered. We are from all walks of life and from all parts of the state.

Formally created on Oct. 9, 2005, in a meeting in Emporia, the Equality Coalition is the largest organization in Kansas dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Julian Houston

2006-01-02T21:01:00.000-08:00

Julian Houston, one of our chapter's founding members, died Tuesday, December 20, 2005. We will all miss him.

Update: Our monthly newsletter has an article about Julian.

Helen Cohen

2005-06-20T17:39:00.000-07:00

Our chapter has received word that former PFLAG-KC President Helen Cohen has passed away. Helen was a wonderful chapter president for many years and a good friend to many of our members. She will be greatly missed.

Ad Ideas

2005-05-07T14:52:00.000-07:00

These are some ideas for an ad we are thinking about placing in a local publication.

Here's ad idea number 1:

And here's ad idea number 2:

Please feel free to vote in the comments.

Benefit Concert for Passages

2005-04-19T17:11:00.000-07:00

Here's a news release about the upcoming benefit concert for Passages:

*Casey Stratton & Eric Himan to Play The Hollywood Room in Kansas City on April 22, 2005 *

Former Sony Music recording artist Casey Stratton and indie rocker artist, Eric Himan will be co-headlining a new 20-city tour this spring/summer. One of the first stops will be at the Hollywood Room in Kansas City on April 22, 2005 at 8 pm. This will be a benefit concert for Passages Youth Center.

Eric Himan has made a conscious decision to remain an independent artist producing and releasing four discs in as many years on his own label, ThumbCrown Records. */Dark Horse/*, Eric's most recent work was released on 3/22/05 to an eager grass roots fans base, selling 1000 copies in its first week and becoming a "Top Seller Now" at Cdbaby.com. National press features include OUT, Instinct, Genre and the Advocate. Eric was recently tapped to be among some on music's hardest hitters: Melissa Etheridge, Dixie Chicks, and Carole King on the Human Right's Campaign's latest compilation */Love Rocks/*. This Fender endorsed artist has built his loyal following by playing no less than 115 shows in 2004. Eric has become a favorite on the collegiate music scene, showcasing his talent at the 2004 NACA National Conference as well as stopping at over 75 colleges nation-wide. He breaks the mold of the soft-spoken, earnest folk troubadour. His performances are filled with electricity and power, but his lyrics betrayed a vulnerability and sadness that sharply contrast with his bad boy appearance. The combination proves irresistible to audiences.

Casey Stratton has packed a lot of music into a relatively young life. It was through the piano that he discovered a passion writing songs and singing them. After graduating from Michigan's Interlochen Arts Academy, with training in voice and composition, the budding artist left Michigan for Los Angeles. With the growing momentum and increasing popularity of his fan base, there was nation-wide label interest in Casey. The hard work paid off and he was signed to Sony Music Entertainment in 2002. His first Sony release */STANDING AT THE EDGE/* was produced by the legendary Patrick Leonard (Madonna, Elton John). Casey's performances have already resulted in a cult following, and he has received glowing reviews in magazines like People, USA Today and Billboard to name a few, and appeared on national television, including CBS Saturday Morning.

Casey's remix of '/House of Jupiter/' was recently *# 1 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play Chart*. There has been an overwhelming response with this remix and with Casey in the past several months. Most recently, Casey has made a decision to take his next album */DIVIDE/* to a new level and release it independently in late Summer 2005 on his label, Sleeping Pill Music.

In a time where unique and inspiring live performances run second fiddle to pre-fab bands and lip-syncing on national television, Casey and Eric are here to reassure you that true talent is here to stay.

*Show Details:
**Friday, April 22, 2005 8 pm

Admission $17.00
Hollywood Room
100 E 20th St
Kansas City, MO
(Corner of 20th & Walnut)
Tickets available at:
Out There
205 Westport Rd
816.753.4757
&
The Planet Cafe
3535 Broadway Suite "D"
816.561.7287*

What's New

2005-02-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

Some of the other PFLAG-KC members will be posting to our weblog in the future. Also I've enabled comments to allow our readers to give some feedback.

Straight Spouse Support Group Update

2005-01-28T16:15:00.000-08:00

Here's an update on the straight spouse support group:

We had to cancel the last SSN meeting because of icy roads; many of us come from a number of miles away.

Yes, the word is getting out that we (SSN) have started a support group. Slowly, we are growing.

Our rescheduled meeting will be Saturday, Jan, 29th, at noon, at the Carrabba's Italian Grill, 10586 Metcalf Lane, Overland Park, KS 66212--restaurant # 913-385-7812.

If you plan on attending, let me know through email or call me at 785-221-8794.

Thanks for passing this message on.

Donna in KS
Ladybee444@aol.com

Local Straight Spouse Group

2004-12-31T13:10:00.000-08:00

We've received the following info about a local support group for the straight spouses of lesbians and gays.

I am sending this notice to all of you to let you
know that a support group for Straight Spouses has
been formed for the greater Kansas City Area. So far,
we have had two meetings, one in Nov, and one in Dec.
We are associated with the Straight Spouse Network
(SSN).

Following is the information on our next meeting:
Our next gathering of the Greater KC area SSN will be
held at 6:00 PM on January 10, 2005, at Carrabba's
Italian Grill, 10586 Metcalf Lane, Overland Park, KS,
66212. Their phone is 913-385-7812. Special thanks to
Tammy for organizing this for us.

We will have a private dining room. The average entrée
w/salad runs around $15 but pastas are less and steaks
are more. Please email me for more info and/or to let
me know you will be attending. Ladybee444@aol.com

Jobs at Lambda Legal

2004-11-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

Here's some info we received on jobs at Lambda Legal.

A number of employment opportunities are now available at Lambda Legal due to newly created positions. These positions, as well as currently open positions, are listed below. These are exciting times at Lambda Legal -- come join the team.

Attorney Positions

Lambda Legal always welcomes resumes from attorneys who are interested in employment in any of our offices nationwide. Please send resumes to Hayley Gorenberg, Deputy Legal Director, 120 Wall Street, Suite 1500, New York, NY 10005.

Help Desk Staff Attorney, Any of Lambda Legal's Offices (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas) (Newly Created Position)
Transgender Rights Attorney, Any of Lambda Legal's Offices (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas) (Newly Created Position)
Staff or Senior Attorney, Western Regional Office, Los Angeles

Other Job Opportunities

Community Organizer, National Headquarters, New Jersey (Newly Created Position)
Outreach Associate, National Headquarters, New York City (Newly Created Position) Starts 1/1/2005
Major Gifts Officer, Western Regional Office, California -- Bay Area (Newly Created Position)
Paralegal, Midwest Regional Office, Chicago Community Organizer, Iowa (Newly Created Position)
Major Gifts Officer, Southern Regional Office, South Florida Legal Assistant, Southern Regional Office (Atlanta)(Newly Created Position)
Outreach Associate, South Central Regional Office, Dallas (Newly Created Position) Starts 1/1/2005

For more information on all the jobs listed above please visit www.lambdalegal.org

Steve Silberman: Our Traditional Non-Traditional Wedding

2004-11-05T20:37:00.000-08:00

Steve Silberman: Our Traditional Non-Traditional Wedding: " As I read through the post-mortems of the 2004 election speculating about whether the gay marriage issue cost John Kerry his presidency -- with many Democrats supporting this view -- I have the disoriented feeling of reading about my sweet, ordinary life with Keith distorted through funhouse mirrors. When writer Bill Bennett places gay marriage in opposition to "ethical values" and a "decent society," as he did in the National Review the day after the election, does he mean us? Apparently so. By now, the concept of marriages like ours has been twisted into such an abstract threat to so many otherwise fine and compassionate people -- and so divorced from the humble blessing of two souls caring deeply for one another -- it's time for a national reality check.

Keith and I are not political activists. His family has traditionally voted Republican, and his parents voted for Bush in the recent election. Until recently, Keith's father was the mayor of a small town in the Midwest; the first time I met him, he took me aside and said, "I know that you are very special to Keith, so that means you are very special to us." There was such simple, human, Midwestern forthrightness in that statement. No banner-waving, no Biblical injunctions, no soapboxing. Just a clear and compassionate message: We love our son and trust his ability to make the most personal decision of all. "

New Newsletter Articles

2004-11-03T18:40:00.000-08:00

The main PFLAG-KC site has new newsletter articles and some new events in the calendar.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

2004-11-02T16:12:00.000-08:00

There will be a Transgender Day of Remembrance event on November 20th in Lawrence, Kansas. It's probably the only such observance in the state of Kansas.

(www.rememberingourdead.org):
"The Transgender Day of Remembrance was set aside to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred or prejudice. The event is held in November to honor Rita Hester, whose murder in 1998 kicked off the "Remembering Our Dead" web project and a San Francisco candlelight vigil in 1999. Since then, the event has grown to encompass memorials in dozens of cities across the world."

The event will be held at the Plymouth Congregational Church, 925 Vermont at 7:00pm in the chapel. Contact: lawrenceksdor@yahoo.com.

A Time To Ride

2004-09-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

Here's some info on the film that will be the program at our October general meeting.

A TIME TO RIDE: a documentary film about the
cross-country bicycle ride of two lesbian grandmothers
in search of marriage equality

Elisia and Carrie Ross-Stone, known as the Rainbow
Grannies, finished their second 3,100 mile
cross-country bicycle ride in New York City on July
10, 2004. The couple, who are life partners, parents
to three grown children and grandmothers to Jareth,
age 2, departed from San Francisco on May 2 to begin
their arduous trek over mountain ranges and across
deserts and prairies. As they pedaled, they stopped to
participate in rallies for marriage equality in
cities and towns along their route.

While they made their way across the country, Carrie
and Elisia met
with people face-to-face and told the story of their
own family. They talked about the hardship of raising
children without legal rights and protections -
protections that are only available to legally
recognized families. They shared their fears of
growing older without the benefit of governmental
programs paid for by their tax dollars.

The 2004 ride has been captured on film by
award-winning filmmaker,
Keith Wilson in a one-hour documentary called A TIME
TO RIDE. The film documents the Grannies struggle,
their courage and their determination in the face of
physical exhaustion, hostility, protests and death
threats.

A TIME TO RIDE is not just the story of the Rainbow
Grannies. It is about real gay and lesbian families
whose lives are affected by politicians and religious
zealots who use fear and ignorance for their own
profit and political gain.

A TIME TO RIDE will be available for viewing by
mid-September to give voters an opportunity to
understand what is really fueling the marriage
equality controversy. To see a trailer of the
documentary, visit ww.ATimetoRide.com

HELP US SPREAD THE FILM'S MESSAGE by organizing a
screening at a PFLAG meeting or in your community
before the November 2 election! For more details of
how you can get involved with this important and
timely project, visit: www.ATimeToRide.com

For more information:
- visit: www.ATimeToRide.com
- contact the director Keith Wilson: 415.269.3279
- contact the Rainbow Grannies: 800.891.8189

Kansas City LGBT Yahoo Group

2004-09-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

A Yahoo Group has been started for the LGBT Community in the Greater Kansas City area:

Yahoo! Groups : LGBT-Community-KC "Our group is for all LGBT– Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,& Transgendered people & our Allies who live in Greater Kansas City. Our purpose is not to compete with LGCC-KC (The Lesbian & Gay Community Center of Greater Kansas City), but to complement their mission & efforts to serve LGBT people & Allies in Greater Kansas City."

LGBT Election Forum

2004-09-09T17:52:00.000-07:00

The Four Freedoms Democratic Club asked us to post the following announcement:

Our voices count.
Our opinions count.
Our lives count.
Our issues count.
Our votes count.
WE COUNT
Election 2004
««««««
An election forum covering Missouri, Kansas and National candidates/issues for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People and their Straight Allies
LEARN WHAT THE ISSUES ARE
LEARN WHY YOUR VOTE MATTERS
LEARN HOW TO GET INVOLVED
DECIDE WHO DESERVES YOUR VOTE
AND MEET THE CANDIDATES!
Sunday, September 26^th
5:00 to 7:00 pm
Spirit of Hope Metropolitan Community Church of Kansas City
3801 Wyandotte Street
SPONSORED BY:
Human Rights Campaign, Four Freedoms Democratic Club, KC Pride Democratic Club, PROMO, Spirit of Hope Metropolitan Community Church
Paid for by Four Freedoms Democratic Club, Miriam Hennosy Treasurer