Articles From Our December, 2000 Newsletter

This banner symbolizes the ringing in of another season of holiday cheer, and PFLAG will celebrate that beginning with its annual pot luck celebration on December 10, 2000.

We'll gather at 3p.m. Meat, bread, silverware and drinks will be provided. You bring food (appetizers, salads, veggies, desserts, casseroles, create your own) enough for yourself(selves) and a couple of others, so everyone will have plenty to eat.

Bring your family, partner, friends and come join us for the usual great time when PFLAG gets together. We'll meet as usual at Village Presbyterian Church. 

The end of the year is often a time to reflect and remember what has been meaningful and memorable during the year that is ending. Personally, this is an opportunity to express my gratitude to PFLAG - my Kansas City family - for the support and love with which I have been surrounded as I continue to cope with the loss of my husband Harvey. The sadness of my life without him is eased by my PFLAG friends and by the important work we do.

Organizationally, we have accomplished much during this past year. We have responded to over l50 telephone and email requests for support and information. We have made presentations to university classes, business, religious, and social groups about PFLAG and gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender (glbt) issues. We have joined with other glbt organizations including Passages, PREP, the Four Freedoms Democratic Club, GLAAD, the AIDS walk, the Pride parade and festival, the Troost Market Health Fair, and the community picnic. Our monthly meetings are a safe place for glbt people to find support and family and for families and friends of glbt people to learn about what it means to be gay and how to come out appropriately. We continue to support each other as we learn about glbt issues and commit ourselves to making the world safe for our glbt loved ones. 

I feel so proud to be part of PFLAG and to be affiliated with national, regional, and state PFLAG organizations. We are one of about 450 PFLAG chapters internationally, with new chapters forming all the time. The Board of PFLAG-KC is a dedicated and creative team, devoted to our work and to each other. I welcome new Board members Carol Nistler, Tammy Matthews, and Travis Thompson and know that their contributions will enhance the work of ongoing Board members. I invite PFLAG members to join our Board - a lively, fun and inspiring group.

During the next year, we will continue to work with the glbt community and mainline community organizations to raise awareness about glbt issues, to support our glbt loved ones, to build visibility for our PFLAG chapter, and to work consistently for justice for all citizens of the greater Kansas City area and beyond. Look for information about upcoming events including the Heartlands and Southern Regional Conference to be held in Dallas,Texas in March (information included in this issue of the newsletter), co-sponsored activities with the glbt Passages youth group, interesting and enlightening educational programs, continued support for glbt people and their families and friends, and making our voices heard on issues of equality and fairness.

I urge all of you to come to meetings and engage in PFLAG activities - join the PFLAG-KC family. We need you and you'll find your participation rewarding. I send best wishes for holiday joy and New Year happiness to you all.
Best wishes for a gay 2001, 

Helen Cohen
President, PFLAG-Kansas City

PFLAG SUPPORTS REAL FAMILY VALUES