Articles From Our September, 2004 Newsletter
Our September 12th program will involve a discussion of
heredity and genetic issues facilitated by one of our own members, Lester
Blue. Lester has been studying these topics for several years and promised
to provide the most current information available. Lester has been a
member of the Kansas City Chapter for only about a year. We are honored
that he has volunteered to lead such a discussion after a relatively short time
of being associated with us. Please come and help us make Lester feel at
home and learn about new developments in the field of genetics.
Our meeting starts at 3pm in room 307 at Village Presbyterian Church. See you there.
Our meeting starts at 3pm in room 307 at Village Presbyterian Church. See you there.
Wouldn’t you like to serve on our PFLAG/KC Board?
At our upcoming PFLAG meeting on Sept. 12, nominations will be accepted for service on our Board.
Meetings of the Board are held on the same day as our regular meeting, the second Sunday of each month, and begin at 1:30pm.
Your presence would be most welcome. We need you to help us keep PFLAG running smoothly.
It’s easy to do: When the floor is open for nominations just raise your hand and say, “Sign me up.” Elections will be held at that meeting and you would start serving in October. Give it lots of thought....OK?
At our upcoming PFLAG meeting on Sept. 12, nominations will be accepted for service on our Board.
Meetings of the Board are held on the same day as our regular meeting, the second Sunday of each month, and begin at 1:30pm.
Your presence would be most welcome. We need you to help us keep PFLAG running smoothly.
It’s easy to do: When the floor is open for nominations just raise your hand and say, “Sign me up.” Elections will be held at that meeting and you would start serving in October. Give it lots of thought....OK?
Hey all,
About this time last year I was shaking in my boots at the thought of serving on PFLAG's Board of Directors. I had been out to lunch with our precious Helen Cohen twice and she did her best to calm my nerves and assure me that I could do this. I think my biggest fear - apart from not having a clue about how all of this works - was that somehow I would screw things up and run this wonderful organization into the ground.
The wonderful truth is this: This organization is NOT run by the president (thank God), but by a board that always works as one unit, and the volunteers who somehow seem to be there when we need them. This group has guided me through our board meetings and events with gentle prodding and lots of humor - for that I am extremely grateful.
Penny Henry is stepping down this year after countless years of serving as the vice president, resource director, chief librarian and number 1 food taster.
Russ Hawkins has stepped down as well but will graciously continue putting this newsletter together.
Karyn Paulman moved out of state and David Whitner stepped up to the plate as our interim secretary without a month’s passing. A huge thank you to these three.
As we look at the roster of those who seek to serve this next year, you will see that some are new and some are simply shifting positions. Remember folks, if you are a member, you have a right to vote when we hold elections on September 12th. I would also ask that you carefully consider volunteering in some way.
I'll admit that I still shake in my boots when new things come up, but I know this group will hold me steady.
With your blessing, I seek another term.
Jamie Lee
About this time last year I was shaking in my boots at the thought of serving on PFLAG's Board of Directors. I had been out to lunch with our precious Helen Cohen twice and she did her best to calm my nerves and assure me that I could do this. I think my biggest fear - apart from not having a clue about how all of this works - was that somehow I would screw things up and run this wonderful organization into the ground.
The wonderful truth is this: This organization is NOT run by the president (thank God), but by a board that always works as one unit, and the volunteers who somehow seem to be there when we need them. This group has guided me through our board meetings and events with gentle prodding and lots of humor - for that I am extremely grateful.
Penny Henry is stepping down this year after countless years of serving as the vice president, resource director, chief librarian and number 1 food taster.
Russ Hawkins has stepped down as well but will graciously continue putting this newsletter together.
Karyn Paulman moved out of state and David Whitner stepped up to the plate as our interim secretary without a month’s passing. A huge thank you to these three.
As we look at the roster of those who seek to serve this next year, you will see that some are new and some are simply shifting positions. Remember folks, if you are a member, you have a right to vote when we hold elections on September 12th. I would also ask that you carefully consider volunteering in some way.
I'll admit that I still shake in my boots when new things come up, but I know this group will hold me steady.
With your blessing, I seek another term.
Jamie Lee
P.S. I will be absent from the Sept. meeting
because my incredible husband of 25 years has booked us on an Alaskan cruise.
See y'all in October.
The logo to the left is the new logo for what used to be the gay and lesbian
community center in KC. Read on for news about the all new
The
Center in Westport.
Newsletter editor
Important Update
July 27, 2004
July 27, 2004
Members, Donors and other Supporters of the Center,
This is an important day in our community for the Center. There is a new group stepping up to build a stronger organization than ever before. With this newly generated energy, comes a new community volunteer to lead the charge, Greg Morey. A long-time supporter of the Center, Greg is a business strategist and will work closely with community leaders, volunteers and past board members to build a strong foundation for the Center's future. He is donating his time and $1,000 to show his commitment to the future of the Center.
Greg is facilitating several community focus groups over the next week or two to create a new organization, learning from the past and capitalizing on our successes. Don't wait to be called and invited, anyone who is interested in the future of the Center should get involved now. Help build a strong community by building a strong community center. The past three years are proof that a service, like the Center, is needed in the Kansas City gay community and the social and political climate today makes it imperative that we remain connected, united and strong for the future.
This is an important day in our community for the Center. There is a new group stepping up to build a stronger organization than ever before. With this newly generated energy, comes a new community volunteer to lead the charge, Greg Morey. A long-time supporter of the Center, Greg is a business strategist and will work closely with community leaders, volunteers and past board members to build a strong foundation for the Center's future. He is donating his time and $1,000 to show his commitment to the future of the Center.
Greg is facilitating several community focus groups over the next week or two to create a new organization, learning from the past and capitalizing on our successes. Don't wait to be called and invited, anyone who is interested in the future of the Center should get involved now. Help build a strong community by building a strong community center. The past three years are proof that a service, like the Center, is needed in the Kansas City gay community and the social and political climate today makes it imperative that we remain connected, united and strong for the future.
During the month of August, the current board will continue to
work tirelessly to raise funds to retire the past debt. Events currently planned
are fundraisers, an auction and finally a Gayrage sale. If you have other
fundraising ideas, please contact Catherine Kelly or EJ Reedy at board@centerinwesport.org.
We are moving out of the 205 Westport Rd (first floor) space
and moving back upstairs (207 Westport Rd). We hear there is a gay friendly
retail space moving into the first floor and are excited with the possibilities
for driving traffic to the upstairs space.
To expedite our move back upstairs, the first floor
(CyberCenter, Welcome Center and Store) is now closed to the public. Volunteers
and board members will be moving the CyberCenter and Welcome Center upstairs
after the Constitution Defense League completes its mission "Vote NO on
Amendment 2" on Aug 3rd. The Center has been working closely with them, letting
them use our offices for training and phone banking. It is time for us to begin
again and starting small is key. By moving back upstairs we lower our overhead
significantly, while retaining more meeting space for community organizations.
If you are interested in rebuilding our community Center now
is the time to step up. Now more than ever, let your voice be heard. To help,
contact Greg Morey at planning@centerinwestport.org or
at (816) 931-4420 during his new office hours (M, W, & Thu 3 - 7 PM)
beginning August 9th. You can call (816) 931-5838 anytime and leave a message.
Thank you,
The Center Board
The Center Board
Growing up gay in rural Pennsylvania was too much
for Jimmy Wheeler. An embattled artist with a loving family, the abuse he
suffered at school and in the world led to his suicide in 1997. His short life
and a look at the environment for lesbian and gay youth after his death are
chronicled in the film "Jim in Bold."
The boards of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN-KC) and Four Freedoms Democratic Club will hold a screening of the film, "Jim in Bold," on Thursday, October 7, 2004 at 7:00 PM at the Tivoli Theater located at 4050 Pennsylvania Avenue in the Manor Square building. Following the film, a question-and-answer session will be held with one of the film’s characters, Andy Brown. A reception with cookies and milk provided by members of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) will conclude the evening.
"Jim in Bold" provides a look at Jimmy Wheeler’s life through his paintings and poetry along with vivid and painful interviews with his family. Also in the film is a journey highlighting how things have changed since Jimmy’s suicide. Five years after Jimmy’s death three filmmakers trek across the U.S. interviewing lesbian and gay youth to compare their lives to Jimmy’s. These interviews are interwoven with those of Jimmy’s family members to create a stark contrast from the time in which Jimmy ended his life.
"’Jim in Bold’ shows that homophobia can kill," reads a summary of the film on its website, www.jiminbold.org. "The harsh reality of Jimmy Wheeler’s abuse is a sober reminder of the destructive power of hate and prejudice."
“Highlighting the climate for lesbian and gay youth today is a primary motivator for holding this screening”, says Alex Flemington, president of the Four Freedoms Democratic Club. "The environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth improves everyday," said Flemington. "However, much remains to be done to breakdown the institutionalized and internalized homophobia and heterosexism that still pervades our society."
David Beal, GLSEN-KC board member and one of the planners of the event agrees.
"This film illustrates the isolation and loneliness experienced by many lesbian and gay youth," Beal said. "It is the responsibility of us all to expose this isolation and help lesbian and gay youth feel safer in their homes, schools and communities.”
The boards of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN-KC) and Four Freedoms Democratic Club will hold a screening of the film, "Jim in Bold," on Thursday, October 7, 2004 at 7:00 PM at the Tivoli Theater located at 4050 Pennsylvania Avenue in the Manor Square building. Following the film, a question-and-answer session will be held with one of the film’s characters, Andy Brown. A reception with cookies and milk provided by members of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) will conclude the evening.
"Jim in Bold" provides a look at Jimmy Wheeler’s life through his paintings and poetry along with vivid and painful interviews with his family. Also in the film is a journey highlighting how things have changed since Jimmy’s suicide. Five years after Jimmy’s death three filmmakers trek across the U.S. interviewing lesbian and gay youth to compare their lives to Jimmy’s. These interviews are interwoven with those of Jimmy’s family members to create a stark contrast from the time in which Jimmy ended his life.
"’Jim in Bold’ shows that homophobia can kill," reads a summary of the film on its website, www.jiminbold.org. "The harsh reality of Jimmy Wheeler’s abuse is a sober reminder of the destructive power of hate and prejudice."
“Highlighting the climate for lesbian and gay youth today is a primary motivator for holding this screening”, says Alex Flemington, president of the Four Freedoms Democratic Club. "The environment for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth improves everyday," said Flemington. "However, much remains to be done to breakdown the institutionalized and internalized homophobia and heterosexism that still pervades our society."
David Beal, GLSEN-KC board member and one of the planners of the event agrees.
"This film illustrates the isolation and loneliness experienced by many lesbian and gay youth," Beal said. "It is the responsibility of us all to expose this isolation and help lesbian and gay youth feel safer in their homes, schools and communities.”
Tickets for the film are $10 and can be
reserved by calling 816-881-1140 or by e-mailing mhennosy@sbcglobal.net. They may
also be purchased at the door the day of the screening.
The Kansas City chapter of the Gay, Lesbian and
Straight Education Network (GLSEN-KC) works to ensure a safe environment for
lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth and those who are questioning their
sexual orientation or gender identity (LGBTQ). The local chapter was
established in 1998 and works with schools to identify their most pressing needs
related to LGBTQ youth and strategies for addressing those needs including
training, policy changes and the establishment of Gay-Straight Alliances for
youth. More information about the chapter can be found at www.glsen-kc.org.
If you can possibly volunteer at this event,
please contact Jamie Lee at 816-792-1555, or email her at pflagkc@pflagkc.org.
PFLAG SUPPORTS REAL FAMILY VALUES