Articles From Our October, 2004 Newsletter
A Time To Ride is about the cross-country bicycle ride and marriage equality
awareness campaign of married lesbian grandmothers Elisia and Carrie
Ross-Stone, also known as the Rainbow Grannies. Their journey began on May 2
as they rode from San Francisco's Golden Gate Park 3,100 miles, arriving in
New York City on July 10. In cities, both large and small, they held press
conferences and rallies, lead bike rides, met with local elected officials and
spoke to local gay and lesbian organizations. These were galvanizing events,
encouraging locals to be aware and involved with the fight for marriage
equality.
A Time To Ride captures the Grannies’ courageous and determined effort,
continuing despite death threats, exhaustion, injuries and homesickness;
there's a lot of drama in 3,100 miles. Viewers will meet families along the
Ride's route whose lives have been negatively impacted by a lack of civil
marriage rights, families who want to be protected, together, and safe. News
and archival footage will be interwoven.
If you can possibly make it, do come and watch. It sounds like a winner!!
We’ll meet at our usual place and our usual time....3pm at Village
Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Road, Prairie Village, KS, Room 307. SEE YOU
THERE
Just when I feel as if I'm simply "spinning my wheels" something incredible
happens.
With the blessing of the administration and a grant from the Kauffman
foundation, Liberty High School recently held a workshop for 50 kids called
"Unitown". The National Conference for Community and Justice facilitated this
intense two day forum in which the students explored bigotry and bias on many
levels. We had a great cross-section of the student population and most did
not know each other before entering Unitown.
The transformation in the course of two days was astounding. Kids, who had
never socialized, were suddenly eating, laughing and sometimes crying
unabashedly together. Each delegate left Unitown knowing they had a voice and
the tools to start combating bigotry and bias at their school and in our
community. What an awesome thing.
Some of the students were so inspired that they want to hold a conference next
semester AND they're willing to help find the funding.
Richard and I were there merely to provide support (if needed) and to organize
the meals. I write to you about these things because it was PFLAG that helped
me find my voice. The strength I get from all of you is immeasurable and with
it I feel as if I can move mountains--even if it is only one stone at a time.
Remember: You too have a voice. Be sure to vote on November 2nd. I would never
presume to tell anyone how they should vote, BUT, I will say that I think it
should be an informed vote. If you need unbiased information on any candidate
(i.e. their voting record etc.) go to
vote-smart.org.
See ya on the 10th.
Jamie
Following is the slate of officers elected at our September meeting
President......................................Jamie Lee
Co-Directors, Resources..............Randy Fowler; Paul Hough
Director of Support......................Paul DiGeorge
Secretary.....................................David Whitner
Treasurer.....................................Mary Cease
Director of Membership...............Sue Edwards
Webmaster..................................Glenn Lang
Members-at-Large......................Travis Thompson; Rosie Stoneking
Your Help is Needed....again!!!
Don’t forget the film showing at the Tivoli on Thursday, Oct. 7, sponsored by
GLSEN-KC and
Four Freedoms Democratic Club. The film, “Jim in Bold” will begin
at 7pm, and PFLAG-KC will be serving cookies and milk after the film.
Please call Jamie Lee at 792-1555 if you can help serve after the movie. See
last month’s newsletter for details about the movie.
Contribution of some cookies would be appreciated also. Hope we’ll see all of
you there.
Passages Taco Dinner October 17
Passages is the support group for LGBT and questioning youth. PFLAG has always
worked very closely with Passages in providing information and support,
especially during the coming out process. Since October is traditionally
coming out month, PFLAG, for a number of years, has provided a taco dinner for
Passages followed by a discussion of stories from PFLAG and Passages members
present. Anywhere from 25 to 50 usually attend, including PFLAG members. The
dinner is scheduled for October 17 at 7:00 pm at the new Passages facility at
4007 Central. (Please note the corrected address.)
If you have not previously signed up to provide food for this gathering,
please contact Randy Fowler at 913-894-5748 and leave a message. If you have
already signed up, Randy will be contacting you.
WALK AS ONE celebrates
Kansas City's diversity
Sunday, October 3, 2004
Liberty Memorial - 1 PM
Put your best foot forward to help support the youth and community leadership
programs of NCCJ by raising dollars and awareness.
Walk As One is an opportunity for Kansas Citians from all cultures, races,
backgrounds, abilities, ages, and religions - not to mention both sides of the
river and both sides of the state line - to celebrate the richness of our
diverse cities and to support the work that NCCJ does.
The National Conference for Community and Justice is a human relations
organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in America. NCCJ
promotes understanding and respect among all races, religions and cultures
through advocacy, conflict resolution and education.
Join PFLAG as we join Walk As One-see you at the Liberty Memorial, October 3,
1pm.
OUT IN WESTPORT
SUNDAY, OCT. 24TH
Join the crowd on Westport Blvd. for this annual BASH, 11am--6pm.
This will be another great day for PFLAG to get the word out--BE THERE--we'd
love to have you assist at our table.
For further details about the day’s activities, call the
Center, 931-4420
PFLAG SUPPORTS REAL FAMILY VALUES