Articles From Our October, 2006 Newsletter
Speaking at our October 8 PFLAG meeting will be 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.
This promises to be a very informative program concerning an issue that we all need to be more in tune with.
Come join us and bring your friends and loved ones. There’s always lots of great fellowship and, of course, food for all. See you there.
From Our President
“Talk About It” will be the theme of this year’s National Coming Out Day to
be celebrated on October 11, 2006. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s
Coming Out Project is an on-going campaign to empower gay, lesbian,
bisexual, transgender and allied persons to live openly and honestly about
their lives. “Obviously, coming out for the first time is important for
leading a whole and complete life, but we also want to help encourage and
empower people to talk openly about their lives each and every day,” said
Mark Shields, director of the Coming Out Project.
The Coming Out Project is particularly focusing on supportive straight
people and working to give them resources and opportunities to voice their
support for equality.
“We will only achieve equality by growing the number of people who stand
with us,” said Shields. “Every time a straight person speaks out against an
anti-gay joke, or joins a gay-straight alliance, they are having a coming
out experience. We want to honor that, and make sure it happens more often.”
So far, I have been asked to speak about this project at three universities
and at an area high school. When someone asked what the title of my talk
would be I was stumped. And then I thought about the intention of being
honest and open as an ally and as a parent, so I’ve decided to call it,
“Coming Out: A Family Affair”. It’s my way of honoring all of the people I
love.
Jamie
Kansas Equality Coalition
PFLAG KC is one of several sponsoring organizations of the relatively new
Kansas Equality Coalition (KEC). This statewide organization is the result
of the marriage amendment that passed by popular vote last year in the state
of Kansas. Several small, regional, grassroots organizations existed around
the state and it was felt that a single statewide organization could combine
efforts that had already been established through the regional
organizations. Approximately 6 regional chapters of KEC have been
established as well as a statewide Board of Directors. A statewide Advisory
Board has also been established on which PFLAG KC is represented by Randy
Fowler. If there is anyone who would be interested in receiving email
updates on what KEC is doing, please email Randy at
our contact page
with KEC in the subject line. You will be added to a list and will receive
any email information that is sent out by KEC. If you are interested in
joining KEC, Randy can provide further information. There are statewide and
local chapter committees in place but a list is not available at time of
publishing. Watch for further updates in the PFLAG newsletter.
The annual Taco dinner with Passages will be on Sunday evening October the 22nd at 4007 Central right behind the LGCC on Westport Rd. Dinner is at 6pm. This is a great time for families and friends to show our support for these wonderful young people.
Well, my story is a little different. I've been pretty sure I was a lesbian since I was a kid. My parents actually got a divorce because my father was gay. Well, about a year ago I tried to come out to my mom but she just couldn't handle it. She thought I was angry with her and was trying to get back at her for something. So I dropped the issue for about a year; but I couldn't lie to myself anymore so one night about three months ago I had a complete breakdown and was even considering suicide. My mom was really worried and just asked point blank what was wrong, so I told her that I would rather die than disappoint her and we finally had an actual discussion about it. She finally understood that it wasn't her fault or that I was not trying to hurt her. Ever since that night we have been so much closer.
The Heartland Men’s Chorus
Upcoming Events
Scandalous…
Salacious…
Sensational!
Get ready for your close-up at The 11th Annual Dinner of Note.
A mind-blowing world premiere is about to unfold before your very eyes. The
red carpet will be rolled out, the flashbulbs will pop and an evening of
gaiety and glamour will be yours for the taking.
This year’s Dinner of Note will feature legendary Kansas City entertainers
Cathy Barnett and Ron Megee in the film noir “Southwest Boulevard.” as well
as the finest dining, open bar and auction this side of Hollywood.
Starlight Theater
October 14, 2006
Reserve your seats for the Annual Dinner of Note today! Call Rick Fisher,
816-931-3338
HMC's 21st Season
Prepare for an amazing journey. You’ll be whisked away to Broadway,
Hollywood and beyond with the 2006-2007 Season. We have exciting
destinations in store for you and you won’t want to miss a moment. Plus,
we’ve added an additional performance to our holiday concert, so you’ll have
access to even more great seats!
For the best seats of all (and a savings of more than 16%) consider joining
our family of season ticket holders. Call Rick Fisher at 816-931-3338 to
subscribe today.
PFLAG SUPPORTS REAL FAMILY VALUES