Articles From Our December, 2007 Newsletter

There is no scheduled program this month because it’s time once again for the annual potluck. It’s our way of celebrating the end of the year, the holidays and you! Hint: this can be a wonderful time to introduce your friends and family to who we are and what we do. So, don your “gayest” apparel and bring something fun to eat!

The festivities will begin at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 9th at the regular place, Room 307 at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd.

It will be a typical PFLAG great time of celebration, good food and fellowship.

Happy Holidays!

There is a saying among the PFLAG set that goes something like this:

“When you no longer need PFLAG, PFLAG needs you.”

This is the time of the year when many are reflecting on their lives and asking themselves what they are most thankful for…. On my list, I include those who walk through those doors every month for our meetings. I realized early on that this was, by nature, a transient organization. Many have come and gone over the years, but many have stayed. I am sure that most of you can remember your first few meetings. I certainly do. I was welcomed with big smiles, open hearts and open arms. It was just what I needed. I am even thankful for the simple diversity within our own group. Imagine the parents who are hurting because they think that having grandchildren is now an impossibility, the single gay man who is new in town and looking for a safe place to make connections, the parents who have just found out that they have more than one child who identifies as LGBT, the woman who is questioning her sexuality, the friend who thinks that they might be transgender, the one who has been rejected by family for “coming out”.

Now, think about the people that gather at our meetings each month….and think about their stories. Each one has something to offer. Each one is at a different place on the journey. Each one can make the connection that changes someone else’s life. It’s a grand feeling to leave that place and know that you are not alone…that someone understands.

So remember….PFLAG needs you….Your presence is a present to someone.

Jamie

All of the members are encouraged to submit their activities related to the mission of PFLAG, whether it be an event specifically for PFLAG or one that is done on your own, unrelated to PFLAG. National likes to know what we are doing to support our missions.

This should be for the time period of 10/2006 through 9/2007. Please submit to our contact page prior to December 31, 2007.

Please contact Randy with questions at 913-894-5748.

On November 30th, one flag will be placed on the Mall for every discharged service member in commemoration of the signing of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

These flags will stand as a testament to the waste caused by this discriminatory law; serving as a backdrop for a series of events that weekend honoring GLBT Americans' service, their sacrifice, and their fight to serve with dignity.

Friday, November 30th through Sunday, December 2nd, National Mall corner of 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C.

October 31, 2007 …..a Jury in Baltimore , Maryland awarded $10.9 million dollars to Al Snyder against the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka Kansas. The aforementioned church had protested Mr. Snyder’s Son’s, Slain Marine Lance Cpl. Matthew Snyder’s funeral in 2006. The Westboro Church has been picketing Military funerals across the country. Mr. Snyder sued “Westboro” for defamation, invasion of privacy, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Church members showed up at Snyder’s funeral chanting derogatory slogans and holding picket signs with messages including “God Hates Fags”…….

Rainbow legends

Dragonfly Stories vol. 1 
 

This is a book of collections of heartfelt stories from the LGBTQ community. Storytelling is am old, traditional art form that people have used for centuries to communicate, commemorate, and celebrate…and everyone has a story to tell. Sharing stories gives hope, inspiration and encouragement. Stories have the ability to teach, move, uplift and connect people from all walks of life. 

As part of Rainbow legends support of the LGBTQ community, the purchase price for this book includes a donation of 40% to a non-profit group of your choice and PFLAG is one of the organizations you can choose. 

Amada and Joyce began Rainbow legends and we are so glad to have them with us to tell about their book “Dragonfly Stories Vol. 1" and their incredible journey as 14 year life partners and what brought them to this place in their lives.

Please come and join in our Jan. 13th, 2008 (our regular PFLAG meeting time) and listen as Amanda and Joyce share some time with us. It is sure to be an exciting day!

PFLAG SUPPORTS REAL FAMILY VALUES