Paula Wilson will be our speaker at the February 12th meeting. Paula Wilson, LCMFT is a Marriage and Family Therapist who has been working with individuals, couples and families who are dealing with issues that arise when a smily member or loved one has identified as LGBTQ. The spiritual and emotional concerns can be difficult on the Christian Family. individually and collectively. As a Christian, Paula has seen the pain and suffering that can arise in these situations. As a therapist her specialization has been working with people who have struggled with sexual and gender identity issues within a Christian context. She believes her spiritual calling is to be a beacon of hope that reveals God’s love of al people regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. In her work she seeks to help individuals, couples and families find common ground so they are able to feel connected, supported and respected.

Our meeting is 3-5 PM at the Village Presbyterian Church, Room 307.

Several of us from PFLAG KC marched on Saturday, January 21, 2017. It was a beautiful day in Kansas City. One of our members was there early and saved us a great spot.  Shout Out to Judy!  The speakers were amazing and there were a lot of people with positive energy and respectful intentions!  I was proud to have a daughter join me in Kansas City, a daughter marching in D.C., and a daughter marching in Portland, Oregon. Millions of people marching around the world for the same reasons.  Basic Human Rights!

The Unity Principles of the “Women’s March on Washington”  sets out that Women’s Rights are Human Rights and Human Rights are Women’s Rights.   Under LGBTQIA it states: “We firmly declare that LGBTQIA Rights are Human Rights and that it is our obligation to uplift, expand and protect the rights of our gay, lesbian, bi, queer, trans or gender non-conforming brothers, sisters and siblings. We must have the power to control our bodies and be free from gender norms, expectations and stereotypes.” https://www.womensmarch.com/principles/

We need to keep using our voices in such a positive manner!  We are stronger together!

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Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article127922349.html#storylink=cpy

January 8th Meeting

Our first meeting of 2017 is going to be a good one! On Sunday, January 8th at 3:00, at Village Presbyterian Church our speaker will be Rev. Beth Sonneville. I had the pleasure of hearing Rev. Sonneville speak at the “What Does it Mean to Be Transgender” forum at Asbury United Methodist Church in October. Many of us will benefit from what she has to share. Read more about our speaker:

Rev. Beth Sonneville is a Staff Chaplain in the Spiritual Services Department at Children’s Mercy 354-bed hospital in Kansas City, Missouri. She supports the patients and families who are seen in Gender Pathways Services, a multidisciplinary clinic for the treatment of young people with gender dysphoria. Beth served in the food industry for 15 years as a Food Scientist specializing in quality assurance and regulatory affairs. She retired from military service as a Lieutenant in the Naval Reserve Intelligence community.

Do you have expectations for the new year? Sometimes your expectations aren’t met and sometimes what happens can throw you for a loop. The news that your child or loved one is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender can take your breath away. There are parents, families, friends and loved ones who could use some type of support. PFLAG provides support. We are there to talk with if that’s what you need. Maybe you need literature. We have it! If you know a parent, family member, friend or loved one with LGBT questions, let them know that PFLAG KC is here to help! Let’s spread the word!

Here is a bit of history on the safety pin campaign:  The founder of the campaign, who tweets as @Cheeah, told the BBC ‘This is meant to be more than just a symbolic gesture or a way for like-minded people to pat each other on the back.If people wear the pin and support the campaign they are saying they are prepared to be part of the solution. It could be by confronting racist behaviour, or if that is not possible at least documenting it. More generally it is about reaching out to people and letting them know they are safe and welcome.’ she says.
Read more at http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/opinion/why-you-should-think-twice-before-wearing-a-safety-pin-today-4726#QuFfV5CY4YcC3k0y.99