Next Meeting - February 15, 2009Couples |
On December 5, PFLAG entered the sixth year of its National Scholarship Program. This year there will be up to three $5000, three $2500, and ten $1000 scholarships awarded. The Scholarship program is a critical component of our newly launched Cultivating Respect Safe Schools Program by rewarding hard work and leadership in the next generation.
PFLAG’s local and national scholarships are one of the many ways PFLAG supports LGBT and ally youth. In the last six years we have awarded over $150,000 in scholarship money to more than 115 students. Our hope is to reach out to students and demonstrate our commitment to their education and the critical work they do to make their schools and communities a better place.
PFLAG Scholarship Report (Kay Heggestad)
Dear PFLAG,
Through your help, we contacted 18 area high schools about the national scholarships. Thank you Bonnie Abrams, Bonnie Augusta, Diane Wensel, Karen Baker, Mary Fiore, Harriet Bruyn and Ann Campoll. I hope one of "our kids" wins it.
=====================
From the Human Rights Commission Update
In state capitals across the country, policies on issues such as marriage equality, hate crimes, employment discrimination and adoption are facing both debate and votes.
This week, HRC released Equality from State to State, a comprehensive round-up of LGBT-related state legislation in 2008. The report, which you can link to from the HRC website also gives a preview of what to expect in 2009. Not surprisingly, 2009 promises both opportunities and challenges, from marriage equality, to adoption, to inclusive anti-discrimination measures.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Report (Creating Change)
Task Force Executive Director Rea Carey delved into the challenges and offered new hope for the LGBT community with her “State of the Movement” address in front of 2,000 LGBT activists at the 21st National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change in Denver, Colo.
Carey talked about the gains made during this past year, including Connecticut joining Massachusetts in becoming a freedom-to-marry state, more than 20 localities across the U.S. that passed and held onto nondiscrimination laws or partner recognition benefits, and the record 450 out elected officials who are serving in local, state and federal offices. She also noted the setbacks and challenges, most notably losing the fundamental right to marry in California, as well as the passage of anti-LGBT ballot measures in Arizona, Arkansas and Florida.
But clearly, she said, there is much reason for optimism in this new political climate.
Chapter 24, in his book Whitecoat Wisdom, by Steven Busalacchi is entitled ‘Homophobia and Health’. It is an interview with Paul Wertsch. It begins as follows:
“Republicans across the country are on a quest to outlaw gay marriage through constitutional amendments. What they don't realize, don't believe or just don't care about is that changing the law may create tremendous health care hurdles by invalidating insurance coverage for gay partners and children.
That's the message Paul Wertsch, MD, is trying to get out to the public in Wisconsin, and across the country. In his early 60s, he is chair of an advisory committee to the American Medical Association's Board of Directors regarding gay, lesbian and transgender issues.”
The interview proceeds to cover a wide range of health and other GLTB related issues.
=====================
"Earlier today, President Bush said gay marriage is immoral and that heterosexual marriage must be defended, that's what he said. ... You can tell Bush is serious because he said the new Axis of Evil is Cher, Bette Middler and Clay Aiken." —Conan O'Brien
"The Senate has rejected the gay marriage ban. When you think about it, do you really want Congress defining marriage? That's like asking Charlie Sheen to define monogamy." --Jay Leno
[Clip of Bush: "America is a free society, which limits the role of government in the lives of our citizens. In this country, people are free to choose how they live their lives."]
Jon Stewart: "And that's why I want to ban gay people from getting married."
=====================
Planning a vacation? Fly on American Airlines and support the preferred airline of PFLAG National. PFLAG national staff gets free miles (and you do NOT lose any bonus miles).
When booking on www.AA.com, follow these instructions:
Step One - Choose your travel dates and your best flight option.
Step Two - Login. (If you have an AAdvantage Number and a password, key it in. If not, click "continue" without logging in.)
Step Three - Confirm your itinerary and complete passenger details.
LAST STEP - Important! - Key in PFLAG's Business ExtrAA Account Number (527590).
=====================
The famous Madison Farmers' Market has started and runs every Saturday morning until early November. We staff a table at the South Hamilton corner of the capital square in 2 shifts: 8-10 and 10-12. Jo Elder brings and takes the table and all materials, so volunteers just need to sit there, look pretty, enjoy the weather and people watching, eat pastry, and give out our booklets and answer questions from the walkers. Kay does all the scheduling, so for more information or to sign up: 221-1956 or kahegges@yahoo.com.
|
