PFLAG of Fort Wayne, Indiana
SUPPORT
EDUCATION
ADVOCACY

We help each other
. . .
PFLAG of Fort Wayne
PO Box 5086
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-5086
Roger - (260) 749-4987

PflagFtWayne@aol.com
(260) 497-8528

Join us for our next meeting on Monday, July 13 at Plymouth Congregational Church. . . . .Support Indiana Equality . . . .We hope our web site makes a positive difference . . .

About PFLAG - Ft Wayne

Newsletter and Notices

Resources & Links
lower in this collumn

PFLAG-National Chapter

mail-PflagFtWayne@aol.com

Kenya Flag
See Roger & Rachel's updated
Kenya Safari pictures & videos


We are here to help you in confidentiality.
Please feel free and comfortable
to contact us.


Click above to learn how to
show support as a straight ally

Roger says - Pro Family
means loving & supporting
ALL your children.


Indiana
Click for Indiana Equality

Who Cares About
Gay Marriage ?

A straight person's guide to learn what you might want to know.


Feel free to contact Roger,
the WebGuy,
about anything
in PFLAG confidentially.
Concerned parents are welcome.
Include PFLAG in the subject line.

rmcnett04@att.net

Helpful Links

Reality Magazine


Indiana Resources

Fort Wayne Resources

PFLAG-FW
Every 2nd Monday
Plymouth Congregational Church
501 W Berry St
(260) 749-4987 - Roger & Rachel
(260) 497-8528
A support group for parents and friends of gays and lesbians

Up The Stairs Community Center
(Archives and Resource Library)
514 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802, phone; (260) 744-5430 422-2450
Open: W-Th 7:00pm-10:00, Fri 8:00-midnight, Sun 7:00pm-9:00pm, ...or by appointment
E-mail: UTSCC@utscc.org
Library E-mail: thelibrary@utscc.org

. . Affirmations
514 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802, phone; (260) 744-5430 422-2450
A men's discussion and support group

. . Bisexual Discussion Group
514 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802, phone; (260) 744-5430 422-2450

. . Horizons Youth Group
7-9pm on Thursday
email: horizons@utscc.org
514 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802, phone; (260) 744-5430 422-2450

A social group for GLBT youth under the age of 26 with a safe space for youth to socialize with others and learn about themselves.
Primarily a social/discussion group and an educational and support network. 

. . Lesbian/Gay AA
514 E. Washington Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN 46802, phone; (260) 744-5430 422-2450
Gay/Lesbian support groups for recovering alcoholics

Center for Nonviolence
235 W Creighton Ave, Fort Wayne, 46807 - (260) 456-4112
Heal from violence in life and express your self without violence.

Gay Fort Wayne http://www.gayfortwayne.com/
Informative web site with information & help.

Girth & Mirth Chapter of Fort Wayne http://www.girthmirth.org
E-mail: info@girthmirth.org
(260) 750-5313

Lesbian Growth and Support Group
Fort Wayne's Women's Bureau
303 E Washington
(260) 424-7977


Prism c/o United Sexualities
Wednesday night @ 7:00 pm
IPFW Walb Student Union Room 110
2101 East Coliseum Boulevard
(260) 481-6609

Indiana Resources

Indiana Equality
Justice, Inc
Indiana Stonewall Democrats
Indianapolis Youth Group (no link)
Tri-State Alliance -
Outlines Newsmagazine (for making subscriptions only)
Youth Assistance Organization
www.youth.org ----
Indiana Out Youth Group -
GayIndy.Org - http://www.gayindy.org/
.. I
ndianapolis Gay/Lesbian Switchboard
..
Diversity, Inc. -
..
Chris Gonzalez Library and Archives -
..
Indy Pride -
IUPU Advocate - http://www.iupui.edu/~advocate/ Not found at this or new address http://www.iupui.edu/~advocate/newsite.html
Indiana Civil Liberties Union -

National Organizations

PFLAG National - http://www.pflag.org/
Gay & Lesbian National Hotline - the only non-profit, nationwide, toll-free info, referral and peer-counseling line for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people of all ages.
1-888-THE-GLNH or (1-888-843-4564)
Human Rights Campaign
..Family Project homepage for Parenting
..Family Project for Marriage & Relationship Recognition
Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund
GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) - http://www.glsen.org/
Youth Assistance Organization - http://youth.org/
.. The PERSON Project -
Youth Resource
GLAAD - Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation
GenderPAC
LLEGO: National Latina/o Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Organization)
And Justice For All

Quick Emergency Help

Trevor Project
To promote tolerance for gay & questioning teenagers, and to aid in suicide prevention among that group. 24 hour, toll-free anonymous suicide prevention hotline for gay and questioning teens. (866) 488-7386

Suicide Prevention Coalition
If you - or someone you know - are having thoughts about suicide, call 1.800.SUICIDE (784-2433). Calls are connected to a certified crisis center nearest your location. Services are available 24 /7.

List of Indiana Suicide and Crisis Hotline numbers

National Suicide & Crisis Hotlines (list)
Gay & Lesbian National Hotline

AIDS Task Force 2124 Fairfield Avenue, Ft.W
(260) 744-1144
The AIDS Task Force provides HIV and AIDS prevention, education, advocacy, and support to people in northeast Indiana.

F a m i l y

For Parents of GLBT Children
(besides this one)

PFLAG National
PFLAG Transgender Network
We Are Family

Children of Gay or Lesbian Parents

Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere (COLAGE) - organization supporting young people with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender parents.
Marina Gatto Equality for All! - A website of a young COLAGEr activist.
Sol's Pages - The website of a young-adult COLAGEr activist.
Families Like Mine - Dedicated to decreasing isolation for people with parents who are LGBT, and bringing voice to the experiences of these families.

For Gay Parents

Human Rights Campaign - Online education and advocacy for LGBT families.
..Family Project
homepage for Parenting
..Family Project - Marriage & Relationship

Love Makes a Family - the renowned traveling photo-text exhibit distributed by Family Diversity Projects.
Family Pride Coalition - advance the well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered parents and their families.
Gay Parent Magazine - http://www.gayparentmag.com/

 

Misc.

PFLAG Transgender Network -
We Are Family - http://www.waf.org/

Spouses of Gay or Lesbian partners

Straight Spouse Network

 

Ft. Wayne Accepting Churches

There are other churches with varying degrees of understanding and acceptance. Those listed below are among the most active in support.

--- Brigade of Light (YWCA)
Rev. Carolyn Christie 432-9168

Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren
6404 S Calhoun St
Fort Wayne, IN 46807
260-456-1993
lincolnshire.cob@verizon.net

--- New World Church, Inc.
4720 Speedway Dr.
(219) 471-1911

Open Door Chapel
514 E. Washington Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802, phone; (260) 744-5430 or 422-2450
GLBT nondenominational church services

Plymouth Congregational Church
501 W Berry St
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
260-423-9424
office@plymouthfw.org

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fort Wayne
5310 Old Mill Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46807, phone: (219) 744-1867
Worship 10:30am Sun,
* Interweave service 7:30pm Sun

---Unity Christ Church
4200 Leroy . . Fort Wayne, IN 46805
ph: 482-2477 - Dial-A-Prayer: 483-5719

 

Join us at our regular monthly meetings on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m.
at PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 501 W. Berry Street in Fort Wayne, IN.


Court rejects challenge to 'don't ask, don't tell' - WASHINGTON, Mon. June 8, 09 – The Supreme Court turned down a challenge to the Pentagon policy forbidding gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, granting an Obama administration request to maintain the Clinton-era "don't ask, don't tell" directive.
The court said it will not hear an appeal from former Army Capt. James Pietrangelo II, who was dismissed under the military's policy. The case is Pietrangelo v. Gates, 08-824. READ MORE

PFLAG - Pride In Action - Pride season is upon us, and now more than ever we have reason to celebrate our pride in our families, our allies, our communities and ourselves. Today more than ever, there are many tremendous opportunities for us to advance equality, and we’ve seen equality moving forward in America at a faster pace. PFLAG remains on the front lines of this momentum, supporting families, educating communities and advocating for full equality in every region of the country. READ MORE.

hrcThere is an easy way to thank the New Hampshire lawmakers who passed the marriage bill in New Hampshire! - It is another major victory as New Hampshire's governor signed marriage equality into law, making it the sixth state to allow loving same-sex couples to marry.
The bill survived a spate of propaganda from the right-wing National Organization for Marriage – the same group that ran the fake "Gathering Storm" ad – hammering Gov. John Lynch to veto equality.
Now Gov. Lynch and the courageous lawmakers who passed this bill are about to feel the sting of a right-wing backlash. Click Here to show them they did the right thing.


Love Doesn't Begin With A Court Decision - It Doesn't End With One Either

protestTue. May 26 - The California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, an anti-marriage equality amendment passed in November 2008. PFLAG National announced that they would continue work in the state to educate voters, work with lawmakers and secure full marriage rights for lesbian and gay couples. The court’s ruling, which will allow marriages performed in the state during a brief period last year to remain legal, will likely be a rallying cry for supporters of marriage equality around the country.

“The ruling is out-of-step with a growing consensus in our country that all loving couples should be treated equally in the eyes of the law,” said Jody M. Huckaby, PFLAG’s executive director. “It is also a reminder that, even in places where we have traditionally seen progress on equality, there is still work that remains to be done. Today, the California Supreme Court has dealt a blow to our families, but tomorrow, PFLAG’s 41 California chapters will be back on the job, working in their communities to build support for moving marriage equality forward.”

The 6-to-1 ruling ensures that the estimated 18,000 couples who legally wed in the state prior to Proposition 8’s passage will remain wed and be recognized as such by the state. The decision prohibits any additional couples from marrying.

PFLAG noted that the organization has seen a dramatic spike in new chapters forming across the country since Proposition 8’s passage, and that its members are uniquely positioned to help build grassroots support for a future vote, either at the ballot box or in the state legislature, on the issue of marriage.

“The future of marriage equality depends, in large part, on changing hearts and minds in small towns and traditionally conservative districts,” Huckaby said. “PFLAG is already in those communities, and our chapters are more committed than ever to doing the outreach and education that will be necessary to turn out fair-minded voters in the future.”

=======

The Human Rights Campaign encourages us to contact governors, state legislators, city council members and other elected officials create the laws that govern lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues at the state and local levels. Contact your elected officials and urge them to support fair-minded legislation.
Call your senators and tell them to support the Matthew Shepard Act, S.909. We cannot afford to let our rights be negated or slip away, not by one iota, not on any issue. Find your elected officials at http://www.hrc.org/your_community/your_elected_officials.asp

Won't Back Down - help repeal Prop 8 a YouTube Video


All in God's Family - a resource for understanding

bookOver the last few years, The Family Equality Council has asked what areas of family life should they focus their work on. Time and again, making faith communities more welcoming and affirming of LGBT families has topped the lists. That's why they have released a new LGBT family-inclusive faith curriculum, All in God's Family: Creating Allies for Our LGBT Families.

Developed by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources, Family Equality Council and COLAGE, this multimedia resource engages faith communities and faith leaders in conversation on how best to embrace our families.

Faith is an important part of many of our lives. All in God's Family provides a guiding hand to those who seek to make their faith communities more knowledgeable about and inclusive of LGBT families, from lessons on scripture to activity suggestions and more.

In the months and years to come, we will expand on this work. To do that, and to encourage faith communities to adopt the curriculum now, they need to hear from you. Tell them how your faith community makes your family feel welcomed and included and/or what makes you feel less included. Click here to read a sample story and get started.

They want to hear from you and your family as you share your stories and provide feedback on this new resource for LGBT families.

Jennifer Chrisler, Executive Director of the Family Equality Council

National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Institute for Welcoming

Up The Stairs Community Center News - a major change has happened

Important, but sad news to share. The building that Up The Stairs Community Center has occupied for the past few years closed on March 31. Physically, they no longer meet there. That is the sad, bad news. The good news is that some of the groups are still meeting at other locations. Here's a rundown of groups, meeting times, dates and locations as well as contact information for the center:

Up Stairs Community Center, P.O. Box 5537 - Ft. Wayne, IN 46895 . . utscc2@utscc.org

Horizons Youth Group - Alternate Thursdays, next meeting April 16th
Tecumseh Branch Library 1411 E. State Blvd. - 7:00 - 8:30 p.m . . . Horizons@utscc.org

Transgender Discussion Group - 1st and 3rd Sundays
After Dark 1601 S. Harrison - 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. - - - transgendergroup@utscc.org

Crossdresser Discussion Group - 3rd Sunday of the month
After Dark 1601 S. Harrison - 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. - - - crossdressergroup@utscc.org

Bisexual Discussion Group - 3rd Saturday of the Month
IHOP Lima and Washington Center - 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. - - - bisexualgroup@utscc.org

The e-mail address for the library continues to be the same at: thelibrary@utscc.org.
They try to keep the website, www.utscc.org, updated, so folks can always get info there.
If you have any questions, please let them know.


Gay, lesbian married couples won’t be counted as such in 2010 census


(Long Beach, CA) - Same-sex married couples in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and any other
state where their unions are recognized, will not be counted as such in the 2010 U.S. Census
because of the federal Defense of Marriage Act, according to this article. Instead, any same-sex couples who cohabitate will have to list their status as being “unmarried partners,” with no reference to sexual orientation.

Source: Press-Telegram


The story below makes me wonder why is it that in many other places on this great planet (but certainly not all), so many people live happier and better lives because they are not blinded by bigotry, ignorance or foolish religious dogma about our GLBT neighbors. It seems so much better to accept that non threatening diversity in others than to become angry when someone or a group is not like "us". Well, no one else is just like you or me and most of us get along just fine if we allow others to be who they are - and they return the favor. It is time for us to let it go of prejudice and allow others to be themselves so we can all live happier together with kindness and peace toward each other.
- - Roger McNett

Iceland ready to endorse first openly gay Prime Minister
As the Prime Minister of the small (pop. 320,000) nation of Iceland, she will become the world's first openly gay female head of government — and Icelanders are hardly batting an eye.

Saturday 31 January 2009

Iceland was poised last night to give the world its first openly gay prime minister as Johanna Sigurdardottir prepared to be installed as an interim government leader to take the embattled country through to elections in the spring.

Sigurdardottir, who would also be Iceland's first woman prime minister, owes her sudden elevation to the removal of the previous coalition after weeks of raucous street protests whipped up by anger and desolation at the startling collapse of Iceland's financial system. She was expected to head a coalition of her own Social Democratic party with the Left-Greens, who have emerged from the crisis as probably Europe's most popular Green party.

For Sigurdardottir, Iceland's longest serving Member of Parliament, it has been a long and somewhat circuitous route to the top. Three decades ago, she was a cabin attendant and union official, the mother of two sons and married to a banker.

Her union connections brought her into politics, first as an MP in 1978, then as a minister in 1987 and vice-chairman of the party. By the mid 1990s, she was challenging for the top party job. On being defeated she predicted "my time will come", a phrase that has since become a standard aphorism in the Icelandic language.

"She has credible compassion with those less well off and a willingness to improve their lot," said her then rival, Jon Baldvin Hannibalsson. But in an interview with the daily Morgunbladid, he added: "She is a loner, focused but narrow-minded."

She formed her own party in 1995, but was back with the Social Democrats in 2000, and rejoined the government as social affairs minister in 2007.

In 2002, at the age of 60, she married Jonina Leosdottir, a writer, in a civil ceremony.


Download a pdf copy and read the January, 09 issue of Reality Magazine, a Fort Wayne-based GLBT news and information magazine. Click here to download


Mildred Loving of Loving v. Virginia, on gay marriage.
Loving v. Virginia, which struck down the last remaining state laws banning interracial marriage.

Richard and Mildred Loving went to Washington, D.C., in 1958 to marry because they were in love and Virginia, where they lived, prohibited their marriage. Richard was white and Mildred of African American and American Indian heritage. They did not intend to make a political statement. But one night as they slept at home in their bed, the couple were awakened and arrested, charged with violating the Virginia marriage law. They were sentenced to one year in prison. The Lovings appealed their conviction and the case went all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled in their favor on June 12, 1967.

Mildred Loving recently said, "My generation was bitterly divided over something that should have been so clear and right." "The majority believed what the [trial] judge said, that it was God's plan to keep people apart, and that government should discriminate against people in love. But I have lived long enough now to see big changes.

"Not a day goes by that I don't think of Richard and our love, our right to marry, and how much it meant to me to have that freedom to marry the person precious to me, even if others thought he was the 'wrong kind of person' for me to marry.

"I believe that all Americans, no matter their race, no matter their sex, no matter their sexual orientation, should have that same freedom to marry. Government has no business imposing some people's religious beliefs over others. Especially if it denies people's civil rights," she wrote.


Prop 8 - The Musical

Not sure who all the people in this clip are, but I did recognize Jack Black, Margaret Cho, Andy Richter, Maya Rudolph, John C. Reilly, Allison Janney, Kathy Najimy, Sarah Chalke and Neil Patrick Harris.


* * * PFLAG'S Christmas gathering was on Monday, December 8 * * *
The party was at Roger and Rachel's home and we all had a great time until Norman (the parrot) flew out of his room and caused someone (no name to protect the victim) to spill his coffee. No damage, just something to remember as a good time had by all - even Norman.

==========================================

On Pastor Rick Warren from Milissa Etheridge

EThis is a message for my brothers and sisters who have fought so long and so hard for gay rights and liberty. We have spent a long time climbing up this mountain, looking at the impossible, changing a thousand year-old paradigm. We have asked for the right to love the human of our choice, and to be protected equally under the laws of this great country. The road at times has been so bloody, and so horrible, and so disheartening. From being blamed for 9/11 and Katrina, to hateful crimes committed against us, we are battle weary. We watched as our nation took a step in the right direction, against all odds and elected Barack Obama as our next leader. Then we were jerked back into the last century as we watched our rights taken away by prop 8 in California. Still sore and angry we felt another slap in the face as the man we helped get elected seemingly invited a gay-hater to address the world at his inauguration.

I hadn't heard of Pastor Rick Warren before all of this. When I heard the news, in its neat little sound bite form that we are so accustomed to, it painted the picture for me. This Pastor Rick must surely be one hate spouting, money grabbing, bad hair televangelist like all the others. He probably has his own gay little secret bathroom stall somewhere, you know. One more hater working up his congregation to hate the gays, comparing us to pedophiles and those who commit incest, blah blah blah. Same 'ole thing. Would I be boycotting the inauguration? Would we be marching again?

Well, I have to tell you my friends, the universe has a sense of humor and indeed works in mysterious ways. As I was winding down the promotion for my Christmas album I had one more stop last night. I'd agreed to play a song I'd written with my friend Salman Ahmed, a Sufi Muslim from Pakistan. The song is called "Ring The Bells," and it's a call for peace and unity in our world. We were going to perform our song for the Muslim Public Affairs Council, a group of Muslim Americans that tries to raise awareness in this country, and the world, about the majority of good, loving, Muslims. I was honored, considering some in the Muslim religion consider singing to be against God, while other Muslim countries have harsh penalties, even death for homosexuals. I felt it was a very brave gesture for them to make. I received a call the day before to inform me of the keynote speaker that night... Pastor Rick Warren. I was stunned. My fight or flight instinct took over, should I cancel? Then a calm voice inside me said, "Are you really about peace or not?"

I told my manager to reach out to Pastor Warren and say "In the spirit of unity I would like to talk to him." They gave him my phone number. On the day of the conference I received a call from Pastor Rick, and before I could say anything, he told me what a fan he was. He had most of my albums from the very first one. What? This didn't sound like a gay hater, much less a preacher. He explained in very thoughtful words that as a Christian he believed in equal rights for everyone. He believed every loving relationship should have equal protection. He struggled with proposition 8 because he didn't want to see marriage redefined as anything other than between a man and a woman. He said he regretted his choice of words in his video message to his congregation about proposition 8 when he mentioned pedophiles and those who commit incest. He said that in no way, is that how he thought about gays. He invited me to his church, I invited him to my home to meet my wife and kids. He told me of his wife's struggle with breast cancer just a year before mine.

When we met later that night, he entered the room with open arms and an open heart. We agreed to build bridges to the future.

Brothers and sisters the choice is ours now. We have the world's attention. We have the capability to create change, awesome change in this world, but before we change minds we must change hearts. Sure, there are plenty of hateful people who will always hold on to their bigotry like a child to a blanket. But there are also good people out there, Christian and otherwise that are beginning to listen. They don't hate us, they fear change. Maybe in our anger, as we consider marches and boycotts, perhaps we can consider stretching out our hands. Maybe instead of marching on his church, we can show up en mass and volunteer for one of the many organizations affiliated with his church that work for HIV/AIDS causes all around the world.

Maybe if they get to know us, they wont fear us.

I know, call me a dreamer, but I feel a new era is upon us.

I will be attending the inauguration with my family, and with hope in my heart. I know we are headed in the direction of marriage equality and equal protection for all families.

Happy Holidays my friends and a Happy New Year to you.

Peace on earth, goodwill toward all men and women... and everyone in-between.

- Melissa

===========================================

We will try to bring to you the very best YouTube and other videos as well as current
helpful information we can. Please share any suggestions you have with rmcnett04@att.net
We have more that is just waiting to be put up as soon as we figure out the best way to share with you.


This page may soon have a different Internet address.
If it dissapears, go to ourdems.org and they will tell you where it has been moved.

Michelle Obama Speaks to DNC's Gay & Lesbian Leadership Council
This speach is well worth the listen.



A Local PFLAG Family is There To Share Our Side of the Issues as
Indiana News Center Tells of Local Reaction to Same Sex Mariage in California
Go to the INC web site where you can click to watch the story.
The video has been removed, but you can watch it HERE and hear Norman the parrot.


Where do the presidential candidates stand on LGBT issues?
We will put the up as we find them.

Obama Local site . . . McCain Local site - still looking


If you have seven minutes to spare, click here to see the unusual story of a cat and a crow.
For a shorter version.


Equality IS an American Value!

Take Action Against Hate Crimes


The Human Right Campaign on the Federal Hate Crimes Bill


Al Gore Speaks Out on Gay Marriage

"Gay men and women ought to have the same rights as heterosexual men and women -- to make contracts, to have hospital visiting rights, to join together in marriage, and I don't understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage," he says on the video, which appears on his Current TV network. "Shouldn't we be promoting the kind of faithfulness and loyalty to ones partner regardless of sexual orientation?"

The leading Democratic presidential candidates have tiptoed up to, but not crossed, the line of support for same-sex marriage. All three support equal substantive rights for gay and lesbians couples but, for the most part, have tried to have it both ways on the issue. - Thanks, John Good


sharkThe Marriage Discrimination Amendment (SJR-7) is Back!
Senate Joint Resolution 7 (SJR-7) has been filed and is once again eligible for consideration by the Indiana General Assembly. This piece of legislation is Indiana's infamous Marriage Discrimination Amendmen ¯ that would take away the rights of thousands of unmarried couples throughout the state of Indiana.
Indiana Equality and its coalition partners led the successful effort to defeat SJR-7 last year, but this potentially harmful bill returns for yet another showdown in the legislature in 2008.
SJR-7 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee who will take up the bill during the month of January.

If you do nothing else, write to your state senator today. Only people who talk to or write to them can make a difference. Do it today, because by Thursday it will be too late. More info is under the list of names.

Please contact the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee (below) by phone or e-mail and urge them to "not give SJR-7 a hearing, and to concentrate on the more pressing matters of the people before them in 2008."

Senator Richard Bray, Committee Chair s37@in.gov (317)232-9400
Senator Ron Alting s22@in.gov (317) 232-9400
Senator Jim Arnold s8@in.gov (317) 232-9400
Senator John Broden s10@in.gov (317) 232-9400
Senator Jeff Drozda s21@in.gov (317) 232-9400
Senator David Ford s19@in.gov (317) 232-9400
Senator Tim Lanane, Ranking Minority Member s25@in.gov (317)232-9400
Senator Teresa Lubbers s30@in.gov (317) 232-9400
Senator Sam Smith, Jr. s2@in.gov (317) 232-9400
Senator Brent Steele s44@in.gov (317) 232-9400
Senator Joe Zakas, Ranking Member s11@in.gov (317)232-9400

Ideas to share when writing or talking are just below this.

Join us for the Third-Annual Indiana Equality Rally and Lobby Day Training Indiana Equality has organized its annual rally to highlight issues that affect LGBT Hoosiers on Monday, February 18th, 2008 from 1:00pm - 2:30pm at the Indiana Statehouse. Join your fellow citizens as we proclaim with one voice that Equality IS a Hoosier Value. Details on the lobby day training will be forthcoming.

Let your voice be heard at the Indiana Statehouse.
SJR-7 is back again for another attack on Hoosiers rights. It is more important than ever to help educate your legislators on its hidden dangers. While increasing numbers of representatives are becoming aware of growing problems with the marriage discrimination amendment¯ passed by other states, we need your help to let them know how they can make the best decision for Indiana!

Our elected officials need to hear from each of you about the need to pass a comprehensive bias crimes bill and press to make changes to the state's Civil Rights Law to cover LGBT in employment, housing and public accommodations.
Go to www.indianaequality.org for more information on this year's big event as it unfolds.

==============

REVISED Messages
Marriage Discrimination Amendment
01/21/07
The Marriage Discrimination Amendment:  Read the Fine Print

The situation:  Indiana’s legislators passed an amendment to the Indiana Constitution in 2005.  To become law, the amendment would have to be approved again by the legislature in 2007 or 2008, and then by a majority of Indiana voters in 2008.  The timeline has changed slightly this year, but the potential damage to Hoosier citizens has not.

The Amendment:  (a) Marriage in Indiana consists only of the union of one man and one woman.  (b) This Constitution or any other Indiana law may not be construed to require that marital status or the legal incidents of marriage be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups.

The Messages:

  1. The Marriage Amendment discriminates against all couples in committed relationships who are not married. 
    1. The amendment permanently ensures unmarried couples or groups, regardless of gender, are banned from seeking legal status that is “substantially similar” to marriage.
    2. The effect of this amendment is far-reaching, preventing unmarried couples the opportunities to pursue civil unions and domestic partner benefits, among others.
    3. The amendment is so discriminatory in scope, that it will affect all unmarried couples, threatening their access to benefits we all take for granted, like health insurance and other legal protections for their families.
  1. The Marriage Amendment permanently writes discrimination into the Indiana Constitution.
    1. Arguably the state’s most important document, the amendment would use our state’s Constitution as a tool of exclusion.
    2. The Marriage Discrimination Amendment would strip away important rights for unmarried couples and their families, leaving them vulnerable to future discrimination without legal remedy.  As a result, this would severely limit the opportunity for those of limited means to fight for their rights. 
  2. The Marriage Discrimination Amendment is just an attempt to distract Hoosiers from the greater issues at hand. 
    1. Our state faces a host of important issues, ranging from the economy, to public education, to social services, and critical infrastructure upgrades.
    2. The Marriage Amendment is meant to divide and distract Hoosiers, rather than moving forward with creative solutions for our state’s problems. 
  1. The Marriage Discrimination Amendment threatens current and future economic development. 
    1. Indiana is transforming our economy for the 21st Century and beyond, specializing in logistics and distribution, advanced manufacturing, the life sciences, and higher education. 
    2. Our state is home to national and global headquarters, many of which offer their employees competitive benefit packages in order to attract and retain the best talent to our state. 
    3. These benefits include policies that ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, and domestic partner benefits.
    4. At a time where competition for the best talent in business is fierce, our businesses – and our state’s economic health – stand to lose if the marriage amendment is ratified. 

  • The Marriage Discrimination Amendment violates every Hoosier’s basic right to fairness.
  • While it is designed solely to discriminate against same-sex couples, unmarried heterosexual couples and their families face the same consequences.
  • Unmarried couples could lose every right or protection available to their families.  This touches every aspect of modern life, from probate concerns, to eldercare decisions, to retirement and survivor benefits, to adoption and foster care. 
  • The Marriage Amendment also threatens to undo the progress made by local governments to enact human rights ordinances.
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Call or write your state senator about this today. Tomorrow WILL be too late.

 


 


 

Ten Arguments Against Gay Marriage

This is nice satirical video that was discovered on the blog of a local college student who exercises independent thinking and makes his own decisions based upon the facts available. Great job, Kody Tinnel!

Ok, so that was some pretty heavy arguements against gay marriage.
Below is the other side of the issue - sort of.

Bill Maher - Gay Marriage commentary [near Christmas 2003]
This clip shows off some interesting points Mr. Maher made regarding gay marriage.
Priceless quotes from *THE MAN* can be heard here!

Roger likes this guy more and more every time he hears him.

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You might want to visit the web site of Faith In America, a group who speaks for understanding. The fundamental mission of Faith In America is to end bigotry disguised as religious truth and in doing so, ensure full and equal civil rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in America. The world’s great religious traditions practiced within the United States of America emphasize the love of neighbor as well as the love of God. Compassion, justice, freedom, and respect for the dignity of all people are their most authentic and noble expressions.

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For The Bible Tells Me So - Trailer

 

The Moderate Voice has My Open Letter to Rep. Mark Souder on ENDA by Holly in Cincinnati (Nov. 7, 2007). It is worth the read. Our congressman has a lot to understand about GLBT issues. We do what we can to inform, but some folks just have already made up their minds. Doesn't hurt to let him know that some people have different appreciations.

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'It's not the fact you're gay that bothers me son, it's the fact you're so open about it.'

Humm, what is really important - from the Jewish (or any other religious) perspective?

Is he Jewish

GL or LG ? - - Ok, what is all this silliness about GLBT vs LGBT? Oh, now, people like the Bilerico Project are using LGBTQ. Let us think . . What dies the Q stand for? Well, I think it is all a bit queer. What should come first, the L or the G? Which ever comes first, we invite you to come as you are.- - RM

The Bilerico Project is an informative and humorous GLBT web site that you might appreciate.

Gaining in acceptance, an great and helpful article in the November 7 Journal-Gazette, Read it

Think Equal Ad #2 of 4: "Check Equal"

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Don't tell or tolerate jokes about GLBT employees, just as you wouldn't tolerate jokes about women, people of color, ethnic groups, or religion.

Respect the privacy of GLBT employees - - allow GLBT employees to "come out" and control sharing information about themselves at work.

Avoid making assumptions about anyone's sexual orientation or gender identity.


What's Morally Wrong With Homosexuality? - By Dr. John Corvino
John Corvino is a writer, speaker, and philosophy professor at Wayne State University in Detroit.

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From our Indy PFLAG Friends

On Saturday, November 3rd, Focus on the Family's Love Won Out restorative therapy program is coming to the Indianapolis area. This conference is promoted as "the truth that change is possible for those who experience same-sex attractions. We want people to know that individuals don't have to be gay and that a homosexual identity is something that can be overcome.”

In response, Indy PFLAG has planned a peaceful gathering near their event to celebrate our LGBT families and loved ones. We're also promoting two programs on that same day that offer an alternative view. Please take a look at the attached flyers and join us, if possible.

read on

Love Unites Our Families as we come together to honor love and inclusiveness. Join Indy PFLAG and others to peacefully counteract the dangerous message of Love Won Out, a Focus on the Family restorative therapy program. Signs will be available or bring your own – please keep in mind that we want to convey a message of unqualified love and acceptance.

WHAT: A Peaceful Gathering in Celebration of our LGBT Loved Ones

WHEN: Saturday, November 3 at 7:30 – 8:30 am, then again from 5:00 – 6:00 pm

WHERE: Along the road near Traders Point Christian Church,
6590 S. Indianapolis Road, Whitestown, IN 46075

(Just NW of the I-465 Loop. From I-65 North, take exit 130, turn left onto 334. Park at the truck stop on the right just before S. Indianapolis Rd. where the church campus is located just to the south. You’ll be shuttled to the gathering area.)

For more information call Annette at 317-872-1385 or email info@indypflag.org.

This is a VERY GOOD READ
Read the IndyPFLAG Press Release

Two Downloads
Jesus, the Bible and Homosexuality flyer.doc (msword) or Nov. 3 flyer.doc (msword)

 


While we do not take political sides in any election, this information deals with issues we should be aware of. It demonstrates how some groups twist partial truths to guide the minds of voters for candidates they support. This deals with a radio political message playing in Fort Wayne.

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Support for Gay Educators on the Rise

Findings in a recent Pew Survey show that support for gay educators is on the rise. Only 28 percent of people think a school board should fire educators based on their sexual orientation. The survey marks the first time this percentage has dropped below 30—a strong decrease from 51 percent in 1987.

“I believe that the national conversation that is happening regarding sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender self-expression has made a huge difference,” says Mary Paradise, co-chair of the NEA Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Caucus. “When more and more people stand up to support their sons and daughters, their neighbors and friends, their home decorators and hairdressers, their teachers and health care providers, it makes a difference.”

—Maren MacIntyre in neatoday, Oct. 2007


Up The Stairs Community Center, a Fort Wayne non-profit group that we have found to be very helpful to many in the GLBT community was the feature of a Journal Gazette front page story on Sunday, October 14, 2007. The story dealt with their governing body's apparent careless financial reporting and lack of willingness to listen to differing opinions. While this may open questions as to financial hanky panky, it could also just show that they were careless with money and the reporting of how it was used. The Up The Stairs Community Center is an important Fort Wayne resource and certainly should be open and responsible to it's members and financial donors. It is our hope that they work quickly to become more transparent and accepting of diversity in opinions and outlooks as they carry out their important work. It is time that the board opens up and goes positively forward by listening to the great diversity of opinions and skills available to them from within the community. Read more from the Journal Gazette and download the IRS info. - RM

National Coming Out Day was October 11th, an internationally-observed civil awareness day for coming out of the closet and speaking out about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender issues. It is observed on October 11 by members of the LGBT communities and their supporters. See a great YouTube video.

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Click here for a
A great web site for those with any conflict between Christianity and people who are GLBT
Would Jesus Discriminate?
Take your time to watch, listen, read and get ammo to blast the bigots.
Suggestion: read the comments when you click on the Billboards on the right side.


Families Joined By Love

Families Joined by Love ( www.familiesjoinedbylove.com ), a comprehensive bookstore, resource center, and discussion community for LGBT families and the important people in their lives, announces the launch of its website on August 1.

We have created this sophisticated new resource for LGBT families in response to a growing need within the LGBT community for information and literature on topics related to parenting, adoption, legal and financial issues, and other areas of interest for current and prospective LGBT parents. Despite the ever-growing number of children in need of adoption worldwide, and the increasing cost-effectiveness of fertility treatments, LGBT individuals and couples are often viewed as unsuitable candidates for parenthood.

At Families Joined by Love, we recognize the tremendous potential that LGBT individuals possess not only as partners in healthy and constructive romantic relationships, but also as parents and mentors. By making information about the journey to and through parenthood widely available to LGBT families, we hope to empower this unique and valuable demographic in overcoming the many obstacles that can block the path to becoming a parent.

Our store got started in 1992, with a basic mail-order catalog and eventually a website catering to LGBT families; for this new incarnation of Families Joined by Love, we have created a much more diverse and sophisticated resource. We currently offer books and other publications, resource listings and links, and a wide array of discussion forums.

Visit our new website at www.familiesjoinedbylove.com to see the full range of literature and resources that we provide for LGBT families and their supporters. With this website, we strive to provide not only a comprehensive selection of informational books and resources, but also a nurturing and safe environment in which LGBT families and their supporters can come together for discussion, activism, and support.

If you would like more information about Families Joined by Love, would like printed postcards from FJBL to distribute to your members, or have a question about any aspect of our website, please contact us at the number listed below or email us at www.familiesjoinedbylove.com/contactus.shtml . Also, be sure to sign up for our email list for bookstore updates, news items of current events of interest to LGBT families, and special promotional offers. In case you have a newsletter or a blog, I’ve attached a press release your convenience. You can find instructions about linking to our website at www.familiesjoinedbylove.com/misc/linktous.shtml.


Laurie Wallmark, President
Xan Nowakowski, Vice President


Reject Bush Surgeon General Nominee Over Alleged Homophobia

Opposition is growing against President Bush’s nominee to be the next surgeon general, Dr. James Holsinger. Holsinger has argued that homosexuality is unnatural and dangerous and that sexual orientation is a lifestyle choice. . Click here to learn more


This page will soon change to bring weekly videos to inform for understanding. Keep checking in and be involved in changing attitudes. Always feel free to contact the web guy at rmcnett04@att.net


indiana house

Al, Janice and Roger were in Indianapolis on Wednesday, March 21 to listen to the hearing in the Indiana House on the proposed constitutional amendment that would ban civil unions and marriage for gay and lesbian couples as well as threaten any legal protections for unmarried couples. After three hours of listening to speakers both for and against the amendment, it was decided to not take a vote and continue to study the issues.
Click For Full Report

NOTE: Tuesday, April 3 - The Indiana House of Representative’s Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee has voted five to five thereby defeating Senate Joint Resolution 7 (SJR-7). As a result, SJR-7 dies in committee and will not be voted on by the full House of Representatives or the Indiana General Assembly.

We applaud the members of the Committee who voted against SJR-7 for their courageous action, and for standing up for the countless Hoosiers and their families who would have faced needless discrimination were this amendment to pass.

We also want to thank the many businesses, organizations, and individuals who stood with us in opposing SJR-7. They were instrumental in making the case that an amendment defining marriage had no business jeopardizing economic development, threatening the security of domestic violence victims, and stripping our citizens of important rights.

The vote by the committee is a victory against bigotry and discrimination.

If you would like a speaker on this issue or PFLAG in general e-mail: indianacares@yahoo.com.


* * * Who Cares About Gay Marriage? * * *
A straight person's guide to learn what you might want to know.


bookOut of the Closet Into our Hearts - Celebrating Our Gay/Lesbian Family Members

The author pictured on the cover of this book came to our meeting a few months ago and shared how his life had improved and grown as he and his son worked together after his son came out of the closet. Family Values include loving you gay or lesbian children and life is so much better with understanding and acceptance. At our meetings parents often come to share their concerns and they get answers and hear the experiences of others that make the transition to understanding calmer and stronger.

The book was edited by Laura Siegel and Nancy Lamkin Olson, two PFLAG moms, and is a touching collection of articles and essays written by the parents gay men, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered people. It includes personal stories by famous parents such television personality and movie critic Gene Shalit, who wrote a tribute to his gay son Pete, and a poignant piece by Dennis Shepard, father of Matthew Shepard who was murdered in Wyoming. And it includes many articles and stories by parents and friends who are not so famous, but whose stories are just as vital and important.

Kristen Kingdon, Executive Director of PFLAG, said:
“Out of the Closet is the kind of book you want to keep forever and share with everyone you know. The stories are thoughtfully woven together, creating a warm tapestry of unconditional love and acceptance. …This book should be read by all people who appreciate living honestly, loving deeply and making the world a better place.”

John Shelby Spong, retired Episcopal Bishop of New Jersey, said:
“If history is biography, as someone has observed, then this book is nothing less than vital and moving history. …it is time to celebrate the victory. The homophobic majority in every Christian church is in a steady retreat. …This book is a godsend, revealing as it does the human side of oppression.”


"We must encourage tolerance, we must advocate for safety, we must speak out against hate, and we must do it now."
- -
Nancy McDonald, former PFLAG National President

This web site is declared safe! Regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, and ability, you will be treated and respected as a human being. Ignorance, bigotry, and harassment will not be tolerated.

PFLAG of Fort Wayne
PO Box 5086
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-5086
(260) 497-8528
PflagFtWayne@aol.com

 

 

To send mail to Roger McNett, the Web Guy, send to rmcnett04 (at) att.net

 

 

 

 

 

 

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