December 2012 Newsletter
Content
A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE AKRON AND CLEVELAND CHAPTERS
PFLAG
2012
MINNESOTA WASHINGTON WISCONSIN By Ed Kancler, Akron chapter president
DECEMBER 2012
Monitor your legislators
Now that the elections are over, want to keep tabs on where your legislators stand on issues that impact LGBT? HRC’s searchable database allows you to see where your elected officials stand on federal legislation that affects the LGBT community, as well as whether or not they support marriage for gay and lesbian couples. As bills continue to be reintroduced and new cosponsors are added to existing bills, HRC will update its information periodically. Look under the Resources tab at HRC.org. IOWA MARYLAND
MAINE
Farewell reflections from the chapter president
This is my last message as president of Akron PFLAG. On January 1 our chapter will welcome Kim Mosyjowski as its new president. I know Kim will serve PFLAG well, just as she, her husband Joe, daughter Joan and son Nick have been active PFLAG participants. Best wishes to you, Kim! At the same time, I want to reflect on all that has happened over the last few years. Our chapter has many new members and many new and younger faces, which bodes well for our future. And, based on recent events, there is a brighter future for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders. Just in the past three years, we have seen Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repealed, numerous court cases that held the federal DOMA unconstitutional, the Ninth Circuit’s ruling that California’s Proposition 8 is unconstitutional, marriage equality approved in New York, Maine, Maryland, and Washington, Iowa’s refusal to unseat its Supreme Court judge who voted for marriage equality, Minnesota’s rejection of marriage being limited to heterosexual couples, and Wisconsin’s election of the first openly gay U.S. senator. That, my friends is a lot of WOW! Then, too, while bullying still goes on, there is a growing public awareness of the issue and it is to be seen if the laws get tougher with a goal of strict enforcement. Of course, there will always be a NOM (or other similar groups) and there will always be those who hate unthinkingly and with a high degree of prejudice. But, guess what? We will be here as well. All of us who support LGBT, all of us who see reason as the way to persuade and convince those people who are of good will. And, whether it’s PFLAG, GLSEN, HRC, GSAs, LGBTUs, Equality Ohio and all other groups promoting equality, we will continue to prevail. It has taken time and effort, It will take more time and effort. Yes, the ball is finally rolling. Let’s keep it going! Happy holidays to you all!
this issue
Chapter News 2-3 Holiday Tips Coming Events News Opinion: World AIDS Day 3 4 5 6
PFLAG Cleveland honors CGG and Lanci family
Our Mission
PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, their families and friends through SUPPORT to cope with an adverse society; EDUCATION to enlighten an illinformed public; and ADVOCACY to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
2012 Bruce Kriete Community Award
Consolidated Graphics Group, Inc. (CGG) and the Lanci family received the 2012 PFLAG Cleveland Bruce G. Kriete Community Award for their leadership in speaking out on behalf of the LGBT community, as well as generous production of printed materials and resources (including this newsletter) for PFLAG Cleveland and numerous other LGBT nonprofit organizations in Northeast Ohio. CGG is a Cleveland-based company that prides itself on meeting the communication needs of their business clients. Owned and operated by the Lanci family, CGG is a leader in the LGBT community. Ken and Linda also willingly donate their time for speaking engagements to support LGBT causes. PFLAG Cleveland is very grateful for the contributions of CGG and the entire Lanci family!
Ken, Wally and Linda Lanci pose with Cleveland PFLAG president Sharon Groh-Wargo after being awarded the 2012 PFLAG Cleveland Bruce G. Kriete Community Award.
AKRON CHAPTER
PO Box 5471 Akron, OH 44334
P F L A G A K RO N . O RG [email protected]
PFLAG Akron announces 2013 officers
November election bring new president
Following elections at the November chapter meeting, Akron PFLAG welcomes the following officers for 2013: President Kim Masyjowski, Vice President Bill Libby, Secretary Joe Gardner, Treasurer Sue Magilavy. We congratulate these officers and look forward to continued success.
INFO & HELPLINE: 330-342-5825
Executive Board
President-Ed Kancler; VP-Bill Libby; Secretary-Joe Gardner; TreasurerSue Magilavy; At Large-Chris Goldthorpe, Bob and Valerie Hempel, David Horowitz, Marie Libby, Audrey Kancler, Kim and Joe Mosyjowski, Bob Menapace, Joy Watts
University Circle UMC partners with PFLAG
Educational session leads to plans for future programming
The Gay Straight Alliance of the University Circle United Methodist Church in Cleveland invited PFLAG Cleveland to present an educational session on October 14. Marianne Buccini represented PFLAG at the hour-long session, sharing her family story, talking about the mission of PFLAG, and introducing the Straight for Equality in Faith Communities program. Thirty members of the congregation were in attendance and actively engaged in respectful and thoughtful questions and comments. This initial meeting was so successful, that PFLAG Cleveland has been asked to partner with the University Circle UMC in presenting additional programming in 2013. Preliminary plans are for the full Straight for Equality in Faith Communities workshop to be held early in the new year.
Committee Chairs
Membership-Chuck Magilavy, Publicity-Marie Libby; Library-David Greene; Hospitality-Rada Jenkins; Newsletter-Audrey Kancler
PFLAG Akron meets KSU scholarship recipient
Brian Wakely received 2012-13 award
At its November meeting, PFLAG Akron received a visit from Brian Wakely, a student at Kent State University who was awarded a scholarship by the chapter for the current academic year. Brian is majoring in visual communication design with minors in advertising and LGBT studies. His goal is to work for an advertising firm focusing on LGBTQ advertising. “I want to dedicate my life to helping the community that has helped me become the person I am today,” he said in thanks to the chapter. Although Brian’s parents struggle with his sexual orientation, he has the support of all seven of his siblings.
CLEVELAND CHAPTER
615 Prospect St. Berea, OH 44017
P F L A G C LE V E LA N D . O RG
[email protected]
INFOLINE: 216-556-1701
Executive Board
President-Sharon Groh-Wargo; VP-Jeanette Nemcek; Treasurer-Art Thomson; Secretary-Marianne Buccini; At Large-Alan Cohen, Bill Franklin, Craig Hoffman; Legislative Coord.-Tom Roese; Newsletter-Pat Brandt; Snacks-Rebecca and Carl Schultz; Technology-Corey Glaze and Quentin Jamieson
University Circle United Methodist Church
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Y O U AL W AY S H AV E A HO M E AT PF L AG
HRC Buyers Guide to LGBTfriendly retailers
If you’re looking to support LGBT-friendly retailers as you shop this holiday season, look no further than
Endowment fund awards grant to PFLAG Akron
The Akron Gay Community Endowment Fund (GCEF) has awarded PFLAG Akron a $1,000 grant to purchase written resource materials— pamphlets and brochures that will be ordered through PFLAG National. These materials cover various topics and are made available at no cost to anyone attending the chapter’s monthly meetings. “The award will help us place these educational resources right into the hands of people who want and need them,” said longtime PFLAG Akron member Audrey Kancler. Last year GCEF awarded nearly $30,000 to 10 greater Akron nonprofit organizations. Previous recipients have included the Akron Area Pride Collective for its LGBT youth program at CANAPI, Kent State University’s award-winning, student-produced, diversitythemed magazine Fusion, the University of Akron’s LGBT Union, the Jewish Family Service of Akron for its counseling and support groups for LGBT senior citizens, and the Akron Art museum for an exhibit by gay artist James Gobel. Founded in 2001, the Gay Community Endowment Fund is a permanent philanthropic endowment of Akron Community Foundation. It facilitates and perpetuates philanthropy by supporting programs and services that support or positively impact the LGBT community, as well as the entire greater Akron community. The fund has reinvested more than $156,000 in the community since its inception. A complete list of 2012 awardees should be available soon on the GCEF website at: gaycommunityfund.org/grant/.
the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's Buyer's Guide at HRC.org. The report ranks popular businesses and their products based on their score in the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. With a score of 100, Abercrombie & Fitch and Target rank alongside General Mills and Kellogg's as being among the businesses and brands to receive the highest workplace equality scores. On the flip side, the Trump Organization, Urban Outfitters and even Tupperware received considerably less favorable ratings.
Tips for a happy holiday
Bring LGBT support With the holiday season in full swing, here are resources to share. some tips to help you plan for a successful trip to visit the family if you or a loved one are LGBT. Take care of your partner’s needs and your If You’re LGBT: own. Plan ahead—Don’t assume you know how somebody will react. You may be surprised. Remember that coming out is a continuous proc- If You’re a Family ess. You may have to come out many times. Member: Recognize that family members may need time to accept you. Contact your nearest PFLAG chapter for support.
If you are partnered, discuss in advance how you will talk about your relationship and show Realize everyone will be a little nervous, but affection. Be wary of the desire to shock people. don’t assume the worst in people. Make alternative plans for sleeping arrangements in case the situation becomes difficult at home. During your visit, reassure family that you are still the same person they knew. Be honest about your feelings and give yourself time to adjust. Prepare how you will talk to family members. If you are comfortable, they will more likely be too.
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Oberlin hosts “Year of the Queer”
Oberlin College has been hosting a yearlong series of academic courses, performances, social events and lectures focusing on the subject of “queer theory,” based on the idea that sexual identities are not fixed and do not determine who we are. Founding faculty member and sociology professor Greggor Mattson described the program’s purpose as “making queer theory accessible to students who aren’t queer and to those who think queer theory is not relevant to our lives,” according to a college press release. The entire campus has become involved in the program, which uses a pink squirrel as its logo. For info: http:// new.oberlin.edu/arts-andsciences/departments/ sociology/year-of-thequeer.dot.
New Year’s Eve gala
Inaugural event hosted by Colors of Cleveland Pride
Colors of Cleveland Pride invites you to “Elegant Explosion,” a New Year’s Eve formal gala on Monday, Dec. 31 from 8:00 pm-2:30 am at Tizzano’s Party Center, 1361 E. 260th St., Euclid. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, live entertainment and a champagne toast at midnight. Dinner features beef tenderloin with mushroom gravy, stuffed chicken breast with spinach and mornay sauce, Italian green beans with sundried tomatoes, wild rice and broccoli, pasta alfredo, salad and assorted pastries. Tickets $65 per person. Purchase online at colorsofclevelandpride.org under the Colors Events tab.
Actor’s Summit Show
My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding playing at Greystone Hall
Actor’s Summit presents this heartwarming and hilarious true story of a straight white male and his lesbian mother that celebrates love in all its forms. The hit of the 2010 New York Musical Theater Festival will make you laugh, cry and realize that nothing is impossible. Recommended for adult audiences (17 and older.) Performances on the 6th floor of Greystone Hall, 103 High St., Akron. Tickets: 330-3747568 or actorssummit.org. If you attend on December 7, mention CANAPI when you order tickets and 70 percent of your purchase will benefit the Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative.
Philanthropia 2012
Performance by the Singing Angels
Executive Caterers of Landerhaven is pleased to announce the 2012 Philanthropia on Monday, Dec. 10 at noon. This annual fundraising luncheon benefits nonprofits throughout Northeast Ohio. Executive Caterers donates all of the luncheon expenses so that your entire donation goes directly to the nonprofit of your choice. For info: Sharon Smutak at 440-449-0700 ext. 241 or [email protected]
Snowbirding? Update your mailing address
Don’t miss a single issue of the newsletter!
Heading south for the winter? Be sure to contact us to update your mailing address so you can keep current with PFLAG news and events while the snow falls here in Northeast Ohio. Akron residents send updates to: [email protected]. Clevelanders send updates to: [email protected].
Brooks Bros. benefit
10 percent of sales to benefit the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland
Brooks Brothers in Tower City invites you to an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and shopping to benefit the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Enjoy 15 percent savings on purchases while supporting a great cause. RSVP: 216-781-9800.
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W HEN Y O U NO L O NG ER N EED PF L AG , T HAT ’ S W HEN PF L AG N EED S Y O U
Equality Ohio announces Executive Director
The Equality Ohio board of directors has announced the selection of Elyzabeth
HRC index ranks LGBT equality in three Ohio cities
A new report on LGBT equality in America’s cities by the Human Rights Campaign rated 137 cities across the nation, including Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus. The Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the first ever rating system of LGBT inclusion in municipal law, finds that while many U.S. cities lag behind in protections for LGBT people, some of the most LGBTfriendly policies in the country have been innovated and implemented at the municipal level, including in states with laws that are unfriendly to the LGBT community. The average score for cities in Ohio is 79 out of 100, which is in line with the national average. Cincinnati and Cleveland both scored 77 points, and Columbus scored 83 points. Key findings from the MEI create a snapshot of LGBT equality in 137 municipalities of varying sizes drawn from every state in the nation – these include the 50 state capitals, the 50 most populous cities in the country, and the 25 large, 25 mid-size, and 25 small municipalities with the highest proportion of same-sex couples. Seattle and other 100-point cities serve as shining examples of LGBT inclusivity, with excellent policies ranging from non-discrimination laws, equal employee benefits, and cuttingedge city services. As America moves forward in support of LGBT equality, cities across the country are on the forefront of this movement. Cities in every region of the country are fighting for equality at the most intimate level of government. At the points, including eight cities that scored under ten points and three that scored zero. “Our nation is on an irreversible path forward in LGBT equality and local and state-level advocacy ensures our voices are heard,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “This index gives advocates and municipal lawmakers a potent tool to improve the lives of LGBT people.” The MEI rates cities based on 47 criteria falling under six broad categories:
Joy Holford as the organization’s fourth executive director. Ms. Holford was chosen following a national search initiated in July 2012. She brings over 20 years of leadership experience as an attorney, educator and business professional in both the public and private sectors.
Eleven of the cities surveyed earned a perfect score of 100 points. Only three cities out of 137 rated a zero.
same time, cities across the country also have room for improvement. The MEI articulates a path forward and celebrates the success of cities doing this important work. MEI at a glance:
• Non-discrimination laws; • Relationship recognition; • The municipality’s employment practices;
“Elyzabeth’s extensive experience in organizational development will be a valuable asset to Equality Ohio,” said Paul Feeney, chair of the Board for Equality Ohio Education Fund. “She is an extremely smart, engaging, energetic and all-around delightful person.”
• Inclusive city services; • Law enforcement; and • Municipal leadership.
"The freedom to be ourselves is most important where we live, work and raise our families. That's why it's so crucial that local and municipal governments understand the need to make life better for LGBT people," said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute. The full report, including long form scorecards for every city and a searchable database, is available online at hrc.org/mei.
• 11 of the 137 cities surveyed
earned a perfect score of 100 points—these cities came from across the country, were of varying sizes, and some were in states considered unfriendly to LGBT people;
• A quarter of the cities scored
over 80 points and 45 percent scored 60 or more;
• Just under a quarter of the
cities scored less than 20
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My take on World AIDS Day 2012
By Pat Brandt, Cleveland chapter newsletter editor AIDS. Thirty years out. December 1st , 2012 was the 25th anniversary of the first World AIDS Day. The City of Cleveland commemorated it with a vigil and candlelight march on Friday, November 30, starting at the steps of City Hall, snaking through Public Square and ending on the grand staircase of Tower City Center. There in the Terminal Tower, swathed in red lighting like a giant red ribbon around its neck, the marchers heard a list of speakers that included Karen Butler, the Director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health, Ohio Senator Nina Turner, and AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland CEO, Tracy Jones. Several men and women that have lived with the AIDS virus for more than a decade gave very moving and inspirational speeches on their journeys over the course of their diagnoses. The program was more notable because it was held in the midst of holiday shoppers, daily commuters and families who had come downtown to admire the lighting extravaganza. In this setting, the disease that is still spoken of in whispers or behind closed doors was there in that cavernthese young people do not know it. The Center for Disease Control has noted that HIV infections are increasing in young people but decreasing in older people. So young people are driving the epidemic. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of new infections are among men who have sex with men. The trend is particularly pronounced within the African-American community: Nearly 6 percent of black gay men under age 30 become newly infected with HIV each year. The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland is a wonderful tool in our community that has prevention of the disease as part of its mission. The HIVinfected community here is supportive and loving of one another. Let us join in these efforts to make sure future generations are HIV free and that these community jewels are here to stay. As one HIV-infected individual stated, for those infected with the virus, every day is World AIDS Day. We should keep this fact in our minds and hearts as well.
Google+ Hangouts will feature a discussion with the High Commissioner for Human Rights for Human Rights Day on December 10, 15:30 Geneva time. Make your voice count and send in your questions using #AskRights. A live webcast of the event will be available at webtv.un.org.
ous atrium, front and center for all to witness. The statistics and the personal stories of hope and inspiration illuminated for many what can be done and still needs to be done to insure that we are “Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero deaths from AIDS-related illness. Zero discrimination,” which was this year’s theme. In order for this to happen we need to remove the stigma that the disease still holds, addressing homophobia among youth and within schools, and AIDSphobic attitudes within our own communities. Of the 50,000 Americans infected with HIV each year, one in four is between 13 and 24 years old. That translates to 1,000 infections per month and 60% of
CHAPTER MTGS.
Akron PFLAG
3rd Thursdays - 7:00 pm
N. Springfield Presbyterian 671 N. Canton Rd.
Cleveland PFLAG
2nd Tuesdays - 7:30 pm
Trinity Episcopal 2230 Euclid Ave,, 44115
Elyria/Lorain PFLAG
3rd Mondays - 7:00 pm
1st Congregational Church 4th and Lorain
Groundbreaking lawsuit challenges conversion therapy
The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed a lawsuit against an “ex-gay” therapy practice based in New Jersey on behalf of four young men who claim the therapies were harmful, unscientific, and fraudulent. Downing, made fraudulent claims that the service could “cure” patients of being gay. The suit is the first time a “conversion” therapy practitioner has been directly sued for deceptive practices. The claim The suit charges that Jews Ofseeks restitution and damages fering New Alternatives for Heal- for the plaintiffs and revocation ing (JONAH), its founder, Arthur of JONAH’s business license. Goldberg, and a counselor, Alan Homosexuality as a mental disorder has been largely discredited. The American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the list of psychiatric disorders 40 years ago and states there is no scientific evidence to support “conversion therapy” as a means to alter the sexual identity or orientation of an individual.
Wooster PFLAG
3rd Thursdays - 7:00 pm
Universalist Fellowship 3186 Burbank Rd.
Please call ahead to confirm.
Youngstown PFLAG
2nd Tuesdays - 6:30 pm
St. John’s Episcopal 323 Wick Ave.
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PFLAG
2012
MINNESOTA WASHINGTON WISCONSIN By Ed Kancler, Akron chapter president
DECEMBER 2012
Monitor your legislators
Now that the elections are over, want to keep tabs on where your legislators stand on issues that impact LGBT? HRC’s searchable database allows you to see where your elected officials stand on federal legislation that affects the LGBT community, as well as whether or not they support marriage for gay and lesbian couples. As bills continue to be reintroduced and new cosponsors are added to existing bills, HRC will update its information periodically. Look under the Resources tab at HRC.org. IOWA MARYLAND
MAINE
Farewell reflections from the chapter president
This is my last message as president of Akron PFLAG. On January 1 our chapter will welcome Kim Mosyjowski as its new president. I know Kim will serve PFLAG well, just as she, her husband Joe, daughter Joan and son Nick have been active PFLAG participants. Best wishes to you, Kim! At the same time, I want to reflect on all that has happened over the last few years. Our chapter has many new members and many new and younger faces, which bodes well for our future. And, based on recent events, there is a brighter future for lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgenders. Just in the past three years, we have seen Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repealed, numerous court cases that held the federal DOMA unconstitutional, the Ninth Circuit’s ruling that California’s Proposition 8 is unconstitutional, marriage equality approved in New York, Maine, Maryland, and Washington, Iowa’s refusal to unseat its Supreme Court judge who voted for marriage equality, Minnesota’s rejection of marriage being limited to heterosexual couples, and Wisconsin’s election of the first openly gay U.S. senator. That, my friends is a lot of WOW! Then, too, while bullying still goes on, there is a growing public awareness of the issue and it is to be seen if the laws get tougher with a goal of strict enforcement. Of course, there will always be a NOM (or other similar groups) and there will always be those who hate unthinkingly and with a high degree of prejudice. But, guess what? We will be here as well. All of us who support LGBT, all of us who see reason as the way to persuade and convince those people who are of good will. And, whether it’s PFLAG, GLSEN, HRC, GSAs, LGBTUs, Equality Ohio and all other groups promoting equality, we will continue to prevail. It has taken time and effort, It will take more time and effort. Yes, the ball is finally rolling. Let’s keep it going! Happy holidays to you all!
this issue
Chapter News 2-3 Holiday Tips Coming Events News Opinion: World AIDS Day 3 4 5 6
PFLAG Cleveland honors CGG and Lanci family
Our Mission
PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, their families and friends through SUPPORT to cope with an adverse society; EDUCATION to enlighten an illinformed public; and ADVOCACY to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
2012 Bruce Kriete Community Award
Consolidated Graphics Group, Inc. (CGG) and the Lanci family received the 2012 PFLAG Cleveland Bruce G. Kriete Community Award for their leadership in speaking out on behalf of the LGBT community, as well as generous production of printed materials and resources (including this newsletter) for PFLAG Cleveland and numerous other LGBT nonprofit organizations in Northeast Ohio. CGG is a Cleveland-based company that prides itself on meeting the communication needs of their business clients. Owned and operated by the Lanci family, CGG is a leader in the LGBT community. Ken and Linda also willingly donate their time for speaking engagements to support LGBT causes. PFLAG Cleveland is very grateful for the contributions of CGG and the entire Lanci family!
Ken, Wally and Linda Lanci pose with Cleveland PFLAG president Sharon Groh-Wargo after being awarded the 2012 PFLAG Cleveland Bruce G. Kriete Community Award.
AKRON CHAPTER
PO Box 5471 Akron, OH 44334
P F L A G A K RO N . O RG [email protected]
PFLAG Akron announces 2013 officers
November election bring new president
Following elections at the November chapter meeting, Akron PFLAG welcomes the following officers for 2013: President Kim Masyjowski, Vice President Bill Libby, Secretary Joe Gardner, Treasurer Sue Magilavy. We congratulate these officers and look forward to continued success.
INFO & HELPLINE: 330-342-5825
Executive Board
President-Ed Kancler; VP-Bill Libby; Secretary-Joe Gardner; TreasurerSue Magilavy; At Large-Chris Goldthorpe, Bob and Valerie Hempel, David Horowitz, Marie Libby, Audrey Kancler, Kim and Joe Mosyjowski, Bob Menapace, Joy Watts
University Circle UMC partners with PFLAG
Educational session leads to plans for future programming
The Gay Straight Alliance of the University Circle United Methodist Church in Cleveland invited PFLAG Cleveland to present an educational session on October 14. Marianne Buccini represented PFLAG at the hour-long session, sharing her family story, talking about the mission of PFLAG, and introducing the Straight for Equality in Faith Communities program. Thirty members of the congregation were in attendance and actively engaged in respectful and thoughtful questions and comments. This initial meeting was so successful, that PFLAG Cleveland has been asked to partner with the University Circle UMC in presenting additional programming in 2013. Preliminary plans are for the full Straight for Equality in Faith Communities workshop to be held early in the new year.
Committee Chairs
Membership-Chuck Magilavy, Publicity-Marie Libby; Library-David Greene; Hospitality-Rada Jenkins; Newsletter-Audrey Kancler
PFLAG Akron meets KSU scholarship recipient
Brian Wakely received 2012-13 award
At its November meeting, PFLAG Akron received a visit from Brian Wakely, a student at Kent State University who was awarded a scholarship by the chapter for the current academic year. Brian is majoring in visual communication design with minors in advertising and LGBT studies. His goal is to work for an advertising firm focusing on LGBTQ advertising. “I want to dedicate my life to helping the community that has helped me become the person I am today,” he said in thanks to the chapter. Although Brian’s parents struggle with his sexual orientation, he has the support of all seven of his siblings.
CLEVELAND CHAPTER
615 Prospect St. Berea, OH 44017
P F L A G C LE V E LA N D . O RG
[email protected]
INFOLINE: 216-556-1701
Executive Board
President-Sharon Groh-Wargo; VP-Jeanette Nemcek; Treasurer-Art Thomson; Secretary-Marianne Buccini; At Large-Alan Cohen, Bill Franklin, Craig Hoffman; Legislative Coord.-Tom Roese; Newsletter-Pat Brandt; Snacks-Rebecca and Carl Schultz; Technology-Corey Glaze and Quentin Jamieson
University Circle United Methodist Church
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Y O U AL W AY S H AV E A HO M E AT PF L AG
HRC Buyers Guide to LGBTfriendly retailers
If you’re looking to support LGBT-friendly retailers as you shop this holiday season, look no further than
Endowment fund awards grant to PFLAG Akron
The Akron Gay Community Endowment Fund (GCEF) has awarded PFLAG Akron a $1,000 grant to purchase written resource materials— pamphlets and brochures that will be ordered through PFLAG National. These materials cover various topics and are made available at no cost to anyone attending the chapter’s monthly meetings. “The award will help us place these educational resources right into the hands of people who want and need them,” said longtime PFLAG Akron member Audrey Kancler. Last year GCEF awarded nearly $30,000 to 10 greater Akron nonprofit organizations. Previous recipients have included the Akron Area Pride Collective for its LGBT youth program at CANAPI, Kent State University’s award-winning, student-produced, diversitythemed magazine Fusion, the University of Akron’s LGBT Union, the Jewish Family Service of Akron for its counseling and support groups for LGBT senior citizens, and the Akron Art museum for an exhibit by gay artist James Gobel. Founded in 2001, the Gay Community Endowment Fund is a permanent philanthropic endowment of Akron Community Foundation. It facilitates and perpetuates philanthropy by supporting programs and services that support or positively impact the LGBT community, as well as the entire greater Akron community. The fund has reinvested more than $156,000 in the community since its inception. A complete list of 2012 awardees should be available soon on the GCEF website at: gaycommunityfund.org/grant/.
the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation's Buyer's Guide at HRC.org. The report ranks popular businesses and their products based on their score in the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index. With a score of 100, Abercrombie & Fitch and Target rank alongside General Mills and Kellogg's as being among the businesses and brands to receive the highest workplace equality scores. On the flip side, the Trump Organization, Urban Outfitters and even Tupperware received considerably less favorable ratings.
Tips for a happy holiday
Bring LGBT support With the holiday season in full swing, here are resources to share. some tips to help you plan for a successful trip to visit the family if you or a loved one are LGBT. Take care of your partner’s needs and your If You’re LGBT: own. Plan ahead—Don’t assume you know how somebody will react. You may be surprised. Remember that coming out is a continuous proc- If You’re a Family ess. You may have to come out many times. Member: Recognize that family members may need time to accept you. Contact your nearest PFLAG chapter for support.
If you are partnered, discuss in advance how you will talk about your relationship and show Realize everyone will be a little nervous, but affection. Be wary of the desire to shock people. don’t assume the worst in people. Make alternative plans for sleeping arrangements in case the situation becomes difficult at home. During your visit, reassure family that you are still the same person they knew. Be honest about your feelings and give yourself time to adjust. Prepare how you will talk to family members. If you are comfortable, they will more likely be too.
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Oberlin hosts “Year of the Queer”
Oberlin College has been hosting a yearlong series of academic courses, performances, social events and lectures focusing on the subject of “queer theory,” based on the idea that sexual identities are not fixed and do not determine who we are. Founding faculty member and sociology professor Greggor Mattson described the program’s purpose as “making queer theory accessible to students who aren’t queer and to those who think queer theory is not relevant to our lives,” according to a college press release. The entire campus has become involved in the program, which uses a pink squirrel as its logo. For info: http:// new.oberlin.edu/arts-andsciences/departments/ sociology/year-of-thequeer.dot.
New Year’s Eve gala
Inaugural event hosted by Colors of Cleveland Pride
Colors of Cleveland Pride invites you to “Elegant Explosion,” a New Year’s Eve formal gala on Monday, Dec. 31 from 8:00 pm-2:30 am at Tizzano’s Party Center, 1361 E. 260th St., Euclid. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, live entertainment and a champagne toast at midnight. Dinner features beef tenderloin with mushroom gravy, stuffed chicken breast with spinach and mornay sauce, Italian green beans with sundried tomatoes, wild rice and broccoli, pasta alfredo, salad and assorted pastries. Tickets $65 per person. Purchase online at colorsofclevelandpride.org under the Colors Events tab.
Actor’s Summit Show
My Mother’s Lesbian Jewish Wiccan Wedding playing at Greystone Hall
Actor’s Summit presents this heartwarming and hilarious true story of a straight white male and his lesbian mother that celebrates love in all its forms. The hit of the 2010 New York Musical Theater Festival will make you laugh, cry and realize that nothing is impossible. Recommended for adult audiences (17 and older.) Performances on the 6th floor of Greystone Hall, 103 High St., Akron. Tickets: 330-3747568 or actorssummit.org. If you attend on December 7, mention CANAPI when you order tickets and 70 percent of your purchase will benefit the Community AIDS Network/Akron Pride Initiative.
Philanthropia 2012
Performance by the Singing Angels
Executive Caterers of Landerhaven is pleased to announce the 2012 Philanthropia on Monday, Dec. 10 at noon. This annual fundraising luncheon benefits nonprofits throughout Northeast Ohio. Executive Caterers donates all of the luncheon expenses so that your entire donation goes directly to the nonprofit of your choice. For info: Sharon Smutak at 440-449-0700 ext. 241 or [email protected]
Snowbirding? Update your mailing address
Don’t miss a single issue of the newsletter!
Heading south for the winter? Be sure to contact us to update your mailing address so you can keep current with PFLAG news and events while the snow falls here in Northeast Ohio. Akron residents send updates to: [email protected]. Clevelanders send updates to: [email protected].
Brooks Bros. benefit
10 percent of sales to benefit the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland
Brooks Brothers in Tower City invites you to an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and shopping to benefit the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland on Thursday, Dec. 6 from 6:00-8:00 pm. Enjoy 15 percent savings on purchases while supporting a great cause. RSVP: 216-781-9800.
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W HEN Y O U NO L O NG ER N EED PF L AG , T HAT ’ S W HEN PF L AG N EED S Y O U
Equality Ohio announces Executive Director
The Equality Ohio board of directors has announced the selection of Elyzabeth
HRC index ranks LGBT equality in three Ohio cities
A new report on LGBT equality in America’s cities by the Human Rights Campaign rated 137 cities across the nation, including Cincinnati, Cleveland and Columbus. The Municipal Equality Index (MEI), the first ever rating system of LGBT inclusion in municipal law, finds that while many U.S. cities lag behind in protections for LGBT people, some of the most LGBTfriendly policies in the country have been innovated and implemented at the municipal level, including in states with laws that are unfriendly to the LGBT community. The average score for cities in Ohio is 79 out of 100, which is in line with the national average. Cincinnati and Cleveland both scored 77 points, and Columbus scored 83 points. Key findings from the MEI create a snapshot of LGBT equality in 137 municipalities of varying sizes drawn from every state in the nation – these include the 50 state capitals, the 50 most populous cities in the country, and the 25 large, 25 mid-size, and 25 small municipalities with the highest proportion of same-sex couples. Seattle and other 100-point cities serve as shining examples of LGBT inclusivity, with excellent policies ranging from non-discrimination laws, equal employee benefits, and cuttingedge city services. As America moves forward in support of LGBT equality, cities across the country are on the forefront of this movement. Cities in every region of the country are fighting for equality at the most intimate level of government. At the points, including eight cities that scored under ten points and three that scored zero. “Our nation is on an irreversible path forward in LGBT equality and local and state-level advocacy ensures our voices are heard,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “This index gives advocates and municipal lawmakers a potent tool to improve the lives of LGBT people.” The MEI rates cities based on 47 criteria falling under six broad categories:
Joy Holford as the organization’s fourth executive director. Ms. Holford was chosen following a national search initiated in July 2012. She brings over 20 years of leadership experience as an attorney, educator and business professional in both the public and private sectors.
Eleven of the cities surveyed earned a perfect score of 100 points. Only three cities out of 137 rated a zero.
same time, cities across the country also have room for improvement. The MEI articulates a path forward and celebrates the success of cities doing this important work. MEI at a glance:
• Non-discrimination laws; • Relationship recognition; • The municipality’s employment practices;
“Elyzabeth’s extensive experience in organizational development will be a valuable asset to Equality Ohio,” said Paul Feeney, chair of the Board for Equality Ohio Education Fund. “She is an extremely smart, engaging, energetic and all-around delightful person.”
• Inclusive city services; • Law enforcement; and • Municipal leadership.
"The freedom to be ourselves is most important where we live, work and raise our families. That's why it's so crucial that local and municipal governments understand the need to make life better for LGBT people," said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Institute. The full report, including long form scorecards for every city and a searchable database, is available online at hrc.org/mei.
• 11 of the 137 cities surveyed
earned a perfect score of 100 points—these cities came from across the country, were of varying sizes, and some were in states considered unfriendly to LGBT people;
• A quarter of the cities scored
over 80 points and 45 percent scored 60 or more;
• Just under a quarter of the
cities scored less than 20
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My take on World AIDS Day 2012
By Pat Brandt, Cleveland chapter newsletter editor AIDS. Thirty years out. December 1st , 2012 was the 25th anniversary of the first World AIDS Day. The City of Cleveland commemorated it with a vigil and candlelight march on Friday, November 30, starting at the steps of City Hall, snaking through Public Square and ending on the grand staircase of Tower City Center. There in the Terminal Tower, swathed in red lighting like a giant red ribbon around its neck, the marchers heard a list of speakers that included Karen Butler, the Director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health, Ohio Senator Nina Turner, and AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland CEO, Tracy Jones. Several men and women that have lived with the AIDS virus for more than a decade gave very moving and inspirational speeches on their journeys over the course of their diagnoses. The program was more notable because it was held in the midst of holiday shoppers, daily commuters and families who had come downtown to admire the lighting extravaganza. In this setting, the disease that is still spoken of in whispers or behind closed doors was there in that cavernthese young people do not know it. The Center for Disease Control has noted that HIV infections are increasing in young people but decreasing in older people. So young people are driving the epidemic. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of new infections are among men who have sex with men. The trend is particularly pronounced within the African-American community: Nearly 6 percent of black gay men under age 30 become newly infected with HIV each year. The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland is a wonderful tool in our community that has prevention of the disease as part of its mission. The HIVinfected community here is supportive and loving of one another. Let us join in these efforts to make sure future generations are HIV free and that these community jewels are here to stay. As one HIV-infected individual stated, for those infected with the virus, every day is World AIDS Day. We should keep this fact in our minds and hearts as well.
Google+ Hangouts will feature a discussion with the High Commissioner for Human Rights for Human Rights Day on December 10, 15:30 Geneva time. Make your voice count and send in your questions using #AskRights. A live webcast of the event will be available at webtv.un.org.
ous atrium, front and center for all to witness. The statistics and the personal stories of hope and inspiration illuminated for many what can be done and still needs to be done to insure that we are “Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero deaths from AIDS-related illness. Zero discrimination,” which was this year’s theme. In order for this to happen we need to remove the stigma that the disease still holds, addressing homophobia among youth and within schools, and AIDSphobic attitudes within our own communities. Of the 50,000 Americans infected with HIV each year, one in four is between 13 and 24 years old. That translates to 1,000 infections per month and 60% of
CHAPTER MTGS.
Akron PFLAG
3rd Thursdays - 7:00 pm
N. Springfield Presbyterian 671 N. Canton Rd.
Cleveland PFLAG
2nd Tuesdays - 7:30 pm
Trinity Episcopal 2230 Euclid Ave,, 44115
Elyria/Lorain PFLAG
3rd Mondays - 7:00 pm
1st Congregational Church 4th and Lorain
Groundbreaking lawsuit challenges conversion therapy
The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed a lawsuit against an “ex-gay” therapy practice based in New Jersey on behalf of four young men who claim the therapies were harmful, unscientific, and fraudulent. Downing, made fraudulent claims that the service could “cure” patients of being gay. The suit is the first time a “conversion” therapy practitioner has been directly sued for deceptive practices. The claim The suit charges that Jews Ofseeks restitution and damages fering New Alternatives for Heal- for the plaintiffs and revocation ing (JONAH), its founder, Arthur of JONAH’s business license. Goldberg, and a counselor, Alan Homosexuality as a mental disorder has been largely discredited. The American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the list of psychiatric disorders 40 years ago and states there is no scientific evidence to support “conversion therapy” as a means to alter the sexual identity or orientation of an individual.
Wooster PFLAG
3rd Thursdays - 7:00 pm
Universalist Fellowship 3186 Burbank Rd.
Please call ahead to confirm.
Youngstown PFLAG
2nd Tuesdays - 6:30 pm
St. John’s Episcopal 323 Wick Ave.
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