February 2013 Newsletter

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A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE AKRON AND CLEVELAND CHAPTERS

PFLAG
this issue
Chapter Info 2 3 News Presidential Inauguration Coming Events 4-5 6
By Kim Mosyjowski, Akron chapter president

FEBRUARY 2013

Natl. LGBT museum proposed for D.C.
Furniture magnate Mitchell Gold and his spouse, former Smithsonian researcher Tim Gold, are leading an effort to create an LGBT history museum in the nation’s capitol, according to The Gay People’s Chronicle. The couple is raising money and collecting artifacts for the project, which they expect to require $50 to $100 million to complete. Tim Gold said the took shape while he was reading about James Smithson, founder of the Smithsonian, who may have been gay, The Chronicle reported. Rabbi David Horowitz, PFLAG National president, will present a “Lunch and Learn” program, “Why Gay Marriage is a Jewish Issue,” on Saturday, Feb. 16 at Beth El-The Heights Synagogue, 3246 Desota Ave., Cleveland. The lunch and presentation will follow services, which begin at 9:15 a.m. and end between noon and 12:15 p.m. The event is free and open to the community. No reservations required.

Sharing our personal stories works
I have been considering what exactly PFLAG does. Yes, we educate, advocate and support, and we do a darn fine job of it, too, but how precisely do we accomplish those lofty goals in our monthly meetings? What really happens there? An article in the Intelligent Optimist magazine— one of my favorite publications—resonated with that question. In their December 2012 edition, Kristen Webb wrote an article on a form of counseling termed “Brief Therapy.” In essence, brief therapy is: There when you need it; Acknowledges that the first step in finding a solution is realizing that there is a problem you need help with; Respects each person as individuals; Empowers them to take charge of their own lives; Helps individuals draw out existing strengths to overcome challenges; Helps prioritize what is helpful and relevant in the here and now; Operates on the premise that change is inevitable; Encourages the understanding that another reality is available besides the one currently causing stress; Recognizes that is even those feelings we may believe are less that desirable have an important role in our lives and can often lead to positive change; And re-affirms that small changes in the way we think, talk, and act can have an enormous impact on our lives. Brief therapy can help create lifelong changes. Is it just me, or did these points describe so
(Continued on page 2)

Horowitz to present on gay marriage, Judaism
Rabbi Horowitz is a board member for Akron PFLAG and is a former president of the chapter. He is Rabbi emeritus of Temple Israel in Akron and has served congregations in Indiana and Queensland, Australia. Beth El is kosher and requests that no outside food or drink be brought in. For info call 216320-9667 or email [email protected].

Sharing (Continued from page 1)
much of what happens with PFLAG? No, as we clearly state every month as we read our mission statement, we are NOT acting as therapists or counselors of any kind. However, take a look at that list. How many points do you think describe what PFLAG achieves? What are we doing each month at our meeting? Let’s take a look: We are there when we are needed. In addition to monthly meetings we have a strong online and social media presence loaded with resources and information, and we have a hotline for anyone who wants to talk to caring person. We acknowledge that making that walk into the first PFLAG meeting or reaching out via email or phone is a huge first step. And then, well, we share our stories. In the course of two hours each person has the opportunity to be thrice heard as we listen and share in a large group, in a smaller group, and one-on-one. Whoever structured our meeting time did so wisely. We show our vulnerabilities, our victories, joys, sorrows, successes, and setbacks. We relate that coming out or coming to terms with a different reality is a process. Cleveland officially rolled out the rainbow carpet for the 2014 Gay Games with a preview of the city's Terminal Tower lit in rainbow colors. We ask questions, we offer resources and understanding, and, perhaps most importantly, we listen. Every single person desires to be heard. We do that well; we have some skilled listeners amongst us. More specifically, we have some skilled listeners with caring hearts—and that, I suspect, is what is making all the difference to so many who come through the doors. PFLAG has made enormous, lasting differences on personal, local, state and national levels. Brief Therapy? Naw, we have something even better. We have PFLAG.

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.

AKRON CHAPTER
PO Box 5471 Akron, OH 44334
P F L A G A K RO N . O RG [email protected]

INFO & HELPLINE: 330-342-5825
Executive Board
President-Kim Mosyjowski; VP-Bill Libby; Secretary-Joe Gardner; Treasurer-Sue Magilavy; At LargeChris Goldthorpe, Bob and Valerie Hempel, David Horowitz, Marie Libby, Ed and Audrey Kancler, Joe Mosyjowski, Bob Menapace

Cleveland chapter news
Annual business meeting
The Cleveland chapter annual business meeting will be held on March 12 (before the support group meeting) from 6:00-7:00 p.m. A light supper will be served prior to the meeting at 5:30 p.m.

Committee Chairs
Membership-Chuck Magilavy, Publicity-Marie Libby; Library-David Greene; Hospitality-Rada Jenkins; Newsletter-Audrey Kancler

CLEVELAND CHAPTER
615 Prospect St. Berea, OH 44017
P F L A G C LE V E LA N D . O RG

Cleveland International Film Festival
The chapter will once again sponsor a film in the 37th Cleveland International Film Festival, April 314. Details to follow.

LGBT survey
Documenting student experiences at academic medical centers
The Vanderbilt Program for LGBTI Health is conducting an anonymous survey of LGBT experiences of students at academic medical centers, specifically related to bias, discrimination or harassment. The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete and responses will be confidentially stored in a secure database. To participate, visit https://redcap.vanderbilt.edu/ surveys/?s=emjPRJ. Contact the principle investigator at [email protected].

[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; NewsletterPat Brandt; Snacks-Rebecca and Carl Schultz; Technology-Corey Glaze and Quentin Jamieson

Condolences
Our deepest condolences go out to PFLAG past president Robin Richmond on the passing of his wife of 29 years, Judith Wolfe. Judith, age 59, passed away on January 16 after a remarkable and courageous 10-year battle with colon cancer. View the full obituary at http:// www.dignitymemorial.com.

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Y O U AL W AY S H AV E A HO M E AT PF L AG

Hockey leads the way for sports inclusion in Ohio
Gay Hockey Ohio (a statewide group of players and fans), the Ohio Mayhem (the state’s only gay hockey

Scout policy change won’t affect local troops
By Debra Kimble, chapter newsletter managing editor Although the Boy Scouts of America are considering lifting their longtime ban on gay members and leaders, any national policy change is unlikely to affect troops at the local level. The national organization sets policies for the nearly 300 regional councils that govern some 116,000 local troops, said the NPR report. However, even if a policy change were approved at the national level, local scout troops would still be permitted to set their own leadership and membership rules. The organization has been under increasing pressure to change its policy by negative media coverage, declining membership, and the loss of several corporate contributors. UPS, Intel, Merck and United Way have halted financial support in the past year, stating the Scouts’ ban on gays conflicts with their corporate policies. In recent months many members and former members of the Scouts have gone public with calls to reform the policy, including Jennifer Tyrrell, the Bridgeport, Ohio, den mother who was ousted for being a lesbian, and Zach Wahls, an Eagle Scout who founded Scouts for Equality. However, according to a report by National Public Radio, the Boy Scouts draw the majority of its funding and meeting resources from the Mormon and Catholic churches and other religious organizations, which have publicly supported the anti-gay policy.

team) and the Ohio State University men’s hockey team joined efforts to host a Pride Night during an OSU hockey game versus Notre Dame on February 1. According to a news article at OutlookColumbus.com, the event was to include presentation of a video taped message by OSU Coach Mark Asiecki, Athletic Director Gene Smith, and several members of the

Study: Coming out improves mental health
Lesbians, gays and bisexuals who are out have lower stress hormones than those who hide their sexuality, according to a recent study reported in the International Business Times. Researchers at the Centre for Studies on Human Stress (CSHS) at the Louis H. Lafontaine Hospital in Montreal found that LGBs who had come out as gay had fewer symptoms of anxiety, depression and burnout. Lead author Robert-Paul Juster said in the Times article, "Our goals were to determine if the mental and physical health of lesbians, gay men and bisexuals differs from heterosexuals and, if so, whether being out of the closet makes a difference. "Lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals who were out to family and friends had lower levels of psychiatric symptoms and lower morning cortisol levels than those who were still in the closet." Cortisol is a stress hormone that can affect the health of biological systems in the body. The study examined 87 men and women who were around 25 years old. They filled out psychological questionnaires and provided saliva samples to measure stress levels. Juster said in the Times article, "Coming out is no longer a matter of popular debate but a matter of public health. Internationally, societies must endeavour to facilitate this self-acceptance by promoting tolerance, progressing policy, and dispelling stigma for all minorities."

OSU team for You Can Play, an organization dedicated to ensuring equality, respect and safety for all athletes, regardless of sexual orientation. The event was thought to be the first-of-its-kind event for LGBT fans at a Division I school. OSU planned to use the event to launch a new athletic department initiative to promote inclusiveness in sports.

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CANAPI Hearts & Harnesses, Night at the Races benefits
CANAPI is hosting two benefit events. The 23rd annual Hearts & Harnesses will be Saturday, Feb.16 at Cocktails, 1009 S. Main St., Akron, from 9:00 p.m. until close. Door prizes, Jello shots, 50/50 raffle, and Mr. Hot Buns contest at midnight. Dance music by DJ David. Enjoy mardi gras Northcoast style at Windows on the River on Feb. 9.

Northcoast concert
Mardi Gras at Windows on the River
Enjoy a night of music, merriment and masquerade with the Northcoast Men’s Chorus on Saturday, Feb. 9 from 6:00-11:00 p.m. at Windows on the River in The Powerhouse in the Flats. Superb Bourbon St. cuisine and live and silent auctions featuring over 60 lots, including:

• Cooking class and dinner for 8 with Chef Bob
Sferra (value $1,000).

• Overnight stay at the Hilton and tickets for
FELA! at the Palace Theater (value $480).

• Dinner for 4 at the Chef’s table at Table 45
Bar & Restaurant at the Intercontinental Hotel (value $1,000).

• 7" Blue Topaz and Diamond Bracelet (value
$1,295) For tickets: http://www.ncmchorus.org/ tickets.html#mardigras.

Annual AIDS Taskforce benefit
CANAPI’s Race at the Raffle event will be held on Saturday, Mar. 23 at St. Joe’s Family Center, 610 W. Exchange St., Akron, at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person if purchased by March 16 or $100 thereafter. Package deals available. For tickets, call 330-252-1559 or canapi.eventbrite.com. The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland is thrilled to announce that the 2013 ArtCares Benefit will be held in the new breathtaking atrium of the Cleveland Museum of Art on Saturday, Apr. 20 from 7:00-11:00 p.m. This signature event features silent and live auctions of art and other items, live entertainment, and great food and drink. All proceeds go directly to supporting our mission to provide a compassionate response to the needs of people infected, affected and at risk of HIV/AIDS.

HRC annual Her event
Hoedown at Bounce Nightclub
Grab your cowboy hat and boots for an epic night of women’s speed dating, boot scootin, karaoke, D.J., contests, prizes, bull riding, jail & bail, and the crowning of the 1st Miss Her HRC Cleveland at Bounce, 2814 Detroit Ave., on Saturday, Feb. 16. Free appetizers and drink specials from 5:009:00 p.m. Speed dating 5:45-7:00 p.m., Party 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 and $25 at HRC.org.

Announcing ArtCares Jr.
The Taskforce is pleased to announce the addition of ArtCares Jr. ArtCares Jr. is an opportunity for young artists, ages 3-14, to apply their talents to a blank canvas while supporting the mission of the Taskforce. Any kind of art is accepted—paintings, watercolor, pen and ink, pastel, etc. Art will be displayed at the 78th Street Studios popular ‘Third Friday’ on Friday, Feb.15 at a special reception from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Works will be auctioned off in a silent auction to help raise funds for the Taskforce. For info, contact Rebecca Strong at 216-6210766, x245, or [email protected].

Gay Fathers/Husbands
Group support for GBT dads/spouses
Akron PFLAG member Tom Beck is involved in this informal support group of gay, bisexual and transgender men who may have had relationships with women. Potluck dinner/meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Church of Our Savior, 471 Crosby St., Akron. Meeting room is off the Crosby St. entrance. For info, email Tom at [email protected] or visit www.gfah.org.

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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 !

Out & Equal announces new LGBT career link
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates unveiled a new career development web-

Gay Pride flag focus of high school controversy
A senior at Worland High School in Wyoming has become the center of controversy over a gay pride flag, according to a report in the Caspar Wyoming Star Tribune. Matt Jolley submitted a yearbook photo featuring himself posing with a rainbow flag that his mom took, the Star Tribune reported. First the yearbook staff, then the principal and the district superintendent declared the photo “too political” and refused to publish it in the yearbook unless Jolley paid for the photo as an advertisement, the Star Tribune reported “It has turned political, when I really, truly didn’t want it to be,” Jolley, who is openly gay, told the Star Tribune. He said the flag was simply a way to add color to an otherwise drab fall background at the photo shoot. The issue has been referred to the school district’s board of trustees. In the meantime, Jolley has gathered over 4,000 signatures on a Change.org petition supporting his cause. He told the Star Tribune he also plans to deliver testimony to the state’s Legislature for consideration with Senate File 131, which proposes adding “sexual orientation or gender identity” to the state’s nondiscrimination laws. “Thirty years from now, it’ll be like how we look back on the black-and-white-labeled water fountain,” Jolley told the Star Tribune. “Why did they make such a big deal out of that?”

site designed to connect diversity-minded employers with LGBT job candidates. Many industry-leading companies, including BP, Brown-Forman, The Clorox Co., Comcast, Ernst & Young, Hewlett-Packard, PNC, T-Mobile, United HealthCare Group and WellPoint have already signed onto the new service, posting job openings and developing employer

Coming Out later in life
Old Lesbians for Change
Old Lesbians Organizing for Change (OLOC) is a national network of lesbians age 60 and over working to improve life for old lesbians by confronting prejudice and providing support and education. The group is dedicated to addressing what it means to be old and lesbian, finding ways to gather together for ongoing support, and working toward racial, economic and social justice. Based in Columbus, OLOC will host a business meeting followed by a potluck lunch and program on Saturday, Mar. 2, starting at 11:00 am, at Stonewall Columbus, 1160 N High St.. Members are age 60 and over Supporters can be any age and can also receive OLOC’s quarterly newsletter. For more info, visit www.oloc.org.

Book discussion
Huddle by Dan Boyle
The 10% Book Club will host a discussion of Dan Boyle’s first novel, Huddle, on Monday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the Liberation UCC, 13714 Madison Ave, Lakewood. Book excerpt from Amazon.com: Huddle is the engaging account of a season with the L.A. Quake, a ragtag collection of Hollywood types who drink too much, snort too much, and screw too much as they wage weekend battles in the Gay Flag Football League. The nine gay men of the L.A. Quake, have struggled to compete in a “straight” league, and struggled off the field with relationships, success, aging, and their own ideas of masculinity. The season is about to end with a chance to win the West Los Angeles Flag Football Spring League championship. Visit www.10percentbooks.com for more info.

profiles demonstrating how they support LGBT people in the workplace. Job seekers may apply for positions online and upload their resumes to a searchable database available to recruiting companies. Visit the site at http://outandequal.org/ lgbtcareerlink.

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Inaugural speech, parade support LGBT
By Debra Kimble, chapter newsletter managing editor At his second inauguration, President Obama became the first president to use the word “gay” as a reference to sexual orientation and make a direct connection between gay rights and the great civil rights struggles of American history. Text from his address: “We the people declare today that the most evident of truth that all of us are created equal -- is the star that guides us still; just as it guided our forebears through Seneca Falls and Selma and Stonewall; just as it guided all those men and women, sung and unsung, who left footprints along this great mall, to hear a preacher say that we cannot walk alone; to hear a King proclaim that our individual freedom is inextricably bound to the freedom of every soul on Earth. “It is now our generation’s task to carry on what those pioneers began, for our journey is not complete until our wives, our mothers and daughters can earn a living equal to their efforts. “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal, as well. “Our journey is not complete until no citizen is forced to wait for hours to exercise the right to vote. “Our journey is not complete until we find a better way to welcome the striving, hopeful immigrants who still see America as a land of opportunity, until bright young students and engineers are enlisted in our workforce rather than expelled from our country. “Our journey is not complete until all our children, from the The Lesbian and Gay Band Association performs in the inaugural parade. given on the national holiday celebrating the birth of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and because the Supreme Court plans to take up two cases involving state and federal efforts to preserve the traditional definition of marriage as limited to heterosexual couples.

CHAPTER MEETINGS
Akron PFLAG
3rd Thursdays - 7:00 pm North Springfield Presbyterian Church 671 N. Canton Rd.

The Parade
The Lesbian and Gay Band Association was once again selected from more than 2,800 bands to perform in the inaugural parade. The 215-piece band represents LGBT musicians from across the United States and the District of Columbia. LGBA is the only LGBT group in history to be invited to march in a Presidential Inaugural Parade. Their first appearance in President Obama’s 2009 Inaugural Parade. LGBA received more than 30 letters of support from Senators and Congressional Representatives including Sen. Al Franken (Minn.), Sen. Claire McCaskill (Mo.), U.S. Sen. Kirsten E. Gillibrand (N.Y.), Congressman Ed Pastor (Ariz.), Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (Fla.), Sen. Raymond J. Lesniak (N.J.), and Sen. Donna M. Nesselbush (R.I.).

Cleveland PFLAG
2nd Tuesdays - 7:30 pm Trinity Episcopal Church 2230 Euclid Ave,, 44115

President Obama streets of Detroit to the hills of Appalachia to the quiet lanes of Newtown, know that they are cared for and cherished and always safe from harm. “That is our generation’s task, to make these works, these rights, these values of life and liberty and the pursuit of happiness real for every American. Gay rights advocates celebrated the President’s inclusiveness. Obama “made history today by connecting the lives of committed and loving lesbian and gay couples fighting for marriage equality to this nation’s proud tradition of equal rights for all,” said Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign. The timing of his comments was significant his speech was

Elyria/Lorain PFLAG
3rd Mondays - 7:00 pm First Congregational Church 4th and Lorain

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 Church 323 Wick Ave.

Thank you to Consolidated
Not every PFLAG chapter can produce a full-color newsletter like this one! We sincerely appreciate the generous contribution of the Lanci family and Consolidated Graphics Group for making this possible.

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