Christmas Tree

Here's a picture of a tree PFLAG-KC sponsored in a local charity tree auction.

October Speaker

Our speaker for October's meeting is Jaron Asher.

Jaron will be speaking to us about the "T" in LGBT---transgender issues are still a mystery to many pflagers and here is your chance to get a fuller understanding.

He has been working in the LGBT community on such projects as the Youth Violence Prevention Project, speaking engagements, and working with health care organizations to ensure that the needs of transgender people are treated with dignity and respect.

Jaron has also worked with educational organizations to help faculty, administration and staff to effectively communicate with all persons, especially those within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

UPDATE:
Jaron asked us to post the following links to more information:

• Transgender


• A Parents Perspective on Transgender Identity


• Glossary of Transgender Terms

Columbia/Mid-Missouri Chapter

The Columbia/Mid-Missouri Chapter of PFLAG has a new website - http://pflag.missouri.org

Announcing Greater KCMO SSN Group Meeting

We've received the following info about the next Straight Spouse Network meeting.

The Greater Kansas City area SSN support group will meet Monday night, April 3, from 6:00-8:30 PM, room 124 at Village
Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd, Kansas City. Come in the south entrance. Go down the stairs, turn left and immediately turn right. The room is about 20 feet past.

TOPIC---Mixed Orientation Marriages that Stay Together--Our past group facilitator will speak to this topic and will answer questions. About 1/6th of straight spouses stay married. We will also have time to explore any of our other issues, too.

FOOD--Feel free to bring your dinner and drink and/or snacks with you.

DIRECTIONS:
From I-35 south, take Rainbow or 7th St exit south on Rainbow several miles to Shawnee Mission Parkway. Turn right. At the second light, Mission, turn left and weave around a little until 67th St. There is a light here. The church is on the left. Take the next left into the South parking lot.
From the South, exit at Roe or State line north to 75th St. Mission is between Roe and State Line. From 75th St, go north on Mission past Prairie Village Shopping Center. Church is on right.

If 6:00 PM is too early for you, please feel free to come when you can.

Please contact me, either by phone or email, to let me know you will be attending and/or to let me know if you wish to car pool.

Donna in KS
785-221-8794

Love Needs No Cure

Here's some info we've been sent about the Love Needs No Cure vigil in St. Louis, Missouri:

Love Needs No Cure.
A Peaceful Vigil.
A Response to the Anti-Gay message of “Love Won Out”

Saturday, February 25, 2006
Vicinity of First Evangelical Free Church
1375 Carman Road, Ballwin, MO 63021

Frequently Asked Questions.

What is this about? Our community is responding to the hurtful and untrue message being promoted by “Focus on the Family” and “Exodus International” in their “Love Won Out” conference. These organizations are asserting, against all established, educated, and scientific studies and practices, that people can be “cured” of homosexuality. Our community-based response, which was organized by a group of people from various faiths, professions, political backgrounds, etc., will be respectful, joyous, life/love-affirming.

Who is invited to attend? All fair-minded people who stand in unity with the LGBT community, or oppose the oppression of others are invited to attend.

How long will the vigil last? Due to the structure (registration & adjournment) of the conference, we hope to have a large group of people attending the vigil during the morning and late afternoon hours. Certainly, people are invited to stay the entire duration of the conference, but your presence is appreciated even if only for a half-hour.

Morning Gathering: 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Afternoon Gathering: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

What else can I do to contribute? We also need financial support to organize this event, along with subsequent events to “counter” the message being delivered throughout our region on billboards. Please send any financial contributions to PROMO (www.promoonline.org) attn: Love Needs No Cure, 438 North Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130.

Where do I park? Due to the anticipated turnout, we encourage you to carpool with your friends and family. In addition to very LIMITED parking around the intersection of Carman and Weidman, we will be hosting a shuttle service from the following locations:

Queeny Park | 550 Weidman Road (West Park Entrance)

Commuter Parking Lot | Northwest Corner of I-44 & Hwy 141

Manchester United Methodist Church | 129 Woods Mill Road @ Manchester Road
**Please park in the Northwest corner of parking lot.**

Good Shepard Lutheran Church | 327 Woods Mill Road (.25 mi. North of Manchester Road)
**Please park in the south side of parking lot – closest to house and garage.**

Interested in carpooling? Carpools will be available only in the morning (6:00 a.m.) from two locations:

Delmar Loop Metrolink Station | 660 Rosedale Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63112
St. John’s United Methodist Church (also MCC Church), 5000 Washington Avenue @ Kingshighway, located in the Central West End.

Interested in being a Peacekeeper? We need people to ensure the safety and security of those involved, and also be mindfully watching for possible disturbances. If interested, please contact:
Perry: 314-283-4050 | opus397@aol.com
Rob: 314-353-5951 | robbieblue11@msn.com

Kickoff Meeting For the Johnson County Chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition

Please attend the kickoff of the Johnson County Chapter of the Kansas Equality Coalition. The purpose of this meeting is to:

• approve the Chapter bylaws; and


• elect board members for the Johnson County Chapter

Your participation in this organization is crucial to setting the direction for GLBT Kansans and ensuring fairness and equality for all. You can make a difference.

***Please note that in order to vote on bylaws and board members you must be a member of the Kansas Equality Coalition. There will be volunteers at the meeting to process your registration. Annual membership dues are $25 (household); $15 (individual); and $5 (full-time student). Checks accepted.***

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January 25, 2006
7:00 - 8:30 PM
Colonial United Church of Christ
7039 Mission Road
Prairie Village, KS
Heritage Room

7:00 – 7:10 Welcome
7:10 – 7:20 Review of Bylaws
7:20 – 7:35 Membership Drive
7:35 – 7:45 Acceptance of Bylaws
7:45 – 8:15 Chapter Board Elections
8:15 – 8:25 Legislative Overview
8:25 – 8:30 Next Steps/Adjourn

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The Kansas Equality Coalition is a new, unified statewide group of fair-minded people who are determined to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We seek to ensure the dignity, safety and legal equality of all Kansans.

We are nonpartisan and include people who are religious and secular as well as straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered. We are from all walks of life and from all parts of the state.

Formally created on Oct. 9, 2005, in a meeting in Emporia, the Equality Coalition is the largest organization in Kansas dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Julian Houston

Julian Houston, one of our chapter's founding members, died Tuesday, December 20, 2005. We will all miss him.

Update: Our monthly newsletter has an article about Julian.