News
News from the LGBT community in Atlanta and beyond
Washington legislature passes marriage equality
As anticipated, a proposed marriage equality bill passed the Washington House tonight, with a final vote tally of 55-43. The bill passed the state Senate last week, and now moves to Governor Chris Gregoire, who has pledged to sign it into law. Because there is no emergency clause in the bill, the law will take effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session, meaning gays and lesbians would be able to marry on June 7, unless opponents of marriage equality collect enough signatures to put the measure on the ballot in November, in which case the law would be suspended until the More >
Prop 8 unconstitutional: The sanctity of marriage equality – Guest Voices – The Washington Post
Prop 8 unconstitutional: The sanctity of marriage equality – Guest Voices – The Washington Post.
California’s Proposition 8, the 2008 referendum that amended that state’s Constitution to limit marriage to a man and a woman, has been overturned by a federal appeals panel in San Francisco.This is clearly a win for equal human rights in that state, and for the “human dignity of gays and lesbians in California,” as U.S. Circuit Court Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote. Overturning Prop 8 is also a win for the sanctity of marriage equality. “Sanctity of marriage,” of course, is the language that More >
VIDEO AND TRANSCRIPT: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s speech today on LGBT rights
Clinton declared unequivocally that LGBT rights are the same as racial equality and rights for women.
via VIDEO AND TRANSCRIPT: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s speech today on LGBT rights.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton today delivered what LGBT advocates are callinga historic speech, in which Clinton declared unequivocally that LGBT rights are the same as racial equality and rights for women.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Speaking at the United Nations human rights programs headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, in honor of International Human Rights Day — which More >
Gay Won’t Go Away, Genetic or Not – NYTimes.com
January 30, 2012
in LGBT News
Gay Won’t Go Away, Genetic or Not – NYTimes.com.
Genetic or Not, Gay Won’t Go Away By FRANK BRUNIBORN this way.
That has long been one of the rallying cries of a movement, and sometimes the gist of its argument. Across decades of widespread ostracism, followed by years of patchwork acceptance and, most recently, moments of heady triumph, gay people invoked that phrase to explain why homophobia was unwarranted and discrimination senseless.
Lady Gaga even spun an anthem from it.
But is it the right mantra to cling to? The best tack to take?
Not for the actress Cynthia Nixon, 45, whose More >
CNN Dialogues Forum Moderated by Jane Velez Mitchell to Focus on LGBT Openness
December 14, 2011
in News
HLN anchor Jane Velez Mitchell will moderate a dynamic discussion about the history and impact of increased openness upon LGBT communities – as well as how greater LGBT openness has impacted American society. “Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Transgender: Has More Openness Led to More Acceptance?” a CNN Dialogues event, will be held at Atlanta’s Grady High School Theater on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7:00pm ET.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities have rich histories of activism and creativity within America. As television and pop culture have engaged wider audiences into More >
Fr. John Adamski, Catholic priest speaks on LGBT issues and the Catholic church
On Sunday, November 20, Father John Adamski, recently retired pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, spoke at the monthly PFLAG Atlanta meeting. His topic was “The Catholic perspective on LGBT Issues.” In his casual and honest style, Father Adamski touched many of the issues, beginning with handouts from the Catholic Catechism and ending with sensitive and realistic answers to questions posed by the more than fifty persons in attendance. Referring to the handout from the Catholic Catechism, Fr. Adamski stated that, according to church teaching, “sexual action is supposed to lead to More >
Nov 20th – Being LGBT: A Catholic Perspective
Retired Catholic priest Fr. John Adamski, will be talking about the Catholic perspective on LGBT issues. A native of Buffalo, NY, Fr. John Adamski was ordained a priest for the Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta in 1971. After serving in several Atlanta metro area parishes, he retired from parish ministry August 1, 2010. In a world where the Catholic demographic is far more accepting than their church hierarchy, Fr. Adamski will address the group and will take questions. All are invited – this event is free to attend!
Attending a PFLAG meeting is always FREE and all are welcome!
When: More >
Strong Silent Dads Speak Out – Audio Recording
October 16, 2011
in News, Support & Advice
On Oct 16, 2011 we had a panel of PFLAG Dads who spoke about their experiences with their kids coming out to them. Here is the audio. We apologize for the poor quality of the recording.
My life has really changed a lot. I am more optimistic…I just feel so good when I come to PFLAG. I told my wife – I am so anxious to go and see my PFLAG friends… because this is a place where I can be totally honest with everybody, because there is no hidden agenda, there’s no politics involved – it’s just a wonderful place and I feel very good when I’m down here. I feel like I’m so much more accepting of More >
PFLAG Atlanta Pride 2011 Brochure
October 12, 2011
in News, Support & Advice
Feel free to download, print and distribute without modification.
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PFLAG Atlanta marches in Atlanta Pride to thunderous cheers!
October 11, 2011
in News
PFLAG Atlanta had a wonderful showing at Atlanta Pride 2011 this year. We had a booth where we welcomed hundreds of visitors (we even took some funny pictures here and here). Video of us is on WXIA’s website at the 23:30 mark.
PFLAG Atlanta marches to thunderous cheers!
Our booth received hundreds of visitors
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PFLAG Atlanta will march in the Atlanta Pride 2011 Parade!
We march!
It’s October again and time for the 41st Annual Atlanta PRIDE Festival! This year too, PFLAG Atlanta will be marching in the Pride parade at 1pm on Sunday Oct 9th as well as have a booth in the Pride Festival Market on both Oct 8th and 9th from 11am to 5pm.
March with Us!
If you are marching with us this year at the Pride Parade, make sure you are present near the PFLAG Atlanta truck outside the MARTA Civic Center Station latest by 12.30pm. Please note that there is NO parking near the station, so please utilize public transport/MARTA to get there. The parade itself steps off
More >
Audio of our Trans Panel of Aug 21st 2011
September 18, 2011
Trans Panel
On Aug 21st 2011, we had an incredible panel of trans individuals who shared their stories and experiences. Here’s audio of that panel :- (more…)
Others
Sep 18th – We’re prepping for PRIDE!
On the 18th we’re getting our posterboard and markers out and getting our posters ready for Atlanta PRIDE 2011! As you know, we march every year in the Pride Parade on Sunday Oct 9th and get the loudest cheers! We will have a slightly different format for this Sunday. We will begin with the support groups, then break for refreshments. After the break, those who would like to create their PRIDE posters can do so. We provide you all the materials for your poster – posterboard, pens, markers etc. We even glue the wooden stick so you can carry your poster with pride! If you would like to bring More >
Aug 21st – Opening the Trans Closet : A Panel Discussion
We often say here at PFLAG, that the gay and lesbian issues are the “easy” ones. There is a world of transgender information and issues that we are too afraid to open and ask honest questions. PFLAG Atlanta is changing that on August 21st with a panel of trans people from all walks of life. Some of their parents will be there and after their remarks and the information they would like to share.
Trans Panel
[Wikipedia] Transgender (pronounced /trænzˈdʒɛndər/) is a general term applied to a variety of individuals, behaviors, and groups involving tendencies to vary from culturally
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WATCH Outwrite Bookstore’s Philip Rafshoon speak to PFLAG Atlanta
July 20, 2011
in News
Philip Rafshoon, a Georgia Tech graduate spent ten years in the computer industry before opening Outwrite, Atlanta’s LGBT bookstore, in 1993. Still owner and operator, Philip has grown Outwrite from a small bookstore & coffeehouse in a strip-mall into the most visible LGBT landmark and one of the largest independent bookstores in the South. Outwrite is known worldwide for signature events featuring emerging writers and literary superstars.
From the GA Voice: Philip, nicknamed the unofficial “Mayor of Midtown,” has been named the winner of the 2011 Alumni Legacy Award by Georgia Tech’s Ivan More >
WATCH Jeff Graham, Executive Director, Georgia Equality speak to PFLAG Atlanta
July 20, 2011
in News
Jeff began his work in lesbian and gay politics in the mid-80′s when he co-founded the first Gay and Lesbian Student Association in south Texas. Jeff moved to Atlanta in 1989 and served for five years as the media coordinator for the activist group ACT UP/Atlanta. For more than 13 years he served as the executive director of AIDS Survival Project, at statewide HIV advocacy organization. In addition to his work with Georgia Equality, he currently serves on the boards of directors for advocacy organizations such as the federal Communities Advocating Emergency AIDS Relief (CAEAR) Coalition More >
June 19th – Outwrite Bookstore’s Philip Rafshoon talks to PFLAG Atlanta
Philip Rafshoon, a Georgia Tech graduate spent ten years in the computer industry before opening Outwrite, Atlanta’s LGBT bookstore, in 1993. Still owner and operator, Philip has grown Outwrite from a small bookstore & coffeehouse in a strip-mall into the most visible LGBT landmark and one of the largest independent bookstores in the South. Outwrite is known worldwide for signature events featuring emerging writers and literary superstars.
From the GA Voice: Philip, nicknamed the unofficial “Mayor of Midtown,” has been named the winner of the 2011 Alumni Legacy Award by Georgia Tech’s Ivan More >
May 15th – Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case That Made History
We will be screening Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case That Made History. Bullied is a documentary film that chronicles one student’s ordeal at the hands of anti-gay bullies and offers an inspiring message of hope to those fighting harassment today. It can become a cornerstone of anti-bullying efforts in middle and high schools. Bullied is designed to help administrators, teachers and counselors create a safer school environment for all students, not just those who are gay and lesbian. It is also intended to help all students understand the terrible toll bullying can take on its More >
Atlanta Police LGBT Liaison, Officer Brian Sharp speaks to PFLAG Atlanta
On Sunday Apr 17th we heard from Officer Brian Sharp, the LGBT liaison for the Atlanta Police Department. [From the GA Voice] As an openly gay man and APD officer, Sharp said he was honored when Chief George Turner and Mayor Kasim Reed asked him to take on the duty of being the department’s second LGBT liaison. This is the first time in the department’s history two GLBT liaisons are serving the APD as part of a campaign promise made by Reed when he was running for office.
Officer Brian Sharp, the LGBT liaison for the Atlanta Police Department
Brian and his partner are proud PFLAG members More >