PFLAG CLEVELAND's
Bruce G. Kriete Community Award
2007 -
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Of Greater Cleveland
2006 - Dick Feagler, Plain Dealer Columnist
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PFLAG Cleveland Newsletter
Spring 2008 Volume 3, Issue
3
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Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
is an all-volunteer,
non-profit self-help organization founded nationally in 1981.
We are an inclusive group composed of family members, friends, and individuals
who are straight,
gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered.
The Cleveland Chapter was established in1985 to:
*Offer support, information and shared experiences to parents, siblings,
spouses,
and other family members and friends of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals,
and transgendered individuals.
*Work toward an environment of understanding and acceptance
within families
and in the community.
* We meet at
7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity Cathedral,
Euclid Avenue & 22nd Street.
(May 13, 2008).
All are welcome.
* Lighted, secure parking is accessible behind
the church on Prospect Avenue.
First-time visitors
may wish to arrive 10 minutes early or so that we can meet you
and let you know more about what to expect.
* While we gratefully acknowledge Trinity Cathedral
for their assistance in hosting
our meetings, please know that we are
not affiliated with any religious organizations.
* Parents, other family members, and friends who have just learned of
their loved one's
sexuality can discover that they are not alone, and can
receive help and support in
dealing with their feelings.
* By meeting other
gay and lesbian people, new members come
to realize that homosexual persons
are found in every ethnic, social, and occupational group.
Indeed, homosexuals
represent approximately 10% of the world's population, and one in
every
four families has a gay, lesbian, or bisexual member.
* Through attendance
at our monthly group meetings, prejudicial and stereotyped views of
homosexuality
begin to dissolve, and understanding and acceptance emerge.
* During our monthly meetings, we invite our members to introduce themselves
and to tell
us more about their lives and relationships. Occasionally new
members feel more comfortable
listening and learning from the conversations
that develop.
In any case, all are welcome... even if it's just to listen.
* We meet for approximately 90 minutes in a unified group and later, for
approximately
30 minutes in small, casual groups that form spontaneously.
One is likely to hear some
familiar stories including:
* Gay individuals facing "coming out" dilemmas with their families.
* Parents struggling to accept their son's or daughter's sexuality.
* Spouses who have just learned of their husband's or wife's homosexuality.
* Overcoming fear and hatred toward gays in society today.
* Gay couples who are celebrating their long-term relationships and anniversaries together.
* Parents who have worked through difficult times with shame and
embarrassment and who help lead other parents toward love and acceptance.
* Gay parents talking about their children and former spouse.
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