PFLAG Baltimore County

Intersections: Sexuality, Gender, Race and Ethnicity

2011-01-20T10:08:00.001-08:00

Morgan State University Women and Gender Studies Program and Bmore Proud

Academic Symposium

Intersections: Sexuality, Gender, Race and Ethnicity

Saturday, March 12, 2011, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

University Student Center Rooms 210 and 212

Morgan State University

1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD

Keynote Speaker: Antonia Randolph, Ph.D.

“Wayne Loves Baby and Other Queer Lessons from Hip-Hop: Notes toward a Race and Sexuality Research Agenda”

Dr. Antonia Randolph is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of Delaware, with joint appointments in Black American Studies and Women’s Studies. She is a cultural sociologist whose research focuses on race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, popular culture (particularly hip-hop), and education. Her recent research has examined race, gender and masculine embodiment in rap music and how race affects teachers' perceptions of students and schools. Her book tentatively titled The Wrong Kind of Different: Race, Ethnicity and the Meaning of Diversity in American Schools is scheduled to be published by Teachers College Press in 2012.

Session Themes include:

Stereotypes and Marginalization

Reaching Women of Color—Resistance and Risk

Queer Cultural Studies

Drawing Connections—Teaching Sexuality, Gender and Race

Sexual Identities—Complex, Contextual, and Fluid

Queer Women, Marriage, and Religion

Plus a roundtable discussion on developing LGBT Studies Programs at our institutions

Presenters:

Matthew Bartolomei, West Chester University

Andrea Brown, Genevieve Carminati, Deborah Stearns, Montgomery College

Derwin Campbell, Dwayne Dubarry, Lorece Edwards, DrPH, Elizabeth Gunn, Ph.D., Shalon Irving, Ph.D., Morgan State University

Chiara Corso, Anna Loup, George Washington University

Robyn Epstein, Ph.D., University of Maryland, College Park

Beverly Greene, Ph.D., St. John’s University

Michele K. Lewis, Ph.D., Winston Salem State University

Judy Lombardi, Ph.D., Independent scholar

Laura Amber Arnetta McCrae, M.Div., Wesley Theological Seminary/Three Sisters Movement

Tera Mikula, Ph.D., Heather Rellihan, Ph.D., Carolin Woolson, Anne Arundel Community College

Leticia Romo, Ph.D., Towson University

Registration Form (please print, enclose check, and mail) Registration Deadline: March 1, 2011

Name _____________________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address: _________________________________________Phone _______________________________

Discipline/Department____________________________ ___

Academic Institution_____ ___________________

Registration fee (includes continental breakfast and lunch):

__Faculty/Staff ($25)

__Graduate Student ($10)

__Undergraduate Student (free)

__Other (Specify) ($25): ______________________________________

Please check here if you would like a vegetarian meal ____

Enclosed is $_____

Please make checks payable to Morgan State University and send to:

Carolyn James, Administrative Assistant

Counseling Center, CGW 202

Morgan State University

1700 E. Cold Spring Lane

Baltimore, MD 21251

Parking: The University Student Center parking garage is accessible from E. Cold Spring Lane, just east of Hillen Road. Parking is $3 for the day in the University Parking Garage, which is attached to the University Student Center. Park on level 3 to enter the building on the same floor as the symposium. Pay for parking on site.

For more information, call Claudia Leight, (443)885-3130.

Marriage Equality in Maryland

2011-01-18T06:26:00.001-08:00

Many people in Maryland and across this country believe THIS is the year that a Marriage Equality Bill will pass in the Maryland legislature.

An anti-Equality group has already mobilized in our state. THEY ARE AFRAID that our legislature, which is more heavily Democratic than it has been in years, will pass a marriage bill this year. We in the LGBT community are more excited than ever before. We have momentum with us and it is growing.

PFLAG Baltimore County working cooperatively with Equality Maryland and a representative will present a discussion about Marriage Equality and the work that needs to be done in the next 90 days. Please come and listen. If you can help once or twice for an hour in the next few weeks (even in a minor way) you can be part of this CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY.

Many Maryland voters, some from your district, have been part of “Lobby Day” in Annapolis for the past few years. We meet with our delegates and senators in a group from our district to discuss our support for LGBT civil equality. We need your help if you have done this before and we need your help even if all you do is come with us to help fill the room. If this is your first time you do not need to speak unless you want to. We need to fill our delegate’s offices with supporters.

I would like to personally and publically thank everyone who has been a part of this effort in the past and invite you to join us this year. This is urgent and more important than ever.

The PFLAG meeting will be held at Towson Unitarian Universalist Church on January 25 at 7pm, & Lobby Day will be held in Annapolis on February 14th.

Contact me if you have any questions: Mark Patro 443.255.1484
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning Starting in May.

Candle Light Vigil tonight at 8pm McDaniel College Westminster

2010-10-20T08:24:00.000-07:00

Join us tonight on the campus of McDaniel College in Westminster in the square near the Library at 8pm to remember the numerous LGBT teen who took their own lives as a result of bullying.

B'More Aware of HIV... the LIVING RED RIBBON, Saturday, October 9, 2010

2010-09-11T09:46:00.000-07:00

B'More Aware of HIV... the LIVING RED RIBBON, Saturday, October 9, 2010

Oct 9th 2010 Rash Field

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Six Warning Signs that your Child is Being Bullied

2010-09-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

The following is a guest post by Ted Zeff, Ph.D.

Approximately 160,000 children miss school every day in the United States for fear of being bullied; more than 50 suicides have been linked to prolonged bullying; and approximately 85% of school shootings have revenge against bullies as a major motive. School-related bullying has led to depression and poor school performance in many children. The costs of bullying are high, but, unfortunately, many children suffer alone, keeping their bullying experiences to themselves.

Many children are taught that it is a sign of weakness to ask for help, and frequently fail to tell anyone when they are being bullied for fear of appearing weak. Many children feel shame and assume, “Something must be wrong with me. Why else would they target me?”

Children who are bullied are at risk for developing a number of emotional difficulties, including depression and anxiety symptoms. Children who are particularly traumatized may go on to develop a specific type of anxiety disorder called, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is usually brought on by a terrifying physical or emotional event or series of events. Some of the symptoms of PTSD include trouble sleeping, withdrawal from normal activities, a lack of concentration, and emotional numbness. When children are suffering from PTSD, they are prone to develop strong physical symptoms in situations where they feel unsafe and in danger. They appear disconnected from others, and they experience an intense physical response from their nervous system that involves angry outbursts, jumpiness, and hyper alertness. This reaction is the nervous system’s response to potential danger, whether real or imagined, creating constriction, disassociation, and helplessness in order to protect the body.

When children experience trauma, they often become frozen and exhibit feelings of helplessness and shame, rendering them nearly unable to defend themselves when attacked or put under pressure. These traumatized children then bring this frozen state of helplessness to many other situations that they perceive as threatening throughout their lives. And, the more withdrawn these children become, the more fearful and helpless they feel, the stronger the likelihood that they will slip into serious emotional trouble.

Parents need to be aware of the warning signs when their children may be experiencing depression, severe anxiety, or PTSD due to bullying. The following is a list of red flags to look for:
• Is your child disconnecting from people and isolating him/herself in their room? Although teens usually separate from the family, they normally connect more often with their friends.
• Has your child developed physical problems such as stomachaches and headaches that interfere with their life?
• Has your child’s schoolwork recently suffered, and is it difficult for your child to concentrate?
• Does your child have trouble falling or staying asleep or experience frequent nightmares?
• Does your child seem listless, unenthusiastic, and disinterested in life?
• Have you noticed that your child seems hypervigilant, extremely nervous, depressed, or emotionally explosive (beyond the normal teenage angst and moodiness)?

If you suspect that your child is suffering from any of the above symptoms that is interfering with their life and you have not been able to help alleviate their suffering, you should consider having your child evaluated by a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family counselor, or licensed social worker. If you can’t afford to pay for private therapy sessions, virtually all cities have low-cost therapy clinics (check with your city or county department of mental health).

Dr. Ted Zeff is the author of The Strong, Sensitive Boy
For more information please visit www.drtedzeff.com
or the amazon.com book link: http://amzn.to/ciWRxa

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Understanding Gender Identity and Transgender People

2010-09-07T12:33:00.001-07:00

This presentation will explain gender identity and the complex issues that arise when a person expresses their gender in ways that is in conflict with their birth sex or decides to undergo a gender transition. Also being discussed will be the issues relating to the parenting of a transgender child and recommendations on how to deal with institutions that wish to force gender stereotypes onto a non-gender conforming child.

Presenters: Mara Drummond and Catherine Hyde, Will Hyde and Juli A. Buchanan, Psy.D.

Mara Drummond will speak on the concepts of gender identity, how it is different from sexual orientation and gender; the transgender spectrum and the sub categories of transgender; what makes someone transgender vs someone who on occasion likes to present as girl or guy; why people want to transition; the transition process; health issues that affect transgender people; insurance; social issues; post transition issues; etc.

Catherine Hyde will talk about being the parent of a transgender child and the issues that she sees as being pertinent as a parent such as school issues, medical issues, counseling issues, general parenting issues, or whatever issues she feels are most pertinent as a parent of a transgender child. I wanted her to have this opportunity to talk about what she sees as the issues of being a parent of a transgender child as PFLAG is a group for parents and friends of LGBT people. Hence they may need to hear a perspective different from mine.

There will be an interactive question and answer session in which anyone from the audience can pose a question to the panel, either to a specific person or to the panel in general.

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

7pm to 9pm

Towson Unitarian Universalist Church
1710 Dulaney Valley Road
Lutherville, MD

Please contact PFLAG Baltimore County with any questions
443-255-1484

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Five Strategies to Prevent your Sensitive Son from Being Bullied

2010-09-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

The following article is a guest post by Ted Zeff, Ph.D.

Many of our gay sons are sensitive which is a wonderful quality that is extolled in many cultures such as China, Thailand and India. Unfortunately, in the United States when a boy expresses compassion and sensitivity he is frequently considered abnormal. Did you know that twenty percent of the population has a sensitive nervous system and the trait is equally divided between males and females? Therefore, 20% of all males are sensitive, or one out of every five boys has a finely tuned nervous system. A highly sensitive boy (HSB) can be easily overwhelmed by noise, crowds, fearful of new situations and shy away from aggressive interactions. He generally reacts more deeply and exhibits more emotional sensitivity than the non-sensitive boy which unfortunately could result in being bullied.

According to the National Association of School Psychologists, 160,000 children miss school every day in the United States for fear of being bullied; more than 50 suicides have been linked to prolonged bullying; and approximately 85% of school shootings have revenge against bullies as a major motive. School-related bullying has led to depression and poor school performance in many children.

Although research has shown that infant boys are more emotionally reactive than infant girls, by the time boys reach the age of five, they have usually learned to repress every emotion except anger. Societal values emphasize that males should be aggressive, thick-skinned, and emotionally self-controlled, which is the opposite of a sensitive boy. When boys don't conform to the “boy code” and instead show their gentleness and emotions, they are usually ostracized and humiliated. Most of our gay sons do not fit the aggressive, macho stereotype and are at a high risk of being bullied.

Bullies tend to target kids who seem different from others. Since our sons may appear different than most boys and do not fit in with the vast majority of boys they risk being bullied. Not fitting in combined with rampant homophobia in our society has created frequent bullying of gay male students. Bullies also target kids who don't fight back and who react deeply to teasing. Research shows that 85% of HSBs avoided fighting and most sensitive boys react more strongly to bullying than other boys.

How can we prevent our sensitive boys from being bullied?

Develop Confidence in your Son by Support from Mom, Dad and Other Adults

The unconditional love and support from parents and other adults will give your son the confidence he needs to face difficult situations such as homophobia or bullying. Unfortunately, when the burden is placed on one or two frequently stressed-out adults, it's difficult to give the unconditional love and support a sensitive boy needs. Studies have shown that boys who had positive, loving relationships with other adults (grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.) reported having more positive experiences as a child than those who did not have these additional relationships. Sensitive men from India and Thailand reported experiencing happier childhoods than those from North America which may be due to the role of the extended family and community in raising children in those cultures. So invite your extended family and friends to share their love with your son making him feel accepted and loved exactly as he is.

Some people believe that boys need stronger discipline than girls. However, your sensitive son can learn a lesson better when he is calm and receptive, so when you are disciplining your son it’s vital to talk to him in a gentle manner. When you set limits in a calm, yet firm manner it will not lower his self-esteem.

Mothers generally spend more time with their children so they are frequently in a position to bolster their son's confidence. However, fathers (or uncles, grandfathers, or other male role models) need to spend special, positive time with their sons. While a father needs to teach his son how to stand up for himself, he also has to understand, protect, and encourage his sensitive son in a world that can be hostile to gay males. Both the father and the son benefit when dad accepts his son’s trait of sensitivity instead of trying to mold him into a non-HSB. It's important to model setting limits with others so that your son will learn how to set boundaries if he is humiliated for his sexual orientation.

Make School a Safe Place for your Son

Parents should regularly discuss their son's progress with his teacher, talk to other parents, and volunteer in the classroom. If you find out that a teacher is mistreating your son, you need to immediately let the teacher and principal know that their behavior is unacceptable. If the teacher is not receptive to changing his or her behavior, you should not let your son remain in the classroom.

If your son gets bullied in school it's important to let him know effective methods to handle the situation. According to the Youth Voice Project which surveyed 11,000 teens in 25 schools, the most effective solutions to stopping bullying was accessing the support of adults and peers. Less effective strategies were ignoring the bullying, telling them to stop, and walking away.

Learning self-defense can give your son more confidence when confronted by bullying. You could ask the P.T.A. or the principal to arrange for a professional to come to the school to offer an anti-bullying program. If your son has tried the methods I mentioned above but the bullying does not stop (or becomes violent), contact your son’s school. Your son’s safety and sense of well-being is of prime importance, so you have every justification to bring the issue to his teacher, school counselor, and/or principal. If your son’s physical safety is in jeopardy and the school authorities won’t intervene, you could contact the police. However, it may be more prudent to remove your son from a potentially physically violent situation if the bullying escalates to that point.

The good news is that there are options to attending public school, such as progressive private schools (i.e. Montessori, Waldrof, Steiner) that may be more conducive to your son’s emotional and educational needs than a large public school. Homeschooling is ideal for most sensitive boys since the HSB thrives in a safe, quiet, less-stimulating environment where they are free to pursue both core and creative subjects at their own pace without fear of being humiliated for their sexual orientation. To compensate for the lack of social interaction, it’s important for your son to get together with other children who are also being homeschooled, hire tutors and enroll him in special classes.

Help your Son Obtain Peer Support through New Friendships

Most boys prefer to socialize in large groups, yet our sensitive boys usually prefer to interact with only one friend or play by themselves. Since they shy away from aggressive, combative interactions, HSBs may have difficulties making friends with other boys.

It may be better for your son to have just one friend rather than trying to be accepted by a group of non-HSBs. It will also increase your son's self-esteem to develop friendships with other gay youth and attend social activities for gay youth. However, it could also be beneficial for your son to learn how to navigate through the majority nonsensitive boy culture as long as the friends involved remain respectful. Take some time to discuss friendship with your son and emphasize how important it is to be with friends who respect him. It’s important for your son to create a balance between spending time alone and with friends or he may not learn successful interpersonal skills.

Help your Son Become Physically Fit

When a boy becomes involved in sports, he feels accepted by his peers, which increases his self-esteem. Most boys are involved in some team sports but research indicates that 85% of sensitive boys did not participate in team sports and most preferred to participate in individual exercise. Since HSBs do not perform well under group pressure and may be deeply hurt by the cruel culture of malicious “boy teasing” while playing sports with other boys, they generally avoid such interactions.

Regardless of athletic ability, it’s important for your so to participate in physical exercise since it will help him become healthier, stronger and more confident. When an HSB has someone to teach and encourage him how to play various games, he could thrive, even in the insensitive world of male sports. However, before your son joins a team, you should talk with the coach and possibly other parents to make sure that the players are treated with respect and are not overly competitive. The key is to find athletic activities that your son authentically enjoys.

As previously mentioned, learning some form of self-defense can really empower a sensitive boy, helping him feel safe and better able to fend off bullies if needed. It’s important to let the instructor know that your son needs support from the trainer. The sensitive boy who masters some form of self-defense becomes less fearful, more confident and frequently more sociable.

Increase your Son's Self-esteem

Research has shown that the more dissatisfied a boy is with his body, the poorer his self-esteem. Therefore, a sensitive boy who reacts more deeply to teasing about his physical appearance than a non-HSB is at risk for developing low self-esteem. Though the media can be a strong influence on your son, as an adult in his life you are the stronger influence by letting him know that his body is perfect exactly as it is. Discuss how the media is perpetuating myths about what a male body should look like.

An important aspect of a positive body image involves good health. Stress affects health and since your son may be more vulnerable to stress than the non-HSB, it’s important to help him maintain a preventative health-maintenance program by making sure he eats a healthy diet, take supplements, gets enough sleep and regular exercise.

Finally, while your son's self-esteem may be diminished by his not fitting in with nonsensitive children, he will feel worthwhile as he receives nourishment from his spiritual pursuits. Since most HSBs have a proclivity toward spirituality, you can increase his self-esteem by encouraging your son to learn meditation, prayer, spend time in nature, or read spiritual books about the great sensitive and compassionate spiritual heroes like Christ, Moses and other saints and sages.

There are millions of parents of sensitive boys trying to help their sons cope in a world that does not appreciate sensitivity in males. I'm sure that as you begin using the suggestions in this article you will start seeing a positive change in your son as he becomes a strong, confident, and happy boy.

Dr. Ted Zeff is the author of The Strong, Sensitive Boy.
For more information please visit www.drtedzeff.com
or the amazon.com link: http://amzn.to/ciWRxa

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Parents of LGBT Children Talk with Clergy About Church Ministry

2010-08-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

Once in a while, during our very busy lives, an extraordinary opportunity will present itself; one that holds the promise of touching the minds and hearts of those who take advantage of it. I would, now, like to invite you to such an event, organized by PFLAG, which stands for PARENTS – FAMILIES and FRIENDS of LESBIANS and GAYS.

On Saturday, November 13, from 10 am to 3 pm, a program entitled: LET’S GET TOGETHER AND TALK, will take place. Its aim is to give insight and answers to the many questions being raised about gay people in our society and churches today.

Starting with a viewing of the insightful film, “For the Bible Tells Me So”, it will proceed to lunch and Table Talk about the film. After lunch, a Panel of clergy, representing a significant number of denominations, will introduce themselves, and explain what their Church is doing to promote the acceptance and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people within their congregations.

After these introductions, all those present---parents, friends, seekers of information, peace and justice activists---everyone will have the opportunity to dialogue with Clergy and each other.

This program will take place at the Mission Helper Center, 1001 West Joppa Rd., Towson, 21204. There is no charge, but a free-will offering will be accepted.

If you can’t accept gay people because of what the Bible says, this program is for you.
If you think gay people deserve “a fair shake” and you want to help, this program is for you.
If you think gay people are unjustly treated, and you want to do something about it, this program is for you.
If you don’t know what to think about gay people, this program is for you.

I urge you to mark your calendar for Saturday, Nov. 13, and save it for this enlightening event.

What: LET’S GET TOGETHER AND TALK
Date: November 13, 2010
Time: 10am to 3pm (lunch included)
Location: Mission Helper Center, 1001 West Joppa Rd., Towson, 21204
Questions: 443-255-1484

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Its Election Time & Time to Protect LGBT in Housing & Employment

2010-07-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

PFLAG as you know is a nonprofit organization and we cannot endorse any particular candidate. We can share ideas on how you can improve our world.

We can and will encourage you to attend candidate forums and ask questions of the candidates. If it is as important to you as it is to me you may want to ask the candidate how he or she feels about supporting the inclusion of "sexual preference" or "gender identity" as a protected class in the mission statement of the Baltimore County Human Relations Commission. This mission statement is mandated by Article 3, Title 3, Subtitle 11 of the Baltimore County Code, 2003.

The Commission Mandate:

Article 3, Title 3, Subtitle 11 of the Baltimore County Code, 2003 establishes and mandates the Baltimore County Human Relations Commission to investigate complaints of discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, education, public accommodations, and finance on the bases of race, color, creed, age, religion, sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy), physical and mental disability, national origin, and marital status. The definitions and procedures for executing the public policy to eliminate discriminatory practices within the County are contained in Article 29 of the Code.

The Mission Statement:

The mission of the Baltimore County Human Relations Commission is to eliminate discrimination through enforcement of its anti-discrimination human rights law that prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education and finance, on the bases of age , color, creed, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, and sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy). The Commission will provide proactive education and outreach activities to enhance human relations, and form partnerships with agencies and organizations to promote equal opportunity to the citizens and those conducting business in Baltimore County.

In order to mandate this change in the mission statement a law must be introduced by one of the county council representatives, passed and signed into law by the County Executive. This is a very real possibility during the next four-year session.

Tonight (July 13, 2010)I had the opportunity to speak with two of the candidate running for office. One of them said he "was open to the idea." The other ask me to call his office so we could discuss the matter further.

In the mean time I am asking everyone in Baltimore County who reads this blog to make it known to all candidates of all political parties that we are paying attention. "We" are the LGBT community, we are parents, families, friends and allies of LGBT persons. We are voters and we need to let these candidates know that in 2010 THERE ARE STILL NO protection for LGBT people in employment and housing in Baltimore County!

This has got to change and we need to start talking about writing and passing law that make these changes a reality before the election in 2014.

Please write letters to newspapers tell your stories if you are LGBT and if you are a parent talk about the fears you have for your child growing up and living in a world where he or she does not have these civil protections.

The sooner we start this dialogue the sooner we will accomplish our goals for civil equality.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Update: Internet Blocking of LGBT websites in the Harford County Public School system

2010-04-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

Delegate Rick Impallaria

I just want to update all of you who could not be there last night.

I went to the Harford County Public Schools, School Board public meeting last night. There were many of our friends there. Among the supportive speakers were: Rev. Lisa Ward, Joyce Kipp, Joseph Smith of the Stonewall Democrats of Central Maryland, and Allison Harper representing the ACLU.

Delegate Rick Impallaria presented a petition signed by approximately 695 people encouraging the Harford County School Board to rescind their decision to unblock LGBT web site on the school system’s Internet.

Delegate Rick Impallaria is simply opposed to anything LGBT. He used the phrases like “Alternate Lifestyle,” to describe LGBT family life and “transsexual” in place of “transgender.” He is a self-described "Christian" and stated clearly that he thinks that being gay or lesbian equates to "a problem" with sexuality. I would like to illustrate him a “Conservative Christian” as there are many progressive and liberal Christians who support LGBT equality.

Some websites containing “sexual content” such as pornographic websites and sites where adult social interaction takes place will continue to be blocked. As a leader of a PFLAG chapter I wholeheartedly support this continuation. We must protect LGBT children from insidious influences just as parents of non-LGBT children wish to protect their children. These sites are filtered out through other "blocks". At issue here were site that provide educational information about political, academic and current events involving the LGBT discourse. This was and remands clearly an equal access to information issue. Parents do have the right to disallow their child’s access to the Internet at school. The school system does provide a regressive approach to learning for those who wish to prevent their children from up-to-date access to information. One must ask, “What happened to leaving no child behind?”

The good news is the LGBT supporters and the supporters for free access to information outnumbered those who were unhappy with the school board's decision to get into compliance with both Maryland State and U.S. Federal law with regard to equal access to information. The school board president said they "had no choice." They had to comply with the law or face a very expensive law suit which "we would lose."

Chalk one up for all the hard-fought-for gains we (LGBT and our Allies) have won over the years regarding civil equality.

You may want to relax for now thinking the children are safe and LGBT access has been protected!

In the end Del. Impallaria is simply trying to generate media attention. He is running for re-election this fall.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Discussions on Religion & LGBT Community

2010-03-04T04:43:00.001-08:00

Hosted by Towson University's Queer Student Union

Please Join us on:

Wednesday
March 10, 2010
6pm-8pm

Towson Univerisity
University Union Bldg.
Potomac Lounge

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

GLSEN Youth Summit Towson University Union 12-10 p.m. February 27th 2010

2010-02-05T07:21:00.000-08:00

Cost $15- includes Workshops, Dinner and Dance

Summit Schedule of Events

12:00-1:00 Walk-in Registration and College Tours
1:00 Conference begins
1:15-2:00 Keynote Address by Amena Johnson, SMYAL Director of Programs:
2:15-3:15 Workshop Session I
3:30-4:30 Workshop Session II
4:45-5:45 Workshop Session III
6:00-6:45 Dinner
7:00-10:00 Student Dance

Workshops
Media/ Current Issues
Apples, Pears, Oranges, and Celery: Unraveling the Complexities of Gender
Bisexuality
LGBT Issues and Religion
Sexual Health
Taking Action
Day of Silence
Starting and Maintaining a GSA
Bisexuality
Allies
Racism in the Queer Community
Gender 201javascript:void(0)
Queer in College

To Pre-Register: glsenbalto.blogspot.com

Also check out GLSEN Baltimore on Facebook

Cost- $15.00
Cash or Checks payable to GLSEN Baltimore
Questions to: glsenbaltcommittee@comcast.net or 410-542-0472

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

The BMORE PROUD LGBT Leadership Summit is February 20, 2010 at Towson University

2010-02-04T10:05:00.000-08:00

click here to see the schedule and to Register

Mark Patro, President of PFLAG Baltimore County will host the breakout session entitled: You Came Out, NOW What?

Many college-aged students are just coming out to those they love. Often, after coming out students look for resources to help their parents and/or siblings cope with finding out a son or daughter, brother or sister is LGBTQ.

The B’MORE PROUD LGBT Leadership Summit will create a competent and empowered population of LGBTQ student leaders, engaged in a formal city-wide LGBT student leadership alliance that creates a welcoming and supportive environment for LGBT college students and promotes service within the larger Baltimore community, someday expanding to include all colleges and universities in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell - February 23, 2010 at PFLAG

2010-02-03T06:03:00.000-08:00

David Hall (not pictured), SLDN (Service Member's Legal Defense Network) Development Director and a former U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” will be speaking at the February 23rd PFLAG Baltimore County meeting.

Please Join us on:

4th Tuesday of the month)
February 23, 2009
7pm

meetings are held at:

Towson Unitarian Universalist Church
1710 Dulaney Valley Road
Lutherville, MD 21093

call 433-255-1484
for more information

Click here for Directions

Defense Secretary Robert Gates testifying before the House Armed Services Committee supporting President Obama's push to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff testifies before the House Armed Services Committee on Feb 3, 2010 telling congress why Don't Ask, Don't Tell should be repealed.

In Good Conscience, the film and Discussion

2010-01-20T06:09:00.000-08:00

PFLAG Baltimore County will be showing In Good Conscience with a discussion to follow.

Sister Jeanine Gramick will be taking questions from those interested in her journey while ministering to the LGBT Community with New Ways Ministry.

In Good Conscience Web Site

Saturday, March 6, 2010

11am to 2pm

Towson Unitarian Universalist Church
1710 Dulaney Valley Road
Lutherville, MD

Please contact PFLAG Baltimore County with any questions
443-255-1484

this presentation is free of charge
donations (at your discretion) will be collected at the door

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Josh Aterovis at PFLAG

2009-12-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

Josh Aterovis

Author of the Killian Kendall Mystery Series

Josh will be reading from and discussing his work at PFLAG's December Meeting.

to read more about Josh visit his web site by clicking on this link.

Please Join us on:

(4th Tuesday of the month)
December 22, 2009
7pm

meetings are held at:

Towson Unitarian Universalist Church
1710 Dulaney Valley Road
Lutherville, MD 21093

call 433-255-1484
for more information

Click here for Directions

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)

2009-12-05T15:13:00.000-08:00

The Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA)

Bill Number: Introduced in the House as H.R. 3017 by Representative Barney Frank, D (MA-4) on June 24, 2009 and introducted in the Senate as S. 1584 by Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Olympia Snowe (R-ME) on August 5, 2009.

What this Bill Will Do: The Employment Non-Discrimination Act would prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Currently, in 30 states, an employer may legally fire someone based on his or her sexual orientation, and in 38 states an employer may legally fire someone because of their gender identity or gender expression.

What we Expect from our Senators and House Members: PFLAG urges our congressional representatives to support a gender identity-inclusive version of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would provide employment protections for all LGBT Americans. We encourage you to reach out to both your House and Senate representatives and urge them to cosponsor this bill once it is introduced.

PFLAG Talking Points:

ENDA is about extending to everyone the successful protections that have worked well in many states. Already, 12 states, the District of Columbia and more than 100 localities have non-discrimination protections that protect all LGBT workers, covering nearly 40 percent of Americans, from employment discrimination. These advancements have helped to protect workers in many places, but many more remain unprotected. Passing ENDA would end inconsistencies that vary by geography and ensure that, no matter where an employee works, they enjoy the same protections as all other employees. A strong federal law will provide uniformity of coverage and close the gaps in state and local law.

Inclusion of gender identity is essential to the bill. The inclusion of gender identity is vital. First, it is necessary to cover transgender people, who are among the most discriminated-against Americans. Second, it is essential to fully protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and even heterosexual people who may not fit traditional gender norms. The LGBT community is speaking in one voice: we must move forward with employment protections together.

Nondiscrimination is a best practice in corporate America. Corporate America generally opposes discrimination and has enacted policies protecting its LGBT employees. In fact, more than 150 Fortune 500 companies have policies that include gender identity/expression. Companies have adopted these policies because they are motivated by the bottom line: searching for and training a replacement employee is expensive, as is not hiring the best and most experienced person for the job.

Non-discrimination means increased productivity. Employees who are happy and secure in their jobs, and who do not have to spend time hiding who they are for fear of discrimination, perform their jobs better and more quickly compared to those employees who are unhappy. Protections prohibiting employee discrimination reduce the level of anxiety caused by job insecurity. Extending the law to include sexual orientation and gender identity would likely boost the feeling of job security amongst LGBT people, which will in turn boost productivity of these individuals, their work teams, their companies, and collectively, the nation.

ENDA applies to the same entities covered under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These include private employers with 15 or more employees, federal, state and local governments, labor unions and employment agencies. The Armed Forces, religious institutions and employers with less than 15 employees are exempt from this law.

For More Information See PFLAG.org

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Rainbow Youth Alliance Baltimore County

2009-11-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

Rainbow Youth Alliance is a social group for lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender youth ages 14 thru 19.

This is a new group. Come and make some new friends. "We all want to spend time with other people like us."

Meetings are being held at 7:30 pm on the first and third Tuesdays of each month

at Towson Unitarian Universalist Church
1710 Dulaney Valley Road
Lutherville, MD 21093

for directions

contact us through RYABaltimoreCounty@gmail.com
or PFLAGbaltimorecounty@gmail.com

This group is Facilitated by Adult volunteers from Both TUUC & PFLAG Baltimore County

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Equality Maryland's New Director to Visit PFLAG Baltimore County

2009-11-06T06:04:00.000-08:00

Morgan Meneses-Sheets
Executive Director
Equality Maryland

Morgan Meneses-Sheets will speak to PFLAG Baltimore County.
You will learn about Morgan's ideas and Equality Maryland's plans
for the 2010 Maryland Legislation Session.

Equality Maryland's Lobby Day is scheduled for Monday, February 8, 2010.
Please Join us.

Tuesday
November 24, 2009
7pm

meetings are held at:

Towson Unitarian Universalist Church
1710 Dulaney Valley Road
Lutherville, MD 21093

Click here for Directions

Please click on the "Donate" button at the top right of the page if you are able to help.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

PFLAG Baltimore County Believes The Time Has Come

2009-10-22T06:49:00.000-07:00

President Barack Obama metaphorically indicated in his speech on Oct 10th (before the Human Rights Campaign dinner in Washington DC) that the time has come to stop debating whether or not Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender people are equal. (See Episcopal Bishop John Shelby Spong’s A Manifesto! The Time Has Come

A greater degree of inclusion can be reached if the following measures are passed by congress and signed into law by the President. He has indicated he supports these measures.

• Matthew Sheppard Hate Crimes bill
o This bill adds language to an already existing law which if passed will include the protection on people based on their Sexual Orientation and Sexual Identity.
• ENDA (the Employment Non Discrimination Act)
o This bill will add protections in employment and housing if passed for people based on their Sexual Orientation and Sexual Identity.
• DADT (Don’t Ask, Don’t)
o This legislation will reverse the current practice of ejecting soldiers from the armed services based on their Sexual Orientation.
• DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act)
o This law was implemented during the administration before Barack Obama and is the most hateful legislation in recent American history. This law makes it illegal for dedicated and loving same-sex partners from defining their own relationship. Additionally DOMA prevents these dedicated couple from more than 1100 automatic legal protection that opposite-sex couple enjoys when they get married. Essentially, DOMA does not defend anything, as other laws which are now overturned; it only prevents the inclusion of people who are different from the majority. This law should be over turned for one simple reason – The 14th Amendment of the Constitution of the U.S. clearly states: “No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States.”

Please join me in encouraging others to call and write to their congressional representative and Senators to support these four pieces of legislation. No one is free in this country if we are not all free.

To see Barack Obama's speech click on the links below.
Barack Obama Speaking to HRC Part 1
Barack Obama Speaking to HRC part 2
Barack Obama Speaking to HRC part 3

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

PFLAG Goes to The National Equality March

2009-10-12T13:33:00.000-07:00

National Equality March October 11, 2009

PFLAG Baltimore County formed earlier this year in January when several people decided to work together to develop a Baltimore Area chapter. We held our first meeting in a Towson bookstore over coffee. The second and subsequent meetings have met at Towson Unitarian Universalist Church. The group of parents and supportive allies has grown in size from three people at that first meeting to twenty-five people in September when Darryl Hunter spoke about Bullying in Baltimore County Schools.

At the September meeting it was announced that the chapter had decided to sponsor a bus to the National Equality March in Washington DC on October 11, 2009. During the next six weeks all the seats on the first bus were sold. Early in the week before the March & Rally requests for tickets were still pouring in. A second bus was ordered and ticket sales continued up to the moment the bus departed for Washington DC on Sunday.

We were happy to include two groups of students along for the ride. One group was from Baltimore City College, and another group from Notre Dame College. Donations were made by several members of PFLAG and several others by friends in our allied community. A very generous donation was made by PFLAG Columbia/Howard County. This donation enabled us to subsidize the high school student seats. We are still working to develop fund raising plans and to gather donations to reimburse one college student who paid for fifteen seats for her fellow students. This was a gracious gesture on her part. But, we as a grateful community should respond with individual donations to assure she is repaid for her dedicated effort.

Please click on the "Donate" button at the top right of the page if you are able to help.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Judy Shepard Says National Equality March is Relevant

2009-09-18T12:40:00.001-07:00

National PFLAG interviews Judy Sheppard

PFLAG: Do you think people in the movement should participate in the National Equality March, scheduled for October 11th in Washington, DC? Or is marching passe?

Judy Sheppard: I think the march is still relevant, but perhaps for a different reason than in the past. It sends a message to remind people that there are many things still being denied the gay community. And it shows numbers and passion. I do think we should be a presence in the Equality March. I think it would be a negative result if there wasn't support shown for the issues. It's a visibility issue now and showing a united front.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

How to Confront Homophobic Rhetoric

2009-09-12T03:34:00.000-07:00

Joan Garrity

Joan Garrity to speak at PFLAG Baltimore County

Joan provides trainings to health care and social service professionals in counseling and communication skills. Her work focuses on issues related to sexuality. Learn more about Joan at www.joangarrity.com.

Joan will facilitate a session about our conversations with others
regarding LGBT issues. How do you confront homophobic rhetoric?
How do you respond when faced with ignorance and hatred, especially
when it’s coming from people near and dear to you? This session is a
follow-up to “How to be a Straight Ally.”

WHERE:
Towson Unitarian Universalist Church
1710 Dulaney Valley Road
Lutherville, MD 21093

WHEN: October 27, 2009 at 7:00 PM
(meeting room - look for signs)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
PFLAGbaltimore.org

EMAIL.:
PFLAGbaltimoreCounty@gmail.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Equality Across America - Baltimore

2009-08-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Please Join Us
October 11, 2009

National Equality March
A bus will be leaving from
Towson, Baltimore & Columbia

Please contact us by email to buy tickets
Equality Across America - Baltimore
EAAbaltimore@gmail.com
please put "Bus Tickets" in the "subject" space

This bus is sponsored by
PFLAG Baltimore County

Bus tickets per person
$22 (now)
$26 after Sept 10th
Children under 12 $10
to buy bus tickets email
EAAbaltimore@gmail.com

Bus Schedule :
8:30 am, bus Leaves Towson Unitarian Universalist Church
1710 Dulaney Valley Road, Lutherville, Maryland

9:15 am, bus Leaves Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore
241 West Chase Street, Baltimore, Maryland

10:00 am bus Leaves Park & Ride
at Brokenland Pkwy & rte 32, Columbia Maryland

Bus arrives at RFK Stadium

Each passenger is responsible for traveling to the
McPherson Square via Metro Subway.

March begins at Noon
Rally begins at 2pm

Bus leaves RFK Stadium at 5pm for the return trip

click here for DC Metro & directions

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Bullying in the Baltimore County School System

2009-08-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

PFLAG BALTIMORE COUNTY PRESENTS:
Bullying in the Baltimore County School System

Officer Darryl Hunter

Former Baltimore County Assistant Principal And now Baltimore County Police Officer and motivational speaker Darryl Hunter will speak about Bullying in the Baltimore County School System

• BULLYING IN SCHOOL
• IS BULLYING PRIMARILY AN LGBT SITUATION?
• WHY ARE SO MANY TEACHERS RELUCTANT TO INTERVENE?
• WHY ARE KIDS AFRAID TO SPEAK UP?
• WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REDUCE BULLYING
• EDUCATION VS. ENFORCEMENT
• HOW CAN PARENTS WORK TO IMPROVE THIS SITUATION?

WHERE:
Towson Unitarian Universalist Church
1710 Dulaney Valley Road
Lutherville, MD 21093

WHEN: August 25, 2009 at 7:00 PM
(meeting room - look for signs)

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
PFLAGbaltimore.org

EMAIL.:
PFLAGbaltimoreCounty@gmail.com

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Why Reparative Therapy Does Not Work

2009-07-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Chris Camp will be speaking at our next PFLAG meeting on July 28, 2009 about his experience with a religious deprogramming group. He now speaks out to educate people about why so-called “Reparative Therapy” groups are unable to change anyone’s sexual orientation. Please make plans to attend.

Please remember our meeting time has been moved up to 7pm

Visit our website for other information: PFLAGbaltimore.org

*
PFLAG Baltimore County

1710 Dulaney Valley Road

Lutherville Maryland 21093

7pm July 28, 2009, Lower Level

For info call: 443.255.1484

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.

Is Homosexuality a Choice?

2009-06-30T16:13:00.000-07:00

This is the launch of my new Blog as President of PFLAG Baltimore County. And, although we meet in Lutherville, just north of the Baltimore Beltway, our group includes members from Baltimore County, Baltimore City & Harford County.

The inaugural topic of discussion is:

Is Homosexuality a Choice?

click here to register your opinion

To read an in depth discussion of this question you may download a PDF article here

Click here to read: The Only Question That Matters

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Buy Organic Fair Trade coffee at Homeland Organic or visit us at the Owings Mills Farmers Market on Sunday Morning.