June PFLAG Buffalo/Niagara June 2016 Newsletter

8/16/2019 June PFLAG Buffalo/Niagara June 2016 Newsletter

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PFLAG Buffalo-Niagara

PFLAG Buffalo-Niagara Parents, Families, Friends, and Allies United with LGBTQ People

PO Box 617

Buffalo, NY 14207716-883-0384

[email protected] www.pflagbuffalo.org

www.facebook.com/pflag.niagara

June Sharing Meeting June 26 th , 2:30-5:00*

*We will meet one week later than usual to allow members to celebrate Father’s Day with families.

Kenilworth United Church of Christ45 Dalton Drive, Tonawanda, NY 14223

The sharing meetings are held at Kenilworth United Church of Christ, 45 Dalton Drive, Tonawanda 14223,from 2:30-5:00. Newcomers and anyone interested will be offered the option of meeting privately with a PFLAGparent. Our monthly meetings are in the library, which is near the parking lot entrance. The facility ishandicapped accessible. New Parents Meetings are scheduled as needed at a location convenient to thoseinvolved. These self-help one-on-one meetings deal with the concerns of parents and family members whohave recently learned that a loved one is gay . _______________________________________________________________________________________________

We meet because we have learned that someone very close to u s is Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender. We try to

help one another deal with this infor mation in a positive manner. Although we do not agree at all times, we try to beunderstanding. We offer help to those who seek it, but do not for ce ourselves on others. We strive to maintain

anonymity while sharing on a level that is comfortable for all of us.

mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.facebook.com/pflag.niagarahttp://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view;_ylt=A0LEVj.Zyj9X7GsA9_wPxQt.;_ylu=X3oDMTByMjB0aG5zBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw--?p=images+pride+festival&back=http://us.yhs4.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p%3Dimages%2Bpride%2Bfestival%26type%3Dwncy_mdaffafterdownload_15_39%26param1%3D1%26param2%3Df%3D4%26b%3DIE%26cc%3Dus%26pa%3DWincy%26cd%3D2XzuyEtN2Y1L1Qzu0DtD0B0Fzy0CzzyD0F0AtBtB0Dzy0D0BtN0D0Tzu0StCtAyCyDtN1L2XzutAtFtCtBtFyDtFtAtN1L1Czu1ByEtN1L1G1B1V1N2Y1L1Qzu2SzyyC0E0E0BtCyEyCtG0A0D0E0FtGyEzytAtAtGzyyC0DtBtGyB0B0F0C0ByCtB0CtDtD0Bzy2QtN1M1F1B2Z1V1N2Y1L1Qzu2SyE0DyCtBzy0FzzyDtGzzyCzzyBtGyEyDtCyDtGzz0F0CtBtGzzyEtCyC0FtDtByCyDtByC0E2QtN0A0LzuyEtN1B2Z1V1T1S1NzutCtDyEyB%26cr%3D1033496166%26a%3Dwncy_mdaffafterdownload_15_39%26os%3DWindows%2B8.1%26hsimp%3Dyhs-fullyhosted_003%26hspart%3Diry%26ei%3DUTF-8&no=1&fr=yhs-iry-fullyhosted_003&h=87&w=156&imgurl=www.returnofkings.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Pride-Parade.jpg&rurl=http://www.returnofkings.com/65920/pride-parades-a-pathetic-and-detrimental-attempt-at-promoting-gay-rights&size=100KB&name=Pride+Parades+Are+A+Pathetic+And+Detrimental+Attempt+At+Promoting+Gay+...&tt=Pride+Parades+Are+A+Pathetic+And+Detrimental+Attempt+At+Promoting+Gay+...&sigr=13b8g9gfr&sigi=121bcest8&sigb=1j6ej0m7o&sign=129o1l7la&sigt=129o1l7la&hspart=iry&hsimp=yhs-fullyhosted_003http://www.facebook.com/pflag.niagaramailto:[email protected]


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Page 2 PFLAG Buffalo/Niagara

PFLAG Buffalo/Niagara Scholarship Update

The scholarship winners have been selected and the scholarships will be presented at the

recipients’ awards ceremonies. The winners have not been notified ahead of time, so we will let

you know more next month after the presentations.

PRIDE WEEK IS ALMOST HERE!

From post on www.buffalopridefestival.org

Buffalo & WNY Pride Week is back and ready to take over the region with a week's worth of

celebration, advocacy and community engagement! No other event in WNY touches such a

varied and large demographic cross-section of residents and visitors, while bringing neighbors

together to celebrate pride in our community.In previous years we've seen 15,000+ in attendance at the Canalside Festival alone, and

this year we anticipate over 30,000 participants throughout the week.

So mar k your calendars and explore the Pride Center’s website for ways that you can get

involved. We encourage supporters to volunteer, make a donation, or attend one of the many

events to help ensure that Buffalo and WNY Pride continue to grow and be successful.

http://www.buffalopridefestival.org/http://www.buffalopridefestival.org/http://www.buffalopridefestival.org/http://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Volunteerhttps://evergreenhs.thankyou4caring.org/buffalo-pride/donationhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Eventshttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Eventshttps://evergreenhs.thankyou4caring.org/buffalo-pride/donationhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Volunteerhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.org/


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Events

Flag Raising Ceremony

Tuesday, May 31

Big Gay Sing

Wednesday, June 1

Gay 5K Run

Thursday, June 2

Chroma: Art Exhibition

To Be Announced

Flex

Friday, June 3

Dyke March

Saturday, June 4

Momentum

Saturday, June 4

http://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/FlagRaisingCeremonyhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/FlagRaisingCeremonyhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/BigGaySinghttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/BigGaySinghttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/Runhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/Runhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/LGBTArtOpeninghttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/LGBTArtOpeninghttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/Flexhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/Flexhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/DykeMarchhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/DykeMarchhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/Momentumhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/Momentumhttp://www.bing.com/images/search?q=images+pride+parade&view=detailv2&qpvt=images+pride+parade&id=FC1E0E53E25A9E6A4C6806F5EB4B29E0B7DF3C8E&selectedIndex=0&ccid=SZ0NwJyr&simid=78782340531&thid=HS.78782340531http://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/Momentumhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/DykeMarchhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/Flexhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/LGBTArtOpeninghttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/Runhttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/BigGaySinghttp://www.buffalopridefestival.com/Events/FlagRaisingCeremony


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Pride Parade

Sunday, June 5

Pride Festival at Canalside

Sunday, June 5

Candlelight Wish Celebration

Tuesday, June 21

Find out more at Pride Center’s website: http://www.buffalopridefestival.com

To march with PFLAG or ride on our float, come to the Elmwood Burchfleid-Penny Art Gallery

parking lot on June 5 th at 11:30. We hope to see you then!

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING THE RESTRICTIVE BATHROOM BILLS

www.pflag.org ; May 12, 2016

PFLAG National is proud to have so many people who are transgender and gender

expansive and their loved ones as part of the extended family of PFLAG. Now is a critical timefor all of us who value inclusion to add our voices to the conversations happening across the

country about HB2 and anti-transgender discrimination.

We thought it would be helpful to provide a list of questions we’ve been hearing and some

helpful responses, some further talking points to share, and data for your use and reference.

Section 1: Education and Understanding

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When a colleague or neighbor turns to you looking for information, it’s time to step up --as

PFLAGers always do--and meet them, wherever they are. Some come to us with no

information, some come already supportive and wanting to learn more, and some come to us

from, perhaps, a less-than-supportive place. Regardless of their position when they first

approach you, we have an opportunity to use support and education as a tool to move people

along on the issues.

Here are some of the top questions we are hearing, with some guidance on answering

them.

What exactly is that law (HB2) in North Carolina and why is it getting so much

attention?

While anti-LGBTQ and anti-trans people try to frame it about keeping bathrooms safe for

women and children, is a far-reaching law that has already had a major negative economic

impact in the state of North Carolina. The law affects employment, restricts wage levels, and

prohibits individuals from bringing any civil action based on the law when there are charges of

discrimination.

It requires people to use state facilities in accord with the sex indicated on their birth

certificate, not aligned with their gender identity, prohibits any municipality in the state from

passing nondiscrimination ordinances, and renders current ones moot, like the one voted on inCharlotte. This is not about bathrooms, and our transgender loved ones are paying the price,

with their rights and their dignity.

As the US Attorney General stated, "far from protecting vulnerable populations from harm,

this law inflicts indignity on a vulnerable population that already suffers far more than its fair

share; it harms innocent Americans."

I thought these laws were about making sure that pedophiles do not go into

bathrooms?

That is being stated as the reason, but it is wrong and offensive for multiple reasons. First,

it’s already illegal for people to commit assault against other people, and everyone supports


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that. This off-topic argument is part of the distractive discussion to avoid facing the real issue:

discrimination. Second, it is just wrong to state that anyone who is transgender is a pedophile

because they are going into the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity.

Why is this even an issue? Is this just more political correctness?

I agree: It should not be an issue. Men should use facilities for men and women should use

facilities for women; men shouldn’t be in the bathroom with women. Transgender men are

men. Transgender women are women. They have been using public facilities for years.

This issue affects more than transgender people; people whose gender expression does not

match what society might expect also risk being challenged, and that is an extreme example of

gender-policing political correctness. Even Target's policy isn't new: their announcement was

simply to reinforce an already-existing policy.

I don’t understand; I do not know any transgender people so this does not make any

sense to me.

I get it; it can be confusing. I was you once but now because of my involvement withPFLAG, I know transgender people and their families and have learned a lot and keep learning.

I am happy to answer your questions.

You might actually know transgender people, contrary to the crazy scare tactics being used

right now. They are your neighbors and colleagues who may not have not disclosed they are

transgender, they are just going about their lives, like you and I. I will say that once you do

know someone is transgender, you will want them to share their story with you because their

authenticity and courage will inspire you like it does me.

Why don’t people keep this stuff private instead of talking about it all the time?

I agree with you that the topic of bathroom and locker room use should be private and

should not be used as camouflage to disguise discrimination. Transgender people in general,

like anyone else, would rather this not be a topic of conversation, and trans people didn’t raise

it.


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Is this really an issue in our community?

The issue of discrimination is true in any community and yes, the issues of LGBTQ

discrimination in our community are real and why I am involved with PFLAG. The law in North

Carolina and the other laws across the country that are targeting the transgender community

mask real facts and are sending an ugly message to vulnerable people, especially kids.

Nearly half of young transgender people have seriously thought about taking their lives,

and one quarter report having made a suicide attempt.* Thirty-three percent of students heard

negative remarks at school specifically about transgender people.

Less than two-thirds of students (61%) could identify at least six supportive school

staff.* Most adult transgender people have experienced violence against them and these laws

are making them feel very unsafe.

* Grossman, A.H. & D'Augelli, A.R. (2007). Transgender Youth and Life-Threatening Behaviors. Suicide

and Life-Threatening Behaviors.37(5), 527-37. ** GLSEN: The 2013 National School Climate Survey.

Section 2: Talking Points

PFLAGers everywhere stand with the transgender community and all those who do not fit thegender mold against the false narrative that is being perpetuated. Together we will write a

different story by sharing our own, both to change hearts and minds and to educate people

about the facts.

Our families should not be treated differently, and the wrong message is being sent

especially to youth that discrimination against one group of people because of their sexual

orientation, gender identity or gender expression is acceptable in 2016.

It is not acceptable that any person should be subject to discrimination in their use of public

facilities or services.

People who are LGBTQ have a desperate need for workplace protections, and should have

the same workplace rights and responsibilities as anyone else. In fact, the majority of

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Americans already agree that people in the workplace should be judged on the merits of

their work, not based on who they are; that is fair.

PFLAG chapters and individual members continue to be grateful and supportive of the

hundreds of businesses who have spoken out.

Section 3: Resorces and Data

From PFLAG National

guide to being a trans ally , a publication from our Straight for Equality TM program

OUR TRANS LOVED ONES: Questions and Answers for Parents, Families and Friends of

People Who are Transgender and Gender Expansive

From our partners

Statement from National Task Force on Violence

Injustice at Every Turn: The National Transgender Discrimination Survey Report

Movement Advancement Project Equality Maps on States with Nondiscrimination Laws

The Williams Institute - LGB within the T: Sexual Orientation in the National Transgender

Discrimination Survey and Implications for Public Policy

From the media

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2016/images/05/09/transgender.rights.pdf

Helpful Statistics

CNN/Opinion Research Corp. (ORC) poll released on May 9th :

57 percent of Americans reject laws like NC’s HB 2.

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75 percent of Americans support comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for

transgender people.

80 percent of Americans support comprehensive nondiscrimination protections for LGBT

people.

The Movement Advancement Project

The Movement Advancement Project reports that 52% of the LGBT population lives in

states that do not prohibit employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or

gender identity.

National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE)/The National LGBTQ Task Force

Extreme poverty - respondents were nearly four times more likely to have a household

income of less than $10K/year compared to the general population.

53% reported being verbally harassed or disrespected in a place of public

accommodation, including hotels, restaurants, buses airports and government agencies.

Respondents experienced widespread abuse in the public sector and were often abused

at the hands of “helping” professionals and government officials. One -fifth (22%) were

denied equal treatment by a government agency or official. 29% reported police

harassment or disrespect; 12% had been denied equal treatment or harassed by judges

or court officials.

43% maintained most of their family bonds, while 57% experienced significant familyrejection.

63% of survey participants had experienced a serious act of discrimination -- events that

would have a major impact on a person’s quality of life and ability to sustain themselves

financially or emotionally.


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The Williams Institute

41% of respondents attempted suicide - 41% of respondents reported attempting suicide

compared to 1.6% of the general population, with rates rising for those who lost a job

Due to bias (55%), were harassed/bullied in schools (51%), had low household income

or were the victim of physical assault (61%) or sexual assault (64%).

GLSEN

Those who expressed a trans identity or gender non-conformity while in grades K-12

reported harassment (78%), physical assault (35%) and sexual violence (12%); severe

harassment led to nearly one-sixth (15%) to leave school in K-12 settings or in higher

education.

Please stay connected to PFLAG National through our website (pflag.org) , Like us on

Facebook ( facebook.com/pflag) , and follow us on Twitter (twitter.com/pflag) , for continued

up-to-date developments.

PFLAG BUFFALO-NIAGARA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Phil Salemi, Jr., President Lisbeth Ball, Director

Amy Fularz, Vice President David Barrett, Director

Brian Carrier, Treasurer Sharon Barrett, Director

Michele Perry, Secretary Ann Carrier, Director

Julie Christiano, Director

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Is it time to renew your PFLAG membership?

Lifetime Membership Membership …......... $250

Spons oring Membership ……….……….. $100 (Business Card Advertisement ($100 per year)

Supporting Membership .......................... $50

Household Membership ………………… . $30

Make checks payable to PFLAG Buffalo/Niagara and mail to: P.O. Box 617 Buffalo, NY 14207PFLAG Buffalo/Niagara is a non-profit 501(c)3 and donations are tax-deductible.

Please note that paid membership is not needed to attend sharing meetings.

PFLAG Buffalo-Niagara, is a non-profit, all volunteer, community-based organization

not affiliated with any ethnic, religious, economic or political group. Membership is

open to all. PFLAG membership lists are kept confidential.

We hope you like reading these newsletter articles, we also share current articles on

our Facebook page. Please co nsider “liking” us on Facebook and reading articles all

month long at www.facebook.com/pflag.niagara
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June PFLAG Buffalo/Niagara June 2016 Newsletter

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