News & Views
Volume 2, Issue 16 May 2018
Insights B o b’s Bl u r b s PFLAG Celebrates
Anecdotes and Opinions
By Calvin Jorden PFLAG Beaumont Treasurer
April, the first full month of spring. In every culture, every religion, at least in climates that have obvious seasons, it is regarded as a time of rebirth, of renewal. This year Easter week coincides with the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and falls in the midst of a burgeoning resistance movement in America. Thus, a unique time to reflect on where we are, where we’ve been, where we want to go and how to get there. We all observe and experience manifold injustices, daily. How best to react, resist and rectify? How much personal capital, what amount of personal privilege must we expend in the endeavor? Can we honestly commit to a multi-year, perhaps life-long struggle? These are very personal questions, best pondered privately, because the answers carry very personal consequences. In his newsletter this week, my pastor recalled Dr. King’s vision of a Beloved Community, where justice and equal opportunity and love of one’s fellow human beings prevails. I must admit that in my past, in my privileged white southern male existence, this was never a particular priority - rather, at best, a boon to be shared with the less fortunate if and when it was convenient. Then, within a short decade, two of my six grown children came out as gay. And, as I gradually came out as a Proud Parent, this vision of a Beloved Community has become very personal, and very necessary. To me, it was new and revolutionary. To the communities I joined, it was a dream that has endured for generations. May this generation make it a reality!
By Bob Meier PFLAG Beaumont Hospitatlity Chair
PFLAG Beaumont is continuing into our fifth year, but PFLAG is celebrating 45 years of leading family acceptance as our nation’s first and largest organization uniting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people with families and allies. PFLAG was established in March, but we are celebrating all year long. Here is a message from PFLAG Beaumont’s Regional Director, Kay Holladay: On March 11th, PFLAG celebrated 45 years since its founding in New York City in 1973. Oklahoma has chapters in Bartlesville, Norman, Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Tahlequah, Tulsa and Yukon who work for LGBTQ equality. There are 35 PFLAG chapters in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana. PFLAG was founded by Jeanne Manford, elementary-school teacher and mother of renowned gay activist Morty Manford, who marched by her son’s side in the 1972 Christopher Street Liberation Day March —a precursor to NY Pride— carrying a homemade sign that said, “Parents of Gays: Unite in Support of Our Children.” When she was surrounded by people at the end of the march asking her to speak to their own parents, the idea for PFLAG was sparked and nine months later, with support from her son and husband, Jules, the first meeting of PFLAG was held on March 11, 1973 at the Metropolitan-Duane Methodist Church in Greenwich Village. Approximately 20 people attended. Over the past 45 years, PFLAG (formerly an acronym for “Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays” but changed to simply PFLAG to reflect its longtime inclusion of bisex-
45 years
ual and transgender people—one of the first organizations to do so—in 1993 and 1998, respectively) has grown into a national organization with nearly 400 chapters across 49 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and on a U.S. military base in Germany, with hundreds of other family and ally organizations around the globe, all inspired or quietly supported by PFLAG. Since its founding, PFLAG has helped hundreds of thousands of families learn how to support their LGBTQ children and loved ones, expanding to include similar work with loving allies who are also invested in equality for LGBTQ people. This doesn’t include the possible millions across continents who have used and tailored the model to make them culturally appropriate for their locales. The numbers bear this out: According to The Family Acceptance Project at San Francisco State University, highly rejected LGBT young people were more than eight times as likely to have attempted suicide; nearly six times as likely to report continued Inside as Blurbs
Inside
Monthly Movie Pick : ‘God’s Own Country’
By Jerry Thacker PFLAG Beaumont Vice President
The 2017 film, God's Own Country, is a story of Johnny Saxby, played by Josh O'Connor, who is trying to help his father tend to the farm after his father has a stroke. Johnny doesn't care for this situation he has been thrown into. Johnny drinks very heavily to cope with his situation, which in turn makes life much harder for him, as it affects his work on the farm. Johnny also may be drinking to cope with his sexuality, as he is having empty sex with a young man from town from time to time. Johnny's father becomes tired of his son's shortcomings and hires a Romanian worker, Gheorghe Ionescu, played by Alec Secareanu, to help in the busy season. Johnny and Gheorghe butt heads almost immediately. Regardless of their dislike for each other, they are sent out together on an overnight trip to repair a portion of a stone wall on the far perimeter of the farm. The two of them butt heads again over Johnny's lack of respect for the Romanian. Anger turns to passion and the two have a moment of tenderness. Gheorghe is a believer in love and tries to teach Johnny to do the same, but Johnny's old ways come roaring back after a trip into town and a few pints of beer. Gheorghe is repulsed Johnny's behavior and heads back to Romania. After the drunken night in town, Johnny realizes that he was wrong and truly loves Gheorghe, Johnny heads to Romania to win him back. This movie deals with many issues: from a disabled parent, to a son who is trying to deal with his sexuality and maintain the family farm, and deal with his new found love in a family that is traditional. Director Francis Lee does a wonderful job portraying all the characters in a very believable way. Johnny is convincing as a screwed up son. Gheorghe actually delivers a baby lamb in the movie. No special effects there! Ian Hart and Jemma Jones who
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high levels of depression; more than three times as likely to use illegal drugs; and more than three times as likely to be at high risk for HIV and STDs. However, when families are even slightly more accepting of their LGBTQ loved ones, it will significantly reduce harm and risk. PFLAG chapters hold support group meetings each month, provide resources and education to LGBTQ people and their families and friends and their communities, and lobby the State Legislature to
portray Martin and Deidre Saxby are spot on as Johnny's parents. This movie transcends gender, race, religion or place. God's Own Country weaves a beautiful tale of a young man's journey to love and self forgiveness.
defeat anti-LGBTQ legislation. PFLAG is constantly on the forefront, ensuring that LGBTQ people are accepted and supported in order to live, love, learn, work, pray and play equally, fairly, and safely. To find a chapter near you and join in the celebration, visit pflag.org/find. Please consider becoming a member of PFLAG or making a financial contribution. PFLAG Beaumont holds Education and Support Meetings every third Thursday of the month.Come alone or bring a friend — everyone is welcome!
More
PFLAG Monthly Education and Support
Sunday, April 20, 2 p.m.,
450 11th Street, Legacy Community Health Building Membership not required to attend
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By Payshunz Nagashima, PFLAG Beaumont Education Chair
Interested in becoming a vendor at the fourth annual Maypole Festival, Saturday, May 12? Please email torchymaypolemoonandstars@yahoo.com for more information.
What’s Happening Tickets: https://pflagbmtcomingoutball.bpt.me
May 5 PFLAG Beaumont
Coming Out Ball John Fulbright, photo
PFLAG Beaumont is hosting Pride Fest 2018, Saturday, June 9.
Would you or your organization or business like to get involved, advertise, donate, perform or vend? Email bmtpridefest@gmail.com for more information.
Represent at Pride Fest 2018!