Northeast Ohio

March 2012 Vol. 43 No. 3

Parents,

Families

and

Friends

of

Lesbians

and

Gays

A joint publication of the Akron and Cleveland chapters

A greener newsletter
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Inside this issue:

Chapter Info & News Events Marriage equality News 2 3-5 4 6

Great speaker and...

By Ed Kancler, Akron chapter president

hat a meeting Akron PFLAG had on Feb. 16! Our guest speaker, Sen. Frank LaRose (District 27), was running late, and who should appear but Ed Mullen, executive director of Equality Ohio! Ed was coming from a CANAPI meeting and thought hed drop by to hear the senator. So, Ed brought us up to date on issues pending before the Ohio General Assembly, the new anti-bullying law, and prospects for the future. Then, Sen. LaRose arrived, thanked Ed for warming up the audience, and was with us for 1 hours. His message was one of equality for allnot only in his talk, but also in a lengthy Q&A session and individual conversations with many of our members. And, like all of us in PFLAG, Sen. LaRose had his

story to tell. The senator grew up on the family farm in Copley, then had a truly successful military career (101st Airborne, Special Ops, Green Beret, numerous honors). He obtained a business degree from Ohio State University, became active in many local organizations, and then turned to public service. Sen. LaRose is a conservative on economic and government policy issues and he believes in equality for all. His understanding of the issues and his beliefs in equality, together with his ability to express those beliefs clearly and unequivocally, were well received by a large turnout. We appreciated hearing from the senator. The meeting truly was a high point of this young year.

PFLAG Cleveland business meeting

PFLAG Cleveland will hold its annual business meeting on Tuesday, March 13 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral. A light supper will be served and the regular support group meeting will follow at 7:30 p.m. The business meeting will focus on a review of chapter finances, 2011 achievements, goals for the coming year, and elections for the offices of president and vice president. Also, mark September 79 on your calendar for the PFLAG regional meeting, which the Cleveland chapter will host. More information on programming and registration coming soon.

CHAPTER MTGS.
Akron PFLAG
Feb. 16, Mar. 15 - 7 pm
N. Springfield Presbyt. 671 N. Canton Rd.

Cleveland PFLAG
Feb. 14, Mar. 13 7:30 pm
Trinity Episcopal 2230 Euclid Ave,, 44115

Alliance PFLAG
Info: a_cromwel@yahoo.com

Wooster PFLAG
Feb. 16, Mar. 15 - 7 pm
Universalist Fellowship 3186 Burbank Rd.
Please call ahead to confirm.

Youngstown PFLAG
Feb. 19, Mar. 18 - 3 pm
Stonewall Comm. Ctr. 1523 Poland Ave.

...a surprise guest!

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Northeast Ohio PFLAG

PFLAG Cleveland sponsors film

PFLAG
Our Mission
PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons, their families and friends through SUPPORT to cope with an adverse society; EDUCATION to enlighten an ill-informed public; and ADVOCACY to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

Cleveland Out & About also sponsors film this year

PFLAG Cleveland is pleased to announce Check our website pflagcleveland.org for its sponsored film in the 36th Cleveland information on any discounts available to International Film Festival (CIFF). PFLAG members for tickets. Kiss Me is a drama about Mia and Frida who meet for the first time at their parents engagement party. Mias dad, whom she hasnt visited in years, is about to marry Fridas mother. As the soon-to-be stepsisters get to know one another, strong emotions begin to stir between them. But their relationship will be dramatically complicated by their families, include Mias fianc, Tim, who accompanied her on the visit. Show times for Kiss Me are March 29 at 1:50 p.m. and March 30 at 6:30 p.m. Cleveland Out & About, a recreational group serving the LGBT community in Northeast Ohio, is also sponsoring the film, Morgan, on March 23 at 10:00 p.m. and March 24 at 11:00 a.m. Morgan is the story of an athlete turned paraplegic who overcomes anger and self-pity when he meets and falls in love with another man but then takes a terrible risk with his own life. A $2 discount on tickets is available through them by using the code COA. CIFF is March 22-April 1 at Tower City Cinemas. For festival information, visit clevelandfilm.org or call 216-623-3456.

AKRON CHAPTER
PO Box 5471 Akron, OH 44334
P F L A G A K RO N . O RG pflagakron@aol.com

Akron chapter news

Bio on Akron PFLAG scholarship recipient
Brian Wakely, the recipient of the Akron PFLAG-LGBT Studies scholarship at Kent State, expects to graduate in 2013. He is majoring in visual communication and design and minoring in advertising and LGBT Studies. He is quite a busy young man! He has a campus job and is active in PRIDE Kent and Delta Lambda Phi, an international social fraternity for gay, bisexual and progressive men. identity...from whispering the word homosexual to the often so what? attitude of today. How he would have loved to read about Brian and the range of opportunities and support now available to Brian and the LGBT community in general. With Brians permission, we are reprinting Brians thank you to Akron PFLAG:

INFO & HELPLINE: 330-342-5825

Executive Board
President-Ed Kancler; VP-Bill Libby; Secretary-Joe Gardner; Treasurer-Sue Magilavy; At Large-Chris Goldthorpe, Bob and Valerie Hempel, David Horowitz, Marie Libby, Audrey Kancler, Kim and Joe Mosyjowski, Bob Menapace, Joy Watts

Committee Chairs
Program-open; Membership-Chuck Magilavy, Publicity-Marie Libby; LibraryDavid Greene; Hospitality-Rada Jenkins; Newsletter-Audrey Kancler

CLEVELAND CHAPTER
615 Prospect St. Berea, OH 44017
P F L A G C LE V E LA N D . O RG

mail@pflagcleveland.org

INFOLINE: 216-556-1701
Executive Board
President-Sharon Groh-Wargo; VP-Jes Sellers; Secretary-Marianne Buccini; Treasurer-Art Thomson; At Large-Alan Cohen, Diana DeForest, Craig Hoffman; Legislative Coordinator-Tom Roese; Newsletter-Pat Brandt; Snacks-Gail Smith; Webmaster-Quentin Jamieson

Thank you for selecting me as the recipient of the PFLAG-LGBT Studies Endowment Scholarship. The scholarship means After graduation, Brian hopes to work for an LGBT-focused advertising agency in a a lot to me as it covered the remainder of my tuition bill that financial aid didnt large city, preferably in the Southwest. cover. Without this scholarship, I would In reading about Brian and Kent State, its not have been able to remain a student easy to then think about Art Kaltenborn, a this year and, as a consequence, I would retired Kent State professor and cohave lost my campus job and my only founder of PRIDE! Kent. A gentle man source of income. This means a lot bewith a great smile, Art was also a cocause my parents have refused to give founder of Akron PFLAG and active in the me any money or cosign any loans as a chapter into his 90s. Art died just a little result of my declaring LGBT Studies as a over a year ago. His lifetime spanned inminor. I am really glad to be the recipient credible changes in understanding and of this scholarship, so thank you very attitudes regarding sexual orientation and much for selecting me.

March 2012

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PFLAG National updates

Applications for the 2012 PFLAG National Scholarship are now available. Visit pflag.org and click on Education & Programs for info and online form. The PFLAG National 4th Annual Straight for Equality Gala will be held on April 2 at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square. For details and ticket info visit pflag.org and click on the New York skyline gala image.

Work to make schools safe for all

Facilitator training class
Join Northeast Ohios gay, lesbian and straight education networks educator training team. The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network of Northeast Ohio will host a 3-day training March 23-25 at Case Western Reserve University for school facilitators and teachers interested in assuring that all K-12 schools are safe for all students. The program will take an extended lunch break on Saturday, Mar. 24 so participants may also attend the Gay Marriage/Full Equality rally in Public Square hosted by Equality Ohio (see page 4 for rally details). For course info or to register, email gary@glsennortheastohio.org or call 216-556-0960.

Diversity Center poetry slam

The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio is hosting a poetry slam at Case Western Reserve University on Friday, Mar. 23 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Words Matter: The isms will be held at The Spot (Leutner Caf) at 619 Mistletoe Dr. in Cleveland. The event includes open mic and raffles with cash prizes. Tickets are $3 general/$2 CWRU students. Students may also opt to donate 10 canned goods in lieu of cash. Entrants for open mic must register a performance by March 12. One entry per student. Submit by email, fax, or mail your name, school, grade, phone, email, and poem to 216.752.4974 (fax) or programs@diversitycenterneo.org. Winners will be notified by March 19. Proceeds from this event support the Diversity Ball and The City Mission. For more info call 216.752.3000.

Po

t ry e AM sL

CANAPI events
Community AIDS Network and Akron Pride Initiative

Reverse Raffle/Day at Races

A very entertaining fundraising event, the annual reverse raffle and day at the races will be held Saturday, Mar. 24 from 6:30-10:00 p.m. at St. Josephs Center, 610 W. Exchange St., Akron. Tickets are $75 if purchased by March 16 or $100 at the door. Includes raffle ticket, open bar, buffet, and admission to the races. For tickets visit canapi.org or call 330-252-1648.

NCMC spring concert

The North Coast Mens Chorus will host Cleveland Rocks at Waetjen Auditorium, 2001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland State University, on March 24 (8:00 p.m.) and 25 (3:00 p.m.). Concert will feature rock-n-roll classics sure to get you singing along. For tickets, visit ncmchorus.org or call 216-556-0590.

CLEVELAND

ROCKS

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Northeast Ohio PFLAG

Cleveland, I Love You film project

Independent feature was filmed in Cleveland
Five writers, six directors, two Hollywood actresses, and eleven short films are coming together to create Cleveland, I Love You. Shaker Heights native and Hollywood director Jamie Babbit is among the directors. He directed a vignette based on a comedy sketch by South Park and Community writer Karey Dornetto that filmed in Cleveland just last month. Busy Phillips (Cougar Town) and Gillian Jacobs (Community) star as sisters who work in a hotel and encounter a large group of lesbians who are on an outing for their Tracy Chapman fan club. You can find more about the project on Facebook. Search clevelandiloveyou.

Marriage/Equality Rally March 24

Equality Ohio is hosting a street rally for gay marriage/full equality on Saturday, Mar. 24 in Clevelands Public Square (intersection of Ontario St. and Superior Ave.). The rally will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The rally will protest the 2004 one man-one woman marriage amendment to Ohios constitution. In 2007 Gov. Ted Strickland passed an executive order prohibiting discrimination in public employment based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, there is no state protection for people in private employment.

ArtCares celebrates 10th anniversary

and silent auctions or art and other items, live entertainment, and great food and drink. All proceeds go directly to support the AIDS Taskforces mission to provide a compassionate and collaborative response to the needs of people inArtCares.12, the signature event bene- fected, affected, and at risk of HIV/ AIDS. fitting the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland, will take place at MOCA Last year this event drew over 600 Cleveland on Saturday, Apr. 28. attendees and raised $85,000. We hope to make it even bigger this year! A VIP reception will be held at 6:30 p.m., with the party and auction to be- For more information or to purchase gin at 8:00 p.m. The event features live tickets, visit aidstaskforce.org.

Cancer prevention dinner/program

The LGBT Community Center in partnership with The Cleveland Clinic will host a free dinner program, Cancer Prevention/Wellness for the LGBT Community, on Thursday, Mar. 29 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. at Wasmer Auditorium, Lakewood Hospital, 14519 Detroit Rd., 1st Floor, Lakewood. The program will be presented by Dr. Marc Shapiro, oncologist at Taussig Cancer Institute. Dinner and garage parking are free. RSVP to 877-234-3488.

In 1998 the Ohio Appellate 9th District Court disapproved second parent adoptions. However, gay and lesbian adults may adopt in the state and can enter into enforceable agreement to share custody of their children with a partner (2002). NOTE to AKRON RESIDENTS Carpooling to the rally site will be available from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron, 3300 Morewood Rd., Fairlawn (across from Summit Mall). Be at the church by 9:15 a.m.

SAVE the DATE! The State PFLAG meeting is

Saturday, Apr. 14 in Lima. Details and registration info will be in next months newsletter.

For more rally information visit facebook.com/ MarriageEqualityOhio.

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Counseling and therapy resources for LGBT

Senior Support
Jewish Family Services welcomes all LGBT seniors to its individual, group support, and outreach programs. You need not be Jewish to participate. Our social events provide a safe & nurturing space for LGBT older adults in our community to help build relationships, talk about experiences, gain support, & overcome isolation. Jewish Family Services of Akron is located at 750 White Pond Dr. For more information, call 330-867-3388 or visit jewishakron.org/jfs. 7027 Mill Rd., Lower Level, Brecksville. Attendance is free. For more info email jfiber.lifeforcecc@gmail.com of call 216-548-3620. Individual services are also available at this location.

Art Therapy Bereavement

The LGBT Art Therapy Bereavement group is a new ongoing group presented by the Hospice of the Western Reserve, led by a professional art therapist. The next group meeting is Tuesday, Mar. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Bereavement Center, 300 E. 185th St., Cleveland. You need not have utilized hospice services to attend. To register, call 216-486-6544 or email mpostotnik@hospicewr.org.

Cleveland Public Theater LGBT event

The Cleveland Public Theater will host a special LGBT and Allies showing of Antebellum on Friday, Mar. 2. The play depicts a stunning love affair between two men that bridges time, distance, race and gender. Special price tickets of $25 for this event include happy hour drinks and free appetizers. For tickets and info visit cptonline.org. Use the code GOPUBLIC when ordering tickets.

LGBT Support Group

Life Force Counseling & Consulting in Brecksville hosts an LGBTQ support group on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from 7:00-8:00 p.m. at its office at Alpine Center,

Plexus events and new link

Plexus is the chamber of commerce for LGBT and Ally businesses. For more info or to register for these events, visit thinkplexus.org.

Break the Silence/A Joyful Noise GLSEN Friend Raiser

Join friends and colleagues to support GLSEN and enjoy a special performance by the North Coast Mens Chorus on Friday, Apr. 20 at the Terrace Club at Progressive Field, 5:3010:00 p.m. State Rep. Nickie Antonio will be the keynote speaker. Event is free.

Network Night
Our next network night is the much anticipated Cleveland International Film Festival showcase. Join us Tuesday, Mar. 6 at Shaker Square Cinemas from 6:00-8:00 p.m. for cocktails, popcorn, great films and networking.

Baldwin-Wallace Allies host concert

B-W Allies will host a concert by alternative rock artist S.J. Tucker on Wednesday, Mar. 14 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. in the Student Activities Center (Strosacker Hall), 120 East Grand St., Berea. Admission is free to B-W students or $5 general admission. All proceeds benefit the LGBT Center of Cleveland.

LGBT Happenings Calendar

Plexus now links to a new LGBT Center calendar that highlights meetings, fundraising events, and programs in Northeast Ohio. Find the link on our website or bookmark it for your reference. Direct link: LGBThappenings.com.

Cocktail Party Raffle

Plexus Education Foundation is raffling a private rooftop-deck cocktail party for you and 25 guests at Clevelands newest waterfront property, Eleven River. Tickets online or at the Network Night, $10 each/6 for $50.

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Northeast Ohio PFLAG

From around the country...

Washington, DC
A federal judge in the U.S. District Court for Northern California ruled the Defense Against Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. Judge Jeffrey White, who was appointed during the Bush presidency, ruled in a case involving the denial of spousal benefits to an attorney and employee of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The attorney and her partner were legally wed in California. Judge White ruled her rights had been violated under the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. which may prohibit elementary and middle schools from addressing sexuality and sexual orientation.

OutServe features transgender service members

In its groundbreaking January edition, OutServe magazine profiled six current transgender service members and veterans, some sharing their stories in public for the first time. The article, The New DADT: Transgender Service, highlights the daily challenges transgender people face serving in silence, and urgently needed policy changes. Despite the repeal of Dont Ask, Dont Tell, open transgender military service remains banned due to outdated military medical regulations. The article can be viewed in its entirety at outservemag.com.

Iowa
A lesbian who delivered a stillborn baby has sued the Iowa Dept. of Public Health for erasing her partners name as the second parent on the infants death certificate. Iowa law recognizes a spousal presumption of parentage for children born of samesex couples. Lambda Legal filed the suit last month.

Maryland
Maryland lawmakers approved a marriage equality bill, putting the state on track to become the 8th to allow same-sex couples to marry. Gov. Martin OMalley has said he will sign the bill into law. Opponents have vowed to place the issue on a voter referendum in November.

Tennessee
Gay rights activist groups are at arms over a controversial dont say gay bill that is advancing through the Tennessee state legislature. The bill limits all sexually-related instruction to natural human reproduction science, a move

Hollywood hype

...and around Ohio

Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga County Council voted 6-4 in favor of domestic partner benefits for county employees. Ordinance No. 020110042 ensures access to health benefits for domestic partners by ensuring that those employed in public service will be employed...compensated without regard to...sexual orientation. get married. This particular group has no choice." The existing plan restricted benefits to legally married partners and spouses.

Congratulations to Christopher Plummer who won Best Supporting Actor at the Academy Awards last week for his portrayal of a gay man. Beginners starred the legendary actor as Hal, a 70-something man who comes out of the closet after his wifes death. Through flashbacks in the memory of his son (Ewan McGregor), the film sees him enjoy a new freedom only to lose it to cancer. Congrats also to Ellen DeGeneres, whose fans defeated One Million Moms, a hate group that called on JC Penney to fire the talk-show host as its celebrity spokesperson simply because she was gay. Ellen fans poured out in numbers with their own 1 Million people who support Ellen for JC Penney on Facebook.

Cincinnati
Cincinnati City Council is considering a new measure to extend domestic partner benefits to city employees. The Council voted 8-1 to initiate a study to determine the potential need and cost of this benefits change.

The reason, council members said, is that heterosexual couples can get marThe newly elected Council includes one ried to get benefits for their children. openly gay member, Chris Seelbach. "This is the first step to be more incluSo far, only one member of the 9sive," Council Vice President Sunny person council is opposed to the measSimon, who introduced the legislation, ure, citing its potential cost to the city. said afterward. "They have a choice to

W h e n yo u n o l o n g e r n e e d P FL AG , t h a t s w h e n P FL AG n ee d s yo u !