PFLAG SD scholarships

We are most pleased to announce that

we are awarding seven scholarships this

year, ranging from $1,000-2000 to LGBT

college or college bound students:

Eleventh year: the Mary Wagner Memorial

Scholarship. This was established for

Mary Wagner by her partner, Sharon

Murphy, and friends Marilyn and Art

Carpenter. Mary was an elementary

school teacher.

Tenth year: the John Bessemer

Memorial Scholarship. The memory

of John Bessemer is honored with the

PFLAG-funded scholarship. John was a

dedicated PFLAG dad and husband of

past president Linda Bessemer.

Sixth year: the Rob Benzon Memorial

Scholarship. This is being presented by

the Rob Benzon Foundation in memory

of Rob, who died in a tragic swimming

accident at age 31.

Fourth year: the Stephen G. Bowersox

Memorial Scholarship. Stephen's

parents chose to honor Stephen with a

scholarship in his memory. Stephen was

a past PFLAG scholarship recipient and

gay rights activist.

Fourth year: The San Diego Human

Dignity Foundation is providing the

scholarship from the John McCusker

Memorial Fund. John was active in thegay community who died suddenly at age

31 of congestive heart failure.

Third year: the Mac McWhorter Memorial

Scholarship. Mac was a PFLAG dad. His

wife, our own Louise McWhorter, honors

his memory with the scholarship.

First year: the San Diego Chapter of

Raytheon GLBTA Scholarship. This will

be awarded to an LGBTA student pursuing

the STEM fi eld (science, technology,

engineering or math).

Congratulations to these wonderful young people!

1.  Pamela Highfill

Mac McWhorter Scholarship:  $1000

Springfield College 

 

2.  Anthony Gomez

Raytheon STEM Scholarship:  $1000

Eastlake High School

  

3.  Daniel Tillapaugh

Mary Wagner Memorial Scholarship: $1000

University of San Diego

 

4.  Kristen Lee Torres

John Bessemer Memorial Scholarship:  $2000

Mount Miguel High School

  

5.  Elizabeth Nguyen

Rob Benzon Memorial Scholarship:  $2000

University of California, San Diego

  

6.  Edward J. SanFilippo

John McCusker Memorial Scholarship at the San Diego Human Dignity Foundation: $2000

University of Pittsburgh

  

7.  Michael Cueva

Stephen G. Bowersox Memorial Scholarship: $2000

Castle Park High School

 

New York passes marriage equality legislation

Today, a bipartisan majority of the Republican-controlled New York Senate approved a bill securing the freedom to marry for all couples in the state. Governor Andrew Cuomo has promised to promptly sign the bill into law, and to make New York the sixth—and most populous—state to afford gay and lesbian couples the same marriage rights available to heterosexual couples. New Yorkers have plenty to celebrate this Pride Month. There's no doubt that today will be revered as a major turning point in civil rights history. A bipartisan group of legislators have affirmed that equal rights for every citizen is not a partisan issue, but an American value. Yet, millions of Americans who do not live in New York, Washington DC, or the five other states that have recognized the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian Americans still suffer the injustice of discrimination every day. The freedom to marry is a constitutional liberty and the birthright of every American. Constitutional rights belong to every individual, regardless of the state you inhabit. This has recently been affirmed within the past year by federal courts in our nation's most prominent civil rights cases. In AFER's challenge to Proposition 8, a federal court ruled that California's ban on marriage for gay and lesbian citizens, unconstitutional stating that "...because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional." The U.S. Department of Justice and the federal courts found the 'Defense of Marriage Act' unconstitutional because it unfairly discriminates against gay and lesbian marriages. Now, Prop. 8 is hanging by a thread and marriage equality in California is closer than ever, guaranteeing permanent and full equality for all gay and lesbian Californians, and ultimately for all Americans.  Simultaneously, public opinion has been rapidly shifting. No less than six national polls have found that a clear majority of the American public now embraces the freedom to marry for all. We are beginning to see the dark walls of discrimination crumble. While we celebrate this exciting milestone, the American Foundation for Equal Rights will continue its work in the federal courts and will not stop until all Americans have the same rights, including the freedom to marry, as guaranteed by our Constitution. The New Yorkers United for Marriage coalition—Empire State Pride Agenda, Freedom to Marry, Human Rights Campaign, Log Cabin Republicans and Marriage Equality New York—deserves enormous gratitude for their effective advocacy in the legislature, as do all New Yorkers who spoke up and lobbied their elected officials to take a stand against inequality and discrimination. Sincerely, Chad Griffin Board President American Foundation for Equal Rights American Foundation for Equal Rights ©2011 Stay Connected

PFLAG Policy Matters - 06.14.11

PFLAG Policy Matters

June 14, 2011

Front Page Headlines

Illinois Begins Issuing Civil Union Licenses.  Same-sex couples in Illinois celebrated on June 1^st, lining up before sunrise to obtain newly-issued civil union licenses.  This is the result of a law signed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn in January, which grants same-sex partners who wish to enter a civil union many of the rights afforded to straight married couples, such as "the power to decide medical treatment for an ailing partner and the right to inherit a partner's property." One of the champions of this law, Illinois Rep. Greg Harris, was honored on June 2^nd at a Chicago PFLAG National event.

Catholic Adoption Agency Says They Will Refuse Services to Same-Sex Couples.  With the state of Illinois allowing same-sex partners to obtain civil unions as of June 1^st, adoption agencies cannot refuse to serve same-sex couples who have a civil union.  However, Catholic Charities' adoption agency, which has traditionally referred same-sex couples to secular agencies, has threatened to refuse services to same-sex couples.  While Catholic Charities is hoping for an amendment that will allow religious agencies to continue discriminating against same-sex couples, the state of Illinois has asserted that if Catholic Charities continues this discrimination, they will no longer give state funding to their organization.  Currently, Catholic Charities receives over $30 million a year from the state of Illinois.

Air Force Service Member Discharged Under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell".  An airman in the United States Air Force was discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) ban on openly gay people serving in the military.  The service member was discharged on April 29^th, but the Air Force did not make an announcement until June 2^nd.  This is the first military discharge under DADT since President Obama signed legislation that is the first step towards ending the discriminatory policy.  The military can continue to discharge service members under DADT until the repeal is finalized.

No Widespread Military Resistance to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Repeal.  Approximately half of United States troops (approximately one million) have been given training about the implementation of the DADT repeal.  Military officials have informed the Pentagon that most troops are not being adversely impacted. To those service members who morally object to the repeal, Defense Secretary Robert Gates stated that all troops are required to complete their enlistment regardless of their moral stance on LGBT people serving openly.

Some Georgia Schools in Hot Water with the ACLU for Internet Filter.  The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warned Gwinnet County, Georgia schools that filtering of and barring student access to websites that mention sexual orientation or gender identity would be met with legal action if not stopped.  As of the release of this update, Superintendant of Gwinnet County Schools, J. Alvin Wilbanks, has not yet responded to the ACLU's request.          

Public Policy Watch

Nevada Passes Anti-Discrimination Bills. On June 1^st, Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval signed into law two bills that aim to protect transgender people.  One law prohibits discrimination against transgender people in public places, while the other prohibits discrimination against transgender people in the housing and property realm.  These laws follow a prohibition on discrimination against transgender people in the workplace that Governor Sandoval signed on May 14^th. 

Maine Lawmakers Keep Protections for Transgender People.  Both the Maine House and Senate rejected a bill that would have stripped transgender individuals of protections which allow them to access public accommodations, such as restrooms and locker rooms.  

Seth's Law Advances in California Legislature.  On June 1^st, the California State Assembly passed Seth's Law, anti-bullying legislation, that will implement mandatory policies in public schools aiming to reduce and prevent bullying.  The law is named for a 13-year-old gay Californian who died by suicide.  The legislation needs to be approved by the California Senate and signed by Governor Jerry Brown before it can be implemented.

The Case for Passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy has found that 15 to 43 percent of LGBT people have encountered job discrimination.   Job discrimination is especially common for transgender individuals: over 90 percent of transgender people have been harassed or mistreated at work.  Discrimination in the workplace leads to economic inequalities for LGBT people.  It is important, therefore,  that we continue to work towards passage of ENDA, which would protect LGBT individuals from discrimination and harassment at work, and increase their employment and financial stability.

Connecticut Anti-Bullying Law Advances in Legislature.  The Connecticut State Senate unanimously passed a bill in May that expands the definition of bullying to include cyber bullying as well as offering protections to those who are bullied based on real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity.  The bill also requires schools to create and implement "safe school climate plans".  The bill has been passed on to the State House.

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Hillcrest Youth Center's Other Prom

Subject: Hillcrest Youth Center's Other Prom

Hello GSA Advisors –

 

Just a friendly reminder that our Annual Youth Prom (The Other Prom) will be taking place this Saturday, June 18^th from 6-9pm at the main LGBT Center – 3909 Centre Street, San Diego, 92103.

 

Our theme this year is 90's and is open to anyone between 14-20 years of age. We will provide food, music, photos, and plenty of room to dance … free of charge.

 

Please feel free to pass this information onto any youth who may be interested!

 

Thank you,

Jess

 

Jess Culpepper | Coordinator - Volunteer Resources | Coordinator - HYC

The San Diego LGBT Community Center

Phone: 619-692-2077 x210

3909 Centre Street, San Diego CA 92103

 

*** WARNING ***

 

This message is intended only for the use of the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, and/or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that the use, dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately by telephone and return this original message to administrator@thecentersd.org.

 

"Remember AIDS" Event: A Moving Tribute to Mark 30 Years of HIV

"Remember AIDS" Event: A Moving Tribute to Mark 30 Years of HIV West Hollywood, June 5, 2011—Nearly two hundred community members joined AIDS Healthcare Foundation at a candlelight vigil and march to mark the 30th anniversary of the discovery of HIV. The "Remember AIDS" event began at Matthew Shepard Memorial Park on Santa Monica Blvd. at Crescent Heights at 7:00 pm. Despite an early summer rainstorm, dedicated participants carried candles and marched through the streets of West Hollywood Blvd. in a tribute to all of those who have been lost to HIV/AIDS and a renewal of efforts to continue the fight. At the end of the march, crowds gathered at West Hollywood Park and watched a scroll of names from www.aidswatch.org of people who have died of the disease since it was first discovered in 1981. A moving video highlighting key moments in the history of AIDS played on a large screen as recording Artist Sam Harris sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" live to the crowd. "Those of us in the field have fought a Herculean battle for thirty years. We have had many victories and defeats," said Cynthia Davis, Domestic Vice Chair of AIDS Healthcare Foundation's Board of Directors at the event. She added: "We now know what works and what doesn't.  We know that it is critical to find the people who are HIV-positive and don't know it in order to break the chain of new infections. We know that only a fraction of people living with HIV in the world are currently receiving treatment. We know that universal access to condoms and science-based sex education will reduce new infections. There is no better time, as we mark thirty years of AIDS, to recommit ourselves to saving as many of the thirty-three million lives as we can, and to ending AIDS." Remarks by Craig Thompson, Executive Director of AIDS Project LA; John D'Amico, West Hollywood City Council Member; David Cooley, Owner of The Abbey Food & Bar and Rebekka Armstrong, a person living with HIV/AIDS affected and inspired the crowd to hope for and continue to work toward an end to AIDS. NBC 4 News Coverage at 11PM

Pride parade SD

You are all invited to walk with PFLAG San Diego for the 2011 Pride parade.
It is the highlight of my year (personally), uplifting and emotional, a wonderful way to show your support for LGBT friends and family.

Start making your signs (see some of our past ones on our web site) and stay tuned for updates and meeting time.

The annual San Diego LGBT Pride Parade is the 5th largest in the United States attracting 150,000 cheering spectators and significant media participation.

Date: Saturday, July 16, 2011

Time: 11:00 am

Location: The parade begins at University Ave. and Normal Street, proceeds west on University Avenue to 6th Avenue, turns south on 6th Avenue, ending at Balboa Drive and Upas Street.

Route: 1.5 miles | 2 hours 

 

Thank you,

Patti Boman

PFLAGSD (Twitter)

www.pflag.com

http://pflagsdco.blogspot.com/

 Darkness cannot drive out darkness;

 only light can do that.

 Hate cannot drive out hate;

 only love can do that.

 ~MLK Jr.

We Need You This Sunday! "Remember AIDS" 30 Year Anniversary

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