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East Texas PFLAG Meeting
Monday, October 13, 2008
7:15 p.m.
Tyler Unity Center
14024 Hwy. 155 South
(2.6 miles south of the loop on Hwy.155--on the right)

Program: "Learning to Live Openly and Freely" (National Coming Out Day is October 11)

Learning to live openly and freely is a process that can be very difficult for many LGBT persons, their families, and their straight allies. Many of us waste precious time and energy hiding, if only partially, this important part of our lives. For family and allies, coming out and defending LGBT persons can be just as difficult. Come ready to share your story and encourage others in this process. The meeting will be group participation. Handouts on the "coming out" process will be available.

EAST TEXAS PFLAG MINUTES
Monday, October 13, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by our president, Rhonda. We met at the Tyler Unity Center with eleven in attendance.

Welcome: Rhonda welcomed all present.

Minutes: Brenda read the minutes from our last meeting, and gave our current balance of $1,226.38.

Old Business:

Dallas Pride Parade: Those who participated in the Dallas parade on September 21 shared their uplifting experiences and passed around photos of our float. The spectators and even the announcer gave a rousing hurrah for our East Texas group, acknowledging by their words and actions the difficulty gays face in East Texas and their delight in seeing us there.

Highway Cleanup: Jeffrey asked for an update on our highway cleanup project. Lou Anne explained that it was presently on hold as we are not allowed to use any other wording other than "East Texas PFLAG." Brad suggested we secure a DBA (Doing Business As) so that we can legally call ourselves Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. This would hopefully allow us to use the wording we had chosen (but which was denied us): "Families and Friends of Gays." The wordage on the highway sign is limited to 3 lines of 10 spaces each.

Troy pointed out that as soon as Project TAG receives their 501(c)3 status, we could use their name: "Tyler Area Gays."

We decided to table this issue for the present time and bring it up later.

Hallmark Cards: Gaylon was asked if he had received any additional feedback concerning the decision made by Leewright's. He has not, but shared his long telephone conversation with Mrs. Leewright in which he was impressed by how nice she was, how the media caught her unawares on this issue, and how she really does not have strong feelings against gays. He plans to continue to patronize their store. Others shared their experiences with this issue.

New Business:

Next Month's Program: Although we had planned to view a documentary titled "Unlearning Homophobia" at our November meeting, Troy and Tom have prepared a visual presentation depicting their recent trip to Scotland which will highlight the acceptance of gays in that country despite the fact that Scotland, the home of Calvinism, was once known for its religious fundamentalism. We opted to view their presentation which should be most interesting and enlightening.

Order of Christian Workers Christmas Party: Brenda announced the need for helpers in sorting and wrapping Christmas gifts for underprivileged children served by Father Tom Jackson's Order of Christian Workers. This year they hope to serve 400 children.

This sorting and wrapping will take place at Sanctuary, north of Tyler. To obtain specific directions, to learn more about this organization, and to find out other ways to help, go to www.orderofchristianworkers.org (Copy and paste this address.)

Brenda pointed out how much fun everyone has when they get together to wrap the gifts, how well organized it will be, and how you don't have to spend the whole day there. Several hours would be most helpful. The days for wrapping will be October 25 and 26 and November 29 and 30.

If you are planning to help, Father Tom would appreciate your letting him know by e- mailing him at journey-ocw@earthlink.net. (copy and paste this address)

Milk: An announcement was made concerning "Milk," a new movie starring Sean Penn playing the part of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician elected to any substantial office who was later assassinated by a co-worker. We were urged to begin calling the theaters to encourage them to bring this movie to Tyler. Several mentioned they had done this in order to get "Brokeback Mountain" here.

Project TAG Party: Brad announced that Project TAG (Tyler Area Gays) will sponsor a party on November 16, 3 p.m. at Lake Tyler (exact location to be announced later). All are invited to attend. The purpose of this new organization is to "promote community wellness and to celebrate our diversity through clubs, gatherings, education, outreach and support."

Program:

Our program tonight dealt with National Coming Out Day (October 11) which commemorates the importance of this act of bravery and courage by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities and their allies. Learning to live openly and freely is a process that can be very difficult for many LGBT persons, their families, and their straight allies. Those present shared their experiences, comments, and questions about this process. The group discussion was very honest and energizing and handouts were made available to all.

Adjournment:

We adjourned at 8:25 p.m.