Lobby Day: Thursday, Oct. 11 Bus loads of parents, friends and family members concerned about making sure our legislators heard we supported the original Employment Non-Discrimination Act that included all our family- including transgender protection- arrived on Capitol Hill. Most of us met with legislative aides who listened to our stories and took our pictures and materials. I also mentioned my concern about Don't Ask, Don't Tell and how it conflicts with the Domestic Partnership Law, my support for comprehensive sex education and the need for resources for youth programs and funding for people living with HIV/AIDS. Others expressed our appreciation for the hate crimes legislation and anti-violence laws. We are fortunate in our state and this region to have a representative (Rick Larsen) who has sponsored so much good legislation. We did not get an assurance from his aide that he will only support an ENDA bill that is inclusive, but we made our concerns very clear. His aide was not authorized to make this commitment. You will need to let Rep. Larsen know about your views. If anyone wants to know more about our talking points on this issue, please let me know.

One of Larsen's aides escorted the Washington delegation through the tunnels under the Capitol Building to Senator Murray's office. It was right out of West Wing, and I think we were all agog. I know I was.

Later in the day, Drew Emery (the producer of the film, Inlaws and Outlaws), and I went to the National Gallery of Art to see the Edward Hopper collection. While housing in D.C. is expensive, the museums and art galleries are free and the transportation system very affordable. The art display was magnificent - unforgettable. Drew and I were so grateful to have this opportunity to see this exhibit and spend the time together.

It was great to have a table at the conference. It was critical to the promotion of the film. The most popular aspect of my conversation (other than explaining how the film can be used to support chapters) was showing people the hug passes. I didn't have any to actually hand out but several chapters around the country asked that we send them the PDF file. I made sure they all knew it came from David Bentley and the Friday Harbor PFLAG chapter in the San Juan Islands. We should be considered a branch of the tourism industry! I also was able to glean some great ideas in these informal conversation; especially contacts for guest speakers and programs. These are just some of the resources that caught my attention:

For Youth:

1. The Gay and Lesbian Guide to College Life www.PrincetonReview.com

2. Know Your Rights request cards from www.aclu.org/safeschools I brought some home for our youth. Excellent materials for youth groups and GSAs speakers available

3. Trans youth websites www.advocatesforyouth.com or www.youthresource.com
TRANS*TOPIA

4. www.glsen.org

Diversity:

1. www.twospirits.org A film coming out soon about a young Navajo and the special gifts of nadleeh.

Marriage Equality:

1. www.ShallNotBeRecognized.org This is a DVD exhibit of photographic and verbal portraits of 30 same-sex couples. It is bout 30 minutes and a good resource for PFLAG chapter meetings. I have two copies.

2. www.inlawsandoutlawsfilm.com the film Inlaws and Outlaws had the same warm response at the conference that it has had here in the Northwest where it began. Please order your copy and plan a showing in your local theater, community center, and church or at home. If you want to do this as a fundraiser, contact Drew Emery or ask me for some suggestions about how it worked here in Mount Vernon.

Transgender Resources:

1. Kim Pearson is willing to come to our area as a resource person or presenter. She is an experienced PFLAG leader and the mother of a transgender son. 

2. PFLAG Transgender Network www.pflag.org/TNET

3. www.transgenderlawcenter.org 

Straight Spouse Network:

1. I met the executive director, Kathy Callori, from New Jersey. She is a thoughtful, insightful, approachable person, and I would encourage anyone needing this support to contact her. We could use this resource in this area. Contact www.straightspouse.org

Don't Ask Don't Tell:

1. Sharra Greer Servicemembers Legal Defense Network: Contact them and request a copy of The Survival Guide. It may be possible to request guest speakers also. legal@sldn.org www.sldn.org Everyone in the military or who cares about someone who is serving should have this important information. Something to think about... many people have lost benefits and been removed from service under the current policy. When it goes away- and it must- what will we do to make things right for the good people who served us in these years of crisis?

Straight For Equality:

1. www.SilentLives.com Silent Lives: How High a Price? A free copy of this book is available at http://www.seagla.org/pflag.shtml For personal reflection and group discussion: looks very good and comes from Juneau PFLAG.

2. Film Anyone and Everyone www.ironzeal.com a moving documentary of American Families. 57 minutes I have one copy.

Shopping/ Travel:

1. www.opencloset.org this is a new business providing original greeting cards for the GLBTQ community. I offered some ideas from the parent perspective. Check them out.

2. Kimpton Hotels special rates sign up at www.kimptonhotels.com/lgbt We stayed at the Pacific Palisades in Vancouver, B.C. and it is beautiful. They love PFLAG.

From National: Media and Internet Skills

1. Contact Jean-Marie Navetta and ask for the Grassroots Media information. A useful tool in helping chapters develop a media strategy.

2. Set up a chapter website. Easy to follow procedures. Contact Erin Williams to get started. ewilliams@pflag.org Let's have every chapter on-line by this time next year!

3. Blogs: great information about types of blogs, how they work, which ones are easy to use and why they can reach out to all ages but especially our younger community. Contact Adam Ratliff. aratliff@pflag.org

Fun sites to explore: This could help those who feel isolated when there is fun, smart community with lively conversation going on across the world.

Pam's House Blend
Qweerty
Good as You
Interstate Q
Bilerico Project

I didn't get to see the film for the Bible tells me so but I plan to buy a copy as soon as it comes out on DVD or try to get to a local showing. I heard very good things about it. Lastly the gala on Saturday with Scott Simon from NPR as the Emcee, and speeches by Rev. Gene Robinson and Dear Abby was all one could hope for in terms of inspiration and thoughtfulness. Rabbi David Horowitz and Mara Keisling from the National Center for Transgender Equality were also enjoyable speakers.

There were a few glitches in the whole experience (they kept moving our display table) but that adds some spice to the story telling. I am so grateful for this opportunity and thank all of you who helped me afford to be there without using funds we want to reserve for our youth support programs. Also thanks to all of you who provide the emotional support for my family and for one another. I think people love PFLAG because we are good at loving each other. Hugs, Kathy