News and happenings Attend our monthly meetings
When: Third Monday of each month, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Mechanicsburg Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Simpson Street, Mechanicsburg
Find directions to the church here. Free parking is available in the rear of the building.
Meetings generally consist of sharing, conversation, and a presentation on a topic of interest. We also have members who are willing to speak with you in private if you have a concern of a more personal nature. You are welcome to remain anonymous and just listen if you wish. All conversation and identities are kept in confidence. PFLAG is not associated with any religious organization.
Read our monthly newsletter here.
PFLAG celebrates historic win and declaration of justice for all in California marriage decision
August 4, 2010
“Today’s ruling sent the message that equality means equality for all.”
- Jody M. Huckaby, Executive Director, PFLAG National
…
Washington, D.C. – Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays – PFLAG National – celebrated the U.S. District Court decision that strikes down California’s discriminatory Proposition 8 which denied the right to marry to same-sex couples in the state, stating that the measure violates the U.S Constitution.
“Today is, in no uncertain terms, historic,” said Jody M. Huckaby, executive director of PFLAG National. “With this monumental ruling, all families win and at last have the security of knowing that all of our loved ones – both straight and gay – have the same freedom to marry. Today’s ruling sent the message that equality means equality for all.”
The decision issued today in the case of Perry v. Schwarzenegger contends that Proposition 8 violates the Constitutional rights of equal protection and due process. In the decision, U.S. District Judge Vaughan Walker concludes that, “Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license., the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite sex couples are superior to same-sex couples.”
“This case provided families across the country with a chance to know that a court heard and accepted their stories of how inequality and discrimination harms their loved ones each day,” said John Cepek, president of PFLAG National. “Once again, we see how telling our stories can and does change hearts and minds.”
Leaders acknowledged that this is not the end of the fight for basic equal rights for all.
“Even as we celebrate today’s victory, know that our work is far from over. Law change is just the start,” said Huckaby. “We need to continue to transform our culture to one that values and treats everyone with the same respect and dignity. There will be more legal challenges, but we’re going to keep doing what we know works telling our stories about our families to change hearts and minds.”
Chapter wins award at Harrisburg Pride Parade and Festival
The Central Pennsylvania Chapter of PFLAG is proud to have received the top prize as '2010 Best Walking Group' is this year's Central Pennsylvania PrideFest Unity Parade. Thank you to all who lined the parade route and clapped and cheered for us. We appreciate your support!
The 2010 Pride Festival, held in
Sincere thanks to all who marched or helped at our booth.
Scholarship assistance is available for lgbt students and allies
Due to today's hard economic times and skyrocketing college costs, PFLAG is continuing its National Scholarship Program. The PFLAG National office gives out thousands of dollars in scholarship money each year to lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender students as well as allies. PFLAG is proud to support these articulate, accomplished scholars with great promise for future contribution to our society in general and to the cause of rights and recognition for LGBT people in particular.
Scanning the Web site of the Human Rights Campaign, we have found an additional listing of scholarships. Using the HRC's database, you will find an incredible number of resources by searching in multiple categories, including by a specific college or university.
Please check out both these excellent opportunities below. Good Luck!
PFLAG National Scholarships
PFLAG National scholarships available for 2010 are for $5,000; $2,500; and $1,000.
Review the following eligibility requirements:
In order to be considered for a scholarship, you will need to submit:
For complete information, to find a mailing address, or to learn how to submit an online application, click here.
Human Rights Campaign Scholarships
The Human Rights Campaign, a national organization working for lgbt equal rights, has compiled an exhaustive listing of scholarships, fellowships and grants for LGBT and allied students at both the undergraduate and graduate-level.
You will find a large database here. Click away and discover what scholarship help is out there for lgbt and allies students!
With more youth coming out in early high school and even middle school, PFLAG chapters are seeing younger and younger parents who are dealing with issues many of us have not encountered before. One of those issues is cyber bullying. Chapters should be prepared with information and resources if a parent or youth encounters this new form of bullying.
Cyber bullying has been defined by the Center for Safe and Responsible Internet Use to mean, "being cruel to others by sending or posting harmful material using the Internet or a cell phone."
New technologies have revolutionized communication and information, particularly for young people, and although the cyber world has been a great friend to the LGBT community by helping students gain access to information and support, it has also created new opportunities for bullying and harassment.
Cyber bullying may seem like the same old behavior using different means, but because this form of bullying can be done anonymously, it can take on very different qualities. Perpetrators, victims and bystanders have somewhat different roles in the process. The ability to resend emails and text messages create confusion about what has happened.
Terminology you should know:
It is important to talk to youth about the dangers of internet and phone usage early and often. Talk in terms of your values and beliefs - and don't forget to talk about the notion of privacy. While we focus on healthy and appropriate behavior, it is also important to teach kids how to protect themselves from harm and negative outcomes.
What parents should know:
What students should know:
Although much of the education can and should be done at home (or in your chapter!) there is also a role for schools to play. Find out what your school policy is and what they do to educate students on appropriate behavior.
According to Pew Research, about one-third (32 percent) of all teenagers who use the internet say they have been targets of some form of cyber bullying that ranged from receiving threatening messages, having their private emails or text messages forwarded, to having an embarrassing picture posted or rumors about them spread online.
The cyber world is not going to go away so let's make sure it brings more benefit than harm into our kids' lives.
What schools should do:
Here are some resources to get more information on cyber bullying:
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