Northeast Ohio

November 2011 Vol. 42 No. 11

Parents,

Families

and

Friends

of

Lesbians

and

Gays

A joint publication of the Akron and Cleveland chapters

Bully memories
By Ed Kancler, Akron chapter president

Inside this issue:

About Us Chapter news Events Call to action Family 2 2 3-4 5 6

hanks to Marie and Bill Libby, our chapter had the privilege of watching the movie, Bullied at our last meeting. To me, it evoked memories of what was then called junior high and, later, high school. In junior high, the bullies were the bigger kids, and they hung around with each other. In size there is strength, and so it is with numbers. They picked on the weak and most were afraid to step in and stop them. In those days, we didnt have guidance counselors in junior high, and no one complained to the teachers. Funny thing, those bullies got smaller as we went to high school and we started growing. But bullying existed in high school. There we had a guidance counselor, but he stayed in his office, waiting

The movie fascinates. It shows how a gay kid can be driven to wits end, and the parents are helpless because not a single school administrator will act. So, all the parents can do is give unconditional love to their son. But they had the will to go to court and sue those who ignored Jamie Nabozny and the suffering he incurred from those bullies. for retirement, and you say him twice in your senior year, by appointment only. Not a whole lot was done to stop the bullying, and it went on before, during and after school. I cannot remember if gays were singled out, but I do remember that it was the smaller, physically weaker who were picked on by the bullies. Being a retired lawyer, I was curious about the legal action that resulted in a verdict in favor of Jamie Nabozny, when it happened, and how long it took. The case was filed in 1993 and went to trial in 1996, after the court of appeals in Wisconsin reversed the trial courts dismissal of the case and ordered it to go to trial. The court of appeals in its ruling said: We are unable to garner any rational basis for permitting one student to assault another based on the victims sexual orientation...It does seem dubious to suggest that someone would choose to be homosexual absent some genetic predisposition, given the considerable discrimina(Continued on page 2)

CHAPTER MTGS.
Akron PFLAG
Nov. 17, Dec. 15 - 7 pm
N. Springfield Presbyt. 671 N. Canton Rd.

Cleveland PFLAG
Nov. 8, Dec. 13 7:30 pm
Trinity Episcopal 2230 Euclid Ave,, 44115

Alliance PFLAG
Info: a_cromwel@yahoo.com

Wooster PFLAG
Nov. 17, Dec. 15 - 7 pm
Universalist Fellowship 3186 Burbank Rd.
Please call ahead to confirm.

Safe Schools training

On Sunday, Nov. 13, Akron PFLAG will conduct a Safe Schools training session, led by Toby and David Horowitz. The program will be held from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at North Springfield Presbyterian Church, 671 N. Canton Rd. (the chapters regular meeting place). All are welcome to attend.

Youngstown PFLAG
Nov. 20, Dec. 18 - 3 pm
Stonewall Comm. Ctr. 1523 Poland Ave.

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Northeast Ohio PFLAG

BULLIED (Continued from page 1)

tion leveled against homosexuals. Powerful observations by that court. The trial lasted only two days and the seven person jury found each of the four school administrators liable for intentionally failing to act to protect Jamie. The case settled for $900,000! Despite the verdict that happened in 1996, fifteen years later we still have antiLGBT bullying and school administrators who look the other way. We are told these things take time and that, my friends, is a bunch of bull. We have to educate the educators, because in many cases their learning curve has to be adjusted to reality and the rights of every student to be safe in their own school. And we will.

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.

PFLAG Cleveland to show Bullied

PFLAG Cleveland will show the movie, Bullied: A Student, a School and a Case that made History, as an educational option for its November meeting. Meeting time is Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 2230 Euclid Ave., 44115. The educational option is a quarterly supplement to the monthly support group. A discussion will follow the movie.

AKRON CHAPTER
PO Box 5471 Akron, OH 44334
W W W . P F LA G A K RO N . O RG

HELPLINE: 330-342-5825
Executive Board
President-Ed Kancler; VP-Bill Libby; Secretary-Joe Gardner; Treasurer-Sue Magilavy; At Large-Chris Goldthorpe, David Horowitz, Marie Libby, Audrey Kancler, Joy Watts, Jim Lake, Chuck Magilavy, Bob Menapace

PFLAG Cleveland food drive

PFLAG Cleveland is planning a food drive to benefit the AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland food pantry. The pantry helps people living with HIV/ AIDS maintain their health by providing nonperishable goods and self-care items. Your donation will help families affected by HIV/AIDS enjoy a holiday meal and better manage their personal health. Collection boxes will be available at the November and December meetings to collect these (new, non-bulk) items.

Committee Chairs
Membership-Trish Casserly; Programopen; Publicity-Marie Libby; LibraryDavid Greene; Hospitality-Rada Jenkins; Newsletter-Audrey Kancler

Non-perishable holiday food:

Stuffing mix; macaroni and cheese; instant mashed potatoes; cornbread mix; canned vegetablesgreen beans, corn, peas, carrots, etc.; canned sweet potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce.

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

Travel-size toiletries:
Toilet paper; toothpaste; toothbrushes; mouthwash; dental floss; shampoo; wash cloths/bath towels; deodorant (male and female); body soap/ body wash; feminine hygiene products; male hygienic products. Thank you, in advance, for your donation. For more info, contact Shavar Johnson at varshaj03@yahoo.com.

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

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LGBT Center seeking new home

The LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland is seeking a new home by March 1. According to board president Bob Sferra, the Center is searching for a more user and handicap-accessible facility. The Center has been in its current location in the basement of the Gordon Square Arcade since May 2000. It is the sixth location of the organization, which began as the Gay Education and Awareness Resources Foundation, which originally met in member homes and then opened its first center in 1977 in Cleveland Heights. Executive Caterers annual fundraising lunch to benefit Northeast Ohio nonprofits is Monday, Dec. 5 at Landerhaven. To attend, simply bring a check of $75 or more payable to PFLAG Cleveland. Executive Caterers and Corporate Club sponsors underwrite the entire cost of lunch so that all of your taxdeductible donation will go directly to PFLAG Cleveland.

LGBT Center offers free counseling

The LGBT Center of Greater Cleveland offers free short-term counseling support for individuals and couples who meet income and other eligibility criteria. Services are staffed by a licensed mental health professional and by masters level interns. Appointments are required and services subject to change. For more information or intake, contact Jaime Bishop, M.A. at jbishop@lgbtcleveland.org or 216-651-5428 x.18.

Wipeout homophobia on Facebook

Watch video Why We Bother
http://www.youtube.com/watch? feature=player_embedded &v=G427DZu4qZ8

PFLAG pastor wins LGBT award

Congratulations to PFLAG member, Rev. Allen Harris of Franklin Circle Christian Church in Cleveland, who won the Faith Based award at this years Cleveland LGBT Heritage Day Celebration on October 11 at City Hall. The Heritage Day Celebration honors those who have made a difference in the LGBT community.

Playhouse Square LGBT event

Playhouse Square is sponsoring a happy hour in the Allen Theater for LGBT groups on Friday, Nov. 18, from 5:30-9:30 p.m. No cover charge, happy hour prices, complimentary food and lots of people to meet. An optional add-on is a special discount package of two tickets to see La Cage Aux Folles, starring George Hamilton. Purchase of show tickets will include a pair of discounted drink tickets for the happy hour. For information, contact Group Services Rep. Anthony Gologanoff at 216664-6046 or Gologanoff@ playhousesquare.org.

TM

Snowbirding? Let us know!

If you head south for the winter months, please let us know if you would like your Newsletter temporarily stopped or forwarded to your warmer address. You can email your request to akancler@windstream.net or call 330-963-7758.

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Northeast Ohio PFLAG

Transgender day of remembrance

November 20 is recognized as the national Transgender Day of Remembrancean opportunity for communities to come together and mark the passing of transgender or those perceived to be transgender individuals who have been murdered because of hate. Transgender Day of Remembrance provides a forum for transgender communities and allies to raise awareness of the threat of violence faced by gender variant people and the persistence of prejudice felt by the transgender community. Communities are encouraged to organize events and activities, including town hall teach-ins, photography and poetry exhibits, and candlelit vigils to help make antitransgender violence visible to stakeholders like police, media and elected officials. For more information on this day, visit www.transgenderdor.org.

World AIDS Day

Pilgrim United Church of Christ will host a World AIDS Day Service on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:00 p.m. This service will remember the many lives lost to AIDS as well as inspire hope and prayer for friends and loved ones living with HIV and AIDS. All are welcome. The church is located at 2592 West 14th St., Cleveland 44113. Cleveland, Ohio 44113. For info: 216861-7388.

Sugar Plum Tour Dec. 4

Save the date! December 4 is the 10th annual Sugar Plum Tour of Homes in Akron. This event will be held from 2:00-5:30 p.m., followed by a patron party from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Tour chair Steve Williams says, The homes that were selected for this tour are exquisite and extraordinary and will give the viewer great ideas and dreams for their own homes. Tickets go on sale Nov. 7 at 10:00 a.m. and range from $25-$150. This is a sell-out event, so dont wait! Proceeds benefit the Gay Community Endowment Fund.

Film features Danny Sparks

A new documentary features Ohio Advocate for Youth Leadership Council member, Danny Sparks. We recognized Danny in last months newsletter for winning the national Choice USA Excellence in Leadership Award. The Christopher Hines film, Legalize Gay, captures the courage and passion of a new generation of young activists, gay and straight, who advocate for gay equality.

Two LGBT heroes lost in October

The LGBT equality movement lost two major advocates last month. On October 7, Paula Ettelbrick died of cancer at the age of 56. She was a legal director at the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund, was legal counsel for the Empire State Pride Agenda, worked at the Policy Institute for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, and was the executive director of New Yorks Stonewall Community Foundation. She is survived by her partner, Marianne Haggerty, and two children. On October 11, National Coming Out Day, Frank Kameny, one of the founding fathers of the LGBT equal rights movement was found in his home after having died in his sleep. He was 86. Kameny was one of the movers behind the removal of homosexuality from the American Psychiatric Associations list of mental disorders in 1973 and a tireless advocate for gay servicemen. His house has been denoted a historical landmark and efforts are underway to introduce his papers into the Library of Congress.

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Chillicothe teen beaten in school for being gay

A CALL TO ACTION FROM EQUALITY OHIO
Just last week, a 15-year-old teen was severely beaten in his high school class room for being gay. The attack occurred at UnionScioto High School in Chillicothe, Ohio, and was caught on camera as fellow class members watched one teen wait for the victim to enter the room, push him to the ground and continually punch him in the face. Two days prior to the attack, the perpetrator harassed the victim via Facebook regarding his sexual orientation. The victim has suffered a possible concussion and dental damage. The attacker was suspended from school for just three days. based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Ohio House Bill 208 would add sexual orientation, gender identity, and other enumerated protections to Ohios anti-bullying law without changing the general prohibition against any bullying or harassment. Research demonstrates that students feel safer and actually are safer in schools that have enumerated anti-bullying policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity. Proponents of the bill are seeking testimony in the House Education Committee, but the bill has not been a priority of the committee. Email and call members of the House Education Committee and tell them we need to protect our students right now.
Gerald L. Stebelton, Representative (R - Chair) Phone: (614) 466-8100 district05@ohr.state.oh.us Michael Henne, Representative (R) Phone: (614) 644-8051 district36@ohr.state.oh.us Craig Newbold, Representative (R Vice-Chair) Phone: (614) 466-8022 craig.newbold@ohr.state.oh.us Clayton R. Luckie, Representative (D - Ranking Minority Member) Phone: (614) 466-1607 district39@ohr.state.oh.us Andy Thompson, Representative (R) Phone: (614) 644-8728 district93@ohr.state.oh.us Marlene Anielski, Representative (R) Phone: (614) 644-6041 district17@ohr.state.oh.us

Nan A. Baker, Representative (R) Phone: (614) 466-0961 district16@ohr.state.oh.us Ted Celeste, Representative (D) Phone: (614) 644-6005 district24@ohr.state.oh.us Andrew Brenner, Representative (R) Phone: (614) 644-6711 district02@ohr.state.oh.us Jim Butler, Representative (R) Phone: (614) 644-6008 district37@ohr.state.oh.us Timothy Derickson, Representative (R) Phone: (614) 644-5094 district53@ohr.state.oh.us Ronald V. Gerberry, Representative (D) Phone: (614) 466-6107 district59@ohr.state.oh.us Bill Hayes, Representative (R) Phone: (614) 466-2500 district91@ohr.state.oh.us Bill Patmon, Representative (D) Phone: (614) 466-7954 district10@ohr.state.oh.us Matt Huffman, Majority Floor Leader (R) Phone: (614) 466-9624 district04@ohr.state.oh.us Casey Kozlowski, Representative (R) Phone: (614) 466-1405 district99@ohr.state.oh.us Ron Maag, Representative (R) Phone: (614) 644-6023 district35@ohr.state.oh.us Kristina Roegner, Representative (R) Phone: (614) 466-1177 district42@ohr.state.oh.us

The victim has suffered a possible concussion and dental damage. The attacker was suspended from school for just three days.
Union-Scioto has no policy in place that specifically protects students from being bullied or attacked based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The UnionScioto Local School District does have a policy that prohibits harassment based on sex, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, among others, but it does not specifically protect against harassment

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Northeast Ohio PFLAG

Gay adoptions triple over last decade, study reports

The number of gays and lesbians adopting children has nearly tripled in the last decade despite discriminatory rules in many states, according to an Associated Press report. The AP article cited a study by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, which reported that about 21,740 same-sex couples had adopted children in 2009, up from 6,477 in 2000. About 32,571 adopted children were living with same-sex couples in 2009, up from 8,310 in 2000. The figures were an analysis of newly released Census Bureau estimates. A four-year study by the New York-based Evan B. Donaldson Several states specifically prohibit same-sex couples from adopting jointly, while others have a patchwork of discriminatory policies that make it difficult for gays and lesbians to adopt either as individuals or as couples. But some states have eased restrictions on gay families, according to the AP report. According to the Adoption Institute, at least 60 percent of U.S. adoption agencies surveyed accept applications from non-heterosexual parents. Nearly 40 percent of agencies have knowingly placed children with gay families. About half the agencies surveyed reported a desire for staff training to work with such clients, the AP reported.

Adoption Institute surveying 158 gay and lesbian parents and their experience with the adoption process found the highest number of homosexuals adopted children from Massachusetts, California, New York and Texas, noted the AP report.

All Children Matter: Legal and social inequalities hurt LGBT kids
Todays American families are increasingly diverse. Yet discriminatory laws deny children the protection of a legal connection to a parent, prevent access to health insurance and family tax credits, and even leave children destitute if a parent dies or becomes disabled. Ohio is one of 18 states that treats LGBT parents/partners as legal strangers. In economic terms, this means LGBT couples cannot file joint tax returns and are denied tax credits available to other family households, including the child tax credit, the dependency exemption, earned income tax credit, education deduction credit, and gift/estate tax exemptions. Children with LGBT parents are denied the Social Security benefits of the non-recognized parent. State laws can also deny children inheritances and the right to participate in a wrongful death suit if the deceased parent is not legally recognized. LGBT parents often face higher health insurance costs, and children often cannot be listed as dependents on a non-recognized parents policy. Non-recognized parents cannot make medical decisions for their children, and sometimes cannot even visit the child in the hospital. In cases of separation or divorce, the non-recognized parent has virtually no legal standing for custody or visitation, even if that parent was the primary caregiver. These rights related to the welfare of children are coming to the forefront of gay equality strategies. The Census Bureau does not attempt to count the number of children being raised in LGBT households, but some reports put that figure between 1.2 and 2 million. Contrary to stereotypes, children in same-sex households are twice as likely to live in poverty as children in heterosexual parent households. LGBT household income can lag as much as 20 percent behind heterosexual households. In addition, children of LGBT parents often face social stigma at school or in their communities which can cause emotional distress. The Family Equality Council and Center for American Progress has developed a website called All Children Matter to bring attention to these and other concerns related to LGBT households (www.childrenmatter.org).

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 !