News and Events

The Living Room is Looking for a Program Coordinator - apply by Sept. 3rd.

The Living Room: a safe haven for GLBTQQ youth in Clackamas County is looking for a Program Coordinator to work with the Living Room Board of Directors and Youth Advisory Council to coordinate safe afterschool drop-in programming in Clackamas County to GLBTQQ youth (ages 4-20) and develop a county-wide GSA network.  Please apply by September 3rd, 2010. A complete description and application instructions can be found here: Living Room.ProgramCoordinator.PositionDescription.0810.pdf

2010 Membership Drive  - It’s Now!

It’s that time of year again...Watch for this year’s membership renewal reminders in your mailbox or e-mailbox.  If you’re already a member, please renew your membership by returning the membership form to us or by clicking on the big orange button to the left and using the PayPal feature.  If you’ve never been a member, consider joining!  PFLAG is an all volunteer organization which receives no operating money from PFLAG National.  If in these tough times you can also spare a small donation to PFLAG, we’d greatly appreciate it.  Thank you!

Proposition 8 ruled unconstitutional - August 4, 2010

California’s Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriages (Proposition 8) was ruled unconstitutional today on fundamental 14th Amendment grounds.  From the conclusion of the text of the 138-page decision:
“Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, 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. Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and 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”.

PFLAG Washington County’s Annual Potluck - August 17th

PFLAG Forest Grove is officially now PFLAG Washington County, with an expanded service area and mission.  Join them for their Annual Potluck Dinner, 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Washington County in Orenco, 22785 NW Birch St., Hillsboro. Come and get reacquainted with old friends and make new ones.  Learn and give input on the chapter’s future plans.  Share good food and conversation. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and something you’d like to eat and share with at least 4 others - hot dishes are welcome. Of course, children are welcome too! Call John Hock at 503-359-9719 if you have question.

September PFLAG Portland Chapter Meeting - The Needs of Transgender Youth

Jenn Burleton, Executive Director of TransActive, will speak about the needs of transgender youth and their families at the September PFLAG Portland chapter meeting.

Tuesday, 9/14/10, 7:00PM, 1st Methodist Church, Portland, OR.

Write Around Portland - Begins Tuesday, September 7th

Write Around Portland is a free community writing workshop for adults who are trans-identified. Explore the power of writing and community in a safe, respectful and creative environment.  The workshop meets Tuesdays from 6:30-8:30PM for 10 weeks from September 7th to November 9th a 917 SW Oak St #405, Portland, right across from Powell’s Books. Preregistration is required: call 503-796-9224 or visit www.writearound.org  to register or for more information.  Funded in part by Equity Foundation.

AIDS Walk 2010 - October 3

Make plans to walk with the PFLAG Portland Black Chapter and PFLAG Portland at this year’s AIDS Walk.  Watch this space for details.

ISRC Coronation -  October 16

The Imperial Sovereign Rose Court Coronation will be held on October 16th at the Melody Ballroom. Make plans to join PFLAG for this most fabulous event of the year!

A “BENT” Halloween Celebration with Equity Foundation - October 30

The spirit of Halloween will come to life at Portland’s new Leftbank Annex to raise money for the Equity Foundation of Oregon.  This non-traditional, sophisticated and provocative gala will feature over-the-top costumes, spooky decor, dancing and a whimsical celebration of the haunted season.  Tickets can be purchased at www.equityfoundation.org.

This Month’s Portland Chapter Meeting...

August Chapter Meeting - Growing Up Gay in Rural Communities

Constance McMillan, a rural Mississippi teenager, made headlnes in recent weeks when her high school refused to let her bring her girlfriend to the school prom. For Constance, and millions of other rural LGBT teens, life can be much different - and much more difficult - than in our nation’s cities. Join PFLAG Portland when youth from Clackamas County’s The Living Room share their stories and tell us what it means to have an LGBTQ youth center in their community.

Tuesday, 8/10/10, 7:00PM, 1st Methodist Church, Portland, OR.

...and Newsletter