| PFLAG
SOUTH NEWSLETTER: MAY 2007
ANNUAL REPORT
.
PFLAG SOUTH, 28th May 2007
I present
this annual report of PFLAG activities at the end of our eighth year
of working for GLBT people and their families. I often think, with
amusement that we do indeed, have ‘family values” in a very true sense
of the word! We are all deeply concerned for GLBT people and their
families, knowing the pain and deep divisions that are caused by homophobia
and fear in the community.
Since our last
AGM in May 2006 we have been involved in several projects
1
In July we were again on a panel about sexual identity, run by the
Department of Psychological medicine, for 112 medical students,. 700
of our leaflets were distributed at the lecture and there was a high
level of interest in our presentation, and some good questions.
2
In May 2007 we shared a stall at the Youth Mental Health Expo in the
Town Hall, for year 10 students.
3
In February the Southland gay community held their first picnic on
a fine Saturday at Anderson Park. Euan ably drove a group of us to
attend the picnic, in the Methodist Connect van. Our presence was
greatly appreciated, and we made contact with two mothers who were
hoping they could set up a PFLAG in Invercargill.
4
Sue attended a conference for Career Teachers and took part in a session
on homophobia
5
Euan was interviewed and had his photo in the ODT and was interviewed
for an article on PFLAG
6
After much hard work by Euan, three meetings of a group for gay high
school students have been held. We are thankful for the support of
the Rev Susan Jones in this.
7
Recently, May 2007,, seven members of PFLAG took part in a panel discussion
for the Methodist Church Open Education programme. This was very successful.
8
We were privileged to support one of our Transgendered members when
she made a submission at the Dunedin hearing of the Human Rights Commission
for Transgendered Persons
A check through the PFLAG diary confirms that we have useful links
in the community……… Public Health South, Citizens Advice, UniQ, Ascent,
Youthline, Emergency Psych Services, Public Health Nurses, Dunedin
Public Library, PPTA, Southland gay group , and several school counsellors.
Donations
We have been grateful for generous donations and grants from several
sources, “The Black Madonna, funds to help us with educational resources.
The Methodist church , Lotteries Grants Board and COGS .
COMMUNITY
CONTACTS
We have provided approximately 2,700 leaflets to the public.
We have given two books to school libraries during this period.
Cell Phone
Phonecalls from wider Community, health agencies, etc……………….. 9
Phonecalls (personal help) (including four young people)……. 21
Email contacts ……………………Euan has dealt with several
Website There have been 739 hits on the home page
and several people have left messages of appreciation.
Library
It is wonderful to have the library as a resource. Several new items
have been added this year including a DVD of “Takatapui”, the Maori
Television GLBT programme. The library is somewhat under utilised,
most of the books being borrowed by new parents rather than established
members however it is wonderful to have information available whenever
it is needed, sometimes by people outside PFLAG
Youth
Group for GLBT youth
Over the past year, Euan has steadily worked towards providing some
contact for GLBT young people. We have been grateful to the Rev Susan
Jones who has given her time and skills at the initial meetings of
this group. The first meetings have been small but good. We hope this
will grow to benefit high school students up to 18years old.
MEETINGS
These are the very heart of the philosophy of PFLAG, help, support,
friendship and education, and that we are there for whoever may need
us.
This year we have had some interesting speakers including Tim Barnett
and Maryanne Street, MPs, Dr Chris Brickell, who gave a fascinating,
illustrated presentation about being gay in colonial times. Anja Klinkert
spoke to us on legal Issues, and we held a successful discussion night
with a panel of ministers on the topic “Are there signs of hope in
the churches, for GLBT people?” The other meetings have been mainly
for group discussion, sometimes with the showing of a video. We have
enjoyed three social evenings which have given us a chance to celebrate
our friendships. Although some meetings have been well attended we
have noticed that at other times attendance has been less and have
thought about how we might better serve the needs of the group. We
welcome new ideas.
Thanks to Euan who has done such wonderful work in getting speakers
for us.
OFFICE
We continue to be grateful to Methodist Connect, for their hospitality
in providing office space and equipment for our work, and a place
to store our library and resources.
FAREWELL To Marion Thomson, Euan’s mother, founding member of PFLAG
and inspiration to us all, who died in February, and Arthur Templeton
who finally has found the long drive from Waitati, to night meetings,
too much . We remember with appreciation ,his sense of humour and
great interest in life,.
FINALLY
After much heart searching, I have decided it is time for me to step
aside as president . After eight years when I have put my best efforts
into building up PFLAG, I feel I that it is time for someone else
to lead the group, and for other members to have an opportunity to
contribute their talents, enthusiasm and new ideas.
I have found my time as president has been utterly rewarding and through
the job, have learned a huge amount and done things I never would
have imagined myself able to do. However one of my favourite sights
is that of our members gathered around talking , not eager to stop,
either to carry on with the meeting, or sometimes, to go home! I hope
that PFLAG can continue to provide this kind of welcome.
I would like to thank all those who have helped and listened and encouraged
me and those who have attended the support group which is the heart
of PFLAG, during the year. I wish the new committee all the best and
if I can contribute by remaining on the committee then I am happy
to do so.
Warmest Regards
Sue Thompson
COPIES
OF PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS:
June 2006
September
2005
June 2005
December
2004
August
2004
Report for
2004
Report on
Youth Mental Health Expo 2002
March
2002
March
2001
May
2001
June
2001
October 2001
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since 3rd December 2000