Date: Thu, 8 Oct 1998 14:40:06 -0500 From: PFLAG Communications Subject: Statement by PFLAG Executive Director on Religious Right's New TV Ads Attention - Attention - Attention - Attention - Attention NEWS RELEASE From Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) October 8, 1998 Contact: Janice Hughes, 202-638-4200x225 STATEMENT BY PFLAG EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ON RELIGIOUS RIGHT'S NEW TV ADS As a family-centered organization, PFLAG is deeply disturbed by the new onslaught of anti-gay ads -- this time on television. We know from our own personal experience that many, many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people are happy, healthy, contributing and valued members of our families, places of worship, schools, communities and America. It's plain and simple -- our gay, lesbian and bisexual loved ones do not need to be "cured." Instead, they need love, understanding and acceptance from ALL families across this great country. We, as moms, dads, grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and others in PFLAG, hope that all Americans will show TRUE family values and find the joy and pride we feel in being willing to learn from our loved ones, and help everyone -- gay and straight -- achieve their full potential. ----- Kirsten Kingdon, PFLAG Executive Director and Mother of a Gay Son Note: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KIRSTEN KINGDON IS AVAILABLE AT 202-638-4200x211 INTERVIEWS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE WITH (REV.) PAUL BEEMAN, PFLAG President United Methodist Minister [Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through: support education and advocacy. PFLAG provides an opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. Serving 70,000-plus households, PFLAG affiliates are located across the U.S. and abroad.] 1101 14th Street, N.W., Suite 1030, Washington, D.C. 20005 * (202) 638-4200 * Fax: (202) 638-0243 * E-mail: info@pflag.org Web: http://www.pflag.org