>Date: Fri, 07 Jan 94 11:22:38 EST
>From: pflagntl@aol.com
>Subject: PFLAG & OCA

****Sent to Oregonian and other Oregon Papers****

PFLAG: Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays

                Celebrating Real Family Values 

											January 6, 1994
Editor
The Oregonian
Portland, OR
Dear Editor:

In response to the article, "New OCA Group to Help Homosexuals Change" in the
31 December 1993 edition of The Oregonian, I must respond on two points:
first, the accusation made about PFLAG; second, the "new" organization called
HOPE.

As the national president of PFLAG [Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians
and Gays], I categorically reject the statement made by OCA employee Sue
Willard that PFLAG is a front organization created by "homosexual activists
to give legitimacy to their causes."  

In fact, PFLAG grew out of one family's experience when their gay son was
assaulted in a hate crime that went unchallenged by police on the scene. 
PFLAG as a national organization was founded in 1981 by 25 parents and
friends concerned by widespread misunderstanding of their gay, lesbian and
bisexual loved ones.  Our more than 340 local affiliate members continue to
provide family support, education about sexual orientation, and action to
create a society healthy and respectful of human diversity.  The OCA is
attacking PFLAG simply because we care about and support our loved ones.

The "new" OCA-inspired group, HOPE [Help One Person Escape] is hardly new. 
Many groups claiming to change homosexual persons have come and gone over the
years.  They have no credibility in mental health professional organizations.
 The psychological brutalization such groups have espoused has been
destructive to the individuals and families who have tried them.

We trust Oregonians will not be misled by the OCA's latest frenzied attempt
to arouse support for the anti-gay crusades by attacking the families and
friends of gay people.  


Sincerely,

Mitzi Henderson
President

    PFLAG: PARENTS, FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS
     1012  14th Street, NW  Suite 700, Washington, DC  20005
(202)-638-4200    Fax: (202)-638-0243   E-mail: PFLAGNTL@AOL.COM