Date: Fri, 17 Feb 1995 10:02:14 -0500 From: David B. O'Donnell To: Multiple recipients of list GLB-NEWS Subject: PFLAG Midwest Regional Conference [ Send all responses to PFLAGAMEX@AOL.COM only. Any responses to the list or list-owners will be returned to you. ] February 16, 1995 Dear PFLAG Supporter, "Overcoming Homophobia: Advocating for Change," is the theme of the Third Annual Central Region Connection sponsored by PFLAG Chicago-Hinsdale, on Saturday, April 1, 1995 at the Sheraton Suites/Elk Grove Village. As you know, the world we live in is limited by stereotypes. Our society isolates the Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual world through homophobia. Understanding how stereotypes are built up-creating walls between us-will be the focus of this years conference. In addition to two sessions examine the development of homophobia within society and ourselves, this conference will have plenty of opportunities for networking with other organizations and PFLAG members from Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. In addition, advocacy, in all its forms and how you move from one level to the next will be the focus of the afternoon discussion. On hand will be experts who have studied the process and parents who have learned to overcome stereotypes and become an advocate through experience and education. You will learn the importance of making steps to overcome homophobia, and how that process is in itself a form of advocacy. Advocacy is no longer just associated with marching down the street, but also writing a letter to a company that supports your cause, or wearing a symbol in public. Following is information that highlights the speakers and sessions for the day, as well as a registration form. Please take some time to look through the material and consider joining us for the day. The day promises to be exciting and challenging. We hope to see you there. Most sincerely, PFLAG Chicago-Hinsdale Central Region Connection Committee 3rd Annual Central Region Connenction Overcoming Homophobia: Advocating for Change Saturday, April 1, 1995 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Sheraton Suites Elk Grove Village Hosted by PFLAG Chicago-Hinsdale, P.O. Box 105, Downers Grove, IL 60516 708.968.9060 Stereotypes limit the world we live in. Anyone close to a lesbian or gay person knows about homophobia, and how these stereotypes build walls. The issues involved can be difficult to sift through. Come to a better understanding of homophobia, both within yourself and in our culture at the Midwest Region Connection, "Overcoming Homophobia: Advocating for Change." In the process, learn how to support family members and friends directly affected by homophobia. To help break down the walls built by homophobia, you'll learn about different levels of advocacy-from pointing out a derogatory joke, to writing a gay- and lesbian-supportive company. You'll discover what level you are at, and how to move to the next when you are ready. Learn from a panel of six parents, who will discuss their experiences of advocacy from wearing a "PFLAG Parent" button in public to marching in a Pride Parade. They'll reveal the challenges and rewards of moving from one level to the next. Speakers Harriet Bruyn has been the Regional Director of the Central Region of PFLAG since September, 1993 As the Regional Director, she is the chapter's direct connection to national organization. She has been involved with PFLAG since March 1990. With her husband they decided to form a PFLAG chapter when their son came out to them and discovered their community lacked a chapter. Gilbert Herdt was educated at the University of Washington and the Australian National University, from which he received his Ph.D. in 1978. He is currently chairman of the Committee on Human Development and professor of human development and psychology and in the College at the University of Chicago. His interests center on the study of culture, sexuality, and gender. Publications he has edited include Rituals of Manhood (1982), Ritualized Homosexuality in Melanesia (1984), and Gay and Lesbian Youth (1989). He is co-author of Children of Horizons, a book examining the culture and development of gay and lesbian youth in Chicago. Andrew Boxer is and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry of the University of Chicago. He is the author of over twenty articles, including "The Life Course of Gay and Lesbian Youth: and Immodest Proposal for the Study of Lives". He is co-author of Children of Horizons, a book examining the culture and development of gay and lesbian youth in Chicago. Harriet Dart was enlightened by her gay son. Through listening and reading, she has come to realize injustice in the world against gays and lesbians. Ms. Dart believes it is hard to separate being a parent of a gay or lesbian and being an advocate for equal rights. She now speaks before groups, writes to politicians, and conducts media interviews. She is now an advocate for gay and lesbian rights. John Cepek is the president of PFLAG Chicago-Hinsdale. He and his wife have been attending PFLAG meetings for three years. Mr. Cepek hopes people will be moved to a higher level of advocacy and understanding of homophobia. He continues to be motivated by the his gay son, and the experience his son has gone through and continues to go through. Agenda 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Registration/Networking 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Central Region PFLAG Chapters Update (Optional) Harriet Bruyn 9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. Networking Break 9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. "Overcoming Cultural Taboos & Supporting our Children" Gilbert Herdt 11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. "Homophobia within Ourselves: A Self Assesment" Andrew Boxer 12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Lunch/Entertainment 1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Networking Break 2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. "Advocating for Change" Harriet Dart 3:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Networking Break 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. "The Parent Advocate" A panel discussion led by parents 5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks/Networking John Cepek (Schedule and speakers are subject to change.) Location Sheraton Suites/Elk Grove Village 121 Northwest Point Boulevard Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007 708.290.1600 Please request the PFLAG Conference Rate of $89.00, which include breakfast and evening cocktails. Reservations need to be made by March 10. Yes! Please reserve _____ spaces at the Central Region Connection at $50.00 per person (lunch included). Name(s) ____________________________ ____________________________ Address ____________________________ City/State/Zip ____________________________ Phone ____________________________ Lunch Choice: __ Grilled Boneless Chicken Breast __ Spinach Tortellini Alfredo __ Stuffed Chicken Breast Florentine __ Blackened Breast of Chicken with Herbed Bell Pepper and Onion Registration is due by Friday, March 17, 1995. __ Check payable to: PFLAG is enclosed. __ Please charge my: __ Visa/Mastercard __ American Express Card # __________________________ Exp ____ Signature ________________________________ Mail to: PFLAG P.O. Box 105 Downers Grove, IL 60516 For those staying overnight... (Please request the PFLAG Conference Rate of $89.00, which include breakfast and evening cocktails. Reservations need to be made by March 10. To make reservations for Friday or Saturday evening, please contact the Sheraton Suites/Elk Grove Village reservation department directly at 708.290.1600.)