From: communications@pflag.org
Date: Fri, 25 Jul 1997 12:31:52 -0500
Subject: PFLAG PRESIDENT MEETS WITH CLINTON

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 25, 1997

CONTACT:
Ryan LaLonde
rlalonde@pflag.org
202/638-4200

PFLAG PRESIDENT MEETS WITH PRESIDENT CLINTON
Urges President to Make America Safer for Gay Youth

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) President Nancy
McDonald was honored to have the chance to represent more than 400
affiliates of PFLAG at a private meeting with Clinton on Tuesday. "I'm
extremely appreciative of the opportunity to sit down with President
Clinton and discuss the issues that are of most concern to our families and
our nation's youth," stated McDonald.

In April, McDonald attended the President's Summit for the Future of
America's Youth and pledged to provide "safe spaces" for 10,000 more gay,
lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth and their families by the year
2002. Building on the commitments made at that historic summit, McDonald
stressed the importance of recognizing gay youth when looking at the
welfare of children and highlighted PFLAG's campaign to create "safe
spaces" for all our children.

During Tuesday's meeting, McDonald urged President Clinton to join the
crusade for a safer America. "Who better to lead the way and help make a
real difference in the lives of our children, our friends and our families
than the President of our country. You can make America a safer, more
tolerant country," she said.

McDonald noted, "I want my gay child, my straight children and my
grandchildren to all benefit from a society that affords equal opportunity
for everyone to acquire marketable skills, a workforce free from
discrimination and a community where children, regardless of their sexual
orientation, have caring and supportive adults."

Reporters Note: A black and white photo of the meeting is available on disk
by calling 202-638-4200. Other meeting participants included: Tim Gill
(Quark, Inc.), Elizabeth Birch (HRC), Kerry Lobel (NGLTF), Kevin Jennings
(GLSTN), Kevin Cathcart (Lambda Legal Defense), Jeff Soref (Empire State
Pride Agenda), Lori Jean (Los Angeles Lesbian and Gay Center), Brian Bond
(Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund), Gloria Nieto (People of Color AIDS Task
Force), Martin Omelas-Quintero (LLEGO), and Verna Eggleston (Hetrick-Martin
Institute).