An Evening with Positive Voices
A trul y memorable evening. Positive Voices spoke and sang about life, love, and remembrance, avoiding high risk behaviors, and the realities of living with HIV and AIDS, while providing a message of hope and inspiration to those living with, or whose lives have been affected by the disease.

"An Age of Assumptions - A Look at Stereotypes within the LGBT Community"
Excitingly moderated by RYA member Emily Pagano, the discussion concerned the stereotypes placed on men, women and transgender individuals within the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (GLBT) community. It centered not only on the assumptions and stereotypes of straight society but also focused on the stereotypes that we as allies and members of the GLBT community have.

No Meeting
Because the previous day was Lobby Day in Annapolis and meeting night was also primary election night in Maryland, we decided to take a much needed mid-winter break.

"Preparing for Lobby Day"
We talked about the expected highlights of this year's legislative session and watched excerpts from the 2005 film "Same Sex America".

"Holiday Party"
We changed format and music this year. We had an appetizer/dessert potluck with music provided by The New Wave Singers. As usual, this annual event kicked off the holiday season in grand style.

"Black and Gay"
With an opening address by Elbridge James, Director of the recently formed Maryland Black Family Alliance and hosted by PFLAG Mom Pat English, we listened to a panel of six gay and lesbian African Americans discuss issues important to them in the struggle for equality both in terms of race and sexual orientation.

"Homophobia in Sports"
Dr. Pat Griffin spoke to us about the attitude toward gays and lesbians in high school, college and professional sports. An athlete herself, she is also an educator, activist and scholar who leads classes and workshops on sexism, racism, ableism, heterosexism/homophobia, and other forms of social injustice in education. A fascinating meeting with a dynamic speaker!

"Can Someone Become Ex-Gay"
We heard Chris Camp talk about this controversial topic, and Chris is someone who's been there and back. Chris was part of the Ex-Gay Movement for a number of years. He is currently a mental health professional working for the State of Maryland. In his spare time he is part of the Ex-Ex-Gay movement (Truth Wins Out) that seeks to educate people on whether these reparative conversion therapies are helpful or hurtful, especially to young people.

"Coming Out: A Generational Perspective"
With a gay and lesbian panel of three 60+ "Vintage People", two 20-somethings and three Rainbow Youth Alliance members you'd expect that there would be some wildly different experiences in the coming out process. You'd be correct. There were. And there were some issues that never change and won't until GLBT folk have achieved full equality. This was a really interesting and informative evening and I think each generation learned something from the others. With an audience of over 70 people, we had some great questions as well.

The Third Annual Gay Jeopardy Game
Mr. Gay Jeopardy, Steve Charing, did it again! He came up with a full two challenging rounds of Gay Jeopardy. It was a lot of fun. Finalists were Crystal Ogar (see June's entry below), Dan McCarthy and June Horner. June Horner is our reigning champ.

Presentation of Our First Annual PFLAG College Scholarship
with Silent Auction to benefit the ongoing scholarship fund
What an evening! Frank Aquino, vice-chairman of the Howard County School Board presented a check for $1000 to Crystal Ogar of our Rainbow Youth Alliance. This was the beginning of a great tradition for us. We also had an incredible Silent Auction with lots of fantastic items up for bidding. And of course there was a 50/50 raffle. A great time was had by all.

Gay Parents
What an evening! We watched In My Shoes: Stories of Youth with LGBT Parents - a film created BY COLAGE Youth. This was followed by a panel of gay parents and kids of gay parents who discussed the issues they faced. Great parents! Fantastic, happy kids!

An Educational Evening About Homosexuality, Bisexuality and Transgender Issues
A fascinating and informative meeting. Julie Melnick presented her research on "The Causes of Homosexuality". Ray Sheets spoke about his research on Bisexuality. Mara Drummond shared her knowledge and personal experiences on Transgender Issues

Gay Parents
What an evening! We watched In My Shoes: Stories of Youth with LGBT Parents - a film created BY COLAGE Youth. This was followed by a panel of gay parents and kids of gay parents who discussed the issues they faced. Great parents! Fantastic, happy kids!

Kevin Naff, Editor-in-Chief of The Washington Blade
Kevin, who grew up in Columbia and is a product of the Howard County public school system, spoke to us about his experiences with The Washington Blade. A very excellent and fascinating presentation by one of the leaders in the GLBT press.

Celebrating Black History Month
Meeting cancelled due to weather. We had planned a wonderful meeting with The Rev. Anthony McCarthy and our own PFLAG Mom and Steering Committee member Pat English. Pat, an African-American mom had planned to speak about raising her gay son. The meeting was co-sponsored with the National Black Justice Coalition.

Preparing for Lobby Day 2007
Delegate Anne Kaiser, Delegate Liz Bobo, Delegate Guy Guzzone, Delegate Frank Turner all spoke to us about what we should expect when lobbying our delegates and senators. And they told us what they expect as well! We also had a brief synopsis of what's coming up this legislative session presented by the Executive Director of Equality Maryland, Dan Furmansky.

Annual Holiday Potluck Dinner with the Baltimore Mens' Chorus
If you missed our traditional festive holiday event this year, don't worry. We'll see you there next year for sure.

Film and Discussion: Journey to a Hate Free Millenium
Ms. Mary Campbell, Associate Director of the Office of Human Rights, led a discussion of the film Journey to a Hatefree Millennium, which is about learning to stop violence.

Candidates' Night
Candidates for the offices of state senator and delegate from districts 9, 12 and 13 were on hand to introduce themselves and answer questions from the audience. The Howard County League of Women Voters moderated. We host this forum before every election so that the GLBT community can be aware of the positions of their candidates on any issue that is important to them.

Chase Brexton Health Clinics
Chase-Brexton now has offices in Columbia! Drs. Tracey Gersh, Karen Konkel and Eva Hersh came to our meeting and told us about their services, their goals and answered our questions about general medical issues of interest to the GLBT community. Welcome to Columbia!

Military Community Services Network
The so-called "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy used by the U.S. Armed Services does not protect our GLBT military personnel and it actually weakens the military. This seriously flawed idea needs to go! It is doing serious harm to those gay and lesbian citizens who choose to stand up and serve their country in spite of DADT. Go to the Links and Resources pages and visit the MCSN site to find out more.

Second Annual Gay Jeopardy
Over 75 people attended this fun-filled, thrill-packed evening of entertainment and challenges. Gay history has never been so much fun.

Rainbow Youth Alliance Talent Show
If you missed this very first RYA Talent Show, you missed the event of the year! The talent, creativity and friendship these young people have going for them is inspiring, to say the least. From poetry to music, from improv to cooking to art, these young people had it all going on for this very special evening. Don't miss it next year!!!!

Timothy J. Wisniewski, Ph.D.
Tim discussed the coming out process - Do biological parents react any differently from adoptive parents? Who reacts best? Who reacts the worst? We learned about these surprising trends and their explanations.

Log Cabin Republicans
Ken Green, President of the Maryland chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans discussed his party's platform and the goals of its LGBT members.

Executive Editor of the Washington Blade
Chris Crain, Executive Editor of the Washington Blade gave a fascinating talk about the GLBT media. There was a lively Q&A session afterwards.

World Premiere of the PFLAG Documentary Film Under Pressures
Presentation of the film that our chapter produced with the stars and producer, Dan McCarthy present for discussion.

Preparation for Lobby Day in Annapolis
Our Political Advocacy committee presented Delegate Liz Bobo and Executive Director of Equality Maryland, Dan Furmansky in a program that helped prepare us for Lobby Day on February 13. We learned how to approach our elected officials for best results. We learned what the major issues will be in this 2006 legislative session.

Annual Holiday Pot Luck
Great food, wonderful music by the Baltimore Mens' Chorus and lots of holiday fellowship and cheer.

Jody Huckaby, Executive Director of National PFLAG
Followed by a question and answer session.

The Great Marriage Debate
Sponsored by our PFLAG chapter and moderated by the Howard County League of Women Voters.

Transgender Issues
Transgender Issues discussion with Dr. Leaannette Carlson and Judy Hoff

Everything You Want to Know and Have Been Afraid to Ask
Our annual question and answer night. Submit your questions on a piece of paper anonymously for an open discussion.

Gay Jeopardy!
To recognize the significance of the June’s gay pride celebrations, the game covered gay history, culture and the arts and was modeled after the internationally famous game show. It was a wonderful night and everybody got into the spirit of the game and of Pride.

Our Rainbow Youth Alliance Presents!
The RYA discussed topics that included the challenges of coming out, the school and work environment, religion, the importance of social support and finally, what RYA has done for them.

Howard County Police Chief Wayne Livesay
Chief Livesay met with us and discussed issues of interest to the GLBT community.

Religion and the GLBT Community
With a panel of religious leaders from the community for a discussion of religion and the GLBT community

Our Chapter's Parents Support Group
A panel of member parents discussed their experiences with their gay children.

Political Advocacy Presentation
Our Political Advocacy Committee presented a program preparing us for Lobby Day in Annapolis. Delegate Shane Pendergrass spoke. Representative Ben Cardin attended.

National PFLAG Presentation
Representatives from National PFLAG presented this program.

Our Annual Holiday Potluck
With a concert by the Baltimore Mens' Chorus.

Transgender Issues
A presentation of issues facing the transgender community.

Candidates' Night
Local elected officials and candidates came to answer questions and explain how their stands on issues important to the GLBT community.

Homosexuality in America 1855 - 1969 from Walt Whitman's "Leaves of Grass" to the Stonewall Riots.
LIbrarian, lecturer and writer Joseph Egan presented facts about openly gay couples in the 1800s and early 1900s.

Our Annual Question and Answer Meeting
We provide pencils and paper. You provide questions for the basket. Everybody gets to discuss and comment. Much fun!.

Rainbow Ride Across America
Carrie Ross-Stone and Elisia Ross-Stone were scheduled at the end of their 2nd Rainbow Ride.

Our Rainbow Youth Alliance's Annual Presentation
Our very own group of GLBTQ young people presented the program.

Gay Families - Strengthening America's Family Structure and Values
Our gay families presented this program (with help from their kids!). They told of the struggles they face in today's society. More important, they celebrated their successes with us.

Brett Parson, Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit, DC Metro Police Dept.
Brett was such a hit the first time he visited us, we just had to have him back. He's a great speaker. Watch this site for his next visit with us.

Town Hall Meeting on Same Sex Marriage
This town hall meeting was a moedrated public discussion of the topic.

"Revealing the Gay Agenda"
We learned what current bills were pending in the MD legislature and what strategies we could take to make a difference.

HIV/AIDS Update
The most recent information about HIV/AIDS as well as other STDs.

Our Annual Holiday Potluck
With a concert by the Baltimore Mens' Chorus.

Equality Maryland's New Director
FreeState Justice changed its name and director. The new name was Equality Maryland and the new director was Dan Furmansky, and we got him first! He spoke to us after just a few days on the job.

Marc Adams
Author and Co-founder of HeartStrong.

Transgender Issues
The transgender community presented a program to educate us about issues relevant to their community and to us, too.

Film Night
Presentation of the film "Family Fundamentals".

Open Discussion
Our summer question and answer meeting. A chance for everyone to ask and discuss.

Training Allies
Luke Jensen, Office of GLBT Equality, Univ of MD. Luke spoke to us about enlisting support for the GLBT community.

Acceptance and Affirmation in the Religious Community
 

Straight Spouse Network
 

Author Garret Freymann-Weyr
Ms. Weyr is the author of My Heartbeat

Brett Parson - GLLU
Brett Parson of the D.C. Metro Police Gay and Lesbian Liasion Unit presented Police and the GLBT Community

Gay Straight Alliances
A panel discussion with guidance counselors, teachers and social workers.

Holiday Potluck
Everybody brought a dish to share and we celebrated the holidays with the wonderful music of the Baltimore Mens' Chorus.

Gay Parenting
Adoptions Together presented the program.

Candidates' Forum
Local politicians spoke and answered our questions.

Sexuality
Wayne Pawlowski presented the program.

Annual Question and Answer Program
With plenty of open discussion.

HIV/AIDS
The latest news on the HIV front as well as discussion of STDs and general GLBT health issues.

Dads
A father's forum.

Gays and Scouting
The Scouting for All organization presented the program.

Gays in the Military
Service Members Legal Defense Network.

2002 Legislative Campaign Agenda
Free State Justice - Carolyn Battle and Blake Humphreys.

"After Stonewall"
This award-winning film was presented.

Domestic Violence and the GLBT Community
Emily Parks & Sarah Tucker.

Annual Holiday Pot Luck
WIth the Baltimore Mens' Chorus.

Religious Diversity
A discussion with community religious leaders.

Gays and the Supreme Court
Detroit News columnist Deb Price talking about her new book "Courting Justice".

September 11, 2001
Meeting canceled.

Open Discussion
Question and answer session.

Legal and Financial Issues for the GLBT Community
Jan Eveland and Renee Green.

Transgender Issues
Mary Boenke.

Diversity
Keith Boykin.

Parents Speak Out

Workplace Issues

Film Presentation
Same Sex Marriage: For Better of Worse

Open Discussion
Questions and Answers and Anything You Want To Ask

Film Presentation and Potluck Dinner
Our House

Discussion About Diversity
Author Keith Boykin was scheduled but was unable to appear.

Supporting Our Youth

HIV/AIDS Issues
with Jesse Milan

Upcoming Legislation
Presented by Free State Justice (forerunner of Equality Maryland)

not available

Discussion: Pride and Someone You Love
with Linda Linton and Colette Roberts

Film Presentation
If These Walls Could Talk II

"Youth and Allies"
with author Dan Woog

Gay Parenting
Colette Roberts

Fifth Anniversary Celebration
PFLAG Columbia-Howard County celebrated its fifth anniversary with a discussion: "Where Have We Been and Where Do We Go?"

Political Advocacy
with Free State Justice (forerunner of Equality Maryland)