Here Are All the Great Events We’ve Sponsored Over the Years
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Schools and Scholarships
Presentation from PFLAG’s 2012-2013 Intern, Chloe Swanson: a brief summary of her research paper, “Stereotypes of LGBT in the Media & How these Stereotypes Impact the Public in their View of LGBT Folks.” Panel discussion with GLSEN Baltimore and PFLAG Columbia-Howard County on how to create safe schools for LGBT students and the issues affecting them. Recognition of Rainbow Youth & Allies’ graduating seniors. Annual Scholarship Presentation by Howard County Councilwoman Courtney Watson.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Aging and Gay: Unique Challenges Faced by LGBT Adults as We Age
A panel comprised of SAGE (Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders), the country’s largest and oldest organization dedicated to improving the lives of LGBT older adults, and an anthropologist (and associate director) from UMBC’s Center for Aging, who has submitted a grant to study issues related to LGBT aging spurred discussion around issues related to social support and community engagement, assisted living and nursing homes, health issues, and financial security.
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Powerful Parenting: Protecting Your Child from Hidden Harm
Two veteran PFLAG presenters give you insight into how to help your children safely navigate their understanding and exploration of gender expression and romantic orientation, be they straight, gay, gender-queer or questioning. One parent said of this presentation, “I didn’t think this was going to affect me, but I came away understanding that it affects all of our children and I better get home and talk to my kids about this stuff!”
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin
A documentary of Bayard Rustin—a visionary strategist and activist who has been called “the unknown hero” of the civil rights movement. A disciple of Gandhi, a mentor to Martin Luther King Jr., and the architect of the 1963 March on Washington, Rustin dared to live as an openly gay man during the fiercely homophobic 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
OMG We’re Married! What Now?
An investigation into legal questions and tax implications for same-sex couples in Maryland included Heather McCabe, lawyer and partner of McCabe Russell, who joined us for a discussion on what to expect and locally and nationally.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Annual Holiday Party
Holiday Potluck Party celebrated an historic year with music by the Baltimore Gay Men’s Chorus and good food and fellowship with old and new friends. Many brought an appetizer or desert to share, as well as canned food donation for the Howard County Community Action Council Food Bank.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Celebrating Marriage Equality in Maryland
More than 100 people turned out to celebrate our win for marriage equality in Maryland and in our nation. We had food, a DJ and even a wedding cake! What a party it was as we came out as a community to acknowledge our efforts and celebrate an historic moment.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Immigration Issues in the LGBT Community
Join us to hear the range of immigration issues facing LGBT community: from family unification to education access. Chapter members and binational couple Karen Spence and Helene Vanoijen (from the Netherlands) will share their immigration journey. Staff from Immigration Equality will join us to share their work on these issues. We are hoping to get a representative from Casa de Maryland to share about the Dream Act.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Marriage Equality Town Hall
The PFLAG Advocacy Committee shared up-to-date information about the campaign to preserve marriage equality in Maryland and listened to your feedback, concerns and helped draft a collective outreach plan for PFLAG in the next 56 days of the campaign.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
What’s Love Got to do With It?
A panel of lesbian and gay couples discussed their take on marriage equality.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Paris is Burning
A riveting film about the intersection of race, gender, sexual orientation and society, followed by lively discussion.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Scholarship Presentation and Marriage Equality
Liz Bobo (state delegate district 12B) and Dana Kerr (owner of DK Consulting) presented two $2,000 scholarships to two most deserving seniors headed out to college. Then the PFLAG Howard County Steering Committee led interactive discussions on how you, in spite of your busy schedule, can help assure we protect our gains through the Civil Marriage Protection Act.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Do Unto Others: Religion, Faith & LGBT Equality
A lively discussion about faith, religion and LGBT equality. We hosted an interfaith panel of local clergy who shared lessons and thoughts from their faith tradition. They also talked about their own personal motivation for working on behalf of equality and the role of people of faith in the LGBT movement.
- Rev. Sam Offer, Unity Fellowship Church and state chair for African American Clergy and People of Faith with Marylanders for Equality
- Rev. Monique Ellison, Priest-in-Charge at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church and Listening Hearts Ministries
- Sister Jeannine Gramick,Roman Catholic religious sister and a co-founder of New Ways Ministry
- Rev. Lisa Ward, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Harford County
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Howard County Public Schools: Making School Safe for Our LGBT Youth
PFLAG Columbia-Howard County won a national Education Award for our strong partnership with the Howard County School System. This panel presentation discussed how our school leadership is making sure all Howard County schools are welcoming and supportive of our LGBT children.
- Pam Blackwell, Director of Student Services, Howard County Public Schools
- Ann Swartz, Principal, Forrest Ridge Elementary School
- Susan Garner, School Psychologist, Howard County Public Schools
- Catherine V. Hyde, Transgender Coordinator, PFLAG Columbia-Howard County
March 13, 2012
Suicide Identification & Depression in LGBTQ Youth
A panel presentation on the mental health implications for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth included Reginald Nettles, licensed psychologist, Harry Congdon from The Trevor Project, and Ron Waltemeyer from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
February 14, 2012
Valentine’s Day Dance – Sponsored by Rainbow Youth and Allies
Our own Rainbow Youth and Allies planned and sponsored this event. About 50 people of all ages came out for a dance, some fun food and even couples photos!
January 2012
Equality in 2012: The Strategy for Achieving GLBT Rights in Maryland
Representatives from Marylanders United for Marriage Equality, Sharon Brackett of Gender Rights Maryland and Carrie Evans of Equality Maryland talked us through strategies for success in 2012!
December 2011
Annual Holiday Party
Another great holiday party with music provided by the Baltimore Mens’ Chorus. It was fabulous. If you didn’t attend, mark your December 2012 calendar NOW!
November 2011
Lori and Bob Hollander
Lori and Bob gave a wonderful presentation and led a discussion about why marriage equality is critical to the health and well being of LGBT kids.
October 2011
Gay Latino History Project
The president and the founder of The Project spoke with us.
September 2011
Movie Night – “Out in the Silence”
Not only did we get to watch the special director’s version of this excellent documentary film, but we were extremely lucky to have the director, Joe Wilson, with us! Joe spoke to us about making the film and answered our questions. In addition we were pleased to have Meridith Curtis with us. She is the Public Outreach Director for the ACLU.
August 2011
“Coming Out – Then and Now”
A panel of eight lesbian and gay PFLAG and RYA members ranging in age from 70 to 16 discussed their coming out stories. We spanned the decades from the 50s to the present. A slice of LGBT history!
July 2011
Movie Night – “You Should Meet My Son”
Hilarious! Lots of fun, lots of laughs and a great way to get together on a summer’s evening.
June 2011
Fifth Annual Scholarship Presentation and RYA’s “Gay Jeopardy”
Chloe Poffenberger was the winner of our $2000 scholarship for 2011. It was presented by Senator Allan Kittleman. After the presentation everyone stayed around for a great game of “Gay Jeopardy” produced by our own Rainbow Youth and Allies.
May 2011
The “Faces and Facets of Transgender Experience”
Produced by PFLAG Colorado, this excellent film shared the experiences of transgender adults and youth and their families. It was followed by a panel discussion, including Hunter Thompson and Catherine V. Hyde, and a Q&A session with the audience.
April 2011
Adoption and Foster Care for LGBT Parents and Children
We presented a panel discussion on the various options available for same-sex couples and individuals to legally adopt and become foster parents. A Q & A session followed.
March 2011
Movie Night – “Bullied”
After the film we hosted a panel of educators from the Howard County Public School System to discuss how bullying is dealt with in our schools.
February 2011
Where Do We Go From Here? Legislative Issues in the 2011 Maryland General Assembly
Equality Maryland’s Director of Development Matt Thorn met with us as we prepared for Lobby Day on February 14th.
January 2011
Meeting canceled due to impending snowstorm
December 2010
Annual Holiday Party
Another great holiday party with music provided by the Baltimore Mens’ Chorus. It was fabulous. If you didn’t attend, mark your December 2011 calendar NOW!
November 2010
A Parents Panel Discussion
Six parents of gay, lesbian and transgender kids presented their stories and answered our questions. They proved again how valuable our PFLAG chapter is to every parent and to their LGBT kids.
October 2010
Badges and Rainbows
An enlightening discussion with law enforcement officers about the relationship with the police and the LGBT community. Our panel consisted of Officer Kevin Correa (Montgomery Police Department), Officer Karen Reyes (Howard) and Sgt. Page Christis (Howard)
September 2010
Meeting canceled due to voting at Owen Brown Interfaith Center
August 2010
An AIDS Awareness Evening
Ted Hobart and David Mallory from the Whitman-Walker Clinic and Melissa Sharlat and Dr. Eva Hersh from Chase Brexton Health Services discussed two upcoming events– AIDS Walk Washington on Oct. 2. and B’More Aware of HIV Living Red Ribbon on October 9 at Rash Field in Baltimore. The panelists also discussed HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment and answered many questions from the audience.
July 2010
Movie Night – Outrage
This thought-provoking film dealt with those closeted politicians who consistently voted against LGBT equality.
June 2010
Fourth Annual Scholarship Presentation
This year’s winner is David Burgy, long time RYA member and graduate of Swarthmore. He will attend graduate school at Rutgers in the fall. The presentation was made by state Senator Allan Kittleman (District 9).
May 2010
Maryland Black Family Alliance and the film “Voices of Equality”
Following this excellent film, we had an outstanding panel discussion by members of MBFA.
April 2010
Ignorant Statements & Brilliant Responses: Confronting Homophobic Rhetoric
Guest Speaker: Joan Garrity
Another excellent program. Ms. Garrity was fantastic and the audience participation was outstanding.
March 2010
Movie Night – Tru Loved
If you missed this funny, heartwarming and provocative film, please try to see it. We loved it!
February 2010
Snowed Out!!!
January 2010
Meet New Executive Director of Equality Maryland
Morgan Meneses-Sheets told us about herself, her goals for Equality Maryland and Lobby Day 2010. Our own Political Advocacy Committee prepared us for Lobby Day on Feb. 8
December 2009
Annual Holiday Party
Not only did the Baltimore Men’s Chorus provide us with excellent music, but we also had a surprise visit from Santa!
November 2009
Homelessness and GLBT Youth
A panel presentation followed by a discussion about the problem of homeless GLBT youth.
October 2009
Authors Night
Josh Aterovis read from two of the books in his Killian Kendall mystery series. Linda Goldman discussed some of the ideas in her latest book Coming Out, Coming In. These two authors created a fascinating and informative evening for us.
September 2009
Gay History Night
After a showing of the film Gay Pioneers, we spoke with Lilli Vincenz who over forty years ago began the fight for lgbt equality by marching in D.C. Truly an inspiring evening.
August 2009
Movie Night – Ready? OK!
A film about gender identity. A 10-year-old boy wants to be on his school’s cheerleading team. The school says only girls need apply. His mom wants him to be on the wrestling team. A light-hearted look at this issue.
July 2009
Summertime Social
No formal program this night. We just sat around, talked about the chapter and where we would like it to go in the future, then we visited and had refreshments. Just a pleasant evening all around.
June 2009
Silent Auction and Presentation of our Third Annual Scholarship
This year’s winner was straight ally Jake Williams. Jake will be attending New York U. in the fall.
May 2009
Finding Your Faith
A presentation and panel discussion on how faith can be a positive force in one’s life.
After our panel discussion several clergy and members from area churches and synagogues discussed how and why their congregations became welcoming to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.
April 2009
Understanding Gender Identity and Transgender People
Mara Drummond, a member of PFLAG Columbia-Howard County, presented then moderated a panel discussion covering major transgender issues. This was our best, most informative and interesting program to date on the subject.
March 2009
Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression from Kindergarten to Commencement in the Howard County Public School System
A panel discussion moderated by HoCo School Board Chair, Frank Aquino. Panelists included:
- John Hannay, President of the PTA Council (PTACHC) of Howard County
- Catherine Chapman, Pupil Personnel Worker (PPW)
- Trish McCarthy, Assistant Principal at Bollman Bridge Elementary School
- Jan Bornstein, School Counselor at Howard High School
- Jim Slayton, Cluster Nurse for Cradlerock School (elementary through middle school)
February 2009
Prayers for Bobby
By special arrangement with Lifetime TV and National PFLAG, we were able to show the Lifetime presentation of Prayers for Bobby starring Sigourney Weaver.
January 2009
Meet Kate Runyon
The new executive director of Equality Maryland came to present us with tips and strategies for Lobby Day on Feb. 2. Kate is a dynamic speaker and is going to be a very effective leader for EqMd. If you haven’t met her yet, you don’t know what you’re missing!
December 2008
Annual Holiday Party
Delicious appetizers and desserts and wonderful music by the New Wave Singers of Baltimore.
November 2008
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”
We celebrated Veteran’s Day by presenting former Army Sgt. Darren Manzella who served two tours in Iraq and was discharged honorably after being interviewed by Leslie Stahl on 60 Minutes
October 2008
“How To Be An Ally”
A Straight for Equality Workshop presented by Jean-Marie Navetta and Jamie Curtis of the PFLAG National Office.
September 2008
Celebrating Our Rainbow Families
Excellent speakers made a most excellent program: Attorney Emily Russell from the Zavos Law Firm, Sandy Rappeport, LCSW-C and Director of International Adoption at Adoptions Together and Cheryl Richards, Foster Parent Recruiter/Trainer, Hearts & Homes for Youth, Inc., Family Ties Therapeutic Foster Care Program.
August 2008
Do Ask! Do Tell! Let’s Talk!
We sat around in a circle and wrote down our questions and passed them to our moderator. Each question was read and we all discussed. Lots of interesting opinions, ideas and learning.
July 2008
The 4th Annual Gay Jeopardy Show
Steve Charing did it again! This was the fourth and best episode of this popular summer series. For the first time ever, all three finalists were men! More gay history was made.
June 2008
Presentation of the 2nd Annual PFLAG Columbia-Howard County Scholarship
This year’s winner of the $1000 scholarship is Emily Pagano, a member of our Rainbow Youth Alliance and a graduate of Oakland Mills High School. In addition to presenting the check to Emily, we also had representatives from the Towson University Queer Alliance present a panel discussion on how to choose a gay-supportive college or university.
May 2008
Remembering Traditional Values: American Indian Attitudes about Homosexuality
Our first program concerning American Indian culture and views about sexual orientation. Presented by Kerry Hawk Lessard and a co-presenter, this fascinating and informative presentation opened our eyes to Indian understanding and acceptance of different sexuality and sex roles before and after the white settlers came to their world.
April 2008
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.
March 2008
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.
February 2008
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.
January 2008
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.”
December 2007
Annual 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.
November 2007
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.
October 2007
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!
September 2007
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.
August 2007
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.
July 2007
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.
June 2007
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.
May 2007
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
April 2007
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!
March 2007
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.
February 2007
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.
January 2007
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.
December 2006
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.
November 2006
Film and Discussion: Journey to a Hate Free Millennium
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.
October 2006
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.
September 2006
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!
August 2006
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.
July 2006
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.
June 2006
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!!!!
May 2006
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.
April 2006
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.
March 2006
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.
February 2006
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.
January 2006
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.
December 2005
Annual Holiday Pot Luck
Great food, wonderful music by the Baltimore Mens’ Chorus and lots of holiday fellowship and cheer.
November 2005
Jody Huckaby, Executive Director of National PFLAG
Followed by a question and answer session.
October 2005
The Great Marriage Debate
Sponsored by our PFLAG chapter and moderated by the Howard County League of Women Voters.
September 2005
Transgender Issues
Transgender Issues discussion with Dr. Leaannette Carlson and Judy Hoff
August 2005
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.
July 2005
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.
June 2005
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.
May 2005
Howard County Police Chief Wayne Livesay
Chief Livesay met with us and discussed issues of interest to the GLBT community.
April 2005
Religion and the GLBT Community
With a panel of religious leaders from the community for a discussion of religion and the GLBT community
March 2005
Our Chapter’s Parents Support Group
A panel of member parents discussed their experiences with their gay children.
February 2004
Get Ready for Lobby Day
Our Political Advocacy Committee presented a program preparing us for Lobby Day in Annapolis. Delegate Shane Pendergrass spoke. Representative Ben Cardin attended.
January 2005
National PFLAG Presentation
Representatives from National PFLAG presented this program.
December 2004
Our Annual Holiday Potluck
With a concert by the Baltimore Mens’ Chorus.
November 2004
Transgender Issues
A presentation of issues facing the transgender community.
October 2004
Candidates’ Night
Local elected officials and candidates came to answer questions and explain how their stands on issues important to the GLBT community.
September 2004
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.
August 2004
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!.
July 2004
Rainbow Ride Across America
Carrie Ross-Stone and Elisia Ross-Stone were scheduled at the end of their 2nd Rainbow Ride.
June 2004
Our Rainbow Youth Alliance’s Annual Presentation
Our very own group of GLBTQ young people presented the program.
May 2004
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.
April 2004
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.
March 2004
Town Hall Meeting on Same Sex Marriage
This town hall meeting was a moedrated public discussion of the topic.
February 2004
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.
January 2004
HIV/AIDS Update
The most recent information about HIV/AIDS as well as other STDs.
December 2003
Our Annual Holiday Potluck
With a concert by the Baltimore Mens’ Chorus.
November 2003
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.
October 2003
Marc Adams
Author and Co-founder of HeartStrong.
September 2003
Transgender Issues
The transgender community presented a program to educate us about issues relevant to their community and to us, too.
August 2003
Movie Night - Family Fundamentals
July 2003
Open Discussion
Our summer question and answer meeting. A chance for everyone to ask and discuss.
June 2003
Training Allies
Luke Jensen, Office of GLBT Equality, Univ of MD. Luke spoke to us about enlisting support for the GLBT community.
May 2003
Acceptance and Affirmation in the Religious Community
April 2003
Straight Spouse Network
March 2003
Author Garret Freymann-Weyr
Ms. Weyr is the author of My Heartbeat
February 2003
Brett Parson – GLLU
Brett Parson of the D.C. Metro Police Gay and Lesbian Liasion Unit presented Police and the GLBT Community
January 2003
Gay Straight Alliances
A panel discussion with guidance counselors, teachers and social workers.
December 2002
Holiday Potluck
Everybody brought a dish to share and we celebrated the holidays with the wonderful music of the Baltimore Mens’ Chorus.
November 2002
Gay Parenting
Adoptions Together presented the program.
October 2002
Candidates’ Forum
Local politicians spoke and answered our questions.
September 2002
Sexuality
Wayne Pawlowski presented the program.
August 2002
Annual Question and Answer Program
With plenty of open discussion.
July 2002
HIV/AIDS
The latest news on the HIV front as well as discussion of STDs and general GLBT health issues.
June 2002
Dads
A father’s forum.
May 2002
Gays and Scouting
The Scouting for All organization presented the program.
April 2002
Gays in the Military
Service Members Legal Defense Network.
March 2002
2002 Legislative Campaign Agenda
Free State Justice – Carolyn Battle and Blake Humphreys.
February 2002
Movie Night – After Stonewall
January 2002
Domestic Violence and the GLBT Community
Emily Parks & Sarah Tucker.
December 2001
Annual Holiday Pot Luck
WIth the Baltimore Mens’ Chorus.
November 2001
Religious Diversity
A discussion with community religious leaders.
October 2001
Gays and the Supreme Court
Detroit News columnist Deb Price talking about her new book “Courting Justice”.
September 2001
September 11, 2001 - meeting canceled.
August 2001
Open Discussion
Question and answer session
July 2001
Legal and Financial Issues for the GLBT Community
Jan Eveland and Renee Green.
June 2001
Transgender Issues
Mary Boenke
May 2001
Diversity
Keith Boykin.
April 2001
Parents Speak Out
March 2001
Workplace Issues
February 2001
Movie Night - Same Sex Marriage: For Better of Worse
January 2001
Open Discussion
Questions and Answers and Anything You Want To Ask
December 2000
Film Presentation and Potluck Dinner
Our House
November 2000
Discussion About Diversity
Author Keith Boykin was scheduled but was unable to appear.
October 2000
Supporting Our Youth
September 2000
HIV/AIDS Issues
with Jesse Milan
August 2000
Upcoming Legislation
Presented by Free State Justice (forerunner of Equality Maryland)
July 2000
not available
June 2000
Discussion: Pride and Someone You Love
with Linda Linton and Colette Roberts
May 2000
Movie Night -If These Walls Could Talk II
April 2000
Youth and Allies
with author Dan Woog
March 2000
Gay Parenting
Colette Roberts
February 2000
Fifth Anniversary Celebration
PFLAG Columbia-Howard County celebrated its fifth anniversary with a discussion: “Where Have We Been and Where Do We Go?”
January 2000
Political Advocacy
with Free State Justice (forerunner of Equality Maryland)
