Friday, June 26, 2015

Celebrate this historic Supreme Court decision day!


Yes!  SCOTUS has affirmed our dream of marriage equality for all into a nationwide reality by their decision this morning!  This is so fantastic! 

From the decision: The majority bases its conclusion that same-sex marriage is a fundamental right on "four principles and traditions": (1) right to person choice in marriage is "inherent in the concept of individual autonomy"; (2) "two-person union unlike any other in its importance to the committed individuals"; (3) marriage safeguards children and families; (4) marriage is a keystone to our social order.

From PFLAG National:
·  The justices have affirmed that PFLAG’s values are America’s values, and that means that love is love, family is family, and marriage is marriage.
·  Today’s historic ruling means same-sex couples will soon have the freedom to marry, bringing joy to the couples, their families, and friends.
·  The justices have affirmed what nearly 60% of the country now believes: that the freedom to marry is a right that all citizens should enjoy and be able to participate in should they choose to.
·  Now that all families have the right to legal protection of their loving and committed relationships, we must continue to tell our stories so that those whose hearts and minds have not changed towards people who are LGBTQ will soon move to the right side of history with us.
PFLAG will continue to press forward on other issues where we and our LGBTQ friends and loved ones are not legally protected: in the workplace, in housing, in schools and public places, and more. And of course, we will continue to provide support to those who are in need of it, education to help people more fully understand the issues facing the LGBTQ community, and advocate for equality on behalf of all people.

LOCALLY:
Tonight in Easton, MD, there will be a “Service for Peace” at 7:30 pm at the B’nai Israel Temple. http://www.bnaiisraeleaston.org/

This is open to the community at large and is in response to current events. A local choral group that "protested" the Methodist church anti LGBTQ decision will be performing as a part of this service.  I expect that there will be quite a feeling of celebration there as well!

Next Tuesday, don’t miss this on MPT “Growing up Trans” Frontline 10 pm.

And we will be hosting our usual First Friday July 3, at Fountain Park in Chestertown, 5-7!  Maybe we need champagne to share!




Sunday, June 21, 2015

Remembering Chris Miller WAC '14



In Memory of Chris Miller

We are very sad to share news of the loss of a recent Washington College graduate, Chris Miller ’14.  Chris was recently in Chestertown, MD for WAC Alumni activities before heading to Lima Peru.  Details about a service for Chris are included at the end of this post.

In October of 2012 Chris shared the leadership of WAC’s EROS club.  Many of our PFLAG Chestertown friends remember how wonderful it was when the club members attended the Marriage Equality Rally we held in Fountain Park.  As they arrived together wearing their new t shirts we were supported by their presence. One photo shows the leaders speaking on our stage. Chris is on the right.  We will add our support as his many friends and family begin to find ways to show their respect and honor the memory of this wonderful person.




Chris's family is hosting a memorial service.  Here's the link to the Facebook event page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/456429967849644/456794504479857/

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to a special fund that is being created at Washington College in Chris's name. Please watch this space for additional details.