2006 Our First Year in Review

Salisbury/ Rowan PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) was officially chartered as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in January, 2006.

February 2006 saw the first meeting of Salisbury/ Rowan PFLAG at Haven Lutheran Church. We had a total of 45 guests at that first meeting, including PFLAG South Atlantic Regional Director, Jerry Miller.

"Letters to the Editor" ran in the Salisbury Post for 28 consecutive days….most were positive letters.

In late February, in direct response to the formation of our chapter, three conservative Lutheran churches in eastern Rowan county hosted a program on "reparative therapy" presented by Exodus International. While the program was well advertised, only about 50-75 people attended.

In March, Salisbury/ Rowan PFLAG countered two weeks later with our own program, featuring the film "Fish Can’t Fly", a documentary chronicling the lives of gays and lesbians trying to reconcile their sexuality and their spirituality. The film also talks about the dangers of so-called "reparative therapy". We purchased ad space in our local newspaper to advertise and invite the public. An estimated 50 guests gathered to watch the film and have some lively discussion facilitated by Ana Tampanna, author and Winston-Salem PFLAG facilitator.

In April, Salisbury/ Rowan PFLAG representatives attended their first school board meeting to address the GSA issue. Mike and Brandon courageously spoke openly at that meeting in favor of the students rights to form a Gay/ Straight Alliance. Our discriminate BOE has decided to ban GSA’s, referring to them as "sex clubs". With help from our allies at NCCJ and ACLU-NC, that battle is still ongoing.

In May we walked in the Regional Aids Interfaith Network (RAIN) AIDS Walk in Charlotte. We formed a team and made our first public appearance as a chapter and raised $150 for a worthwhile cause.

In early June, S/R PFLAG sponsored a booth at The Time Out Youth Regional Conference in Charlotte. Thanks to Mona, Pennie, Brandon, Dan, Paul and Mark for representing our chapter well! They personedmanned a booth, handing out chapter information, water and other goodies.

In late June, a few members of S/R PFLAG participated in the "Let’s Get Connected" celebration at City Park, a lesson in diversity, hosted by the Salisbury Human Resourses Council. Mike Clawson said an open prayer asking for love, tolerance and acceptance of all people.

In August, members of S/R PFLAG along with members of the Catawba College Gay Straight Alliance (GSA), UNCA GSA and other concerned friends and allies, held a rally at the August Bard of Education meeting in protest of their discriminate policy to ban GSAs. There were 40-45 people with signs of protest.

In September, a contingent of S/R PFLAG members attended the W-S PFLAG chapter’s annual Kaleidoscope Awards Banquet. This is an annual semi-formal event put on by the W-S chapter to recognize an individual, a business, a school and a church who best demonstrates their support of and the advancement of the GLBT community.

In November we decorated a Christmas tree, participating in Rowan County’s Arc "Festival of Trees". The Salisbury/ Rowan PFLAG tree, with the theme "We Are Family", had our tree exhibited at the Hanford House, one of Lutheran Services for the Aging’s adult day-care facilities, for their clients to enjoy. Thanks to everyone who donated time, talents or money for this cause. We raised $100 for the organization and got our name out in the public spotlight doing good things for the community.

In December, allies and members of S/R PFLAG, Daryl and Tammie hosted a holiday fundraiser to benefit S/R PFLAG. A mock wine tasting at a local tavern raised $1000 for our chapter. It was a wonderful event and great time enjoyed by 75-80 guests. S/R PFLAG members also shared a holiday lunch and contributed $100 to the Salisbury Post’s "Christmas Happiness" Fund. The fund is for making the holiday of those less fortunate a little brighter. Again, good community service.

Out the gate in 2007

In January and February, S/R PFLAG members attended Salisbury/ Rowan BOE meetings. Maintaining a presence and a show that we are not going away is a priority.

In March, a group of six S/R PFLAG members traveled to Raleigh for the annual Lobby Day, sponsored by EqualityNC, speaking to our Senator Brock and Representative Coates regarding bills before our legislators in 2007. Specifically, the anti- harassment/ bullying bill and the federal EEO policy bill. It was a great experience.

In April, in conjunction with the National Day of Silence on April 18th, members of Salisbury/ Rowan PFLAG, along with members from Catawba College GSA, Pfeiffer University GSA, ACLUNC and UNCG PRIDE, as well as other friends and allies, once again held a rally/ protest at the BOE Administration Building at their regular monthly meeting. Several Rowan County alumni spoke during the public comment period of the meeting, asking the Board to reverse their discriminate policy.

In May, Salisbury/ Rowan PFLAG is teaming with the Rowan County AIDS Task Force as a major sponsor for their annual 5K Run fundraiser. We will have signs along the running route and will provide handouts and goodies to participants.

Besides the special things listed previously, the chapter has held regular monthly meetings, ranging in attendance from 25-50 people. We try to provide good speakers and programs for our members, thanks to our generous members. We also have a monthly Executive Committee meeting for the officers. This chapter is striving to stay in the public eye, to speak when possible and to participate in community activities and affairs. We have also held a few social activities as fun time for members and guests. Our chapter has 47 paid members and, combined with generous donors, enjoys a fairly healthy financial statement.

Our chapter, due in part to the wonderful talents of some of our members, has been able to develop a website and a newsletter in this first year as well. We have accumulated an admirable resource center, with books, publications and DVDs, available to the public.

Mike Clawson, President - Salisbury PFLAG