MIDLAND –
It is estimated that 10 percent of the population is gay. That is a key message behind a billboard near the Garfield Road exit on US-10 sponsored by the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays Tri-Cities chapter, which serves the counties of Bay, Midland and Saginaw. The message, "Someone you know and love is gay," suggests that everyone knows someone who is gay, whether they realize it or not.
"Discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, perceived or real, is legal in Michigan," said Bob Malosh, PFLAG Tri-Cities president. "People can be fired, denied housing, and much more. As a result, many gays remain in the closet, which means they could be your friend, your neighbor, your boss, your child – even your spouse – and you might not know it. Our goal at PFLAG is to give gays and their families and friends a place to meet, learn, discuss and support everyone involved – whether gay or straight."
The local PFLAG chapter meets on the fourth Sunday of each month from 2-4:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Midland. The meetings are open to anyone newly facing the knowledge that a loved one is gay. The identity of those present and their concerns remain confidential. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals are also welcome to attend, as are current or former spouses.
"Families deal with the matter of their children's sexuality all the time, and some are better prepared than others," said Brian Baker, a PFLAG dad. "Our purpose in advertising our group is not to stir controversy but to tell both parents and their gay or questioning children that there are local people who are ready to help them understand what it all can mean."
The organization's activities also include outreach programs, such as a Safe Schools initiative that works to address the growing occurances of anti-gay harassment and abuse in schools.
To learn more about PFLAG Tri-Cities and its programs, the billboard urges passers-by to call 989-941-1458 or visit http://www.pflag.org.
PFLAG Tri-Cities billboard promotes understanding of gays
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