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RHODE ISLAND PRIDE DAY IS JUNE 18, 2011 AND PFLAG WILL BE THERE!

Why are we parents proud? Certainly, we’re not proud of our gay children for being homosexual, any more than we’re proud of our non-gay children for being heterosexual. We’re proud because our children are productive, creative, caring citizens. We're proud of our gay children when they bravely come out to an often hostile world, to live honestly in the way that’s authentic for them.

For many decades, gays and lesbians lived in closets of fear -- and with good reason. Their families also hid the truth, fearing insults and ostracism. But since the 1970s Stonewall uprising and the courageous protests that followed, many lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people have felt free to live openly. And many parents have come out of their closets, too.

And why do PFLAG chapters all over the country participate in Gay Pride festivals? To show that we exist, so that people who need us can find us. To show our pride in our children. To honor the gay activists who paved the way for our children to live honestly. To encourage other parents to accept and keep loving their lgbt children. And to have fun!

So on Saturday, June 18, we’ll join dozens of other community organizations with booths at the annual R.I. Pride Festival on South Water Street in Providence (a block from South Main Street, near Hemenway’s restaurant). All afternoon we’ll greet festival-goers. We’ll distribute pamphlets, brochures, book lists, and “Straight But Not Narrow” buttons. We’ll have a mailing list people can sign to receive our meeting notices. We’ll have one-on-one conversations with people whose families (even those living in other localities) may benefit in the future from PFLAG’s friendship and support.

We’ll enjoy live music on the theater-size stage, and tour booths offering crafts, information, free products, food and beverages. We hope you’ll stop by and see us, especially if you’ve been thinking about coming to a chapter meeting and wondered what PFLAG members are like.

This is our best chance for public outreach all year, and we’re taking it with pride and enthusiasm.

Driving directions are at www.PrideRI.com.

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If you feel the need for support, or for information about our chapter, please contact us (contact details in column at right). All are welcome at all meetings. We also offer telephone support (401-751-7571) to people not quite ready to come to a meeting.