PFLAG Tulare-Kings Counties President Dr. Kathryn Hall sent this message while on vacation:
“This has been an emotional time for the LGBT people of Tulare and Kings Counties and their allies. The results of anti-gay rhetoric and vitriol was brought vividly present to us in the massacre in Orlando and some of the incredibly inappropriate reactions by homophobes. My husband and I have seen this from a distance, with only intermittent (and very slow) internet access on our cruise of Norway and the United Kingdom. The memory of the young Norwegians shot by a right wing extremist some years ago and the British politician stabbed and shot to death for her position on Brexit remind us that intolerance and violence are not just an American phenomenon, and the vigils for those lost in Orlando held in Visalia, Bakersfield, Fresno, and even Porterville remind us that we are a community and there is strength and comfort in that. TheSource LGBT+ Center is a huge improvement in our ability to connect with each other, and it was wonderful to have so many sign up for the Pride event that it had to be cancelled.
On this Father’s Day we are lucky to have lesbian activist Melissa McMurrey from Sacramento coming to talk at the PFLAG Tulare & Kings Counties meeting at Congregation B’nai David, 1039 S. Chinowth, VIsalia, from 3 to 5 pm. Many of us know Melissa from her activism while she lived in our area, and she can give us her perspective on what activism is needed at this point in our history. I am disappointed that I will not be able to be there as we do not get home until the next day, but I hope you will be there to welcome Melissa and provide support to our community.”
Kathryn Hall
President, PFLAG Tulare & Kings Counties
This Sunday, June 19, PFLAG Tulare-Kings Counties will welcome Melisssa McMurrey as our guest speaker. Melissa now resides in Sacramento, but began her activism in Porterville, as a founding leader of GayPorterville. She will be speaking on “grassroots activism”.
PFLAG provides a safe and confidential space place to talk about sexual orientation and gender identity, and works to build a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
There is no cost to attend, and membership is optional.
PFLAG Tulare and Kings Counties is a non-profit organization with 501(c)(3) status.
PFLAG Tulare and Kings Counties is a volunteer group of parents, family and friends of people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT). We welcome members of the GLBT community to our meetings and membership. We meet on the third Sunday of each month.
PFLAG Tulare-Kings Counties Facebook page is here.
