Coming June 28 IN PERSON
Embrace and Empower: Uniting Communities for LGBTQIA+ Inclusivity
The LGBTQIA+ community and their families are facing hostile legislation in some states. Join us to learn what can be done to build more inclusive and understanding communities.
At 12:00 p.m., June 28, the Bellingham City Club will host its next program with lunch in person at:
Bellingham Yacht Club
2625 S Harbor Loop Dr.
Purchase of tickets in advance is required; click here to register.
Member price is $25; non-member price is $30; youth under 25 is $10.
Attendance is limited to 150.
Registration closes at 6:00pm, Sunday, June 25.
Doors open at 11:30.
**Can you arrive early or stay a bit late? Now that we are meeting again in person, we are looking for a few volunteers to help check in, set up, and pack up at the end. If you're interested in joining the team, email us.**
In honor of Pride Month, The Bellingham City Club is honored to present our next program to help broaden the understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community and issues, including where Whatcom County members can get support and to build a more inclusive community for everyone.
At least 490 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislatures this year per the American Civil Liberties Union, some limiting speech and some limiting health care. Acceptance of gay marriage for adults is newly under question and children are being vilified for who they are. At the same time, a recent CDC study found that only 75% of high school students identify as heterosexual and our understanding of the complexities of human sexuality keeps growing.
Presenters:
Francie Gass (she/her) is a retired public health nurse and parenting educator. She is the parent of a cisgender lesbian daughter and a transgender lesbian daughter. She joined PFLAG in 2015 to learn and become an LGBTQ+ ally. Drawing on her vast educational and health background, Gass devotes her time as a public health educator.
Jena Lopez (she/her), a gender nonconforming, queer person of color, mother of a trans daughter, lover of nature, and an emergency department physician.
Henry Ohana (he/him), a queer person. He came out in the late 70's and has seen many changes in the movement and in popular culture. He has 4 children and all are queer in varying ways.
Constance Murphy (she/her) made her career in blue collar work. After 12 years of experience in the plumbing and building industries she became a contractor designing and building residential and light commercial construction projects. She has been involved with PFLAG since 2019. She is currently on the board as Treasurer. She participates in tabling and presentations to support the work of PFLAG, building a more inclusive community for everyone.