Friend, welcome to the new logo and look for PFLAG San Diego County. The new brand identity is part of a nationwide PFLAG rebranding initiative designed to be a vibrant reflection of who we are: passionate, iconic, and bold. You’ll see more iterations of the new look rolling out in the coming months. We think you’ll like it!
PFLAG’s mission is to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. As you’ll read in articles below, sometimes that looks like speaking on panels and celebrating grand openings and awards, and sometimes it looks like showing up at city council meetings when anti-LGBTQ+ forces threaten.
We hope you’ll recognize the value in all these activities and support us through your membership.
South Bay Youth Center Open House
Friday, March 3, from 3:00-7:00 PM, the South Bay Youth Center is holding an Open House to celebrate their four-year anniversary. Come learn about SBYC services and how they can support families. The open house will include tours, family activities, food, and opportunities to learn about the work in the South Bay since 2019 as well as some plans for 2023. The Center is located at 1180 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista. PFLAG SDC will be there; hope you will, too!
The High Table at Diversionary Theater
There are still a few days to see The High Table at the Diversionary Theatre! The play runs through March 5. Synopsis: Tara and Leah are planning their perfect wedding: The dresses are chosen, the venue is booked, and the invitations are mailed. But when Tara’s Nigerian parents refuse to attend, it’s not just the RSVP list that is thrown into question. Meanwhile, suspended in the stars, three of Tara’s ancestors are jolted from their rest to decide whether or not to bless her wedding. A hilarious and heartfelt story of lineage and love is played out between the heavens and earth. (One of our Board Members gave it a !)
For tickets: www.diversionary.org. The theatre is located at 4545 Park Blvd., San Diego.
Arts Educator Mixer
San Diego Pride, in partnership with the Diversionary Theatre, invites all LGBTQ Arts Educators to their annual LGBTQ Arts Educator Mixer on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the Diversionary Theatre – Clark Cabaret at 4545 Park Boulevard, San Diego, from 4:30-6:30 pm.
This is a wonderful opportunity for all LGBTQIA+ visual and performing arts educators to come together to meet, mingle, and mix. All of the LGBTQIA+ youth-serving arts programs will be stronger if the community knows who they are and what resources and programs there are for those the art community serves. Bring your business cards, program flyers, and get to know your LGBTQIA+ arts community.
PFLAG SDC In-person Meeting Resumes
A Countywide in-person support group meeting will be held on the 2nd Thursday of every month. The first meeting was held in February with 12 people in attendance; it was the first meeting for 4 attendees. It was a pleasure to see new faces, as well as returning members—we learn so much from one another.
The next Countywide in-person meeting is Thursday, March 9, 7:00-8:30 pm at the Metropolitan Community Church at 2633 Denver Street, San Diego, CA 92110 (above). Everyone is welcome! Join our Metro and East County group here. Please email Terrie for more information: tvorono@pflag.com.
USD School of Law Name and Gender-Marker Change Clinic
This program is a partnership between USD Pride Law, THLA, and The San Diego LGBT Community Center and provides legal assistance to transgender and nonbinary individuals, including minors, seeking name and gender-marker changes through the San Diego County court system. USD School of Law students, along with volunteer attorneys, assist eligible clients with completing necessary applications and help those individuals navigate both the name and/or gender-marker change process!
Upcoming clinic dates, which are virtual, are March 14 and April 18. Appointments can be scheduled at 6:30 pm, 7:00 pm, or 7:30 pm.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, email: transclinic.sandiego@gmail.com.
Getting Down To The Wire for PFLAG SDC 2023 Scholarships
The deadline to apply for a PFLAG SDC Scholarship is March 15; it is approaching quickly. We are celebrating our 25th year and want you to be part of the celebration. We are offering scholarships to LGBTQ+ students who reside in San Diego County.
We appreciate you spreading the word, including on social media, to LGBTQ+ high school seniors and full-time undergraduate/graduate students to apply for PFLAG scholarships. Half-time applicants will be considered with an explanation of the circumstances that prevents them from attending full-time. A minimum of 18 scholarships will be awarded in the amounts of $2,000 or more. Besides general academic scholarships, we award scholarships in specific areas of study: STEM, Fine and Applied Arts, LGBTQ+ Studies or history, community college, and vocation/trade programs.
The application, requirements, and other scholarship-related info are on our web site: www.pflag.com/scholarships.
Our goal is to maximize the amounts of the scholarships and to award more scholarships. You may donate any time: pflag.com/support-our-students and either donate to the General Scholarship Fund or a specific scholarship. We are offering a recurring monthly donation option.
We are maintaining our commitment that 100% of funds donated for scholarships goes to students. All donations are 100% tax deductible (tax ID# 33-0512868). For 2022, we awarded a record 18 scholarships totaling $48,000.
The scholarship ceremony will take place in person this year on June 3, 2023.
For questions, contact scholarships@pflag.com
And Speaking of Scholarships…
In anticipation of having a successful in-person Launching Leaders Luncheon Scholarship Awards Ceremony in early June, the PFLAG SDC Scholarship Program is seeking sponsorships – Presenting Sponsor: $5000; Leadership Sponsor: $2500; Awardee Sponsor, $1000; Table Sponsor: $500. No matter what level you choose, the sponsorship entitles the sponsor to one table of eight sponsor guests, ad space in the program, listing in all printed and electronic communications regarding the event, and recognition from the stage during the event. The more you sponsor, the more perks! At a later date, you can purchase individual tickets for $70 each. For more information and to sponsor, please contact scholarships@pflag.com.
PFLAG SDC Book Club
The next selection for the PFLAG SDC Book Club will be Sister Outsider, by Audre Lorde. We’ll meet Tuesday, March 28, 7-8:15 p.m on Zoom for a discussion moderated by newsletter editor Louise Julig. You must register separately for each book club meeting. Use the link below to register.
This selection is in honor of both Black History Month and Women’s History Month. Audre Lorde was a self-described “black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet,” who was also a civil rights activist and influential feminist. Two of her most famous essays, “Uses of the Erotic: The Erotic as Power,” and “The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s House” are included in this collection.
We are proud to partner with Libélula Books and Co., a local queer-owned, Latinx-owned, Indigenous-owned independent bookstore at 950 South 26th Street in Barrio Logan. Check out their in-person location or buy the book through their Bookshop.org store. If audiobooks are more your thing, check out the indie-supporting Libro.fm.
Support Pride By The Beach With Drag Takeover
On March 28, Belly Up Tavern is hosting the 4th annual Drag Take Over (this year, Disney Edition) to benefit North County LGBTQ Resource Center’s Pride by the Beach. For a mere $35 ($40 at the door), you can have a fun-filled evening. The Belly Up Tavern is located at 143 S. Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach. For tickets: www.bellyup.com/shows.
Out at the Park ⚾️
Tickets selling like hotcakes! Join San Diego Pride as they team up with the Padres for Out at the Park on Friday, April 14 at Petco Park. Grab your friends, family, and rainbows as you prepare to enjoy an exciting evening of entertainment and baseball when the Padres take on the Milwaukee Brewers.
You can arrive early and enjoy Pride’s pregame happy hour in Gallagher Square with CocktailFest from 4:30-6:30 pm. The games begins at 6:40 pm.
Your Out at the Park ticket purchase includes a seat in Pride’s large Out at the Park section (or limited upgraded OATP viewing section), a commemorative Out at the Park Padres hat, $10 donation to San Diego Pride, and access to the pre-game VIP space in Gallagher Square (food and drinks not included).
For ASL and mobility accommodation needs, please email accessibility@sdpride.org one week before the event.
Ticket prices start at $35.00.
PFLAG SDC Leads With Love In Oceanside
On February 7, LGBTQ+ supporting organizations across the county were alerted that several people would be disrupting the Oceanside Unified School District school board meeting.
OUSD recently received an award from Equality California as the number one school district in California for their support of LGBTQ+ staff and students. We congratulate them!
PFLAG SDC Board Member Jeri Nicolas (above right) spoke at the meeting, and Board President Nancy Colbert (above center) and Board Member Terrie Vorono (above left) were also in attendance to support students, staff, and community members who advocate for safety, equality, and inclusion in the district. The disrupters repeated all the usual tropes and scare tactics against LGBTQ+ folks during their three-minute speaking sprees. It was disturbing to hear the disinformation and misinformation about our loved ones’ community.
Our visibility matters. Book bans, anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda, and lies about our families are on the rise. If you would like to be included in calls to action in our communities, please let us know by emailing admin@pflag.com and including your phone number so that you can be notified. Often notices are last minute. You do not have to speak if you attend. When you think you no longer need PFLAG, PFLAG needs you. We Lead with Love.
PFLAG SDC Invited To Sycuan Lgbt+ Team Member Network Group Panel
On February 16, PFLAG SDC member and former Board Member Phyllis Van Wanseele (above left), represented PFLAG SDC on a panel organized by the Sycuan LGBT+ Team Member Network Group. She shared her insights and stories of being the parent of a gay son. She was delighted to explain PFLAG and answered questions in general and about PFLAG SDC. Other panel members included a parent of a gay child, a trans person, and an older gay gentleman (photo above right). To segue into the scholarships, she mentioned that Mayor Todd Gloria had received a scholarship.
Sycuan Hotel Operations Manager Daniel Rodriguez later said to Phyllis, “Your participation in the panel really meant a lot to our team members and was an amazing experience for everyone around. You were such a joy to have and we appreciate you so much.”
On February 20, PFLAG SDC was invited to speak, along with Dennis Nicely and David Olsen from GLSEN, at the Lakeside Amity meeting. Their tagline is Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion through community action. Much of the focus was discussing ways to support Lakeside community’s LGBTQ+ children. There is a renewed interest in resurrecting the PFLAG SDC East County Support Group. Stay tuned!
Santee Y Staff Presented With Civil Rights Heroes Plaque By Trans Woman Member
On February 22, Christynne Wood (back row, fourth from right), the trans woman caught at the center of a controversy ignited by anti-LGBTQ+ forces in Santee, presented the Cameron Y staff there with a “Civil Rights Heroes” plaque at their monthly potluck, thanking them for the support she’s received.
As reported in last month’s newsletter, Wood was inadvertently drawn into the controversy when a Santee teenager complained to staff that she saw what she thought was the back of a man changing in the women’s locker room. Although staff advised the teenager that the person was a transgender female who was allowed to be there and there was no danger, the incident escalated into protests and counter-protests after the teenager took her complaint to the Santee City Council and it was later picked up by a Fox News national show.
Wood has stated in an article in the San Diego Union-Tribune that she felt safe and supported by the Cameron Y staff, and a staffer told PFLAG SDC that Wood has had much support from Y members there as well.
The incident has prompted the Cameron Y to fast track a facility redesign, which will provide private spaces for changing. Along with the redesign the Y will institute a no-nudity policy in locker room common area spaces.
Mesa College Pride Center Grand Opening
On February 22, San Diego Mesa College Pride Center had its Grand Opening. There was definitely a cast of Who’s Who there. Pictured are San Diego District 2 City Councilmember Jennifer Campbell and her staff (top), along with PFLAG SDC Board Member Sherry Cohen-Richards (bottom left). Unofficial Mayor of Hillcrest Nicole Murray Ramirez and Executive Director of the San Diego Museum Council Bob Lehman were also in attendance (bottom right).
PFLAG SDC Board Member Jeri Nicolas and North County Coastal Facilitator Kurt Dearie attending the GSA Awards
PFLAG SDC Celebrates North County GSA Awards
It was a joyous evening on February 25 celebrating with students, parents and community members at the North County GSA Awards held at Oceanside High School’s Performing Arts Center. The Theme was “COMING OUT TOGETHER,” sponsored by the North County LGBTQ Resource Center, Project Youth, and the Vista Community Clinic. It was a night for PFLAG SDC to demonstrate our commitment to LGBTQIA+ youth and families as well as enjoy the entertainment and watch short films about “coming out” created by our youth.
PFLAG SDC Connects Adds Military Community
PFLAG Connects: Communities provides a safe, virtual, facilitated space where people with shared experiences can connect each month. In addition to communities of Latino, Black/African American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander backgrounds, PFLAG National now has a Military Families Community that meets the second Monday of every month at 6 pm Pacific Time online. Learn more and find more resources for the Military community at https://pflag.org/events/military-community/!
Thank You To Our Donors!
Thanks to the following individuals who donated to PFLAG SDC this past month:
Terri Billluni
Annette Ottone
Remo Ottone
Eva Sjernfeldt
And thanks to our regular monthly donors to PFLAG San Diego County. A monthly donation helps provide predictable sources of funding for our programs and scholarships and we appreciate it very much!
Donna and Jim Bowersox
Lonnie Brunini
Anna Covici
Charles Kaminski
Stephen Miller and Michael Wasilewski
Maureen Steiner
Terrie Vorono
☎️ 988 Suicide Prevention Hotline Now In Place
The nonprofit that operates the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline launched a pilot program for LGBTQ individuals, veterans, and anyone who feels they may be experiencing a mental health crisis; you may call or text 988.
One of the goals is to dramatically decrease the number of calls made to 911 in the time of crisis, as 911 wasn’t set up to address mental health needs. Please note, this new program does not track your location.
Support Groups
❗️Note: some support group information has changed since last month
Support groups will continue to meet virtually until further notice. Check individual group for details. We encourage you to contact your support group facilitator at any time, as they will remain excellent resources for information. The support group locations, dates, and times will continue to be posted on the PFLAG San Diego County Facebook page. You can join in any of the digital meetings. For Zoom links, contact each support group.
Our Vision
PFLAG envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Our Mission
By meeting people where they are and collaborating with others, PFLAG realizes its vision through: Support for families, allies and people who are LGBTQ+; Education for ourselves and others about the unique issues and challenges facing people who are LGBTQ+; Advocacy in our communities to change attitudes and create policies and laws that achieve full equality for people who are LGBTQ+.
