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Affirm! Table Manners Newsletter, May 2000
This is a newsletter published by Affirmation: United Methodists for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Concerns during the United Methodist Church's (UMC) General Conference in May 2000. It reflects advocacy efforts for the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals within the UMC and critiques church policies and rhetoric that perpetuate discrimination. The document highlights the activities, speeches, and theological perspectives shared by members of the Affirmation coalition and their allies.
This newsletter features a reprint of a press release issued after Jeanne Knepper delivered remarks critiquing the UMC’s Social Principles, particularly the language that states, “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Knepper argues that this language fosters violence and exclusion against LGBTQ+ individuals and ignores broader biblical themes of compassion, justice, and inclusion. The coalition prioritizes the removal of discriminatory language and policies, framing them as the church’s “Jim Crow” laws for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The document provides insight into the strategies and rhetoric of LGBTQ+ advocates during a critical period in the denomination’s history. The involvement of diverse voices, including people of color, underscores the broad coalition supporting inclusivity and highlights the interconnected nature of various justice movements. -
We Do, Too, in 2002 Pamphlet
This is a pamphlet outlining a conference held on June 7–8, 2002, at Bethany United Methodist Church in San Francisco, California. The event, 'We Do, Too', was designed as a national gathering for United Methodists to prepare their congregations to engage with the growing legal recognition of gay and lesbian domestic partnerships. Its purpose was to explore how the church could support these relationships through pastoral care, advocacy, and ministry.
The conference featured a keynote speaker, Kate Kendell, Esq., the executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, who discussed the intersection of law and LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality. Kendell’s address was complemented by a musical performance by singer-songwriter Judy Fjell, known for her politically insightful and spiritually engaging music.
The pamphlet also highlights leaders like Rev. Karen Oliveto, a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church and a longtime pastor of Bethany UMC, a reconciling congregation committed to welcoming and affirming all people. Rev. Jan Everhart and Dr. Juliet Donlin brought additional theological and psychological expertise, while workshops emphasized practical and spiritual approaches to inclusivity.
This document provides insight into the theological, cultural, and legislative shifts within the United Methodist Church during the early 2000s. It showcases the proactive steps taken by reconciling congregations like Bethany UMC to foster dialogue and support for LGBTQ+ individuals. The pamphlet also reflects the intersection of religious practice, civil rights advocacy, and community building, offering a snapshot of a pivotal moment in the church’s evolving engagement with LGBTQ+ issues. -
Parents FLAG Convention 1984 Program
This document, titled Parents FLAG Convention 1984 Program, is a comprehensive program for the third annual national convention of the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), held in Denver, Colorado, from September 28 to 30, 1984. The document outlines the convention's schedule, workshops, keynote speakers, entertainment, and organizational acknowledgments, reflecting PFLAG's mission to support LGBTQ+ individuals and their families.
The schedule includes numerous workshops and activities addressing diverse topics, such as coping strategies for parents, fostering inclusivity, understanding health issues related to sexuality, and navigating societal prejudices. Specific workshops focus on educating parents in small towns, addressing long-term relationships, and discussing media portrayals of LGBTQ+ individuals. The program also features discussions on AIDS awareness, legal challenges faced by LGBTQ+ couples, and reaching minority parents within the LGBTQ+ community.
Notable speakers at the convention include political leaders like Denver Mayor Federico Peña, healthcare advocates such as Dr. Mary Calderone, and religious figures like Bishop Melvin Wheatley, Jr., of the United Methodist Church. Their contributions reflect the intersectional nature of the event, touching on politics, religion, and social justice.
This document highlights LGBTQ+ activism and family advocacy during the 1980s. It showcases the strategies, themes, and cultural dynamics of the period, providing valuable insights into the evolving relationship between LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and broader society. -
Parents of Gays
The document, Parents of Gays, authored by Betty Fairchild and published in 1976, is a resource aimed at supporting parents of gay children. It provides insight, practical advice, and emotional support for families grappling with the complexities of understanding and accepting their children's sexual orientation. The document is both a guide and a testament to the evolving attitudes toward homosexuality during the mid-1970s.
The text contextualizes the group's formation within the broader gay liberation movement, sparked by events such as the 1969 Stonewall riots. It highlights the challenges faced by gay individuals and their families, including societal stigma, legal discrimination, and personal isolation. The publication argues for the necessity of groups like Parents of Gays to provide a safe space for dialogue and education.
Parents of Gays is a significant artifact of the LGBTQ+ rights movement and its intersection with family dynamics in the 1970s. It reflects the social and cultural challenges of the time while advocating for empathy, education, and acceptance. The document provides valuable insights into the strategies and rhetoric used to foster understanding and support for gay individuals and their families, making it a critical resource for studying the history of LGBTQ+ advocacy and family dynamics.
Advisory Warning
These archival exhibits contain historical materials that reflect the social, cultural, and theological perspectives of their time. Some content may include language, imagery, or viewpoints that are outdated, offensive, or harmful by today’s standards. These materials are preserved to document history and promote understanding, but they may be difficult to engage with for some viewers. We encourage users to approach these resources with sensitivity and awareness of their historical context. If you have questions or need support, please contact the archives.