Herland Sister Resources

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is holding a 30th Anniversary banquet during their October 22-24, 2004 National Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. The conference will also feature keynote speakers, informative workshops, and an awards ceremony. More information can be found at www.pflag.org.

PFLAG got its start in March 1973 when Jeanne Manford began a support group for parents of lesbians and gays. A year earlier Jeanne and Jules Manford were outraged to see the police ignore an attack on their son, Morton Manford, during a gay rights protest. As they became more involved as gay rights activists, Jeanne saw the need for a support group. Since that first meeting of about 20 people PFLAG has grown to a membership of over 200,000.

Their current mission statement is: PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination.

The Citizens League of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University present Barbara Ehrenreich at a free public lecture 7 pm Wednesday, September 29, 2004, Kirkpatrick Auditorium, Oklahoma City University.

Ehrenreich is the author of the New York Times bestseller (and one-time Herland Book Club choice) Nickel and Dimed: On Not Making It in America. In 2000, the veteran journalist and social commentator (and hard-core feminist) went undercover, working in a series of low-paying jobs as a waitress, maid, health care worker, and sales clerk. The resulting book is an old-fashioned, in-your-face expose forcing anyone who reads it to acknowledge the often desperate plight of Americans working at minimum wage.

This event is free and open to the public.

By Jill Garner

Kate Campbell will be performing at The Blue Door September 11th. I’ve written about her before and I’m going to do it again since I think she’s so amazing. Every time I get to see her, I think she’s even better than before, and that’s why I want to encourage everyone once again to not miss her this time.

Campbell has nine CDs to her name now. She has an absolutely gorgeous voice, and her thought-provoking lyrics leave me speechless whenever I get to hear her live.

Campbell’s experiences, combined with her talent, are what make her music so compelling. Her father was a prominent Baptist preacher in the south who was one of the first brave ones to push for integration. Growing up in a time of much social unrest, and her master’s degree in southern history, color many of her songs with a rich tapestry of history and human emotion. She has such a wonderful way with words and celebrates the beauty of the south without forgetting its social troubles and history.

Another thing that makes Campbell’s live shows stand out from her CDs is her incredible warmth, and that awesome southern accent. She’s a great storyteller, and clearly loves what she does, and makes everyone in the room feel as if she’s singing to them. She also takes the time to sign CDs and talk to everyone after the show, and I truly think she’s one of the highlights of The Blue Door.

Please don’t let an opportunity to hear Kate Campbell in Oklahoma pass you by yet again. We are so lucky to get to have her here, so if you want a night of music that you won’t soon forget, then head out to The Blue Door on September 11th. I can’t think of a better person to spend that infamous day with, for music that will heal and make your heart soar.

Mark your calendars and come support the AIDS Walk
Sunday September 19th at the Myriad Botanical Gardens
12:00 - Entertainment and registration
2:00 - Opening Ceremonies and Step-Off
3:00 - Closing Celebration

What is the state of HIV in the Oklahoma City area?
The AIDS epidemic is far from being over. Although AIDS death rates have declined due to drug therapy, new infection rates have not declined; therefore, Oklahoma City area case loads continue to increase. Females and young people are becoming infected at an increasing rate than in the past and communities of color continue to be disproportionately affected.

What have HIV/AIDS service organizations accomplished for persons living with HIV?
These organizations have provided the following vital services:
~ primary health care
~ prescription drug assistance
~ case management
~ nutritional services
~ employment services
~ housing
~ care teams and buddies
~ food assistance
~ rental and utility assistance
~ mental health services
~ medical transportation
~ HIV antibody counseling and testing
~ HIV/AIDS education and prevention.

How can you help support AIDS Walk Oklahoma City?
~ Make a financial contribution
~ Organize a walk team and collect donations
~ volunteer
~ become a sponsor.
Find out more by visiting our website at www.aidswalkokc.org

Fundraisers to benefit the AIDS walk
* Thursday, September 16 - 5-9 p.m. - House Gallery & YourArtDealer.com are hosting a reception “From All Walks” at House Gallery, 4300 North Sewell, Suite 201, Oklahoma City, OK (528-4875). Local artists will be featured and 10 percent of their sales will benefit the AIDS Walk.

* Friday, October 8th - 7 p.m. - Country Music Singers Association concert. ALL proceeds will benefit the AIDS Walk.

Herland is seeking poetry, cartoons, and short essays/stories for a special issue of the Voice in late Fall 2004. Submissions may be sent via snail mail or electronic mail (preferred but not required). Acceptable electronic formats include, email plain text, MS WORD, and MS Publisher. If you want a byline published with your entry, specify this with your submission and indicate how you want your name printed. We will not assume you want your name printed and will not do it without your written permission.