November 24, 2010

NBJC News

November 24, 2010

NBJC E-Digest

Have something to share? Email info@nbjc.org to submit ideas for the NBJC E-Digest.

Highlights of the Week

My Gay Thanksgiving

Should You Come Out On Thanksgiving Day?

Making The Most Of Thanksgiving and Christmas Away From Home

How Gay Teens Can Deal During Holidays

What Can I Do About Homophobic Parents?

Meghan McCain on the politics of Thanksgiving dinner

Resources

Metropolitan Community Churches

The Fellowship

Trevor Project –

Call 866-4-U-TREVOR

Unity Fellowship Church Movement

It Gets Better Project

Follow NBJC

Mission Statement

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. NBJC's mission is to eradicate racism and homophobia

Dear Friend,

As we move into the 2010 holiday season, the NBJC family has many thanks to share. We've had a stellar year. We launched our first OUT on the Hill Black LGBT Leadership Summit and took our message around the country under the banner—NBJC on the Move. We received substantial media coverage for our work to create marriage equality, to repeal DADT and to advocate for safe and inclusive environments at work and in schools for LGBT people in outlets like MSNBC, the Tom Joyner Morning Show, and the Huffington Post. Most importantly, we reconnected with YOU, our constituents and supporters, and forged new relationships in support of equality for all, especially Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

We are thankful for all that we've accomplished with you by our side, and we look forward to growing even stronger together in 2011.

We know that Thanksgiving can be a tough time for so many of our constituents. If you're in a position to do so, please extend your home to LGBT people who may not have nearby family with whom they can celebrate. And if you're feeling isolated, please reach out to your local affirming churches or LGBT organizations to begin building new family and to strengthen your support systems.

We wish you the happiest of Thanksgiving holidays. Safe travels to all.

– NBJC Board and Staff

My Gay Thanksgiving – The Root (2009)

[object Object] Over the past 20 years, my mother has moved from standing over me and shouting, "You are NOT gay because no daughter of mine would ever be a lesbian," to assuming her place at the head of the large and colorful network that we call our family. This Thanksgiving, she will preside over our crowded table like the stately queen of a small country. Our family includes my sister and me; my partner, Jana, and our 10-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter; Lorry, the gay man who fathered the children; and an assortment of friends, exes, aunties and god-children. I am thankful that when my mother bows her head and blesses our family, she means it.

Should You Come Out On Thanksgiving Day? – About.com

[object Object] Thanksgiving may seem like an opportune moment to come out since you will have a captive audience. However, you can also find yourself trapped in the situation despite the outcome. Your coming out scenario can play out in either one of three ways: your parents could freak out, they could love you dearly or be indifferent. We often have in our heads how our parents will react. They may have made homophobic comments in the past, sneered at a gay couple, or made innuendos about their openness to everyone. Even if you think you're sure of how they will respond, you could be quite surprised.

Making The Most Of Thanksgiving and Christmas Away From Home – About.com

Can't handle a home-for-the-holidays reunion? Dried up holiday funds keeping you put? Make the most of the holidays away from home by reaching out to your extended gay family. When we think of family, we picture a mother, father, sisters and brothers. Family can expand beyond the traditional unit. Your close friends, fellow club members, even co-workers can provide a family support system.

How Gay Teens Can Deal During Holidays

One way to feel better is to try to stay in touch with friends and partners, even if you aren't physically with them. Get on the phone, go online, even write an old fashioned letter, if it helps you find some comfort during a tough time. You should also know where you can get outside support if you are feeling bad. For example, the Trevor Project a GLBT teen suicide hotline, is there to help teens 24/7.

What Can I Do About Homophobic Parents?

Unfortunately a lot of teens have homophobic parents. And having a parent who is anti-gay can be really tough. It can also be depressing and isolating. But just because you have parents who discriminate doesn't mean you will feel isolated forever!

Meghan McCain on the politics of Thanksgiving dinner – Christian Science Monitor

When the McCain family sits down for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, one topic for sure won't be on the menu: "don't ask, don't tell." That's the word from Meghan McCain, an outspoken advocate for gay rights and daughter of Sen. John McCain (R) of Arizona, leader of a congressional effort to block repeal of the military's policy that bans open service by homosexuals.

Metropolitan Community Churches

MCC is a global Christian church of loving, affirming and welcoming communities of faith. We are "Tearing Down Walls" of oppression and injustice in your community and around the world. MCC churches are located in over 40 countries on 6 continents and are made up of congregants from many different walks of life. Because of this, MCC has a fellowship of churches that celebrate diversity both within their local congregations and among our global community. Every church is influenced by the congregation members involved.

The Fellowship

Founded in 2000 by Rev. Dr. Yvette Flunder, the overriding purpose of The Fellowship is to support religious teachers and laity in moving towards a theology of radical inclusivity which, by its very nature, requires an equally radical social ministry, reaching to the furthest margins of society to serve all in need without prejudice and discrimination.

Trevor Project Call 866-4-U-TREVOR

The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including our nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone.

Unity Fellowship Church Movement

The Unity Fellowship Church Movement (UFCM) is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization founded for openly gay and lesbian African Americans. Presently, the UFCM network is far reaching with various national departments, urban outreach ministries, the national mass choir, periodicals and constituency-based programs nationwide. There are congregations in Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Buffalo, NY; Charlotte, NC; Detroit, MI; Long Beach, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Riverside, CA; Newark, NJ; New Brunswick, NJ; New York, NY; Rochester, NY; San Diego, CA; and Washington, DC.

It Gets Better Project

The website www.itgetsbetterproject.com is a place where young people who are lesbian, gay, bi, or trans can see how love and happiness can be a reality in their future. It's a place where our straight allies can visit and support their friends and family members. It's a place where people can share their stories, take the It Gets Better Project pledge, watch videos of love and support, and seek help through the Trevor Project and GLSEN.