 Dear PFLAG Family and Friends,
Two weekends ago, more than 5 million people tuned into Lifetime Television for the premiere of Prayers for Bobby, a powerful new film starring Sigourney Weaver as PFLAG mom Mary Griffith. The true story of Mary, who rejected Bobby after learning he was gay and later became a powerful ally for the LGBT community, has inspired and empowered a new generation of parents and friends to step up and get involved with PFLAG's work to move equality forward for our loved ones. Following the film's premiere, we received hundreds of emails from people across the country who wanted to know how they could become involved with PFLAG, and how they could work to ensure there are no more 'Bobby's' to make films about.
All of us at PFLAG were proud to be an integral part of Prayers. In addition to being part of filming (our Detriot chapter can be seen in the film's pride parade scene), we also worked with Lifetime and executive producer Dan Sladek to make sure that Prayers was more than just a movie. On premiere weekend, cast members from the film joined PFLAG supporters to celebrate the movie and educate the masses about why Mary's story is so important, and why PFLAG's work is so powerful.
In Dayton, Ohio, more than 100 people turned out to meet Ryan Kelly, who plays Bobby in the film, as our local PFLAG chapter hosted a screening of the movie and a discussion about the story. Kelly traveled from Los Angeles to Ohio - in the heart of swing-state America - to emphasize the importance of our work to change hearts in the heartland. Dozens of new allies, who had never been to a PFLAG event before, showed up to meet Ryan and ask about PFLAG's work in their local community.
In Washington, D.C., actor Scott Bailey, who portrays David, Bobby's first boyfriend, joined PFLAG National and local supporters at the Georgetown home of C. Dixon Osburn and Jeremy Hodder for a premiere night reception. Nearly 200 people packed two receptions to hear Scott's moving remarks about the connection between ballot box battles, Mary's story and PFLAG's work. And many of those who attended signed up to join PFLAG's Guardian Program - our monthly giving plan - and make a generous, ongoing gift to support our work.
We couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity Prayers has presented us: This moving film, based on a true story, will remain an invaluable tool in educating our neighbors and friends about why we do what we do.
And in the coming days, PFLAG will continue to be joined by actors, advocates and allies who are working tirelessly, every day, to make a difference.
On Thursday evening, we will gather in New York City for the first-ever Straight for Equality Gala, honoring amazing allies in our work to create a welcoming world for our LGBT loved ones. We will be honoring Dr. Maya Angelou, Dr. Johnetta Cole, IBM and the star of Prayers, Sigourney Weaver, for their work and commitment to civil liberties for all. This amazing evening, which will be hosted by CNN's Soledad O'Brien and also feature actress Judy Reyes of Scrubs, will be a celebration of the remarkable first year of Straight for Equality . . . and a rallying call to continue building this important coalition of allies. Because, as Scott Bailey reminded us in Washington, there is a lesson to learn about the effectiveness of reaching out when we look at examples like Election Day 2008.
Even as we gather in New York to honor high-profile advocates like Sigourney and Dr. Angelou, however, we will also be mindful that the change we are working for is taking place, and gaining hold, because of the tremendous work of those who may not be in the spotlight every day. In small towns and communities across the country, PFLAG supporters like you are the real agents of change, and your amazing efforts are paying off every day. Your hard work, dedication and energy, as we heard during our premiere events for the film, are what inspire those like Sigourney Weaver, Scott Bailey, Ryan Kelly . . . and me. And your stories, like Mary's, are what truly bring the change we need.
I hope you will consider joining us in New York as we toast the progress we've made together. And, in the meantime, here are some other stories PFLAG has been involved with during the past weeks:
 Actress and PFLAG supporter Sharon Gless (Queer as Folk, Cagney and Lacey) spoke to Ambiente Magazine about her work with PFLAG and her recent decision to sign the Straight for Equality pledge. You can read the full interview with Gless on the Ambiente website, here.
 PFLAG broke the story about Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal's alarming appointments to a state commission on marriage and the family. After PFLAG exposed the far-right connections of many people on the commission, the story was picked up by HuffingtonPost, Jezebel, state news sites and even Comedy Central. . . and Jindal was called out about his appointments. You can read our original report here, and stay up-to-date on the story at the PFLAG blog.
 We announced our 2009 scholarship program, to recognize the hard work of LGBT and ally students. We have already awarded more than $150,000 in educational aid to 115 students, and will be announcing a new round of scholarships soon. For more information, or to apply, click here.
 We called on the South Carolina parole board to deny leniency to the killer of Sean Kennedy, a young gay man who was brutally attacked and beaten outside of a gay bar. The parole board is currently considering granting a request by the attacker which would set him free by September 2009. To learn more, and find out how you can be part of PFLAG's response, click here.
 We weighed in a new "provider conscience rule" which would dramatically change federal law and enable individuals and institutions that receive federal funding to refuse to provide healthcare services on the basis of a moral or religious objection. The new rule, which could directly impact LGBT people, would impact both emergency care and preventative treatment. PFLAG joined other groups to work with Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Daschle in overturning the Bush administration guideline. For more infomration, click here.
 PFLAG joined Dr. Caitlin Ryan in publicizing her groundbreaking new research highlighting a link between family acceptance - or rejection - and the longterm health and well-being of LGBT young people. Dr. Ryan's research, which was also recently featured on National Public Radio, is undeniable proof that families make a lasting impact on young people depending on their response to a loved one's coming out. To read PFLAG's HuffingtonPost column about Dr. Ryan's findings, visit the site online.
On behalf of all of us at PFLAG, thank you - whether you are an actor, advocate or ally - for being part of our work to move equality forward. With your help, we are making a difference every day, and will continue to be there for families who turn to us in times of crisis, confusion or celebration.
Sincerely,
Jody M. Huckaby
Executive Director
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