Chapter President’s Letter for 2021-2022
Friends and Family of PFLAG Norman,
Thank you for your support in the 2020-21 fiscal year. We would not be able to continue our mission of advocacy, education, and support without your generous donations, volunteering, and membership. The last two years have probably been the most challenging for many of us. Between the violence we have witnessed in the media to the isolation of COVID safety restrictions, it has undoubtedly been a high-stress time in our lives. Fortunately, we have been able to safely meet in person again to provide LGBTQ+ support. As a matter of fact, we had to upsize our meeting room to accommodate the growing number of our members. Thus, the need for this support has become apparent and we still need you. If you have not already, we ask that you join or renew your membership. Together, we will continue to carry on the mission of LGBTQ+ advocacy, education, and support for the Norman community and equality for all.
Here are a few of our accomplishments this year:
Advocacy – Conversion “Therapy” has been banned in Norman! Thanks to the efforts of the Human Rights Commission, the Norman PRIDE board, and our partnership, we worked together to ban this unethical practice. We will continue to attend city council meetings and advocate for our community. Additionally, we will meet with Norman Public Schools administrators, as well as the Norman Police Department, to discuss any problems and provide training.
Education – Our first ever virtual educational panel, “Toppling Barriers of Inequality,” provided attendees with an in-depth discussion on the ethical issues that unfolded over the past year and what lessons had been learned. Our panel included special guests, including the mayor, the deputy chief of the police department, and a local pastor. We look forward to hosting our next panel in November, which will be available virtually and in person.
Support – Despite the restrictions of the pandemic, we were able to continue our monthly support meetings via ZOOM. Although we’re offering in-person meetings currently, ZOOM is still an excellent option that we will continue to use for those that prefer it.
New Location – As a board, we agreed to move our social and support meetings to the new Norman Central Library. So far, the move to this central location has brought back many of our members for that much-needed in-person socialization and support.
Annual PFLAG Picnic – After missing a year, we were able to provide food for a safe picnic. It may not have been the picnic we were used to, but it was good to see friends in person and we still had tie-dye!
Other Community Events – The events may have been sparse, but we were thrilled to participate in Norman’s first Juneteenth festival. We were also happy to return to Norman’s Artwalk. As for the coming year, we are certainly looking forward to appearing at more events as long as it is safe to do so.
Scholarship – Lastly, thanks to your contributions we were able to offer a $3,000 scholarship to Liam Fithian. Liam has proven her dedication and advocacy for equality in the community and plans to pursue an education in international studies or political science.
Please help us continue to make a difference for the rest of 2021 and 2022. Check out our website at PFLAGNorman.org and click on MEMBERSHIP DRIVE to join, renew, and donate. We are grateful for your generosity and commitment to our mission of advocacy, education and support.
Michael Robertson, Chapter President
