As PFLAG volunteers, we are sometimes asked to support families from cultures which differ greatly from our own.  In Metro Vancouver, Asian cultures are very prevalent, and supporting LGBT members from those communities can present what sometimes seem like monumental challenges.  How does one communicate something as complex as sexuality or gender when even basic communication is already difficult?

We recently asked a board member from Our City of Colours to translate the main story line for us.  Here's a summary of that description:

“The video presents Ah Hin's gay life in a very sympathetic way; it focuses on his relationship, which is presented as sweet and healthy.  The story also highlights his family's reactions.  His mom and sister were not accepting:  Ah Hin talks about his need for support.  The documentary then features a celebrity who is out and proud, and has parents who are very accepting.  Ah Hin's father is very old, and Ah Hin doesn't want to disappoint him.  He considers marrying a gay woman in a ‘pretend marriage’.”

If you are watching this video, please let us know if it's helpful for you, and feel free to share it with others!

Please support this nomination for 3 women who have volunteered 10+ years of their time and effort to helping others understand what unconditional love is all about. Here is the letter I have already shared with the Vancouver Pride Society. If you support this nomination, please sign the petition. Thank you.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN PETITION


Dear VPS,

Although heavily biased, I'd like to nominate three people: The moms from PFLAG Vancouver. Here's why:

Susan Harman has been president of our chapter for the last 9+ years. She has just recently announced that she's stepping down. After retiring several years ago, Susan has been travelling and teaching English abroad. Although PFLAG has been her passion, she wants to spend time on a few other projects as well. Susan has been a strong force in the community, volunteering not only with PFLAG, but also serving on the Pride Advisory Committee through the VSB. She is well known and much appreciated by all in the community.

Karin Lind is also a current board member with PFLAG Vancouver, and has also volunteered for the last 10 years. Karin has volunteered in schools representing PFLAG, and has been a voice of reason and comfort for many over the years. Karin has also run our booth at the festival for many years, and we'd have been lost without her. I certainly feel that she is deserving of community recognition for all that she has brought to PFLAG.

Aideen McKenna is my mom, and at 75 she is still going very strong. My mom has been answering the PFLAG phone for years now, and has become our own resident resource with regard to transgender issues and concerns, (all self-taught). She has volunteered at school events, has marched in almost every parade with me since 2000, and is well known in the LGBT community. She has also been on TV and radio, helping to reach others who can benefit from PFLAG's information and assistance.

As these ladies are all well into retirement now, I truly would love to see them recognized by the greater LGBT community for all the work they've done over the last decade (and longer). As I said, I'm heavily biased, but I'm sure that if you run this past a few others in your organization, they will tell you the same.

Thanks very much for your time.