Sam's Remarks at PFLAG
Warren Jimenez
PFLAG, Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, held their Northwest Regional Conference over the weekend. PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender 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 and to secure equal civil rights. PFLAG also provides opportunity for dialog about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. Mayor Tom Potter welcomed the attendees along with Sam, Commissioner Sten and Multnomah County Commissioner Maria Rojo de Steffey.
Here are Sam's remarks:
First, let me thank Patricia Keeney, President of the PFLAG Oregon State Council and a dear friend of long standing, for inviting me to take part in the PFLAG NW Regional Conference opening session. I know how much behind-the-scenes pulling and hauling is needed to put together a gathering of voluntary local organizations, ...and it is often a solo venture in the wee hours of the morning with little or no recognition. I applaud Patricia for taking it on and bringing us to this day.
Every once in a while I think back on growing up in Lincoln City, and this is one of those times. I was the only gay person I knew when I was in high school and I certainly would have been glad to know that an organization like PFLAG existed, let alone having a chapter in my home town. It could have made all the difference.
Just this past week, the Portland City Council unanimously passed an Equal Benefits Ordinance. This new ordinance requires companies contracting with the city to extend whatever medical and other benefits they provide to their employees – to the domestic partners of those employees. I was proud to have initiated this ordinance and also to have worked with a number of insurance providers to make this type of coverage available to small businesses. This is an example of the type of contribution I hope to make in public service. I want to see myself as a City Commissioner who happens to be gay, rather than “the gay City Commissioner.” In doing so, I think I can more genuinely point the way for LGBTQ youth to engage in the political process, both to further their goals and to level the playing field leading to a more inclusive society.
For so many of us in the LGBTQ community, PFLAG represents a haven of understanding and support that cannot be matched by any other resource, because you are our parents, our friends, our family. Your embrace is warm and welcoming, often unquestioning. Your support is with us in good times and bad. I think it is time that we thank you with a BIG WARM HUG. …THANK YOU!
Posted by Warren Jimenez on April 24, 2006
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