"Someone just came out to me ... Now what?!"

Contact: Angela Rester

Registration for this event is now closed.

Jul

2021

Amigos de Milwaukee

Jul 13, 2021 6:00 PM – 7:15 PM

WI
United States of America

"Someone just came out to me ... Now what?!" A conversation with parents and children who are coming out as LGBTQ

As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status, culture, sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity. As Rotarians, the Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do is our moral code for personal and business relationships.

Did you know...

· “Nearly nine-in-ten U.S. adults (87%) say they know someone who is gay or lesbian.” (2016 Survey by the Pew Research Center)

· “[Y]ounger generations are far more likely to consider themselves to be something other than heterosexual. This includes about one in six adult members of Generation Z (those aged 18 to 23 in 2020).” (2021 Gallup Annual Update)

· “About three in 10 Americans (31%) report having a friend, relative or colleague who is transgender. Fully half of adults younger than 30 have a transgender person in their lives.” (2021 Gallup Survey)

“Coming out” is when an LGBTQ person decides to reveal an important part, if not the most important part, of who they are with someone in their life—and that could be with you.

And now someone you know, work with, and/or love, has felt close enough to you to take the risk to come out to you, you may be unsure as to what to say and what to do in response, especially if you are a parent or grandparent.

“How can I start and continue this important conversation to better know and understand the LGBTQ person in my life?” “Can I really understand if it goes against my beliefs and values?”

This is your opportunity to hear first-hand from parents of LGBTQ children who have been in that very position, that seemingly complicated place, and who have asked those questions and many more in their journey of understanding. Join us for this candid conversation and to hear from parents on what they felt they did right, and where they wished they had a “do-over.” We will also hear from the child perspective on coming out to friends and family.

Panelists include Parents and Adult Children:

Brenda Peterson

Brian Monroe

Heath Johnson

Rev. Tony Larsen

Barb Farrar - Executive Director of LGBT Center of SE Wisconsin

Register in advance for this meeting by clicking on the link below:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsdumtqTIuGNy0Vf34OjFKdzkARxVcktK7

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

You likely know someone who identifies as gay, lesbian, bi-, transgender, or queer....though you may not know. In May 7-10, 2009, USA Today/Gallup poll, Americans were asked their views on a number of issues relating to gays and lesbians. Overall, a majority of Americans (58%) say they have a friend, relative, or coworker who is gay or lesbian -- basically unchanged since Gallup first asked this question in 2003. Especially as a parent or a grandparent, you may not know how to start an open communication to know and understand. You may be unsure how to understand if it currently goes against your present beliefs and/or values. Hear from some parents who have been in that place...that space. Bring your questions for an interactive session!