A Letter From The President

A Biological Explanation for Sexual Orientation

 Bob Dorr, PFLAG Omaha

 Posted on November 24, 2006

Omaha PFLAGers will have an opportunity in December to watch a DVD presentation by Dr. Cynthia Chappell, professor of microbiology and immunology at the University of Texas Health Science Center's School of Public Health. Dr. Chappell is able to translate scientific research and literature for a lay audience. Her interest in the genetics of homosexuality stems from her involvement as a PFLAG parent.

Our Dec. 14 meeting also will include extra time for holiday socializing. Bring two dozen cookies to share at the meeting. We will not have our usual support time. Come at 6:30 p.m. to socialize. The DVD presentation will start about 7:15 p.m. and will be followed by a discussion, with more time for socializing afterwards.

The meeting, as usual, will be in Mead Hall at the west end of First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St. If you haven’t been to a meeting for a while, this might be a good one to attend. If your parents need a better understanding of your homosexuality, invite them to come with you.

METRO COMMUNITY COLLEGE teacher Nancy Conrad recently passed along a copy of a paper written by one of her students after our Safe Schools presenter and panel had visited her class. The student wrote in part:

“Throughout my life, it has been embedded in my mind that this (homosexuality) is wrong and this also goes against my religion. Little did I know I was wrong about most of the things I thought about gays and lesbians. . . I didn’t realize how much they go through mentally and emotionally. . .

“I found it interesting and distressing that the dropout rate of high school kids who are gay/lesbian is 28 percent (compared to 11 percent for high school students generally) . . .

“The panel helped me get a deeper understanding that they are normal people just like everyone else. There is nothing wrong with them as many straight people think there is. They have jobs and dreams and feelings. . .”

Nancy wrote across the top: “Great Paper I wanted to share.”

Amen!

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS of Omaha PFLAG has re-elected these officers for 2006-2007: Bob Dorr, president; Carrie Spencer, vice-president; Tom Johnson, treasurer, and Sharon Landreth, secretary.

As your president, I have never worked with a more committed group of officers, board members and other volunteers than those serving Omaha PFLAG. We share many beliefs. We are passionate about our beliefs. We work hard to achieve goals. And we enjoy a good joke.

Thanks for electing me to a sixth year as your president.

FOLLOWING AN ASSIGNMENT in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Deb Kobler has returned to Omaha. She succeeds Suzy Adams as Omaha PFLAG’s Hospitality Coordinator. If you signed up to provide meeting refreshments, you will get a reminder call from Deb.

Suzy Adams will continue her duties in lining up our Speakers Bureau panels.

Bob Dorr,
Omaha PFLAG president