Friday evening, March 3rd was a truly memorable evening as my wife Mari, son Andrew and I celebrated the 50th Anniversary of PFLAG National/Straight for Equality at the New York Marriott Marquis in New York City! An amazing organization that I have proudly served as a Board member of for the last seven years.
A big shout out to Farah Bala, PCC of THE FARSIGHT AGENCY for kindly being a gala sponsor and joining us at our table, along with the amazing Chris Mosier (he/him) of #Transathlete.com, which is a comprehensive resource for students, athletes, coaches, and administrators to find information about trans inclusion in athletics-at all levels! Thank You for what you do and so wonderful to meet you, my brother!
Courtesy of my wonderfully amazing colleagues at PFLAG, a few timely suggestions for staying connected – at a time when we most need it.
I had the honor, this past September, to be invited by The White House to attend the official Welcome Ceremony for Pope Francis’ first – ever visit to the United States. The invitation, which came via my association with PFLAG National, was quite an honor indeed and a personal highlight for me. It was made even more special because I was able to share the moment with my spiritual director, Sister Monica. Sister is a trailblazer in her own right, as she has – for a number of years now – ministered to the transgender community, albeit under the Vatican’s radar, but interestingly enough, with the full support of her order.
Representing PFLAG was our Deputy Executive Director, Beth Kohm, our Operations Manager, Paul Rocco and our Manager, Field & Policy, West Region, Cesar Hernandez. Being able to share this moment with members of my PFLAG family as well as with Sister Monica made for a day that I will never forget.
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- Sharing a very special moment on the South Lawn with my spiritual director and advocate for the transgender community, Sister Monica
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- On the White House South Lawn waiting for the Pope’s arrival with members of my PFLAG family. From l. to r. – Our West Region Policy & Field Manager, Cesar Hernandez, Deputy Executive Director Beth Kohm, Operations Manager, Paul Rocco and me.
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- A view of the South Lawn from my vantage point.
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- Pope Francis addresses the crowd in English
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- Souvenirs from a most memorable day.
Over the course of a mere two weeks, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to add my voice on the Huffington Post website: as a new blogger in their “Gay Voices” section, and as a guest panelist on “Huff Post Live.”
For the former, I was asked by my colleagues at PFLAG to write a piece about what the importance of trans allies means to me, especially as it pertained to my decision to come out at work a few years ago. Today, as it was then for me, the importance of allies – those individuals that advocate for and support members of a community other than their own – cannot be overstated. You can read the entire blog by clicking here.
The producers of Huff Post Live asked me to share, once again, my experiences raising my son in a segment about being a parent who also happens to be trans. The episode, which included other trans parents, provided a rich array of experiences that I hope you find engaging and informative.
Earlier this month, I was voted on to the PFLAG National Board of Directors at the Board’s most recent meeting in Washington, D.C.
PFLAG National is the nation’s largest organization uniting families, allies, and people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ). PFLAG is doing wonderful work, a good portion of which has to do with educating the community about, and providing support to, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals through its network of over 350 chapters across the United States.
As the only transgender identified member of the the National Board, I am truly honored to be a part of a collective of passionate and committed individuals, and am looking forward to adding my voice to the initiatives PFLAG has underway with regard to the development of allies for the transgender community, and bringing a greater level of understanding to the issues facing transgender and gender non-conforming individuals.
Click Here, to read the full press release.