Local support group to hold first meeting

The Bloomington chapter of Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays is set to open up a new year of meetings 7 p.m. tonight at the Trinity Episcopal Church, 111 S. Grant St.\nPFLAG is a national organization that provides support, education and advocacy toward gay, lesbian and transgender people. The local chapter of the organization is entering its 11th year.\n"These meetings aren't just for parents and friends, but for anyone who supports gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders," said Leslie Skooglund, Bloomington PFLAG director. \nTonight's meeting will feature a panel of educators and experts on multiple topics. The panelists include: Jennifer Bass, head of information services at the Kinsey Institute; Kathryn Brown, health educator and certified sex educator at the IU Health Center; Carol McCord, IU assistant dean for women's affairs; and Frankie Presslaff of Bloomington Hospital's Teen Options.\n"This is a very good, strong organization in the community with a great combination of people," said Doug Bauder, coordinator of IU Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Student Support Services. "It is a good town example of how we are attempting to deal with tough issues."\nThe panel of educators is set to discuss common misconceptions and the expanding knowledge about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender sexuality. Each panelist will introduce his or herself and address several frequently asked questions each receives in his or her field. The panelists will speak on these issues, then open the floor to those in attendance.\n"When we selected the board, we tried to get (people who could answer) a wide range of questions," Skooglund said. "We have people who deal more with transgenders; Kathryn Brown deals more with students; and of course, (we have) a representative from the Kinsey Institute."\nDespite the recent debate about IU business faculty member Eric Rasmusen controversial Web log, Skooglund said it was not on the group's mind when putting the panel together.\nStill, she said it could be brought up by the audience. \n"It wouldn't surprise me if it did come up," Bauder said. "It certainly has been a point of discussion among lots of people these days."\nThe key point stressed by PFLAG directors is that the meetings are open to everyone. While the panel should provide advice and education on topics about gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders, the information will be beneficial for all who attend.\n"Everyone is welcome. It is wonderful for people to come and just listen," said Daniel Soto, PFLAG director. "That is the great thing about PFLAG, you don't have to say anything. You can just come and listen, or participate all that you want."\nThe meeting will be in the second-floor classroom of Trinity Episcopal Church at 111 S. Grant St., and is open to the public.\n-- Contact staff writer Brian Janosch at bjanosch@indiana.edu.