NEWS: Nov. 8 date for Lift the Ban fundraiser

The U.S. Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is the only law in the U.S. that mandates the firing of gays and lesbians and since 1993, some 12,300 soldiers have been discharged under the law. To combat The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network was set up to provides legal aid to servicemembers suffering from the law, and advocates the lifting of the policy.

To provide support to this support organization, PFLAG Oak Park, along with PFLAG Chicago, the Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues and the American Veterans for Equal Rights are sponsoring a fundraiser that will feature as speakers former Army Sgt. Darren Manzella, a medic and Iraq war veteran, former Army Sgt. Jose Zuniga, former Marine Sgt. Marquell Smith, and other Chicagoans who also lost their military careers under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The talk will be followed by a concert performed by the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble.

The event will be held at Northside College Prep High School, 3rd Floor Atrium, 5501 N. Kedzie (one block south of W. Bryn Mawr Avenue). For more information, check out the event web page or contact PFLAG Oak Park.

NEWS: Panel Discussion on Civil Unions set for Oct. 18

With a bill pending in the Illinois State Assembly and restrictive ballot measures set for November in California, Florida and Arizona, civil unions - and same-sex marriage - are probably the hottest gay rights issue at the moment. To help give some perspective and information on what is at stake and how you can help, PFLAG Oak Park is sponsoring a Civil Unions Panel discussion on Saturday October 18 from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. Panel speakers will include Rick Garcia of Equality Illinois and Marty Scott, Pastor, Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church, as well as other possible panelists to be determined.

The panel will be held at First United Church, at 848 Lake Street in downtown Oak Park. For more information, contact PFLAG Oak Park.