GiveBIG, The Seattle Foundation’s one-day online giving event, begins at midnight tonight! For the first time, PFLAG Seattle will take part in this exciting fundraising opportunity.

Donations given through GiveBIG will not only help the people PFLAG helps, but they also will enable PFLAG to share in GiveBIG’s $800,000 matching pool. Whatever amount you give tomorrow, May 15, PFLAG Seattle will get extra money through GiveBIG.

The process is simple: For 24 hours beginning at midnight tonight, go to the PFLAG Seattle page on GiveBIG website, and submit your donation by clicking on the DONATE NOW button.

Thank you for supporting PFLAG Seattle and the LGBT community we serve!

The struggle for human rights is front and center in Washington state. Referendum 74 will have a profound affect on our families. For the next five months Seattle PFLAG will work tirelessly to ensure our LGBTQ loved ones gain the equal rights and dignity they deserve. WE NEED YOUR HELP. Click the link and become a member. Click the link and donate whatever you can. Seattle PFLAG is on the front lines. Are you with us?

Become a PFLAG Member or Donate

PFLAG Bellevue Chapter is inviting all Equal Marriage allies to gather at Volunteer Park on March 3, 2012:
When: Saturday, March 3 (or if rainy, Saturday, March 10)
Time: 1:30 pm sharp!
Place: Volunteer Park, 1247- 15th Ave East, Seattle ( look for the flag with stars and rainbow stripes)

PFLAG Bellevue Chapter invites you to join us as we film our uplifting video that showcases our steadfast support for the LGBT community. We need a crowd of people standing (or sitting) in solidarity as these words are being said:

“To all the politicians who are running for office in 2012:
We are the parents, families, and friends of the LGBT community and we are listening to what you are saying about those we love. We are your constituents too! We are NOT the “insignificant few.”
We are united.
We are many.
We care.
And we are voting in November.
Please join us as we recognize that this is our year, this is our time, and it is indeed our privilege to claim the American Dream for our loved ones.”

There will be an aerial shot so we need as many of you as possible!
Children, babies, grandmas and grandpas are welcome. Dress is casual (no logos or words) but professional uniforms are a plus! (military, clergy, firefighter, police officer etc.) Please RSVP to nslmbrown@msn.com.

It was announced today that there are enough votes to pass the Marriage Equality legislation in Washington state. Here are a series of news articles marking the historic decision.

Senate has votes needed – Seattle Times
Legislature has enough votes – Seattle PI
Washington has enough votes – KOMO 4 News
Gay marriage supporters have enough votes – King 5 News
Washington has enough votes – KIRO 7 News

Marriage Equality hearings will be held on Monday, January 23, in Olympia. The Senate Committee hearings begin at 10am and the House Committee hearings begin at 1:30pm. Below are links with additional information.

Action Alert: Hearing Guidelines – Equal Rights WA
Packed Hearings on Gay Marriage Bills – Seattle Times
One Vote Away from Marriage Equality – The Stranger

The Seattle Chapter is proposing a few bylaw changes and will present them at the Annual Meeting on Monday, November 7 at 7pm. Current members of the Seattle Chapter will have the opportunity to vote on the bylaw changes in addition to board member positions.

The proposed changes will update the following areas:

• Objectives: gender/sexual orientation identifiers
• Board: Term limits and responsibilities of board members
• Annual Meeting: Notification timeline

Members are encouraged to review the proposed changes to the Seattle PFLAG Bylaws [pdf].

All current members are invited and encouraged to attend the Annual Meeting. Non-members are welcome to attend as well. Please feel free to contact the board with any questions or concerns about the bylaws, board elections, or Annual Meeting.