September 25, 2002
FAMILY
GROUP UNVEILS GAY VISIBILITY BILLBOARD
Advocates Say Invisibility of Gay Family Members Leads to Serious Problems
(Detroit, MI) –A strong message of love and
acceptance will soon tower overhead in Detroit’s New Center area. A group that
advocates for strong families is sending its message via a billboard this
weekend in Detroit. It aims to increase awareness of gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgender (GLBT) family members and hopes to eradicate intolerance.
“Someone You Know and Love is Gay” is the theme Parents Family and Friends of
Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) of Detroit will unveil on the billboard this weekend.
They hope it will raise awareness and visibility of GLBT people. PFLAG is an
international organization that is dedicated to education, support and advocacy
for GLBT people. PFLAG is also considered to be the world’s largest heterosexual
organization for gay rights.
The new billboard will appear on the eastside of southbound Interstate 75 near the New Center area of Detroit, Michigan. It will also include the group’s website and support helpline.
(I-75 Southbound & I-94 on the Left-East side. Grand Blvd exit)
“Discrimination is wrong, and too many families are torn apart by intolerance and prejudice,” said Linda Clark, long-time member of PFLAG Detroit. “Everyone knows someone who is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, whether they realize it or not. So many people are suffering in silence, afraid of being honest about themselves. They are terrified of discrimination and rejection by loved ones because of whom they love and how they love. Real family values include unconditional love and acceptance of our children.”
“This billboard could save lives,” said Jerry Langdon, PFLAG Detroit Co-President. “One third of all teen suicides are young people struggling with their sexuality. Gay youth are at a higher risk of substance abuse, hate violence, HIV infections and dropping out of school. We want families everywhere to know that they are not alone. Every family has gays and lesbians and we want them to know there is support and resources for them.”
PFLAG has hundreds of chapters around the country
including over a dozen in Michigan.
“The wonderful thing about this message is that it is pure truth,”
said Sean Kosofsky, Director of Policy for Triangle Foundation, Michigan’s
largest GLBT civil rights organization. “There is nothing controversial about
declaring that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender folks are people of value.
We are your neighbors, your teachers, police officers, and factory workers. And
we are your sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, your parents and friends”
The billboard is expected to be unveiled between Saturday and Monday. To view the billboard image in advance, visit www.pflagdetroit.org