In this issue: April Meeting, Upcoming Events, and In the News | | |
Our April Meeting
Transgender Healthcare: Hearing from Experts
April 22, 2025, 7 PM
Complex decisions are involved in choosing medically necessary, gender-affirming healthcare for transgender individuals. While some trans people pursue a medical and/or surgical transition, others do not.
At our April meeting, we will have a chance to learn from a doctor and a nurse who provide healthcare for transgender individuals about factors affecting these decisions and the impact of this essential care.
Meetings are held from 7-9 PM in the Campbell Room at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Avenue in Berkeley (look for the PFLAG banner). Masks are optional. We ask that you not attend if you are feeling unwell or if you've been in contact with anyone who is unwell. Between meetings, our board is still here to connect with you one-on-one. Email pflagoeb@gmail.com or leave us a voicemail at 510-562-7692 and we will call you back.
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Thursday, April 24, at 12 PM Pacific Time
Join PFLAG San Francisco for an online conversation with Adrian James Hyyrylainen-Trett, Vice President of External Relations for the Federation of Gay Games.
The discussion will explore the challenges, victories, and ongoing debates surrounding trans athletes in sports. With laws and policies shifting across the country, it’s more important than ever to understand what’s at stake.
Adrian brings a global perspective on inclusion in athletics and will share insights on how sports can be a force for equality. This is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and engage in a dialogue about the future of trans participation in sports. Register now!
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Be Kind, Even When It's Tough
Wednesday, April 30, at 5:30 PM Pacific Time
In tough times, having difficult conversations with our friends, family, colleagues, and community is more important than ever. But staying kind in the face of unkind behavior, bad faith arguments, and conflict is extremely difficult (for all of us).
In this virtual session, participants will solidify their skills in managing complex moments of tension while still treating others with kindness. We’ll discuss multiple nuanced real-world scenarios where kindness can be deeply transformative in this highly interactive learning session. Register today!
Check out more webinars available from the PFLAG Academy Online.
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Looking Ahead: Our May Meeting
PFLAG Advocacy: Engaging on the Local, State, and Federal Level
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 7 PM
Many PFLAGers are increasingly motivated to engage with advocacy under the new administration. At our May in-person chapter meeting, Eddy Funkhouser (they/he), PFLAG National's Western Chapter Engagement Coordinator, will speak about how PFLAGers can make an impact at the local, state, and federal level by engaging with lawmakers, attending public meetings, and building legislative relationships.
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Save the Date
Learning With Love: The 2025 PFLAG National Convention!
PFLAGers from across the country will join together in courageous love, creating community together at Learning With Love: The 2025 PFLAG National Convention.
Taking place in Chicago from October 10-12, attendees will connect, learn, and share, coming away equipped with new skills to continue fighting for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.
Details and registration information coming soon!
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In the News: Positive Developments
State Matters
California - State officials say they will not stop enforcing SAFETY Act, despite threats of losing federal funding. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said he would not back down and abandon enforcement of the law, which prevents school districts from adopting forced outing policies. The U.S. Department of Education said it would investigate the state over the SAFETY Act, claiming it violates the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA).
Colorado - State legislature approves bills protecting trans rights. HB 1309 codifies the right to access gender-affirming care in the state code; HB 1312 forbids Colorado courts from removing children from their parents/guardians simply because that parent/guardian allows their child to access gender-affirming care.
Montana - State House rejects bill which would have prosecuted affirming parents. SB 164 would have charged parents, guardians, and others caring for a trans youth under 16 with felony child endangerment if they helped that youth obtain gender-affirming care. The bill passed the Senate 30-20 in February, despite bipartisan opposition. However, the House voted to kill the bill with a broad bipartisan majority of 58-40.
Texas - State House advances HIV testing bill. HB 50, which unanimously advanced out of the House Committee on Public Health on April 7th, would ensure that HIV testing is included as a standard part of STI screenings. The bill was authored by Rep. Venton Jones, who is Texas’ first openly gay, HIV-positive lawmaker.
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Local, Virtual Support Meetings
Ongoing Events
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