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Embracing both sexuality and spirituality is a pressing concern for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people who experience conflicting messages from the faith communities where they are, have been, or would like to be a participating member. It's also a concern for straight people who struggle in faith to take a sincere and caring approach to affirming and including all people.
This conference provided an opportunity to learn, to question, to celebrate, to liberate, to integrate and to affirm. Now, this screen serves as a resource for information on these topics.
PRESENTATIONS
"It's Elementary": Classroom Education For Kids Regarding Sexual Orientation and Sexual Discrimination
A moving look into how teachers and school administrators, using age-appropriate means, can teach children respect for all, including gays and lesbians.
Dr. Irving Hastings, former Director of Early Childhood Education, Alberta Education
Adolescent Development Issues & Sexual Minority Youth
First Nations' Spirituality and Two-Spirited People
Is two-spiritedness the same as homosexuality? How has two-spiritedness been received historically in First Nations cultures? How is it received today? Panel & discussion.
Moderator: Loro Carmen, community development activist
About That Sexual Orientation of Yours - Did You Choose That?
What role do genetic and hormonal factors play in the determination of sexual orientation? What influence do culture and education have on sexual orientation and sexual behavior? Advantages of Homosexuality addresses species/societal advantages and advantages to the person with that orientation.
Dr. Lorne Warneke, Clinical Chief of Psychiatry, Caritas Health Group and Professor of Psychiatry, UofA
Coming Out: Why and How?
Coming out experiences and their personal, social and political importance. When, why and how to do it. Panel & discussion.
The Rev. Sally Boyle, United Church minister and chaplain in training at UofA Hospitals
Transformations: Adults in Straight Relationships Discovering Their Homosexuality
How does one find wholeness and integrity? How do both partners come to terms with their sexuality in the relationship? What about the other spouse, the children, the faith community?
Tamie Perryment & Larry Derkach, a couple who has been there
Mixed Orientation Marriages Site
Transgendered Nation
A dialogue between two out and proud transgenderists which attempts to define the last "gender outlaws". Gender vs. sexual identity; culture & gender empowerment; queens; dressing; passing; spiritual transformation.
Roxanne Hurd-Pride & Donna Lynn
International Foundation for Gender Education
T-Star a Canadian site
Transgendered Network International
Trangender Support Site
Undoing the Harm in Our High Schools: Strategies For Creating Support For Lesbian, Gay, Transgended and Bisexual Students
Dramatization: Kaleb, a gay youth, attempts to pry open the door of his "closet".
Panel: high school students, counsellors and teachers actively confronting homophobia.
Edward Sandberg, MSW, RSW, counsellor and therapist in private practice working extensively with members of the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities.
Where's The Sin?
The possibility or impossibility of reconciling scripture with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender lifestyles & norms - is this necessary? What about the sins of homophobia and heterosexism? What is sinful or not in any intimate relationship?
Prof. Sterling Bjorndahl, biblical scholar, Augustana University College, Camrose AB
The Lifestyles Roundtable
What diverse sexual lifestyles are Christians being asked to accept? What values are involved? To what point would Christians of all orientations be willing to stretch, or be asked to stretch, to include each other? Panel & discussion.
Moderator: Heather Marshall, writer & editor
Bisexuality: Negotiating Duality
The constructs and politics of bisexuality. Video by Juliana Barabas featuring Canadian writers, activists & others. A look at the relationship of bisexuals to the heterosexual and homosexual communities.
Todd Janes, Executive Director of Latitude 53 Gallery, and was the host of Shaw Cable's "Program Pride" until its cancellation in 1997.
We're "Transpirant"
Four life stories explore the spiritual dimensions of life as a twin-spirited person. How do two spirits live as one? Guests include trans-gendered & transsexual persons & a Native American berdache.
Hosts: Donna Lynn & Roxanne Hurd-Pride
Internalized Homophobia
Homophobia is something we don't just "do" to one another, but internalize with other ideas about right & wrong. It is bound together and reinforced in much of what we do and say.
Garrett Epp, professor of English Literature and Sexuality/Gender Studies, UofA
Sexual Orientation - The Law & Politics
Law: our rights as parents; couple relationships; situations of incapacity & death. How do we protect ourselves when the law does not?
Politics: personal experiences in political advocacy. Directions for future activism.
Julie Lloyd & Sheila Mann, lawyers; Ms. T, foster parent
Free To Be: Welcoming Youth In Our Churches
Imagine ways our churches can welcome gay, lesbian, transgendered youth. Through art, movement, discussion, stories will be shared and commitments to inclusive community reviewed.
Ray McGinnis, Naramata Centre For Continuing Education, Naramata, B.C.
A Workshop For The Unconvinced
Are you a Christian saddened by the rejection of gays, lesbians and the transgendered in our churches? Do you hope for better but remain doubtful that non-hetero lifestyles are okay in God's eyes? Come discuss doubts & hopes in a loving atmosphere.
Donald Gray, Anglican priest & teaching chaplain, UofA Hospital;
Lorraine Nicely, Pastoral Counselling Group
Former "Ex-Gays" - Make Up Your Mind Already
Documentary video & discussion: two gay men become ex-gays under the influence of Christian fundamentalism, but have to confront their reality when they fall in love, and later form EXODUS International for "ex-gays".
Warren Mack, a professional church musician who has ridden that dangerous roller coaster
Is it possible to change from gay to straight? - a page of annotated links by Dr. Niclas Berggren of Sweden.
The Ex-Ex-Gay site has lots of information.
Standing In The Gap: HIV/AIDS And Your Church
HIV has an impact on more than those infected. There are practical ways congregations can "stand in the gap" by extending loving welcome and compassionate care to all affected
Rev. Mickey Wilson & Barry Woodruff, Interfaith AIDS Assoc.
Homophobia & The Workplace
Unionized vs. non-unionized settings; gay- and lesbian-friendly employers; coming out in the workplace; difficult employers; difficult employees. Participants encouraged to share stories.
Murray Billett, Labour Relations Officer, United Nurses of Alberta Assoc. & Director, Gay & Lesbian Awareness (GALA)
Parents Out First
A positive coming out experience is a two-step process: first, the parents offer openness, honesty, willingness to accept "the abnormal"; second, the child learns to embrace his/her sexuality.
Blanche & Lawrence McKnight, with their gay son & three supportive daughters;
Lynne MacDonald & lesbian daughter
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