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Gay Peoples Chronicle

Cleveland P-FLAG Forms

Jes Sellers and Jane Daroff discuss Parents-FLAG

BY DORA FORBES

A glance at the Chronicle's Resource Directory leaves no doubt that there is something for just about every gay and lesbian person in the city. But until recently, there has been next to nothing for a group of people who go through the same kinds of confusion and anxiety that we go through: our parents. Thanks to local social worker Jane Daroff, her gay son Rob, and concerned 11censed psychologist Jess Sellers, support for Cleveland area parents is on its way. With the help of friends, the trio has formed a Cleveland chapter of the national organization, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG).

The idea for the group sprang out of a Lesbian/Gay Student Union meeting at Case last fall. According to Mrs. Daroff, students expressed the need for a parents group, but none existed close by Daroff said, "We know through our experience with P-FLAG down in Akron that the group can work wonders."

The first two meetings will be Tuesday July 9th and Tuesday August 13th at Trinity Cathedral's Brotherhood Room at E. 22 and Euclid from 8 to 9:30 pm. Thereafter, meetings will be the second Tuesday of every month. The meetings are free of charge and strictly confidential.

Dr. Sellers noted, "The group plans to present speak-

July 1985

ers and a forum for discussion so that we can all learn. from each other and from experience. We'd like to assist parents, families, and friends of lesbians and gays to understand, accept, and support their children with love and pride."

Although every family is different, finding out that one's child is gay usually comes as quite a shock.

Mrs. Daroff recalled, "When I first learned about my son I had a thousand and one worries and questions, like Why did he have to tell us?, What did we do wrong?, Will my child be ostracized or attacked, or will he be lonely in old age?, Should we tell the family?, Is there a 'cure'?"

Mrs. Daroff's son Rob stressed that it is not just the parents who have all the questions. He said, "Gay and lesbian children usually spend a lot of time wondering if they should tell their parents, how they should do it, when they should do it, and the list goes on and on. We are often plagued by all the unanswered questions."

The group's founders hope that Cleveland P-FLAG will be able to calm the fears and answer the questions. No one, not parents, family, friends, or gays and lesbians themselves need face the issues alone. Cleveland P-FLAG is here.

One of the founders summed up, "That's where P-FLAG is so helpful. Support groups work--they do what the individual can't.

N

Chinese Astrology

Year of the I Chou Ox 4684

It's time to get away. It's time to stop trying to move things obstinately in a direction they were not intended to go. For now, it may appear that others have the last say in what happens; this will not last for long. It is merely the time for you to regroup and revitalize your life. Take the time to do it and you will meet with success.

[To determine your sign, check for your year of birth at each sign entry.)

RAT

1900 -12 -24 -36 -48 -60 -72 -84

You need to pay attention to the small things that are going on around you. If you find yourself at odds with the world, it could be that you need to be more flexible. Don't allow a flood of emotion put out your fire and drive.

OX

1901 -13 -25 -37 -49 -61 -73 -85

Learn to focus your energy and establish your authority. This is not the time to hold back. Be genuine with yourself and others, and you will achieve unprecedented accomplishments. Your influence can and must be felt.

By Jym Roe

The Sixth Moon--The Moon of Refuge--17 July to 15 August 1985

TIGER

1902 -14 -26 -38 -50 -62 -74

During this Moon, you will have to restrain yourself. There are so many things you want to have, but you always stop and try to hold on to what you've got. Consider: is it worth all this effort? Maybe, maybe not. Decide!

CAT

1903 -15 -27 -39 -51-63 -75

It might be a good idea to be a "tich" more amiable. You need to be more generous with your time and separate from those things that keep you from your potential. Turn your mind outward and discover a new plan of action.

DRAGON

1904 -16 -28 -40 -52 -64 -76

Let go of grudges; they're dead weight. Hostilities need to be neutralized: what are you doing to resolve the issues? Don't be stubborn; you'll dig yourself in and won't be able to get out for some time to come.

SNAKE

1905 -17 -29 -41 -53 -65 -77

Your energies may be divided

this month. You will have

to complete each action initiated and be very alert to the changes coming down in your life. Learn to be stable in the midst of your personal transformation.

HORSE

1906 -18 -30 -42 -54 -66 -78

Pay particular attention to your vocation: not what you are doing to make money but what gives your life meaning. This is the time to learn from the difficulty of your circumstances and grow. Seriously look at your goals.

RAM

1907 -19 -31 -43 -55 -67 -79

This can be a good time for you. You can identify well with it. Once you have motivated yourself you could find a new sense of adventure in life. You shouldn't always worry about the risks. Let some of your creativity come out.

MONKEY

1908 -20 -32 -44 -56 -68 -80

Keep control of your finances. Avoid conflict of any sort this month. It might be better for you just to walk away than to be confronted with hostile forces. Impulsiveness could lead to undesirable circumstances.

COCK

1909 -21 -33 -45 -57 -69 -81

Observe your conditions: you need a new plan of action. Take more time planning and the results will reach further into the future. Know your stance; you will be able to bring the difficulties of the past to an end.

DOG

1910 -22 34-46 -58 -70 -82

You will have to remove the obstacles from your path_in order to move forward. Recognize, some were placed there by you. If you will do this, then you will be able to establish your life according to your desires.

BOAR

1911 -23 -35 -47 -59 -71 -83

As you help others, you will be helped. A straightforward approach will help eliminate much of the impracticality. ..be diplomatic: otherwise you may find yourself in an awkward situa tion. All emotions wi strong.

For further information concerning Chinese Astrology or Western, Tropical or Sidereal charts, as well as Numerology, please feel free to contact Jym at (216)-6318281.