Quarterly Reconciling Luncheon Series

March 21, 2010: Youth Matters - Caring for Sexual Minority Youth in Our Community

Adolescence can be tough enough, but what does it mean to be a "sexual minority" young person? Far too often when a youth's sexual orientation does not mirror the mainstream, adolescence can turn from difficult to dangerous. Despite significant progress in recent decades, the statistics surrounding sexual minority youth are alarming. Over 30% of all reported teen suicides each year are committed by gay and lesbian youth. Approximately 40% of homeless youth are identified as gay, lesbian or bisexual. And finally, approximately 28% of gay and lesbian youth drop out of high school because of discomfort (due to verbal and physical abuse) in the school environment.

This interactive panel discussion filmed March 21, 2010 explores these issues and more. Panelists represent a wide range of LGBT youth service organizations, including:

Dawn Holt and Shaun Simpkins
PFLAG Portland
Jessica Lee
Basic Rights Oregon
Kevin Donegan
Janus Youth Services
Joyce Liljeholm
Oregon Safe Schools and Communities Coalition

December 6, 2009: World AIDS Day

On December 6, 2009, First United Methodist Church, Portland, Oregon, commemorated World AIDS Day 2009 with a special worship service and speaker program. BJ Cavnor, Public Policy Coordinator for the Cascade AIDS Project details the history of AIDS activism in the United States and discusses present and future considerations in the war against HIV/AIDS.

Part 1 of 3

Part 2 of 3

Part 3 of 3

May 31, 2009: All Means All - The Welcoming Church Movement in Our Community

What does the welcoming, reconciling or affirming movement look like in our larger community? How are the faithful from across different religious traditions working towards the full inclusion and equality of LGBT persons in their communities? Join us for an important panel discussion with leaders from Portland's welcoming congregation movement.

Guest Speakers:

Rev. Tara Wilkins, Community of Welcoming Congregations (Moderator)
Buckley Jeppson, Portland Chapter of Affirmation (Mormon)
Rabbi David Kominsky (Jewish)
Genko Rainwater, Dharma Rain Zen Center (Buddhist)
Joy Wallace, Portland Coalition of Welcoming Parishes (Catholic)