Three $5,000 scholarships, three $2,500 scholarships, and up to ten $1,000 scholarships will be awarded by PFLAG National. To qualify students need to…

Be a graduating high school senior entering higher education for the first time in 2010. (If you graduated in 2009 and took a year off, you are still eligible to apply.)

Self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) or a straight ally.

Demonstrate an interest in service to the GLBT community.

Apply to an accredited higher education institution.

All completed applications must be postmarked by March 12, 2010. During the last two years, three Omaha students have won a PFLAG scholarship.Find more details and to apply online go to: http://www.pflag.org/scholarships

The GLSEN Safe Space Conference on Saturday, January 16 was a success. About 25 educators, administrators, student leaders, students and community leaders attended. The agenda included presentations from GLSEN national representative Leigh Thompson and PFLAG National representative, Brooke Smith. The conference also included three lively panels of educators, students and parents. Thanks to all who participated and organized. We had great discussions and shared ideas on how we all can help cultivate safe school and home environments for our children regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

PFLAG Omaha’s second coffee social was a lot of fun. Last Saturday morning a nice-sized group met in the private meeting room at Panera Bread in Omaha’s Eagle Run shopping center. We caught up, discussed issues and got to know each other a little better. Many have mentioned that there just isn’t enough time before or after our PFLAG meetings to share, ask questions or visit. This informal gathering is meant to fill that need. It would also be the perfect time to bring a guest who might feel more comfortable with a smaller group. Our next social will be in April. Please watch my column and our Website calendar for details.

Just a few days are left to get your tickets to the January 29 Pride Players benefit performance. Proceeds go to support PFLAG Omaha, GLSEN Omaha and the Proud Horizons youth group. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. To purchase tickets and to make a donation online go to www.pflag omaha.org/ prideplayers.html

Come to our February 11 meeting, when our speaker will be Michael Gordon, executive director of Citizens for Equal Protection. Michael will educate us on upcoming issues in the Nebraska legislative session. The meeting will be at our usual location, First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St., in Mead Hall (west end of building). Come at 6:30 p.m. for premeeting refreshments and socializing. Support time will begin at 7 p.m. followed by our program at 8 p.m.

Carrie Spencer,
PFLAG Omaha President