Play explores transgender issues
The East Oregonian
A play by Jeannie LaFrance, which portrays the lives of four transgender people as they explore their relationships to family, gender, Christianity and spirituality, will be staged Saturday at 7:30 p.m., at Pendleton Center for the Arts, 214 N. Main St.
The free performance of “You Have Always Been Welcome Here” is being sponsored by the Pendleton chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.
Rev. Tara Wilkins, executive director of Community of Welcoming Congregations, will facilitate a discussion at the play’s end. The interdenominational organization works to address issues of equality for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
“You Have Always Been Welcome Here” was commissioned by CWC in order to begin a conversation about welcoming gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, inter-sex and questioning people into affirming and supportive communities. The play is performed as readers’ theater – actors do not assume their roles’ genders, but instead simply read their stories.
Actors read the play “You Have Always Been Welcome Here.” A free performance will be presented Saturday at the Pendleton Center for the Arts. Photo contributed by Community of Welcoming Congregations
There will be a lunch and dialog, Creating Inclusive Communities, at 1 p.m. Sunday in the Community Room at Shari’s Restaurant, 319 S.E. Nye Ave., Pendleton.
Representatives from Community of Welcoming Congregations will meet with members of PFLAG and other community members interested in the welcoming church movement and what the community of faith can do for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and queer equality. The interfaith ministry has more than 105 member congregations in Oregon and southwest Washington.
PFLAG is the nation’s foremost family-based organization committed to the civil rights of gays, lesbians, bisexual and transgender persons. Founded in 1973 by mothers and fathers, PFLAG has 200,000 members and supporters in more than 500 chapters throughout the United States.
PFLAG has been in the Pendleton community for more than 15 years. The Pendleton chapter is involved in many community events, including the Blue Mountain Community College Arts and Culture Week and the Celebration of the Family. Chapter meetings are held the first Sunday of every month.
Anyone needing support or seeking information about PFLAG Pendleton can call 541-966-8414.
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