At our June meeting we have the pleasure of Robyn and Ann sharing their intriguing story. I asked for bios and this is what they gave me. Which probably reflects the style and content of what they will share.
This is what they wrote:
We were born in Australia and England, raised in conservative evangelical Christian families
We have:
• over 50 years of marriage between us
• 7 children
• over 50 years of Church Ministry/pastoring/leadership
Once thought we were heterosexual but now identify as lesbian and living happily ever after.....with each other!
It's cold outside, so get active, meet some new people and have a great time at the Freedom 2 b[e] Youth WINTER WARMUP on Saturday July 10th!!
Picnic, Games and Sport at the Royal Botanic Gardens.
12pm-3pm:
- Tug O' War Competition
- FREE Snacks
- Prizes for the winning team in soccer & frisbee
Drinks at the Opera Bar
3pm-5pm:
- A great way to unwind on a Saturday afternoon
- Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic drinks available to purchase
- Freedom 2 b[e] encourages the responsible consumption of alcohol
Victorian Aids Council Building - 6 Claremont St, South Yarra
TOPIC: Survival to Success- Are you in survival mode or do you feel you are making progress as an LGBTQ person in the process of reconciling their faith and sexuality???
What has been your experience on your journey so far? What is success to you and how can we feel a sense of success in the reconciliation process??
We have had some changes to Freedom 2 b[e]'s board lately.
Towards the end of last year we were thrilled that Des Penny accepted a position on the board but unfortunately with his move to Sydney and business commitments felt he couldn't continue and resigned the beginning of February. We are very grateful for Des's and his company Proteus for their assistance in making our 4th Anniversary Dinner such a success.
This month we are showing a dvd Documentary called 'Through My Eyes'. This film looks at personal experiences of how young people of same sex orientation feel in relation to being accepted by the church.
WHAT: DVD- "Through My Eyes" (Please see description below- Has Subtitles)
Sydney, Australia - Newtown & Surrounds (Meet at Cinque: The Cafe outside the Dendy Cinemas)
It's been a while since the last Freedom 2 b[e] Youth but do not despair because it's about to kick off again with a bang!! We are meeting at Newtown (exact details TBC) at 2pm on SATURDAY 1ST MAY. Come to one or come to all.
Sydney meeting is always the first Friday of the month. Friday April 2nd is Good Friday.
For those who are in Sydney for the Easter Weekend join the Freedom 2 b[e] gang for a cruise on Sydney Harbour to Manly. Then famous fish and chips on the beach.
Bring:
Frisbee or other things such play things for the beach if you like.
Your Iphone hehe.
Or just chill out.
4:00 pm ferry departs from Circular Quay Wharf for Manly from Wharf 3. 9:00 pm ferry departs from Manly for Circular Quay
Fares are $6.40 single or $3.20 concession each way.
The photo gallery has been filled up with dozens of photos from freedom 2 b[e]'s march in the 2010 Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade. As well as a cameraman filming us for some quality YouTube material, we also had a professional photographer on the night to snap the group in all it's pink and blue glory! The photos can be seen right here.
People who are same-sex-orientated often feel societal and family pressures to reject or deny their true feelings. This pressure to conform and live as heterosexuals is much more intense for those who come from faith backgrounds and Christian churches, as the belief system says that acceptance or rejection of their sexuality has eternal consequences.
Struggling to change can be private and internal, through one on one personal counselling or support groups. Some of us have even gone to the extremes of exorcisms, ‘ex-gay’ programs or marrying, believing this will solve our ‘problem’.
The journey to find resolution and self–acceptance for gay men and lesbians from Christian backgrounds can be difficult and even traumatic. Ex-gay Survivors are people, from religious backgrounds, who once believed their same sex orientation was evil or a dysfunction and attempted becoming heterosexual through re-orientation/conversion therapies. Ex-gay survivors now live as openly proud gay men and lesbians.
This year in Sydney's Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras, Freedom 2 b[e] we celebrated the journey survivors have travelled to rid themselves of damaging and outdated beliefs Beliefs that said homosexuality was a sin, sickness or the result of a dysfunctional family upbringing.
Our message is a positive one; celebrating our resolution and self-acceptance. We are no longer victims of our own or others ignorance. By marching together we also sent a positive message to people in churches who are still locked in a prison of self-hatred.
Accepting our sexuality, coming out in a supportive environment and embracing being gay or lesbian, sets us free. Free to be who we were meant to be.
Victorian Aids Council Building - 6 Claremont St, South Yarra (Melways reference 2L J5)
We are pleased to announce that we have Rowland Croucher for our next Melbourne Freedom 2 b[e] meeting. Rowland has been a Christian for over 60 years with a wealth of scriptural knowledge and ministerial experience. Rowland will be speaking on the topic 'The Scriptures and Homosexuality- it's possible to know the Bible well and yet miss the point!'.
![Donate to freedom 2 b[e]](/themes/sky/images/givenowbutton2.png)
