Response from PFLAG New Orleans

——- Original Message ——-

From: PFLAG New Orleans

To: Frank Aqueno

Sent: Monday, January 10, 2000 4:33 AM

Subject: PFLAG New Orleans

Dear Mr. Aqueno:

    The Board of Directors of the New Orleans Area Chapter of
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays takes this opportunity to
respond to correspondence you recently attempted to send us.

    It is our understanding that you believe we have an obligation and a duty
to present positions other than the position that there is a biological basis
for sexual orientation.  It is also our understanding that you believe our
chapter is not fulfilling PFLAG’s Mission Statement unless other views are presented.

    We believe our chapter fulfills the PFLAG Mission Statement and promotes
the health and well-being of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgendered
persons, and their families and friends through support, education and
advocacy.  While we acknowledge that some individuals and groups may have
beliefs different from those we espouse, we believe that an individual's
sexual orientation is a product of biology.  We recognize that people can
choose to engage in sexual acts that are contrary to their sexual
orientation. Gay people can choose to have heterosexual sex and heterosexual
people can choose to have homosexual sex.  While choices related to behaviors
may be influenced by sexual orientation, these choices are not dictated by
it. While behaviors may be subject to choice, we do not believe that one's
sexual orientation is matter of choice.

    While we disagree with your belief that sexual orientation is a matter of
choice, we readily provide support for GLBT people regardless of their
personal beliefs regarding the causes of their sexual orientation.  We also
acknowledge that some individuals may not wish to associate with groups who
hold beliefs which are contrary to their own.  We honor their right to
associate with and organize groups which espouse different beliefs. We also
honor their right to present their views via more public forums;  however, we
do not think we have an obligation to provide a forum for any individual or
group to espouse their contrary beliefs at PFLAG sponsored functions.

    If you believe that we have misunderstood your position and
believe that additional communications are needed, it would be helpful if you
would  more specifically outline your concerns, provide your suggestions for
ameliorating your concerns, and explain how your suggestion favorably impacts
our ability to fulfill our mission.

    Please note that the e-mail address listed in your original communication
as the address for the local chapter was erroneous. We received a copy via our
national office rather than through our chapter's e-mail address.  Responses
to this letter may be sent to the mailing address captioned on our letterhead
or to our correct e-mail address.

   A copy of this letter is being sent by mail as a courtesy to ensure that
you have a copy available for your personal files.

                    Sincerely,
                    The Board of Directors of the New Orleans Area Chapter of PFLAG

    PS Please note the address below for both the mail and electronic
communication with the chapter.

        New Orleans Area Chapter of
        Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
        P O Box 15515
        New Orleans, LA  70175

        Website: http://pflagnola.homepage.com
        E-mail:    pflagno@aol.com