freedom 2 b[e] logo
Freedom 2 b[e]
Networking LGBT People from Christian Backgrounds,
both in and out of the church
+ our Supporters

Greetings!

Gay Pride?

To celebrate or not to celebrate is the question!

Our first chapter meeting is coming up on Friday 4th February. It would be WONDERFUL to kick 2011 off with a great meeting. Mardi Gras is coming up first week in March (details below). This often raises the question 'What is the value or significance of such events'.

Everyone has an opinion about a Pride March such as the annual Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras; often very strong opinions. Predictably, conservative Christians condemn it. Rev Fred Nile, leader of the Christian Democratic Party regularly condemns it.  In March 2007 his media release read, "I call upon Anthony Venn-Brown and these marchers to withdraw from this blasphemous, obscene parade and not bring the Name of Jesus Christ into disrepute". He believes that the judgement of God comes on Sydney because of it and each year encourages Christians to pray for rain on the night.

But criticism is not just from those outside the community. Even some gay and lesbian people think it's not a good thing to have an annual community celebration, particularly marching publicly down a main street.

I love the Simpsons episode where Homer has taken the family to see the Pride march. As the marchers pass the family a group are yelling out the slogan. "WE'RE HERE! WE'RE QUEER! GET USED TO IT!

Lisa yells back "WE ARE USED TO IT! YOU'VE BEEN DOING THIS FOR YEARS".

At our first meeting we will discuss the pro's and con's of events like Mardi Gras month and the parade. Do they further our cause for acceptance and equality or reinforce stereotypes.

See you there. Don't forget you can share this newsletter on facebook or tweet it using the buttons at the top.
 

When: Friday 4  February 2010

Time: 7.15 for 7.30 start (finish 9.00pm)This is a secure building and as our meeting is downstairs doors close at 7.30. Dont be late or we have to keep sending people upstairs to let late comers in.
 

Where: Lower ground floor - Rooms 9-10 ACON Building,

9 Commonwealth Street, Surry Hills Sydney

After our formal meeting you are welcome to join us for a reasonably priced dinner or a snack at Betty's Soup Kitchen, Oxford St and possibly a drink as well after that. STAY AS LITTLE OR AS LONG AS YOU LIKE. Always interesting conversation with quality people.

GUESTS WELCOME
 

If you want further details then email sydneyinfo@freedom2b.org or phone 0416 015 231

In This Issue
Mardi Gras Weekend
F2B 2010 Report
F2B Needs Your Help
Quick Links
Important Information about Freedom 2 b[e] and Mardi Gras Weekend and Parade

Freedom 2 b[e] will be marching for the fifth time in the Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras (the world renowned pride event on the Australian LGBT calendar).

 

Our theme this year is FIND FREEDOM

 

The number we can have in our group is limited. 39 people have already registered. So if you are thinking about joining us this year register your interest now. Don't leave it till the last minute or you could miss out. You will be notified about method of payment and details of the weekend soon.

 

Weekend Program:

If you are joining us from overseas or interstate, here is the weekend program so you can plan your travel and accommodation accordingly.

 

Friday March 4 2011

7pm - Special Freedom 2 B[e] meeting and BBQ- Picking up of T-Shirts and meeting other attendees who are marching. (Details of this meeting to follow soon).

 

Saturday March 5 2011

4pm - Freedom 2 B[e] March Gras 2011 attendees assemble at a meeting point and prepare to move into the parade marshalling area. (Location details to follow soon).

5pm - Freedom 2 B[e] March Gras 2011 attendees move into the marshalling area and prepare to march.

8pm - Mardi Gras Parade begins.

After Parade Party till late: Details of post parade celebrations will follow soon.

 

Cost: TBA (previous years have been around $50 to cover registration, T-shirts and materials.)

 

Dress: Group Shirt (compulsory to carry continuity of this year's theme FIND FREEDOM), blue jeans or shorts.

 

Choreography: Don't panic....you just need to be able to walk the 3km.

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

 

If you have any concerns or reservations about the importance of participating in the parade then these articles may be helpful.

 

1.        Parades - who needs them?

2.        The First Time Freedom 2 b[e] Marched in Mardi Gras - What happened?

3.        Read about the experience of some first timers

 

Please note:

In order to meet the requirements of the Mardi Gras organisation so the logistics of the 8,000 strong parade can be finalised......and in order for Freedom 2 b[e] to organise t-shirts and other articles for every participant, all registrations must be in by Saturday 12 February 2011. DON'T PUT IT OFF OR YOU'LL MISS OUT. Thanks for your help.

 

Photos of 2007: http://avb7.multiply.com/photos/album/1

Photos of 2008: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=8803252341

Photos of 2009: http://www.freedom2b.org/category/image-galleries/mardi-gras-2009

Photos of 2010: http://www.freedom2b.org/category/image-galleries/freedom-2-be-mardi-gras-2010


Freedom 2 b[e] 2011 Report

Have you read last years Freedom 2 b[e] Report yet?

If not you can find details about  how to read or download it here.
http://www.freedom2b.org/topic/1247

YOU MAY BE SURPRISED JUST HOW MUCH IS BEING ACHIEVED.
 

 
Can You Help Freedom 2 b[e]  Make a Difference?

Freedom 2 b[e] is positively impacting individuals and making a difference for future generations. As an organisation we need lots of help and have important projects for people to be involved in.

We actively work towards the day when ignorance about sexual orientation and gender identification will be overcome and Pentecostal, Charismatic and Evangelical churches fully accept GLBTI people - no strings attached. Until then however, we support people in and out of the church who are resolving the perceived conflict between their sexual orientation and the teachings of their churches.

What we have been able to achieve in a short time with our limited resources has been very encouraging. We have literally saved lives and saved people from years of unnecessary suffering.

Freedom 2 b[e] offers support, information, advocacy and creates awareness and dialogue moving us all towards a better world of understanding and acceptance..

If you are not aware of our mission and work then you can read these docs on our forum

Freedom 2 b[e] Mission Objectives and Guidelines

Freedom 2 b[e] Target Market

SO HOW CAN YOU HELP ??????

If any of the below are of interest to you then send and email to volunteers@freedom2b.org

1. Forum Moderators -  encourage discussion - make people welcome - keep the forum a safe space
2. Special event organisers - we need help for various events including social events, dinners, Mardi Gras & Pride Celebrations. If we know you'd like to help out we will call you as needed.
3. Local reps - We are working on setting up new chapters. Until we can do this, we are looking for local reps who can be our contact person. If you have your finger on the pulse locally then let us know.
4. General promotion & awareness raising - Using facebook, internet groups, discussion boards etc to create greater awareness of Freedom 2 b[e] and the work we do. If you are a bit of an internet junkie we'd love to hear from you.
5. Fundraising - Do you have skills and experience in this area. We would love to hear from you.
6. Greeters - coming to your first chapter meeting can be daunting. Sometimes people even get to the building but can't pluck up the courage to actually come in. We need people who will make new-comers feel safe, welcomed and introduced to others.

If any of the above are of interest to you then send and email to volunteers@freedom2b.org


FINANCIAL SUPPORT
More finance means we can do more. You can help us achieve that by making regular automatic weekly, monthly or one-off donations directly into the Freedom 2 b[e] account either by

1. Credit Card Payments (one off or monthly) can be made here can be made here

2. Direct Debit

St George
Bank Account name: Freedom to be
BSB No: 112 -879
Account No: 464521971

Any donation, no matter how small on a regular basis, all adds up to make a difference.

Basically whatever your gifts, skills, experience or resources, there is something you can do to give back and help our organisation grow. If Freedom 2 b[e] has helped you then see if there is some way you can give back.

Thank you for your support and sharing the load.

Anthony, Linda, Michelle, Alan, Jeremy
The Freedom 2 b[e] Management Board


Freedom 2 b[e]
Networking GLBTIQ People from Pentecostal, Charismatic & Evangelical Backgrounds by providing:
Support - through an online community and monthly get togethers
Information - balanced information on same sex attraction from a scientific, psychological and theological perspective
Dialogue - intelligent, respectful dialogue with individuals, groups, churches or denominations to promote understanding and acceptance

Contact Info

Co-convenor Anthony Venn-Brown  Mob: 0416 015 231
anthony@freedom2b.org