Dear Lord, I have no clue where to begin.  I've been so focused on the local scene that I've lost touch with what's happening on a federal level.  How about you?  I'm on a national LGBTQ blogging email list and the volume is mindblowing.  Sometimes I feel like I'm crouching in the corner trying to figure out what people who are ten times smarter than me are talking about. 

Here's a few links worth following:

Pam's House Blend has been following the story on the White House Stonewall Cocktail Reception.  Yep, its a controversy because of the tension between LGBTQ leaders and the White House's snail pace response to federal LGBTQ issues. She's also been covering the boycott/protest of DNC fundraising events. 

Then there is the police instigated gay bashing event at a Fort Worth bar.  Just in time for the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall.  Some things never change.

The Washington Blade has the latest predictions on ENDA.  Our own Congressman Mike Doyle is supposed to be signing on as a cosponsor.  I have yet to verify that, but I'll let you know as soon as I do.

That's just a smidgen of the news.  It is just great that coverage of LGBTQ events has skyrocket and I think it is very much due to the unrelenting work of bloggers and other new social media activists.  When NetRoots nation hits town in August, you'll have a chance to see what I mean. 

This is a neat event.  The Lambda Foundation and the Gay & Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh are cohosting their first ever LGBTQ Family (friendly) Picnic on Sunday, August 9, 2009.  Here's the details:

WHERE: NORTH PARK GOLD STAR GROVE

WHEN: SUNDAY, AUGUST 9, 2009 12:00 TO 6:00PM

FISHING CONTEST AND GAMES FOR THE KIDS

PRIZES AND PLENTY OF FOOD

PETS WELCOME

TICKETS $20 PER FAMILY

         $10 SINGLES

PLEASE CALL 412-521-5444 FOR TICKETS.

I've been hearing various folks talk about a desire for more family friendly activities.  This seems like a nice opportunity to fuse that kind of event with support for two community organizations.  The cost is fairly reasonable if you break it down to a per person rate ($5 per person for lunch for a family of 4) which is also something folks have been talking about in light of some of the pricier recent events. 

The number of LGBTQ families is on the increase and as the political/social culture becomes more affirming, it is only natural that community groups need to create family positive programs to tap into this segment of the community.  One really good blog is Mombian.  I met the editor at a LGBTQ blogging conference in DC last year.  She's bright and does a great job of bringing attention from national issues back to the family perspective.

So, here's your chance to turn out and demonstrate that family friendly events can be successful.  Plus, you'll have an opportunity to talk with leaders from both organizations and encourage them to cultivate more programs to meet your family's needs. 

Here in Pittsburgh, there's a group call Families Like Ours (FLO) which has an email list and is beginning to organize some face to face events and activities. 

This is exactly a group that community political groups should be tapping into.  Fighting for the civil rights of your children is a pretty basic instinct and I don't think it is hard to make the connection between equality for our families and better lives for our children.

So save the date and hope to see you there!