At our next freedom2b meeting in Sydney, we are pleased to welcome one of our long time regulars as our special guest speaker.
Stuart Rye grew up in a conservative Christian home earnestly wanting to live a life pleasing to God, but also realised he was gay. With no resources available, he began his journey of reconciling his faith and sexuality, meeting his life partner along the way who he has been with now for over 22 years.
Stuart’s hope in sharing his story at our July meeting is to empower gay people to embrace their faith and live up to their fullest potential. We look forward to seeing everyone along for Stuart’s wonderful talk.
WHEN: Friday, July 5th 2013 TIME: 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start WHERE: ACON Building, 414 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills
Following on from a discussion last year about the so called “clobber passages” in the Bible, we thought it would be great time to revisit this subject and have a listen to Justin Lee - founder of the Gay Christian Network.
Often what we have heard and believed about what the Bible says to us about being Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex or Queer has impacted on how we feel about ourselves. And we are left with so many unanswered questions that go to the core of who we are. So many of us have struggled to reconcile our sexuality or sexual identity with the Bible, and felt really miserable and confused. And quite a few of us, spend literally years of our lives searching and reading.
It can be a really tough journey to finding the freedom to be ourselves.
We wanted to show this documentary and have a discussion that we hope will provide some food for thought when looking at these passages in the Bible, and ultimately some insight that will help each of us.
Look forward to seeing you there.
When: Friday 14th June 2013 at 7:00PM
Where: Training Room (at Healthy Communities) – 30 Helen Street, Newstead – go through the Roller Door through the Courtyard. Our meeting room is at the end of the small courtyard.
“The Cure” is an independent documentary film on reparative programs and the mental health implications of trying to “change” sexuality. Told through the compelling narratives of people who have tried to transform their sexuality, the film lifts the veil on Australian ‘ex-gay’ programs and ultimately brings to light underlying themes of hope and freedom.
The Cure Documentary premiered at the 2012 Mardi Gras Film Festival in Sydney.
F2b’s very own Ben Gresham and his family feature in this documentary and we are very fortunate to have Ben join us for our June meeting for a Q & A session after the film.
Event Location: Victorian AIDS Council Building, 6 Claremont Street, South Yarra. The entrance is at the side of the building. Just ring the door bell and we will come and let you in. You are welcome to join us afterwards at La Porchetta, Toorak Rd South Yarra.
7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. For more information or any queries please email melbinfo@freedom2b.org or call Linda on 0430045585
A variety of views about homosexuality exist in the Orthodox Jewish community, but the majority of leadership agree to prohibit same-sex conduct. As in many other religions, one of the biggest challenges gay & lesbian orthodox Jews face is reconciling faith with sexuality.
This amazing documentary follows several orthodox jews as they face this difficult challenge each day. Also featured are several interviews conducted with rabbis and psychologists regarding their views on homosexuality.
Join us on June 7th as we take a look at “Trembling Before G-d”, described by one critic as “…a testimony of anguish and joy, Trembling is a tribute to the human spirit, if not to the institutions that seek to define it.”
Our Melbourne chapter has grown significantly over the last five years, with people travelling long distances to attend the monthly meetings in the city. A number of people travel from the outer East and so we’re experimenting with a social f2b get together to strengthen the connections that have already been made, plus make some new ones with those that are not able to make the Melbourne meetings. These dinners are run with all the same guidelines as a regular chapter meeting, but will not have the speaker/discussion component. PLUS they will be family friendly so children can attend.
The details for the first outer eastern f2b dinner:
At: The Northbridge Piazza community Centre, First Floor Meeting room.
“The Cure” is an independent documentary film on reparative programs and the mental health implications of trying to “change” your sexuality.
The Cure Documentary premiered at the 2012 Mardi Gras Film Festival in Sydney.
F2b’s very own Ben Gresham and his family feature in this documentary
The documentary will be followed by a discussion about issues brought up in the presentation.
Here is a trailer for this documentary:
We will go downstairs to the CNR! Kitchen after the meeting for Coffee, or meals and chat from 9pm. So even if you can’t make the meeting please feel free to join us for coffee there.
For further information please contact Graham or Bev via eMail: perth@freedom2b.org
or call Graham on: 0405 285 233 or Bev on: 0407 778 201.
Come and join us for the screening of this inspiring and sometimes confronting documentary. Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson is a man of God, driven and defined by his faith, who is also devoted to his husband Mark. His consecration, the first of an openly gay man in any Christian denomination, has deeply divided the church and put Robinson’s very life in danger..
Event Location: Victorian AIDS Council Building, 6 Claremont Street, South Yarra. The entrance is at the side of the building. Just ring the door bell and we will come and let you in. You are welcome to join us afterwards at La Porchetta, Toorak Rd South Yarra.
7.15pm for a 7.30pm start. For more information or any queries please email melbinfo@freedom2b.org or call Linda on 0430045585
Please Note that this film is also being shown as part of the Human Rights Film Festival on Monday 13th May at 6.30pm. Michelle Kolev (president F2b) and Matt Pearse will be part of a panel on the night. We encourage those to attend if able. For more details about where and tickets go to http://hraff.org.au/film/love-free-or-die
Life is filled with difficult conversations. Due to our backgrounds, we will likely encounter more than our fair share. So this month we will be having a friendly discussion about how to have difficult discussions.
When: the 10th of May at 7pm – 9pm. Then social time afterwards.
Where: The training room, ground floor of the healthy community building, 30 Helen St, Teneriffe (Newstead on some maps).
How much: free
Public Transport:
Healthy Communities is right next to the Teneriffe wharf (regular city cat services)
20 minute walk from either Fortitude Valley or Bowen Hills train stations. The City Glider BUZ route will take you from West End, South Bank, the CDB, or the valley station to Teneriffe wharf. Runs every 5 minutes.
No matter where you stand on the theological scale, there are always topics that remain controversial. Views can exist from one extreme to another, or sometimes not talked about enough due to how hot the topic may be.
At our meeting in May, we’ll be discussing some of these more controversial subjects in an attempt to highlight how important they are in our journey. Topics can range from dealing with betrayal or rejection, safe-sex, to be monogamous or not or you may like to raise a topic of your own.
Please invite others, as it’s bound to be an interesting night of discussion.
WHEN: Friday, May 3rd 2013
TIME: 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start
WHERE: ACON Building, 414 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills
After the discussion, you are welcome to join us for a drink or dinner at the nearby Royal Exhibition Hotel. EVERYBODY IS WELCOME. STAY AS LITTLE OR AS LONG AS YOU LIKE.
For more information, please contact 0413374650 or email events@freedom2b.org
Who could resist the temptation to sing a along to the Grease Movie? Well here’s your chance. Come join us at the Astor theatre for some fun! Get your Grease gear on and dress up as there is prizes for the best dressed! (Dont be afraid to get your drag king or queen out of the closet!) This is also the youth event!! For more info on the night go to http://www.astortheatre.net.au/films/grease-sing-a-long Please bring along your friends, family,and kids!
Where- The Astor Theatre- Cnr Chapel St and Dandenong Rd, St Kilda
Time- The movie starts at 8pm- We will be there from 7.00pm onwards. As there is no allocated seating we want to try and sit together so try to be on time!
Guest Speaker Stuart Rye
“The Cure” is an independent documentary film on reparative programs and the mental health implications of trying to “change” sexuality. Told through the compelling narratives of people who have tried to transform their sexuality, the film lifts the veil on Australian ‘ex-gay’ programs and ultimately brings to light underlying themes of hope and freedom.
Our Melbourne chapter has grown significantly over the last five years, with people travelling long distances to attend the monthly meetings in the city. A number of people travel from the outer East and so we’re experimenting with a social f2b get together to strengthen the connections that have already been made, plus make some new ones with those that are not able to make the Melbourne meetings. These dinners are run with all the same guidelines as a regular chapter meeting, but will not have the speaker/discussion component. PLUS they will be family friendly so children can attend.
Where- The Astor Theatre- Cnr Chapel St and Dandenong Rd, St Kilda