Would you like to be involved in summer or fall workshop on GLBT issues and AIDS/HIV education to the Hmong community? We are currently selecting presenters and topics for educational workshops. We will consider sole presenters or panels or possibly other formats. If you're interested please submit a description of the type of workshop you would like to do and your name, age, address, email, telephone number, ethnicity and anything else you would like to include about yourself. Please send this information in an email to denis.tucker@multiculturaladvocates.org. We will get back to you with more information as soon as possible.

The ACCEPT program attempts to create an understanding, appreciation, and acceptance for issues of sexual orientation in the Hmong, Southeast Asian, and other communities. Those within the GLBTQIA Family need support, respect and love from friends, relatives, and especially close family members as everyone else does. Identifying as gay or lesbian is not a choice; it is who the person is. No one can change their individual identity of being gay or lesbian just as a person who is Hmong, African American, Native American, Cambodian, Laotian or Caucasian/European cannot change their ethnicity and race. No one should be asked or expected to do that. To attempt to try to change goes against what is natural and normal for that person. We each have the right to love and be loved for who we are. ACCEPT provides educational and support services and promotes appreciation and understanding for the differences and diversity that each individual offers.

The ACCEPT project is a program operated by Multicultural Advocates, Inc. (MAI) of La Crosse, Wisconsin. For more information on MAI please check the website at www.multiculturaladvocates.org.

For more information contact:

Denis.Tucker@multiculturaladvocates.org

www.acceptgayhmong.com

The ACCEPT program promotes acceptance and understanding of issues of homosexuality in traditional cultures.  Confidentiality and sensitivity is guaranteed for all.  You can send an email in the Contact area, post a message in the Discuss area and sign in the Guest Book.  We will help you identify resources in your area.  You do not need to use your real name unless you are comfortable doing so.  Whatever name or email you use, it will not be shared with others. ACCEPT is committed to helping GLBTQIA individuals find strength in their heritage and ancestry.

There are anecdotal accounts of GLBTQIA individuals from decades past while still in Laos. GLBTQIA history includes a long list of youth and adults from all races and cultures who have helped in promoting and achieving equality in many areas. If you are gay or lesbian and Hmong, you may feel especially isolated. You do not need to feel alone, there are many GLBTQIA Hmong and Southeast Asians throughout the country.