Jun 11th, 2001
Stepping down from COLAGE
For Immediate Release
TWIN CITIES CHAPTER OF COLAGE FACES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
Abigail Garner Will Focus on National Advocacy on Behalf of LGBT Families
COLAGE Twin Cities, one of more than 30 volunteer-run chapters in the United States, Canada, and Europe, is in the process of identifying a new volunteer to replace its founding coordinator. Abigail Garner, 29, who began the chapter over six years ago, is stepping down in order to concentrate on her activism for LGBT families at the national level.
Ashley Harness, 18, who has served as Teen Liaison for the past two years is also leaving her position. She will enter Brown University this fall. The chapter will use the summer months to organize new leadership.
“We are grateful to Ashley and Abigail for their energy and activism,” says Deborah Talen, Executive Director of the Minnesota non-profit Rainbow Families, ‘Their insights inspire and challenge the LGBT parents who wonder how their young children will look back on their upbringing when they are grown. Every year at our annual conference, we receive outstanding feedback from parents who attend workshops presented by COLAGE.”
Garner was five years old when her father came out as gay, but she did not talk to other children of gay parents until she volunteered for COLAGE at the age of 22. “There were three kids at that first meeting,” she recalls, “This year more than 30 of us will marching together in the Pride parade. I’m proud of our growth and it’s time to pass on the reins.”
“Because of Abigail’s visionary leadership and effective networking, the Twin Cities COLAGE chapter has become a model for COLAGE chapters nationwide,” says Felicia Park-Rogers, Executive Director of COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere), “Her commitment and activism have been inspiring to many. As Abigail steps down from her role as chapter coordinator, I have no doubt that she will continue her world-changing work on behalf of LGBT families, just with a different hat.”
In June 1999, Garner launched www.FamiliesLikeMine.com, a website devoted to LGBT families and their allies. Garner writes the nationally published column, “Families Like Mine,” and frequently presents workshops and lectures at colleges and conferences.
COLAGE (Children of Lesbians and Gays Everywhere) is a national organization run by and for daughters and sons of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender parents and families. There are more than 30 chapters in the US, Canada, and Europe. In addition to support services such as regional and national events, pen pals, and extensive internet services, COLAGE works to empower youth and young adults to take leadership in their local communities by doing public education and advocating for fair and equal treatment for our families and all families that are scapegoated and marginalized in society.