FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FAMILY EQUALITY COUNCIL AND FRIENDS TO BRING
HARASSED FAMILY TO FAMILY WEEK
Bermea Family Of Gilbert, Arizona To Attend Largest National Gathering Of LGBT Families
Boston, MA – (July 19, 2012) – Family Equality Council, the national organization that connects, supports, and represents the one million parents who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) and the two million children they are raising, today announced plans to help bring an Arizona family targeted by harassment and intimidation to Family Week in Provincetown.
Felix Bermea, Roy Messerschmidt, and their four children have endured three months of threatening phone calls, property vandalism, and break-ins to their home. Despite filing multiple police reports, authorities have not stopped what some believe is an intentional bias crime.
Family Equality Council Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler said the organization wants to bring the family to a safe, affirming environment so they can get away from the situation for a short time and spend some quality time with families just like theirs.
“When I heard about what this family has been going through, it broke my heart,” says Executive Director Jennifer Chrisler. “We realized immediately that we had an opportunity to lift their spirits and give them the summer vacation they have been denied. No family should have to endure what they have, and we want to make a difference for them in this way.”
Family Week, in its 17th year, is the largest national gathering of families with LGBT parents in the country. Held in Provincetown, MA, from July 28th to August 4th, the week is packed with family activities, panel discussions, picnics, beach gatherings, and a parade through the heart of Provincetown.
Family Equality Council is handling the costs of registration and all Family Week fees for the family and has covered the costs of a travel agent, rental agent, and childcare.
An online fundraising campaign has been launched to raise the full cost of the trip for the Bermea Family. Contributions can be made at http://www.indiegogo.com/familyweek.
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CONTACT: Sean Carlson | New Media Manager
202.550.2315│scarlson@familyequality.org