Janice Langbehn gives heartfelt interview on GLBT Talk with Barb and Donna

Barb Elgin — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:34:08 +0000

Wow – Donna and I were blown away on our radio show last night while interviewing Janice Langbehn. If you aren’t yet a subscriber to Coach Sappho’s podcast, I would highly encourage you to become one, just so you can hear Janice’s heartfelt story.

All subscribers are invited to the live shows and can receive free downloads of all shows. Once you become a subscriber, you can pick up your free recording of last night’s show.

If you don’t know about the ‘Janice Langbehn/Lisa Pond’ story, now is time for you to find out. Janice’s story has been in the national spotlight recently as well as much of the last few years since her life took a dramatic turn.

In 2007 Janice’s partner of 18 years, Lisa Pond, died suddenly and unexpectedly due to a brain aneurysm, while they were getting ready to enjoy a family vacation together.

As if Lisa’s death wasn’t tragic enough, the way Janice was treated in the hospital during Lisa’s final hours was unthinkable and unconscionable. As my co-host Donna Tara Lee remarked, the more she heard, the ‘madder and madder’ she got.

And, I’m willing to bet Janice’s experience is repeated all too often around the country. Don’t think it can’t happen to you, too, even if you or your partner ends up in a hospital in a major metropolitan area. Who would think a hospital in Miami would still be in ‘the dark ages’!

I want to thank Janice again for being so giving of her time. To tell you how amazing and committed Janice is, just realize that she continues to share her story (without pay of course), even though she is the single parent of three teenagers and she has a chronic illness.

Be sure to listen to the entire interview because, at the end, Janice shared in great detail what her next steps are, including suggesting to listeners how we can get behind her and her experience to change the discriminatory health care systems that exist in this country.

As Donna told Janice last night – I honor you, Janice!

Barb Elgin

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Barb Elgin, MSW, LCSW, Certified Singles Coach, is Coach Sappho: America’s Favorite Lesbian Love Coach and Matchmaker. Are YOU ready for love? Ready to find out? Take Coach Sappho’s FREE Love Quiz.

Disclaimer: The suggestions and feedback offered in this column are but one perspective of multiple approaches to dealing with problems or challenges. Information provided in articles and advice columns should not be used as a substitute for coaching or therapy when these services are needed. None of this information should be your only source when making important life decisions. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating a particular problem, nor should it take the place of a consultation with a trained professional. It is your responsibility to consult a professional prior to making any life decisions.

As Obama Takes Office, it’s More Important Than Ever to Support HRC’s Blueprint for Change…

Barb Elgin — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:23:56 +0000

I just received an email from Bishop Gene Robinson, who has been invited by President Elect Obama to give the invocation at one of the inaugural events tomorrow night. I am posting the letter here to you as a reminder that there is a new and hopefully better time coming for GLBT Americans as Obama takes office AND to remind you that…

HRC’s Blueprint for Change is a wonderful place to focus your support as this project will hold Obama’s ‘feet to the fire’ so-to-speak in the weeks, months and years ahead. Obama has made some wonderful promises to the GLBT community but we must be sure Obama follows through….

Have a great weekend (GO RAVENS – I’M BLEEDING PURPLE PASSION TODAY)!!!

Barb

———————-

Dear Barb,

Tomorrow, in one of the most humbling honors of my life, I will deliver an invocation at the first event of inauguration week.

Though many of us were deeply upset when President-elect Obama chose Proposition 8 supporter Rev. Rick Warren to speak at his inauguration, the fact that he also invited me – a proud gay man – is a hopeful sign of our president’s commitment to reach out to all Americans.

Now it’s up to all of us to capitalize on this moment and ensure that President-elect Obama works for equality.

Join me in asking Obama to take the next step by supporting HRC’s Blueprint for Positive Change – a roadmap for LGBT equality.

As a gay American, a bishop, and a member of HRC’s Religion Council, I was open about my shock and anger last month at Warren’s invitation.

But I now feel it’s time to turn the page on that controversy – to come together and tackle the next set of challenges.

The blueprint calls for President-elect Obama to sign hate crimes legislation into law, to support a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, to end unequal taxation of domestic partnerships and more.

In the spirit of hope, we ask President-elect Obama to follow this blueprint and keep his promises.

Tomorrow, I will be blessed to stand at the Lincoln Memorial before the next leader of our great country. His message has inspired countless Americans who have waited many long years to feel represented by their government.

I owe President-elect Obama the utmost thanks for allowing me to participate in such a historic event.

Whether you’re religious or not, gay or straight, please stand with me – declare your support for HRC’s Blueprint for Positive Change and ask your friends and family to do the same.

Sincerely,

The Right Rev. V. Gene Robinson HRC Religion Council

» GLBT rights

Janice Langbehn gives heartfelt interview on GLBT Talk with Barb and Donna

As Obama Takes Office, it’s More Important Than Ever to Support HRC’s Blueprint for Change…