Joanne Jaxtimer of Milton to be Honored by Greater Boston PFLAG at April 3 Event

From bullying to tolerance.  From harassment to inclusion.  From violence to acceptance.  These transformative initiatives define the work of Greater Boston PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people) and of their passionate supporters and allies in the community. Through a series of programs and partnerships that educate and inspire awareness and compassion, Greater Boston PFLAG diligently works to create safe school and family environments for LGBTQ youth.  In celebration of recent achievements and new initiatives, Greater Boston PFLAG is hosting a special event, Pride and Passion, on April 3, 2014 at the Seaport World Trade Center.   

Attracting hundreds of attendees, the event is co-chaired by Stanley N. Griffith, Chair Emeritus of Greater Boston PFLAG, Sarah C. Libbey, Executive at Fidelity Investments, and Holly Safford, Founder and President of The Catered Affair.  With Honorary Co-Chairs Rufus Gifford, Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark and past Pride and Passion Honoree, and his partner Dr. Stephen DeVincent, the event will honor Milton resident Joanne Jaxtimer, BNY Mellon Regional Executive.   The event will also feature the culinary talents of Rialto’s Jody Adams, Cuisine Chair of the event, alongside numerous prominent Boston restaurants.  Greater Boston PFLAG will also present Elsie Frank Scholarship Awards to high school students whose actions have advanced greater support and acceptance of LGBTQ youth in their schools.

 “Our goal is to provide the tools, support and guidance needed to create inclusive and supportive environments for all our LGBTQ youth,” said Deborah Peeples, Board of Directors Chair of Greater Boston PFLAG, and a parent of a trans child. “In the past year, Greater Boston PFLAG has conducted over 200 programs for schools, corporations, religious organizations, and community events, including a new initiative with McLean Hospital for parents and children.  Through our growing initiatives, students, parents, educators and corporate leaders are seeing the positive effects of changing attitudes in their communities, and the advocates we are recognizing at Pride and Passion have been instrumental in making our goals a reality.”

For more than three decades, honoree Joanne Jaxtimer of Milton has opened doors and fostered inclusion in all the companies she has worked for, from University Bank 30 years ago to BNY Mellon today.  She has spearheaded such initiatives as the Workplace Parent Education and Support Program with Greater Boston PFLAG and has sparked unprecedented philanthropic investment in LGBTQ issues at BNY Mellon.  “Joannie’s contributions to helping end homophobia in the workplace have been outstanding. Through her efforts, corporations such as BNY Mellon are creating safe and inclusive environments for future generations of LGBTQ youth,” said Peeples.  “She is a remarkable straight ally to the LGBTQ community and we are thrilled to honor her at Pride and Passion.” 

Greater Boston PFLAG is also proud to recognize Rufus Gifford and his partner Dr. Stephen DeVincent as Honorary Co-Chairs.  The son of Anne and Chad Gifford, Chairman Emeritus of Bank of America, Rufus Gifford is currently serving as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark.  “As last year’s honoree, Rufus captivated our audience with his emotional personal story.  He remains an inspiration to us all and a wonderful role model for all LGBTQ youth.”

Pride and Passion will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2014 at 6:00 pm at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston.  For tickets and information, visit www.gbpflag.org/prideandpassion or call 781-891-5966.

About Greater Boston PFLAG

Greater Boston PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender people) offers help for LGBTQ persons and their families through support, education and advocacy.  For over 21 years, Greater Boston PFLAG has provided award-winning, highly effective bullying and violence prevention services.  Each year, Greater Boston PFLAG delivers over 200 educational programs statewide, reaching over 15,000 people in middle and high schools, religious organizations, colleges, corporations, and at conferences for healthcare, counseling, and prevention specialists.  Greater Boston PFLAG helps change attitudes and creates an environment of understanding so that LGBTQ family members and friends can live in a world that is safe and inclusive.