Mitchell Gold, successful NC furniture manufacturer, will speak in Elon on Tuesday evening, April 14th, at 7 pm.  His topic is Growing Up Gay in North Carolina: Understanding the Pain of Bigotry and Discrimination. 

Mr. Gold is the editor of a new book of autobiographical essays about the personal and social and religious pain and trauma of growing up gay in America.  Among the contributors to his book are US Congressman Barney Frank, Athletes Martinia Navratalova and Billy Bean, and the Revs. Jimmy Creech, Mel White and Bishop Gene Robinson.

Mr. Gold says he collected these essays because parents, teachers, counsellors and pastors need to become aware of “the immense emotional, psychological and religious violence brought to bear on our families and communities, gay and straight.”  Gays and lesbians “should not have to hear themselves called sinners and unworthy by media spokespersons, elected officials or religious leaders.”

Gold plays a major role in the national dialogue on gay rights.  In December 2005, he established Faith in America, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating people about  the harm caused by religion-based bigotry, which is often used to justify discrimination against gay people.  He served for seven years on the national Board of Directors of the Human Rights Campaign. 

Mr. Gold will speak in the Barringer Center of the Elon School at 201 S. O’Kelly Ave. in Elon,  South O’Kelly is off Trollinger Ave. which runs on the north side and parallel to the RR tracks.  

From S. Church St. take Williamson Ave. North.  Just before the RR tracks, turn right on Trollinger Ave.    Then take the 2nd turn to the right on S. O’Kelly Ave.  The Elon School is clearly marked on the left,  Parking is ample. 

The program begins at 7 pm.  It is sponsored by PflagAlamance.