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| What Is PFLAG? Our Vision We, the parents, families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons, celebrate diversity and envision a society that embraces everyone, including those of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Only with respect, dignity and equality for all will we reach our full potential as human beings, individually and collectively. PFLAG welcomes the participation and support of all who share in, and hope to realize this vision. Our Mission PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. Our History The idea for PFLAG began in 1972 when Jeanne Manford marched with her gay son in New York's Pride Day parade. After many gay and lesbian people ran up to Jeanne during the parade and begged her to talk to their parents, she decided to begin a support group. The first formal meeting took place in March 1973 at a local church. Approximately 20 people attended. In the next years, through word of mouth and in response to community need, similar groups sprang up around the country, offering "safe havens" and mutual support for parents with gay and lesbian children. Following the 1979 National March for Gay and Lesbian Rights, representatives from these groups met for the first time in Washington, D.C. By 1980, PFLAG, then known as Parents FLAG, began to distribute information to educational institutions and communities of faith nationwide and established itself as a source of information for the general public. When "Dear Abby" mentioned PFLAG, more than 7,000 letters were received requesting information. In 1981, members decided to launch a national organization. The first PFLAG office was established in Los Angeles under founding President Adele Starr. In 1982, the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Inc., then representing some 20 groups, was incorporated in California and granted non-profit, tax-exempt status. In 1987, PFLAG re-located to Denver, under President Ellinor Lewallen. By the late 1980Ős, PFLAG began to have notable success in organizing chapters in rural and Bible Belt states like Nebraska, Minnesota and the Dakotas. In 1990, following a period of significant growth, PFLAG employed an Executive Director, expanded its staff, and consolidated operations in Washington, D.C. PFLAG Pottsville - Schuylkill County became a chartered chapter of the national PFLAG organization in 2002. A Fifth Anniversary Party was held in December 2006. When Does PFLAG Meet? PFLAG Pottsville meets the third Thursday of each month at the Terrence Reiley Community Building, 216 N. 12th Street, Pottsville. Other events, such as special programs and social activities are planned throughout the month. You can see our calendar of events HERE. Who Attends PFLAG Meetings? Anyone! PFLAG Pottsville has a diverse membership. At a typical meeting, you may find parents, aunts, uncles, siblings and other family members and friends of LGBT persons. Many people who attend our meetings are themselves LGBT. What Do You Do At The Meetings? Many times PFLAG hosts speakers from other community organizations. Sometimes the meeting is simply a casual discussion of important issues. Other times the group organizes potluck parties and other social events. |
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