Is PFLAG an Acronym?
Not anymore.
In 2014, the organization officially changed its name from “Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays” to, simply, PFLAG. This change was made to accurately reflect PFLAG members, those whom PFLAG serves, and the inclusive work PFLAG has been doing for decades.
Isn’t PFLAG just for straight parents of LGBTQ kids?
PFLAG is a safe space for anyone who’s on the journey towards living an authentic life as an LGBTQ person, or as a friend, family member, or ally.
We were founded by the mom of a gay son, but our meetings include people of all ages, identities, and family situations. PFLAG is for you.
Does PFLAG Portland offer in-person support?
PFLAG is a safe space for anyone who’s on the journey towards living an authentic life as an LGBTQ person, or as a friend, family member, or ally.
Yes.
PFLAG Portland offers monthly in-person meetings. We serve a large metropolitan area and understand that it’s difficult for many to regularly attend in-person meetings, so we also offer online support circles every other month.
Do you offer transgender-specific support?
Transgender individuals and families are a major focus of our peer support.
We offer support circles that focus on issues specifically impacting the transgender community. These meetings occur every month at our in-person Chapter Meetings.
Our chapter events are always open to all. We understand that having a safe space is important for everyone that we serve and we’ve found that bringing everyone together for a portion of our meetings is an important part of staying strong. So we hold our general support circle first, then our trans-support circle, rather than breaking off into separate simultaneous groups. Our members like the way our big-tent approach breaks down silos and promotes deeper understanding of each person’s unique challenges.
There are also many service organizations that address the unique needs of the transgender community. We’ve listed many on our Providers and Allied Organizations page. At our meetings you’ll find many folks who’ve been there before and can help.
Does PFLAG offer counseling or other services?
PFLAG is a peer-support organization.
Everyone at PFLAG is on a journey, and we know that the journey is easier when shared. While PFLAGers may offer personal recommendations, and while PFLAG maintains a list of resources and providers, we don’t provide such services ourselves.
Is PFLAG Portland associated with a particular faith tradition?
No. We don’t have a religious agenda.
We understand that religion can be triggering for some and strive to be accommodating. In-person chapter meetings may be held at faith communities that actively welcome and support LGBTQ people and their families. These community rooms, which are welcoming spaces that are free of religious iconography, have been generously donated for PFLAG Portland’s use.
These meetings are held in community meeting rooms, welcoming and open spaces free of religious iconography.
Does PFLAG support political candidates?
PFLAG speaks out on issues and policy, but does not endorse candidates.
PFLAG works to keep the critical family and ally voice part of the political conversation. While we speak out on policy at the federal, state and local level, as a 501c3 organization, we do not advocate for or against particular candidates. We do, however, work to get out the vote, which is an important part of the political process. We educate the electorate on issues critical to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. Visit our national headquarters website, www.pflag.org, for a full list of our policy positions.
Why is family support needed, now that we have pro-LGBTQ laws?
Laws don’t change hearts and minds; hearts and minds change laws. Cultures change slowly – one person, one family, one community at a time.
LGBTQ folks have won some sweeping and wonderful victories but not irreversible ones. As we have seen after the 2016 elections, cultural acceptance is still far from universal. Until the heart of every American changes, LGBTQ+ people and their allies must defend and advocate for their rights. It will be a long project requiring health, strength and resolve. The single most important factor for the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ people is family support and acceptance – whatever your age. This is why PFLAG’s family support is still needed.
I’m 14. Can I attend a PFLAG meeting?
If you’re accompanied by a parent or guardian, absolutely.
Owing to the sensitive nature of the topics we discuss at our meetings, you must be of the age of consent (18) or attend with a parent or guardian.