PFLAG Portland is an organization for community, by community, and a pivotal piece of our success is our volunteers. PFLAG volunteers are members of the LGBTQIA+ community, allies, parents, grandparents, teachers, friends, spouses, partners, you, us, and everyone. They’re people who show up and speak out, and we’re proud to spotlight two of our best, Juanita and John Hryciw, as they tell their story.
Our involvement with PFLAG began in August 2001, sparked by a deeply personal milestone: our 15-year-old son came out to us. As parents, we sought understanding, acceptance, and community during a time of significant change in our family. PFLAG was there for us when we needed it most, offering a safe space and unwavering support. Joining PFLAG was a pivotal moment for our family. We quickly became active members, eager to contribute and give back to the organization that welcomed us so warmly. Our early years with PFLAG were filled with meaningful activities, including marching in the Pride Parade—a highlight for us. The energy, the crowds, and the overwhelming support from spectators created an unforgettable atmosphere. The cheers from the crowd reminded us why visibility and advocacy are so vital—not just for us, but for every LGBTQ+ individual and their families.
Shortly after we joined, PFLAG Portland adopted a section of Columbia Blvd., where we regularly did roadside trash pickup. This effort was not only about keeping our community clean but also about representing PFLAG with pride. Occasionally, people would stop and ask if we were performing community service as part of a criminal sentence. We would always explain that we were volunteers standing for PFLAG. These conversations, though sometimes unexpected, provided opportunities to educate others about PFLAG.
As time passed, our participation became less frequent. Life’s demands pulled us in different directions, and for several years, we remained members but were not actively involved. However, the sense of connection to PFLAG never faded. In February 2024, we felt a renewed calling to become active in PFLAG once again. The current political climate has created uncertainty and fear over the LGBTQ+ community, making PFLAG more crucial than ever. Remembering how PFLAG was there for us in our time of need, we feel compelled to offer that same support to others facing similar challenges today.
In addition to our ongoing participation with PFLAG, we are volunteering to collect signatures for the “Equal Rights for All” campaign, a ballot initiative for November 2026. Please consider signing the petition to show your support.
For more information on the Equal Rights for All campaign, please visit https://www.aclu-or.org/campaigns-initiatives/equal-rights-all/ or the related article in this newsletter.