WHAT IS PFLAG?

Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) is a national, nonprofit organization with over 200,000 members and supporters and 500 affiliates in over 425 communities across America. The nation's largest family-based group of its kind, PFLAG began in 1972 when a courageous mother marched with her gay son in New York City's Gay Pride Parade.

What does PFLAG Do?

PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons, their families and their friends in various ways; through
• SUPPORT: Our helpline (630) 375-7756 offers an opportunity to talk about problems with another person. <> Monthly confidential support group meetings offer a nonjudgmental outlet for feelings. <> We also learn the facts about sexual orientation and gender identity through presentations, literature and ongoing discussions. Books, pamphlets and AV materials about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues are available to help us understand a loved one's - or our own - coming out.
• EDUCATION: Through factual information culled from medical, religious and scientific communities, we seek to break down misconceptions about homosexuality. <> We provide schools with information and training to help ensure that GLBT students - and those who are perceived so - receive their education in a safe environment. <> Creating dialogue in places of worship, we encourage moral leadership that fosters acceptance and affirmation by reaching out to faith-based groups, religious leaders and congregations.
• ADVOCACY: We advocate for equal rights by contacting public officials. We call, write or meet with lawmakers, encouraging GLBT-supportive policies and expressing our dissatisfaction with leaders who take anti-gay positions. <> We speak out to the media through press releases and letter-writing campaigns, we spread PFLAG's message of acceptance.