What is PFLAG?

"PFLAG" is Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays. We are a national support, education and advocacy organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) people, their families, friends and allies. With 200,000 members and supporters, and local affiliates in more than 500 communities across the U.S. and abroad, PFLAG is the largest grassroots-based family organization of its kind. PFLAG is a non-profit organization and is not affiliated with any religious or political institutions.

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What does PFLAG do?
PFLAG supports GLBT people, their families and friends through local PFLAG chapter helplines and support group meetings and locally and nationally produced resources. PFLAG educates families and provides public education on sexual orientation, gender identity and GLBT issues. PFLAG chapters educate their communities through a variety of local projects and nationally PFLAG continues to provide fair and accurate information about GLBT people and their loved ones. PFLAG also advocates for equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. Locally, PFLAG activists work for change in their communities. Nationally, PFLAG staff and volunteer leaders lobby for fairness and acceptance.

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What are PFLAG's top priorities?
As an organization that believes that change happens on the grassroots level in local communities, it is PFLAG's number one priority to support the work of local affiliates. We do this by providing affiliates with nationally produced resources and the guidance, time and expertise of our national staff. PFLAG's top priorities also include working for safe schools for all students and working to build and support models of inclusion to make PFLAG and our work relevant for all diverse communities. PFLAG works to ensure equal civil rights and protections for GLBT people and works to help make faith communities more welcoming.

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Where is PFLAG?
PFLAG's national headquarters is located in downtown Washington, D.C. Here the staff of the national office work to support and facilitate the work of PFLAG's affiliate network and to be a national family voice for the GLBT movement. PFLAG affiliates are located in all 50 states and abroad.

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When was PFLAG started?
PFLAG's first meeting was held in 1973. By 1979 PFLAG chapters had formed across the country. In 1981 PFLAG became the Federation of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and in 1982 PFLAG became incorporated as a national organization. See PFLAG's History.

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Who are PFLAG's members?
Our members come from all walks of life. We are straight, we are gay and we are bisexual. We are transgendered. We are moms and dads, siblings, grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, children and allies. We come from large cities and small towns. We live in rural areas. We are people of color. We come from all economic backgrounds. We come from all faith traditions. We are disabled. We are youth and we are elderly. Our membership and our leadership are diverse, but what we have in common is our commitment to grow beyond false and harmful perceptions of GLBT people, to educate our communities, and to stand up for full equal rights and protections for GLBT people.

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How can I get involved in PFLAG
Everyone who shares PFLAG's vision is welcome to join us in our work. You can join PFLAG as a chapter member through your local affiliate or as an at-large member through our National office. Your financial support makes PFLAG's work possible. As a chapter member you can also become engaged in the vital work of providing support, education and advocacy in your community. Even if you're not sure that you need PFLAG, remember that PFLAG NEEDS YOU!

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