What is PFLAG?
Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) is a national non-profit organization with over 250,000 members and supporters and more than 500 chapters, state councils and affiliates in the United States. This vast grassroots network is cultivated, resourced and serviced by the PFLAG national office, located in Washington, DC, the national Board of Directors and 14 Regional Directors.
PFLAG Payson is an independent, affiliated chapter of the national organization. PFLAG Payson is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, income tax exempt organization. PFLAG Payson shares the vision and mission of the national organization (described below), and through our generous members, supporters, and volunteers, works towards achieving and fulfilling both.
PFLAG's Vision
The following is PFLAG's official vision statement:
We, the parents, families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered 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.
PFLAG's Mission
The following is PFLAG's official mission statement:
PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered 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. PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
Who is welcome at PFLAG?
PFLAG welcomes the full participation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and "questioning" (GLBTQ) individuals, their parents, family members, friends, and other GLBT-supportive allies. In fact, it is the very participation of all these individuals that gives PFLAG it's "magic" -- the wealth of experiences we each bring to share with one another is how we all continue to support, learn, grow, and appreciate all the special gifts that having a GLBT loved one in our life brings. If you don't yet recognize these special gifts, then you definitely need PFLAG. If you recognize these special gifts and feel that you no longer need PFLAG, then we most definitely need you!
What can PFLAG do for me?
The short answer: That depends on your personal situation. The correct answer: Plenty!
If you are the parent, family member, or friend of a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or "questioning" (GLBTQ) individual, and you are struggling with this knowledge or your feelings, we are here to provide support and education to help you as you process this information and walk further on this journey.
If you are a GLBTQ individual, and you are struggling with coming to terms with that, "coming out" to family or friends, other related family issues, work issues, faith issues, or any issue related to your status as a GLBTQ person, we are here to provide support and education to you as you work through these issues and continue on your own journey.
If you are an individual who doesn't fit the above two categories, but simply wants to help with providing support and education to others, wants to help further advocacy on behalf of our GLBT loved ones, and/or simply wants to be around this loving and accepting group of people, we are your safe place to do just that.
What can I do for PFLAG?
Participate. Get involved. Help this chapter grow (by telling/inviting family, neighbors, friends, co-workers, etc.). Become a member (although membership isn't required of anyone). Make a donation. Volunteer. Speak out. Support others who attend. Just show up and become part of our PFLAG Payson family!
