|
What is PFLAG?
Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is a
national non-profit organization with over 200,000 members and
supporters and approximately 500 affiliates throughout the United
States.
PFLAG was founded in 1973 by mothers and fathers of gays and
lesbians. This vast, grassroots network is cultivated, resourced,
and serviced by the PFLAG National Office, located in Washington,
D.C., the National Board of Directors and 14 Regional Directors.
PFLAG exists to provide support for parents, families and friends of
gays and lesbians. It provides an opportunity for dialogue about
sexual and gender identity as well as to increase understanding
about these issues. The hope is to create a society that is
understanding and respectful of human diversity.
Our Mission
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
· Advocacy -
to end discrimination & to secure equal civil rights.
Based on scientific research, it is estimated that one family in
four includes a member who is lesbian, gay, or bisexual. These
cherished members of the PFLAG family are an integral stripe in the
multi-cultural flag of diversity that is the backbone of this
nation. We are all family.
The preaching of hatred and misinformation against our children
harms all children because it, in turn, teaches children to hate and
perpetuates violence against others. The physical and psychological
abuse and neglect which contribute to the high rate of suicide of
our teenagers and young adults is a national disgrace and must be
stopped. So that all children will grow up in a world which
understands and accepts them as equal citizens, entitled to the
benefits of the civil rights granted to all people by the United
States Constitution, PFLAG works to achieve justice and equal rights
for all.
|
|
We
Educate Our Communities
PFLAG knows how to educate a misinformed society because many of us
were once misinformed ourselves. We dispel negative myths about
people and communicate the truth about our loved ones.
There have been people in all cultures and times throughout human
history who have identified themselves as gay, lesbian, bisexual or
transgender (GLBT). Homosexuality is not an illness or a disorder, a
fact that is agreed upon by both the American Psychological
Association and the American Psychiatric Association.
Being GLBT is as much a human variation as being left-handed - a
person's sexual orientation and gender identity are just another
piece of who they are. There is nothing wrong with being GLBT - in
fact, there's a lot to celebrate.
Because GLBT people are everywhere - including communities of color,
youth, disabled, poor, and rural communities - we are committed to
approaching our work in ways that are culturally relevant to
multiple communities.
We reach out to faith-based groups, religious leaders and
congregations to encourage moral leadership that fosters GLBT
acceptance and affirmation.
Our Vision
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. Because the road to full equality and
acceptance is a long one - PFLAG needs you to stand up and join us
in our work.
YOUR LOVED ONES NEED YOU to take a stand for fairness. By being open
about yourself and your family you are already helping to dispel
misinformation and fear. |
|
PFLAG of Siouxland
Our local chapter of PFLAG provides a confidential safe-haven to
focus on problems and feelings in regard to coming out or
relationships
with families, friends, and our larger community. We provide support
through careful listening, sharing of personal stories and relating
of problem solving experiences. We are sensitive to each person’s
stage in the acceptance process. We are supportive rather than
confrontational, wishing to create a comfortable atmosphere for all
group participants in which everyone is free to speak, or not speak.
Our chapter has materials available upon request concerning the
issues of being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered as well as
helpful materials for families, parents, and friends.
PFLAG of Siouxland meets
Meetings are held at 7 P.M. the third Tuesday of September,
December, March and June at
St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church,
5200 Glenn Avenue,
in
the upstairs lounge or meeting room.
Questions may be directed
to First Unitarian Church at
258-3116.
Claryce Evans
of First Unitarian is now the
contact person and her email is:
Clevans@cableone.net.
United
in our belief that
Love is stronger than
fear, and that
All People
Are Equal
----------------
We
Support,
Educate and
Advocate for a
better, safer
World
|
