PFLAG LGBTQ Parent Support San Rafael CA

By Frank Evans


Originally founded in 1972 by Jeanne Manford whom marched in the New York City's Christopher Street Liberation Day March of the same year, the supportive mother of a gay son had no idea how much larger the organization would become over the years. For, the numerous lives which PFLAG has touched has now helped to create new LGBTQ Parent support san rafael ca and elsewhere.

The original vision of the organization to envision a world in which diversity is celebrated while valuing and respecting people regardless of gender expression, gender identity or sexual orientation remains alive and well. For, while there has been some progress in these areas, there have also been a number of set backs. As such, the mission to help create families which can love and respect one another regardless of these and other differences remains a viable goal.

In most cases, the organization works to assist allies, friends and families by providing support groups in which these individuals can share biases, difficulties, ideas and personal experiences with others. Whereas, the organization also works to promote the safety of individuals in the LGBT+ community whom have been kicked out of homes, rental units or whom have been discriminated against in other ways.

With over 400 hundred chapters currently providing this type of support, education and advocacy, the group has helped thousands upon thousands of families and individuals whom identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, there are now chapters either in or close to most major American cities. Whereas, if there is not a chapter, individuals can go online to the PFLAG website to locate the nearest support group or online assistance with a specific issue or issues.

Since 1972, the organization has been changing hearts, minds, saving and strengthening lives through a variety of support groups which promote acceptance and equality. For, the peer-to-peer support groups in which individuals are having a difficult time offer the ability to network with like-minded individuals. Whereas, locating housing for LGBTQ+ individuals whom have been kicked out of family homes, or faced discrimination by others has also provided support at times when none other was available.

While most often visible during Pride parades and marches for equality, PFLAG goes far beyond these events in supporting the members of the community. For, the group not only provides support for those in need but also advocates at the state, local and national level as an attempt to gain equality for all.

The group has always played a vital role in the LGBTQ+ community. While this is the case, that need has only continued to grow over the last several decades. For, there are now more religious organizations and zealots discriminating against these individuals than ever before in history.

The rule of separation of church and state found in the U. S. Constitution has largely failed over the last few decades. As a result, a number of U. S. Government officials are now attempting to overturn newer laws which support members of the LGBTQ+ community based on religious beliefs. In response, PFLAG remains at the forefront in counterbalancing these and issues in an effort to try and prevent such laws from being repealed.




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