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; and

ADVOCACY, to end discrimination and to secure 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.

Vision

We, the parents, families and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender 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.

Strategic Goals

Build the capacity of our organization at every level so that we may have all the resources, in the form of information, people and funding, necessary to move forward in our work with the greatest possible effect.

Create a world in which our young people may grow up and be educated with freedom from fear of violence, bullying and other forms of discrimination, regardless of their real or perceived gender identity or sexual orientation or that of their families.

Make our vision and our message accessible to the broadest range of ethnic and cultural communities, ending the isolation of families with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender family members within those communities.

Create a society in which all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons may enjoy, in every aspect of their lives, full civil and legal equality and may participate fully in all the rights, privileges and obligations of full citizenship in this country.

Work toward full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons within their chosen communities of faith.

PFLAG National

In 1972, Jeanne Manford started an international movement when she marched with her son Mortie in New York’s Gay Pride Parade. Enraged that her son had been beaten at a gay rights protest two months before while police did nothing, she carried a sign at the Pride march that said, “Parents of Gays: Unite in Support of Our Children.”

PFLAG – Pittsburgh is one of over 500 chapters that function under the umbrella of PFLAG – National.

Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays (PFLAG) is a national non-profit organization with over 200,000 members and supporters and over 500 affiliates in the United States.

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.

Visit their website at http://www.pflag.org/

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PFLAG?

“PFLAG” (p-flag) is Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays. We are a support, education and advocacy organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) people, their families, friends and allies.

PFLAG is a non-profit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) corporation. We are not affiliated with any religious or political institution. We are a volunteer, local community based group; membership organization open to anyone and everyone who supports our mission.

What does PFLAG do?

PFLAG supports GLBT people, their families and friends through support meetings, educational resources, speakers, and an informational helpline.

PFLAG educates families and provides public education on sexual orientation, gender identity and GLBT issues. PFLAG educates the community through a variety of projects. 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. PFLAG activists work for change in the community and the state. Nationally, PFLAG volunteers lobby for fairness and acceptance.

What are PFLAG’s top priorities?

PFLAG believes that change happens one person at at time. Our number one priority is total acceptance of all persons regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We work on the grassroots level in our local community. By “putting a face” on the GLBTQ community we educate ourselves and others about GLBTQ issues. Quite simply, we teach tolerance. We seek acceptance.

Where is PFLAG?

For a complete listing of over 500 local PFLAG chapters, go the the PFLAG National web site“Find a Chapter” page.   http://www.pflag.org/index.php?id=189

When was PFLAG started?

PFLAG – Pittsburgh’s first meeting was held in 1989. However, other chapters had started earlier. PFLAG – National was founded in 1973.

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 grew up in large cities and small towns. 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.

How can I get involved in PFLAG?

Everyone who shares PFLAG’s vision is welcome to join us.  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 our community.

Even if you’re not sure that you need PFLAG, remember that PFLAG NEEDS YOU!

All families matter at PFLAG – Pittsburgh