PFLAG
promotes the health and well being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender
persons, their families and friends through:
- Support, to cope with an adverse society
- Education, to enlighten an ill-informed public
- Advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights
PFLAG provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation, and
acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.
Who Are We
Objectives:
We are a group with a three part mission. First and foremost,
we exist to support parents and families of lesbians, gays, transgender,
and bisexuals who are having problems accepting their relative’s
sexual orientation. We also support the spouses of newly out LGBT (lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender) people. Second, we strive to educate ourselves
and others about LGBT issues. Third, we are visible advocates for issues
affecting the LGBT family, such as discrimination in the workplace and
housing. With our LGBT family and friends, we work for equality of all
their civil rights.
How it began:
PFLAG nationally has 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members. The
concept of PFLAG began in 1973 when the mother of a gay man marched in
New York's Pride Parade to show public support, pride and love of her
son. She urged parents to unite in support of their gay children. The
Madison chapter started about 20 years ago.
Description of meetings:
We meet for 2 hours once per month. The first hour is an educational
program put on by the members or an outside speaker. After a short social
break, we then go around the room introducing ourselves to each other
and offering support to any member or visitor who needs it. Some of the
veteran members will spend extra time with the newer people in small groups
if needed.
In a nutshell:
"PFLAG is a group of caring people who work together and love their
kids and each other unconditionally. We aim to end discrimination directed
toward our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender loved ones. We strive
for equality of their civil rights. We heal families." Harriet Bruyn

PFLAG Madison History
A brief history of the Madison chapter of PFLAG

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