PFLAG Speakers Bureau

In order to share my knowledge and story with others and promote a positive image of the LGBTQ+ communtiy, I will become a member of the PFLAG Speakers Bureau.

PFLAG is an organization that was started in 1972 by a mother who wanted to advocate for her gay son. Today, PFLAG is considered the one of the largest LGBTQ+ organizations in America, with over 200,000 members.

The PFLAG Speakers Bureau is a panel of LGBTQ+ people who share their stories with those involved in the PFLAG Safe Schools and Communities Program. As a speaker, I will be sent to different towns, schools, and community events to talk about LGBTQ+ issues, teach others the value of storytelling and learning from other people's stories, and hopefully help people open their minds and their hearts a little wider.

In order to do this, I attended a training session at United Parish in Brookline on March 8th. The program was run by Tracy McKay and Zach Roe.

I then was given a presentation about good public speaking tips, and I learned the best way to connect with an audience. The other members at the session and I then took turns formulating our stories and sharing them with the group. I was touched by the stories I heard from my fellow colleagues, and I could already see the impact they would have on a crowd. The whole experience was extremely empowering and I cannot wait to do it again.

Speaking opportunities normally are sent out by email monthly and everyone signs up for an event. Because of coronavirus, all events are suspended indefinitely, so I have not spoken anywhere yet. Hopefully I will have the opportunity to speak after social distancing ends.