Cal State LA Queer Studies in Education

PFLAG is the nation's largest family and ally organization which seeks out to support families and allies of LGBTQ individuals. PFLAG creates safe and nurturing environments that promote diversity and inclusion, and encourage respect and acceptance for people’s sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

PFLAG achieves these environments by cultivating and strengthening their commitment to the advocacy of LGBTQ people and families, through the harnessing of love and compassion, leadership, community engagement, and lifelong learning that supports the vision of diversity and inclusion of all people.

https://www.pflag.org

http://www.pflagla.org

The organization was founded in 1973, yet began in 1972 when a mother, Jeanne Manford, marched with her son, Morty, in the Liberation Day March in New York, a march that was the precursor to the Pride parade. Mrs. Manford gave other gay and lesbian individuals the courage and support to come out to their families and loved ones. The first meeting was held at a church and the services only expanded through word of mouth and community needs.

Eventually after “Dear Abby” mentioned PFLAG in one of the advice columns, and after receiving 7,000 letters requesting information, PFLAG members decided to start the national organization in 1981 in Los Angeles. In 1982 PFLAG was granted non-profit status, and in 1987 relocated in Denver. PFLAG was opposed to Anita Bryant’s crusade against gays, all throughout the 80’s, and advocated for LGBTQ soldiers before military issues were part of the LGBTQ movement.

In 1990 PFLAG experiences significant growth and expanded to Washington DC. During this time PFLAG also received support from former First Lady, Barbara Bush, making her statement the first gay-positive comment from the White House.

In 1998 transgender individuals were included in the mission and PFLAG developed signature programs which support families and allies voice in the battle for equality, and helped create safe spaces at schools which cultivated respect for all people.

In 2014 the organization changed their name from “Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays’ to just PFLAG.

PFLAG's National Office is in Washington D.C.

PFLAG displays all financial information online and is mostly funded and supported through corporate partners.

PFLAG will continue to advocate for LGBTQ individuals, and continue to provide the support necessary to ensure equality, unity, and inclusion of all LGBTQ individuals and their families and allies.