Founded in 2008, the Tulare & Kings Counties Chapter of PFLAG continues to serve the parents, families, friends, and supporters of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning) community in Tulare and Kings Counties. From its founding in New York City in 1972 by Jeanne Manford, a mother determined to support her gay son, PFLAG has grown into an international organization dedicated to, as mentioned in the Tulare-Kings PFLAG’s mission statement, “promoting 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; and advocacy, to end discrimination and to secure equal 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.”
The rapid change in our society’s acceptance of the LGBTQ community, especially in the last decade, has left many people wondering how they can help, or how they can obtain factual, reliable information concerning friends and/or family who come out as LGBTQ. PFLAG chapters across the country, and in other nations around the world, provide a safe, confidential, local source of support and community.
Tulare & Kings Counties PFLAG meets every third Sunday of the month, at the Educational and Cultural Center, Congregation B’nai David, 1039 S. Chinowth Rd, Visalia, at 3pm. Meetings are open to the public, and individuals and families who are looking for information and support, whether they are interested in learning more about the LGBTQ community, or are coping with the news that a loved one is LGBTQ, are encouraged to attend. Members of the LGBTQ community are also invited to attend, to give and receive support.
Each meeting begins with introductions and announcements, followed by break-out groups for discussion and support. The second hour is a presentation by invited guests or members to speak on topics of concern to the LGBTQ community, their families, and the general public. Future presentations will include speakers from the Female Leadership Academy, discussions of LGBTQ youth homelessness, and issues facing the transgender community.
For more information, visit http://pflag-tulare-kings.org or visit us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pflagtkc
Jim Reeves
Membership Director
Tulare-Kings PFLAG
Visalia