Background
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) arose from the powerful act of one mother, Jeanne Manford, who in 1972 marched with her son Morty in New York City’s third Gay Pride Parade, carrying a sign which said “I Love My Gay Son.” Her courageous action was witnessed by other parents of gay sons and lesbian daughters who longed to express their support, and a movement was born!
PFLAG Denver dates its founding to February 1980, when some 35 concerned parents and gay and lesbian family members met to organize a local chapter. PFLAG Denver is a member of PFLAG National, which has nearly 500 affiliates located in every state.
The Unique Place of PFLAG
What does PFLAG offer that distinguishes it from other non-profit organizations supporting the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) community?
First and foremost, it is for and about the family. It strives to keep families together, to promote reconciliation and mutually satisfying relationships between GLBT persons and their heterosexual family members. It strives to help parents understand their GLBT sons and daughters, to assist GLBT persons in coming out to their parents, to help spouses and ex-spouses of GLBT persons recover their equilibrium when such a relationship fails, to empower children of GLBT parents by letting them know that neither they nor their parents are alone. Finally, it offers an affirming surrogate family to GLBT individuals whose birth family is disapproving.
PFLAG is an organization for both GLBT and heterosexual persons, and links the two communities.
Membership
PFLAG Denver offers various levels of membership. The basic one-year membership costs $35 for an individual and $55 for a couple or family. Members receive the newsletter and notices of upcoming events. If you are interested in becoming a member of PFLAG Denver, call 303-573-5861 or click on the membership link to complete a membership form.
501(c)(3) Status
PFLAG Denver is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in good standing with the State of Colorado. You can check us out by visiting the Colorado Secretary of State website and do a "Charitable Organizations Search" specifying our registration number (20023007886).
Activities and Accomplishments
In its 25 years, PFLAG Denver has held over 260 monthly meetings at which it has welcomed persons of all backgrounds, faiths, races, and sexual orientations. The monthly meetings offer rap groups, specialized support groups, engaging programs, a lending library and educational materials, but above all an atmosphere of love and affirmation. Many other activities take place between the monthly meetings.
The monthly newsletter PFLAG News & Views provides information about chapter activities, opportunities for advocacy, and items of local, state, and national interest.
The Helpline, answered around the clock and staffed by volunteers 12 hours daily, provides information, referrals, and emotional support to both GLBT and heterosexual persons.
The Diversity Committee has implemented a bilingual Helpline for Latinos/Latinas.
The Speakers’ Bureau makes available about 30 trained volunteers to relate their powerful personal stories.
Community events (e.g., PrideFest, People’s Fair) allow for visibility and education.
Working toward safe schools, the chapter has presented workshops at school conferences about anti-gay harassment in schools.
The Advocacy Committee tracks and champions such legislative initiatives as Denver’s Domestic Partnership Registry and same-sex parental rights.
Volunteers
PFLAG Denver relies upon over 100 volunteers to implement its programs, maintain its services, and assist with its special events.
Volunteer orientations take place quarterly. Call 303-573-5861.
Staff
PFLAG Denver employs a half-time Office Manager/Volunteer Coordinator, Judy Trompeter.
Board of Directors
PFLAG Denver is governed by an 11-person Board of Directors which meets monthly. In addition to heterosexual mothers and fathers of GLBT persons, it includes gay men, lesbian women, and transgender individuals, some of whom are also parents, and straight allies. In terms of professional experience, the Board of Directors includes persons with doctoral degrees, current and retired corporate executives, and business owners -- comprising a group with many years of experience in the business world, government, and non-profit organizations.