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 Christopher Street Liberation Day parade, carrying a sign which said “PARENTS of Gays UNITE . . . ” 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!

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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 affiliate chapters located in every state throughout the U.S. 

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Today, PFLAG no longer utilizes its expanded wording (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) and simply operates as "PFLAG." This acts as an effort to be a more inclusive and representative organization, acknowledging all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.