PFLAG in La Crosse and a Support Group Proposal, by June Kjome
PFLAG , Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays is a non-profit international organization that promotes the health and well being of LGBT persons and their families. We do this through: Support to parents and families; Education to enlighten an often ill-informed public; Advocacy to end discrimination and secure civil rights for LGBT people.
Depending on the size of the chapter and needs of members or the community, a variety of programs and special support groups can be set up such as parents, transgender, straight spouse support group, or dealing with school or faith issues.
The PFLAG chapter in La Crosse was begun in 1995. We met monthly with special topics at the meetings, a time for sharing and sometimes had special speakers. We also planned and organized conferences in collaboration with GALAXY and UW-L as well as two conference that focused on dealing with religious questions people have concerning homosexuality. We did a two page newsletter 10 times a year. We were listed with First Call for help and we were able to refer or direct callers to resources, agencies, or people who could assist them. Some came to our PFLAG meetings. A couple in our group also provided foster care to several gay or lesbian youth giving them love, security and guidance when they needed it most. Another member of our steering committee was an ordained Pastor. She was generous with her time to meet with people who were concerned over faith or religious issues. Members of our steering committee were on panels or spoke at various events representing PFLAG.
The participation in our local chapter started dwindling in 2004 and finally we ceased to function as a group in December, 2005. Our last newsletter was in winter, 2006.
I think there is still a need for support groups for parents and friends of LGBT people. But it does not have to be organized as a PFLAG chapter. It takes time, energy, money and commitment to keep a group going. Being part of a national organization meant having membership lists and dues etc. It seemed that parents or individuals would come for a while, but either they did not find what they needed or else they did and then felt no commitment to the group. Life is so busy these days that people have to make choices as to where they want to spend their energies. Setting up support groups as they are needed under the auspices of the LGBT Resource Center might be the answer.
Editor's Note:
If you are interested in participating in a Center-sponsored support group for parents and friends and allies of LGBTQ people, contact the Center at 608.784.0452. Or contact Lori at this email address: n6936@peoplepc.com