For LGBT Persons
NOTE: There are a number of resources for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth and adults on the PFLAG (National) website.
For G/L/B, click here
For Transgender persons, click here
PFLAG and the LGBT Community
PFLAG is a home for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. We understand, and we offer our support and unconditional love. Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender is a normal and healthy way to be. Your sexual orientation and gender identity are just one more part of who you are. And sometimes, it takes time to know who you are. It is okay to be confused, it's okay to be unsure whether you are gay or straight and to be uncertain about whether you should come out. Remember, you are not alone. There are people out there with the same questions and concerns that you have. And there are people who have already found their own answers. PFLAG is here to help you find your own answers.
Every day, all across the country, PFLAG is working to help keep families together. PFLAG support group meetings provide a safe space for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people to share their feelings and experiences, to explore their identity, and to seek the acceptance and unconditional love that our members have to offer. Sometimes, it just helps to have someone to talk to. PFLAG has chapters in almost 500 communities all have help lines you can call.
PFLAG also supports, educates and advocates for equal civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and invites all people who share our vision to join us in our work.
Coming Out to Family and Friends
While we can not tell you exactly how to come out to your family and friends, we can only share from our experiences and from information that has been provided by a number of counselors. There are many questions to consider before coming out. Are you comfortable with your sexuality and gender identity/expression? Do you have support? Can you be patient? What kind of views do your friends and family have about homosexuality and gender variance? Are you financially dependent on your family? Make sure you have thought your decision through, have a plan and supportive people you can turn to. And be prepared for the stages that your family or loved ones may go through upon learning you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Coming out can cause shock, denial, guilt and grief. However, PFLAG was founded because of the unconditional love of parents for their gay children. Your loved ones will need time to adjust to your news, the same way you may have needed time to come to terms with yourself. However, true acceptance is possible, especially with education and support. If you have strong concerns about coming out to your family, it might be best to select one of the counselors from our list on the resources page to speak with first. And don't forget that you can come to a PFLAG meeting - a safe place to talk about your feelings, concerns and fears. PFLAG is a place that will give you hope and courage and will also provide you with the level of support and advocacy as you consider the questions in the coming out stages of your life. Here's a list of books on coming out that you may want to check out [Click Here]
For G/L/B, click here
For Transgender persons, click here
PFLAG and the LGBT Community
PFLAG is a home for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. We understand, and we offer our support and unconditional love. Being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender is a normal and healthy way to be. Your sexual orientation and gender identity are just one more part of who you are. And sometimes, it takes time to know who you are. It is okay to be confused, it's okay to be unsure whether you are gay or straight and to be uncertain about whether you should come out. Remember, you are not alone. There are people out there with the same questions and concerns that you have. And there are people who have already found their own answers. PFLAG is here to help you find your own answers.
Every day, all across the country, PFLAG is working to help keep families together. PFLAG support group meetings provide a safe space for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and questioning people to share their feelings and experiences, to explore their identity, and to seek the acceptance and unconditional love that our members have to offer. Sometimes, it just helps to have someone to talk to. PFLAG has chapters in almost 500 communities all have help lines you can call.
PFLAG also supports, educates and advocates for equal civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and invites all people who share our vision to join us in our work.
Coming Out to Family and Friends
While we can not tell you exactly how to come out to your family and friends, we can only share from our experiences and from information that has been provided by a number of counselors. There are many questions to consider before coming out. Are you comfortable with your sexuality and gender identity/expression? Do you have support? Can you be patient? What kind of views do your friends and family have about homosexuality and gender variance? Are you financially dependent on your family? Make sure you have thought your decision through, have a plan and supportive people you can turn to. And be prepared for the stages that your family or loved ones may go through upon learning you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. Coming out can cause shock, denial, guilt and grief. However, PFLAG was founded because of the unconditional love of parents for their gay children. Your loved ones will need time to adjust to your news, the same way you may have needed time to come to terms with yourself. However, true acceptance is possible, especially with education and support. If you have strong concerns about coming out to your family, it might be best to select one of the counselors from our list on the resources page to speak with first. And don't forget that you can come to a PFLAG meeting - a safe place to talk about your feelings, concerns and fears. PFLAG is a place that will give you hope and courage and will also provide you with the level of support and advocacy as you consider the questions in the coming out stages of your life. Here's a list of books on coming out that you may want to check out [Click Here]