| Recognizing
a lack of resources for the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered
(GLBT) community in Skagit County, a group of concerned individuals
saw a need to establish a PFLAG Chapter. This group consisted
of parents, family and friends of gay and lesbians; gay men,
lesbians, and the transgendered. They came together for their
first meeting in September of 2000, and have been meeting on
the second Monday of each month ever since. Members now come
from all parts of Skagit County.
PFLAG
Skagit was fortunate to be offered a meeting place at the
Central United Methodist Church in Sedro-Woolley. PFLAG Skagit
is not, however, affiliated with any religious organization.
The members
of PFLAG Skagit welcome all who would like to come and visit
during our monthly meetings. Every meeting offers opportunities
for sharing in an open yet confidential dialogue with supportive
members of other families who have dealt, or are dealing,
with acceptance of their loved ones' sexual orientation.
Skagit
County (and society at large) has a long way to go before
achieving full acceptance of sexual minorities. Sadly, our
schools often still do not discuss GLBT people or their issues,
our institutions are not prepared to deal with them, and hatred
and resistance are encountered on a regular basis.
|
|
It is
for this reason that PFLAG Skagit exists; we are here to provide
support, education, and advocacy for GLBT people and their
loved ones who live here among us, in our own neighborhoods
and towns, in beautiful Skagit County.
PFLAG
provides opportunities for dialogue about sexual orientation,
and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful
to human diversity. We want to reach out to parents and families
of gay and lesbian adults and youth.
PFLAG
Skagit is one of 500 local affiliates across the United States,
plus 11 in other countries.
Today,
with 200,000 members nationally and over a hundred thousand
participants, PFLAG has become a significant national voice,
speaking out regarding society's attitudes toward our gay,
lesbian, and transgendered loved ones.
|