|
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.
|