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 transgender individuals. 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.
Skagit PFLAG was fortunate to be offered a meeting place for ten years at the Central United Methodist Church in Sedro-Woolley. Skagit PFLAG and PFLAG in general are not affiliated with any religious organization but welcomes the support of the faith community for our families. Today the support meetings are at the Skagit Valley Co Op Building in downtown Mount Vernon at 202 S. 1st Street, upstairs in room 309.
The members of Skagit PFLAG 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. We also warmly welcome members of the GLBT community who are willing to participate and share their lives.
Skagit County (and society at large) has come a long way towards achieving acceptance of sexual minorities. However, some of our schools have not provided training to prevent harassment and bullying behavior, work places can still be hostile and unfriendly, health care providers can lack information or sensitivity, and we work to have all of the same civil rights for our families that other Americans enjoy in marriage equality and the right to openly serve in the military.
It is for this reason that Skagit PFLAG 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. We often have entire families come to our support meetings.
Skagit PFLAG is one of 310 local affiliates across the United States, plus 11 in other countries. We have over 40 chapters in the Pacific Northwest (OR, ID, MT, AL and WA).
Today, with tens of thousands of members, PFLAG has become a significant national voice, speaking out regarding society's attitudes toward our gay, lesbian, and transgendered loved ones. Even if you do not have time to come to a meeting, you are invited to join us as a member, as we stand up for you, your family, your neighbors and co-workers.
Check out the fun things we do and join us.
Click on the ad (from Flying House magazine) below to download the full-resolution file.
Parents, Familes and Friends of Lesbians and Gays: Skagit County Chapter
Statement of Mission and Goals