Who we are
We’re just regular people, perhaps like you, that have struggled with the emotional, societal and political issues surrounding homosexuality. The Tacoma PFLAG chapter began in 1981 as a small group of parents and friends meeting in a local church. Their commitment to justice for all led to affiliation with PFLAG National in 1996. PFLAG is a non profit organization not affiliated with any religious organization, although chapters frequently meet at churches
We’re just regular people, perhaps like you, that have struggled with the emotional, societal and political issues surrounding homosexuality. The Tacoma PFLAG chapter began in 1981 as a small group of parents and friends meeting in a local church. Their commitment to justice for all led to affiliation with PFLAG National in 1996. PFLAG is a non profit organization not affiliated with any religious organization, although chapters frequently meet at churches
Our goal
With lifetimes of misinformation about homosexuality and gender identity, many people don’t know where to turn when they find out a family member or friend is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT). PFLAG provides direct support to people who need answers to their questions and help with strengthening family relationships.
Support groups meet each month and offer a non-judgmental outlet for feelings and a place to meet other people in similar situations. Meetings offer opportunities to learn about LGBT people and their families – through speakers, videos, and discussions. Those who come for help often become those who help others.
PFLAG is making a safer world for LGBT and gender non-conforming people and their family members by dispelling myths and by communicating the truth about LGBT families and friends. PFLAG reaches out to schools, faith communities, and other organizations to encourage leadership that fosters community acceptance of diversity.
With lifetimes of misinformation about homosexuality and gender identity, many people don’t know where to turn when they find out a family member or friend is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered (LGBT). PFLAG provides direct support to people who need answers to their questions and help with strengthening family relationships.
Support groups meet each month and offer a non-judgmental outlet for feelings and a place to meet other people in similar situations. Meetings offer opportunities to learn about LGBT people and their families – through speakers, videos, and discussions. Those who come for help often become those who help others.
PFLAG is making a safer world for LGBT and gender non-conforming people and their family members by dispelling myths and by communicating the truth about LGBT families and friends. PFLAG reaches out to schools, faith communities, and other organizations to encourage leadership that fosters community acceptance of diversity.
Our appoach
PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of LGBT persons, their families and friends through:
Support for parents and friends. We understand the difficulties in learning that a loved one is homosexual. Our monthly meetings provide a supporting environment where you can share your thoughts, or just listen and hopefully learn from the experiences of others.
Support for gay, lesbian, transgender and questioning people. PFLAG support group meetings provide a safe space where you can discuss your feelings and experiences, your sexual identity, seek the acceptance and unconditional love that our members have to offer, and to gain perspective on what parents and family members experience during the coming out process.
Education. A variety of educational materials in the form of books, pamphlets and video tapes are available for checkout from our library. Our monthly meetings provide an opportunity to exchange information on the issues facing LGBT people.
Advocating for justice. PFLAG advocates on behalf of public policy to ensure equal rights, and to provide full support of human and civil rights for sexual minorities.
PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of LGBT persons, their families and friends through:
Support for parents and friends. We understand the difficulties in learning that a loved one is homosexual. Our monthly meetings provide a supporting environment where you can share your thoughts, or just listen and hopefully learn from the experiences of others.
Support for gay, lesbian, transgender and questioning people. PFLAG support group meetings provide a safe space where you can discuss your feelings and experiences, your sexual identity, seek the acceptance and unconditional love that our members have to offer, and to gain perspective on what parents and family members experience during the coming out process.
Education. A variety of educational materials in the form of books, pamphlets and video tapes are available for checkout from our library. Our monthly meetings provide an opportunity to exchange information on the issues facing LGBT people.
Advocating for justice. PFLAG advocates on behalf of public policy to ensure equal rights, and to provide full support of human and civil rights for sexual minorities.
Our actions
We work toward the PFLAG objectives of Support, Education and Advocacy in many ways. Our monthly meetings provide time for support for those in need, as well as an educational program (see the Calendar page for some of our past program topics).
We participate in many local LGBT-related events, such as Pride Parades, Out in the Park, AIDS walks, Regional and National PFLAG conferences, etc. Tacoma PFLAG provides financial support to local organizations including the Pierce County Aids Foundation, the Rainbow Center, Heartstrong, Gay/Straight Alliances in local high schools, and other LGBT organizations.
In February 2008 we, in conjunction with 4 other local GLBTQ organizations, sponsored Rainbows Over Tacoma, an evening of comedy, music and interpretive dance at the Washington State History Museum. It was a great night out, and raised funds to help sponsoring organizations to serve the LGBT community.
We encourage our members to become advocates after they become comfortable with their positions on LGBT issues. These can be efforts as small as putting a bumper sticker on your car, bringing up the subject of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, etc. with your friends or co-workers, writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper, or making a phone call to your legislator. Our members also frequently volunteer to speak at local events or organizations to help others understand the issues faced by the LGBT community and their families/friends. Collectively, these “small” efforts can have a huge impact.
Tacoma PFLAG works to make schools a safer place for LGBT students. Terry Rhines, our Safe Schools Coordinator, has made significant inroads by speaking to students and providing diversity training to the staff in local schools. Terry’s essay on homophobia and harassment in schools is here.
We realize the importance of providing support and equal rights for GLBT military service personnel. In 2005, we organized a special event at the University of Washington, Tacoma, campus featuring Adm. Alan Steinman and Col. Grethe Cammermeyer, who discussed the military’s current policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”.
In July of 2009, Tacoma PFLAG received the Pierce County Pride Special Achievement Award to recognize its work in the local community.
In 2012 we worked hard to educate people about Referendum 74 that made Marriage Equality a reality in Washington State.
We also have a lot of fun! Our board meetings are full of energy and interesting ideas. If you would like to help in our efforts, please inquire about becoming a member of our board.
We work toward the PFLAG objectives of Support, Education and Advocacy in many ways. Our monthly meetings provide time for support for those in need, as well as an educational program (see the Calendar page for some of our past program topics).
We participate in many local LGBT-related events, such as Pride Parades, Out in the Park, AIDS walks, Regional and National PFLAG conferences, etc. Tacoma PFLAG provides financial support to local organizations including the Pierce County Aids Foundation, the Rainbow Center, Heartstrong, Gay/Straight Alliances in local high schools, and other LGBT organizations.
In February 2008 we, in conjunction with 4 other local GLBTQ organizations, sponsored Rainbows Over Tacoma, an evening of comedy, music and interpretive dance at the Washington State History Museum. It was a great night out, and raised funds to help sponsoring organizations to serve the LGBT community.
We encourage our members to become advocates after they become comfortable with their positions on LGBT issues. These can be efforts as small as putting a bumper sticker on your car, bringing up the subject of homosexuality, same-sex marriage, etc. with your friends or co-workers, writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper, or making a phone call to your legislator. Our members also frequently volunteer to speak at local events or organizations to help others understand the issues faced by the LGBT community and their families/friends. Collectively, these “small” efforts can have a huge impact.
Tacoma PFLAG works to make schools a safer place for LGBT students. Terry Rhines, our Safe Schools Coordinator, has made significant inroads by speaking to students and providing diversity training to the staff in local schools. Terry’s essay on homophobia and harassment in schools is here.
We realize the importance of providing support and equal rights for GLBT military service personnel. In 2005, we organized a special event at the University of Washington, Tacoma, campus featuring Adm. Alan Steinman and Col. Grethe Cammermeyer, who discussed the military’s current policy of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”.
In July of 2009, Tacoma PFLAG received the Pierce County Pride Special Achievement Award to recognize its work in the local community.
In 2012 we worked hard to educate people about Referendum 74 that made Marriage Equality a reality in Washington State.
We also have a lot of fun! Our board meetings are full of energy and interesting ideas. If you would like to help in our efforts, please inquire about becoming a member of our board.
updated_by_laws.pdfOur Bylaws
PFLAG Tacoma operates under a set of bylaws. If you're interested, you can find them here.
PFLAG Tacoma operates under a set of bylaws. If you're interested, you can find them here.
Personal Stories
Our work towards equality for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, stems from deep personal connections with the LGBT community, whether as parents or friends. This page contains letters and stories from present and past PFLAG members that reflect those connections. If you would like to share your experience, whether from the perspective of a LGBT individual or a parent or family member, please email us.
1. Russ and Anita Calhoun describe their realization that their son is gay and their perspectives on some of the theological issues.
2. Kevin and Brenda Housen describe their reaction to learning their son is gay.
3. Terry Rhines discusses the importance of eliminating homophobia from our schools.
4. A letter from a PFLAG mother in Australia.
5. A letter from the mother of a transgendered child.
Our work towards equality for all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, stems from deep personal connections with the LGBT community, whether as parents or friends. This page contains letters and stories from present and past PFLAG members that reflect those connections. If you would like to share your experience, whether from the perspective of a LGBT individual or a parent or family member, please email us.
1. Russ and Anita Calhoun describe their realization that their son is gay and their perspectives on some of the theological issues.
2. Kevin and Brenda Housen describe their reaction to learning their son is gay.
3. Terry Rhines discusses the importance of eliminating homophobia from our schools.
4. A letter from a PFLAG mother in Australia.
5. A letter from the mother of a transgendered child.