About Us

PFLAG York promotes the health and well-being of all lesbians, gay, bisexual, transgender, and other queer individuals and their parents, family, and friends through:

• Support: for LGBTQ+ Individuals to thrive in an adverse society;

• Education: to enlighten their families and friends to their experiences and needs;

• Advocacy: to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights.

PFLAG York provides the opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

PFLAG York will not give up till society accepts all of its members as equals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

Support

We hold monthly meetings to provide that opportunity to connect and communicate about our experiences, struggles, and triumphs in relation to our LGBTQ+ loved ones. Whether you are a parent who has just learned about your child coming out as LGBTQ+ or an individual who identifies as LGBTQ+, you are welcome to attend our meetings. Our moderators are parents of or members of the LGBTQ+ community themselves and help to facilitate productive and honest discussions and provide support to all attendees.

We recognize that many people come to the meetings with great uncertainty and possible personal risk; therefore, we depend on all meeting attendees to adhere to the following Statement of Confidentiality:

• What is said in our meetings, as well as the identities of persons attending, is kept strictly confidential.
• Presence at these meetings does not indicate any particular identity.
• No recording devices or cameras are allowed without consent.

All have the right to expect these protections and are obligated to extend them to everyone present.

We want to be respectful of everyone’s time and desire to participate in our meetings so that all feel welcome. We ask that those in attendance observe the following Code of Conduct:

• Respect and use all names and pronouns given. Apologize if you make a mistake.
• Give everyone time and opportunity to contribute to the conversation.
• Understand that while your political, spiritual, and religious views have shaped your experience, they are not reflective of everyone’s journey. PFLAG York meetings are not a place for promoting an agenda or religion.
• Our meetings are a place to safely share experiences and concerns, not to pass judgement. We are here to affirm and support all in attendance, to educate those seeking understanding, and advocate for individuals living their authentic lives.

Education

Part of PFLAG York’s mission is to enlighten the families and friends of LGBTQ+ individuals to their experiences and needs. We help them become better allies and advocates for themselves, their children, and the LGBTQ+ community.

At every available opportunity, PFLAG York engages with our local community to provide education on the LGBTQ+ community. We often have an information table at community events where we talk to visitors and provide them with informational packets on the LGBTQ+ community and answer any specific questions they have.

Advocacy

PFLAG York advocates for the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and their parents, families, and friends. We work to make our communities safer for LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. PFLAG York works with:

Local Schools: We meet with school educators and counselors to create awareness and safe spaces.

Faith Communities: Even though we are not a religious organization, we reach out to faith communities to welcome and affirm queer diversity.

Community Events: Each year we participate in community diversity festivals and PRIDE events to support, educate on, and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

Workshops: Virtual or in person workshops available by donation for organizations to increase awareness, educate, and foster inclusivity.