OAKHURST – Allies united with lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people are invited to the inaugural meeting of PFLAG in the foothills, scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, at Whittenberg Hall from 7 – 9 p.m.
All supporters are welcome.
PFLAG is an organization made up of parents, families, friends and allies to promote the health and well-being of LGBT persons, their families, and friends.
Area resident and celebrant Jennifer Rogers is helping to organize the group.
“People who come to PFLAG meetings might be friends or family of someone in the LGBT community, straight allies, or people in the LGBT community themselves,” explains Rogers. “People come to get support in the form of encouragement and resources, to become educated and develop more understanding, and to advocate for a more inclusive society.”
The group is committed to advancing equality and social acceptance of LGBT people through its threefold mission of support, education and advocacy.
Rogers – and others – have long wanted to start a PFLAG group in Oakhurst, where Yosemite High School has a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) club, and no other formal group meets on behalf of the LGBT community. Among other ideas, PFLAG promotes dialog about sexual orientation and gender diversity.
“As a mother of a gay son and a transgender son, I have needed support and education adjusting to the unfamiliar feelings, thoughts and questions within our family, but I also needed help knowing how to respond to the questions and concerns directed to us from our family and friends,” she says.
“I also want to stand for my children and other LGBT people in our community as an advocate who can help make our community more safe and inclusive; to celebrate rather than hide and fear diversity.”
The response to Rogers’ announcement of an informational PFLAG meeting has been positive.
“I hope, with the teamwork of the many supportive members we have, to grow this PFLAG organization within our community, so that we are a valued and respected safe place where people who need support, education or want to advocate, will know who we are, join us and use our services.”
For more information contact Jennifer Rogers at (559) 760-8701 and learn more about PFLAG by clicking this link.
Whittenberg Hall is located at 49223 Road 426, just behind the Methodist Thrift Store.
