History
PFLAG National was founded in 1973 by a parent, Jeanne Manford. Attending a parade with her gay son, Jeanne won the hearts of many gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people who begged her to speak with their parents. Jeanne held the first PFLAG Support Group meeting on March 11, 1973 at a church in Greenwich Village. For over four decades, PFLAG has provided support to families and allies who are in need.
PLAG National currently has over 400 chapters and 200,000 supporters crossing multiple generations of American families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. This vast grassroots network is cultivated, resourced, and serviced by PFLAG National, located in Washington, D.C., the National Board of Directors and 13 volunteer Regional Directors.
A Vision For Charlotte
PFLAG Charlotte, founded in 1987, is a chapter of PFLAG National. We support. We educate. We advocate. We are glad you found us.
PFLAG Charlotte envisions a world where inclusion is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.
Our Mission
To support families, allies and people who are LGBTQ+, to educate ourselves and others about challenges facing LGBTQ+ individuals, and to advocate in our communities for a more equitable future for all.
PFLAG Charlotte is a registered 501(c)(3). Our Tax ID is 58-1760960.
Our Board
Karen Graci,
Executive Director
Showing up at our first PFLAG meeting years ago, my husband and I had no idea what to expect. What we found was a group of parents sharing their experiences of supporting, loving, and advocating for their LGBTQ+ loved ones. PFLAG met us where we were, and walked with us every step of the way. What a gift to be able to do the same for others.
Cindy Deutsch,
Vice President
I will never forget how I felt when I attended my first PFLAG meeting. Receiving support from people who were traveling the same journey was life changing! I want to be here for the next parent who comes to PFLAG in need of the same support I received. I believe supporting LGBTQ+ parents goes a long way toward helping LGBTQ+ youth.
Sarah Eyssen,
Board Chair
Why PFLAG? Alex, Sarah, Emma Kate, Andrew, and Luke–my precious family and me. A lifesaver and game-changer, PFLAG meets us, always exactly as we are and where we are.
Annabelle Pardo,
Development
When we needed it most, PFLAG was our family’s lifeline. To serve in PFLAG is a way to pay it forward and help those who may find themselves in the same place our family was at the beginning of our journey. I want to help as many kids and youth as possible to have a supportive family where they can thrive, develop and be themselves.
Eileen Conlin,
Treasurer
Why I serve PFLAG. To promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. To honor the profound interconnection or our community. To express gratitude for the fullness of this life.
Judith Stephens,
Secretary
It started with the personal – I have a transgender son and a non-binary grandchild and I needed to better understand the issues and challenges in their lives and how to better support them. But my support for PFLAG is more than that. I am primarily driven by a deep belief that every person in the LGBTQ+ community deserves to be affirmed for who they are; they deserve respect, dignity and equality.
Dr. Benjamin Simmons
It is important that everyone feels safe when they seek medical care regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. As a physician, I feel it is important to help educate those who provide healthcare and the community to help ensure culturally competent services. I am so excited to be part of Charlotte PFLAG to help extend the reach of those educated in our community.
Amy Johnson
PFLAG provides the education and advocacy needed for real change. I want to be part of creating a more inclusive world for the LGBTQ+ community. Progress requires that those not directly impacted be directly affected.
Doug Cooper
When your child says they are transgender, you feel like you are the only family navigating a journey of challenges at home, at school, and at the doctor’s office. But at PFLAG Charlotte, you are not alone! There are other families who are going through the same journey and feel the same way. I serve because I want the next family that takes a flyer, comes to an event, or comes to a support group to know that, like us, they are not alone.
Connie Norris
Dorie Charnin
When I was a teen in the 60’s, I committed to causes that stood for equal rights for all. When I was 18, I met a wonderful, creative soul who became my husband and father of my son. My husband was bi sexual. Until LGBTQIA + people are afforded the same rights, opportunities and consideration as every other respected human being, I will not stop advocating. PFLAG Charlotte is an organization I’m proud to serve to help accomplish these goals.