EnglishABOUT US
Who We Are
Founded in 1987, PFLAG Charlotte is a chapter of PFLAG, the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting families, educating allies, and advocating for equality.
Our Mission
To create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
Our Vision
An equitable, inclusive world where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved.
Our Values
Accountability – We hold ourselves and each other responsible in our work. We communicate transparently, respond timely, set clear boundaries, and take ownership of our actions.
Bravery – We are courageous in word and deed. We advocate boldly, remain steadfast in the face of adversity, make space for vulnerability, and meet people where they are to have the challenging conversations.
Community & Collaboration – We lead with love. We center our community, listen with respect and compassion, and derive strength from the collective power of our unified organization.
Inclusivity & Belonging – We ensure PFLAG Charlotte is a place where everyone belongs. We listen actively, engage with cultural humility, and ensure that the power of diverse people, cultures, and stories are respected and woven through all areas of our work.
Growth – We evolve to ensure PFLAG Charlotte is strong and current. We approach our work with curiosity, broaden our skills, learn from our mistakes as well as our successes, and adapt to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.
Our Team
Mollie Burkholder | they/she
Educational Programs Manager
As a youth development professional and proudly queer person, I have seen firsthand the difference that accepting, supportive families can have in the lives of LGBTQ+ young people. PFLAG is a place that fosters community, offers support, and shares resources – free of judgement – so that families can not only survive but thrive in moments of struggle and joy. As someone who is deeply committed to building a more equitable and inclusive world and working toward liberation for marginalized people, I am proud to be part of an organization working so passionately to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community.
Gretchen Kohlhepp | she/her
Volunteer & Sponsorship Coordinator
In PFLAG Charlotte, my family and I found a safe and supportive community when we needed it most. We chose to volunteer with PFLAG Charlotte to pay it forward. It is extremely rewarding to be involved with an organization that lifts up LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. I would encourage anyone who is interested in making the world more inclusive and equitable, so that every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered and loved, to volunteer with us.
Parker Smith | they/them
Operations Coordinator
I made my way to Charlotte in 2015 to pursue a career in the nonprofit field, specifically to support trans and nonbinary youth at Time Out Youth Center. Coming from rural North Carolina, I knew the challenges that came with growing up queer in the rural South. I also know firsthand how important familial support is for the happiness and success of LGBTQ young people. Through supporting the parents and family members of LGBTQ youth in their journey of learning how to support their loved ones, PFLAG Charlotte is one of the first organizations I worked with in Charlotte. I’m thrilled to join this team and contribute to the growth of this incredible, invaluable organization and connect again with the people that make such an impact on the LGBTQ community of Charlotte.
Ray McKinnon | he/him
Executive Director
As a recently out Black gay man, I have found that caring, just, and affirming spaces were essential to my personal growth, safety, and journey to self-acceptance. Our work at PFLAG Charlotte helps families and friends learn how to love authentically. Now, more than ever, we need spaces where all people can learn to become better allies and accomplices in the struggle for equity, inclusion, safety, celebration, empowerment, and love.
Our Board
Sebastian Barr | he/him
Psychotherapist (Ph.D.), Independent Practice
Lindsay Burrell | she/her
Corporate Planning and Forecasting Executive, Bank of America
Dorie Charnin | she/her
Psychotherapist (Retired)
Horizon Counseling Center- Founder/Director/LCMHC/LMFT
Suzanne Clements | she/her
Board Secretary
Administrative Assistant, Providence Day School
Doug Cooper | he/him
Board Chair
Associate Professor of Psychology (Ph. D.), Johnson C. Smith University
Liliana Forero | she/her
Spanish Teacher, Charlotte Country Day School
Ann Gonzales | she/her
Founder & CEO, Savvy Pioneer
Amy Johnson | she/her
Attorney (J.D.), Moore & Van Allen
Shenna Patterson | she/her
Procurement Category Manager, Allstate
SJ Willis | they/he
Multimedia Marketing Specialist, Ally Financial
David Mumby | he/him
Board Treasurer
Senior, EY