PFLAG: We are parents, family and friends of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered persons (GLBT), along with members of the gay community, who believe ALL our loved ones are worthy of respect, caring and full civil rights.

We are a volunteer, non-profit organization, a local chapter of PFLAG, INC., a broad-based national organization, which now has over 490 chapters and contacts across the country and a membership of 75,000 households.

Register to vote -- and help PFLAG at the same time!

WHAT IS OUR MISSION?

PFLAG: promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through: support, to cope with an adverse society; education, to enlighten an ill-informed public; and advocacy, to end discrimination and secure equal civil rights. PFLAG provides an opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity.

• SUPPORT: PFLAG provides individual and group support for families and friends who are troubled by learning a loved one is gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, or transgendered. We know the feelings involved and can help others grow in understanding and acceptance.
  
  
• EDUCATION: PFLAG works to educate the community and us about homosexuality through brochures, books, speakers and participation in local and national events. We welcome invitations to speak with other groups. We also plan to sponsor a "Coming Out Workshop" for gays and family members to explore this process.
  
  
• ADVOCACY: PFLAG advocates the full civil rights of our loved ones and friends. We know they are decent, law-abiding, talented and loving citizens. They should not have to live with the fears of bashing, loss of jobs, loss of child custody or any of the other forms of hardship caused by social prejudice.

OUR MEETINGS: We meet the third Sunday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley located two miles south of Stephens City on Route 11. The meetings are a combination of support and education. Refreshments are served. Everyone who supports our mission is welcome. We are a diverse and caring group, straight and GLBT, old and young, couples and singles with various racial and religious backgrounds.

HELPLINE: Anyone may call us at any time at (540) 678-0963. If no one answers, callers are invited to leave a message so we may return the call as soon as possible.

NATIONAL HELPLINE -- Toll-free national helpline plus New York and San Francisco regional helplines.

REFERRALS: If you know someone who may need our services, please urge them to call us. We always respect confidentiality and/or anonymity if necessary. A member will meet individually with anyone who is not comfortable coming to a meeting.

PFLAG OF WINCHESTER AND THE UPPER SHENANDOAH VALLEY distributes borchures on many topics such as:

• "Is Homosexuality a Sin?"
• "Why is My Child Gay?"
• "Read This before Coming out to your Parents"

We have materials about gay youth, spouses of gays, AIDS, and many other facets of homosexuality and gender issues.

MEMBERSHIP: You may use any of our services without being a member of PFLAG, but we would also welcome your membership and support in a more active way. If you are interested in joining PFLAG, please complete this form.

Ten simple things you can do to make a difference:

• Teach your children that being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered is simply another means of expressing love.
• If one of your family is GLBT, be sure to let that person know you love them just the way they are.
• Don't tell anti-queer jokes. You just perpetuate the stereotypes about GLBT persons.
• Read PFLAG literature and find out more about what it is really like to be a sexual minority in our society.
• Be open with others about having GLBT friends or family. Secrecy breeds shame.
• If you overhear someone making an anti-queer comment, let them know you don't agree and find the words hurtful.
• Write Congress to protest any anti-gay legislation as you become aware of it.
• Encourage open and honest discussion of GLBT issues in your home, workplace and church.
• Stand with those who believe that discrimination against anyone is a crime against humanity.
• Become a member of PFLAG and join with thousands of people from all walks of life working to end discrimination against all sexual minorities.

"The time has surely come not just to tolerate, or even to accept, but to celebrate and welcome the presence among us of our gay and lesbian fellow human beings." "

Bishop John Shelby Spong,
former Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey