PFLAG Blairsville Information

In 2013, three members of our group attended the PFLAG Georgia State Conference in Atlanta where we learned of emerging concerns for the wellbeing of transgender people. Two years later we sent four members to the National PFLAG Conference in Nashville, TN to expand our understanding and awareness of national efforts and to provide our future leaders the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to lead a successful PFLAG chapter. Upon returning home, we presented a program to a meeting of local school counselors and provided them with helpful materials and suggestions which focused on the need for safe and nurturing learning environments for our LGBTQ children. In June of 2015, we celebrated nationwide marriage equality, only to find ourselves, one year later, mourning the massacre of many LGBTQ people and their allies in Orlando, FL. The emergence of public discrimination against transgender people nationwide and locally along with the tragedy in Orlando, inspired action. In response, many in our area who care about fairness, equality and safety began looking to PFLAG Blairsville as the vehicle for local change. As attendance mushroomed we undertook initiatives to improve awareness of LGBTQ discrimination in our community and to take steps to create a community more loving and accepting of diversity. Currently, we are partnering with local organizations who believe in providing support, education and advocacy for individuals and families who experience verbal bullying, physical abuse and other types of discrimination and we are reaching out to businesses, schools and spiritual communities to engage them in our efforts. We believe our strength lies in our diversity and, if you agree, we invite you to join us. lovewins