150,000+ Voters Reached

WASHINGTON—Today, PFLAG National honors the work of its advocates who drove more than 150,000 voters to the polls, resulting in a historic midterm and wins for LGBTQ+ people and their families. PFLAG advocates knocked on doors, hosted phone banks, held early vote parties, and talked with their neighbors about what this election would mean for real families, leading to record turnout in states including Virginia, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, and Texas. PFLAG also celebrates the midterm’s historic firsts, including the election of the first openly transgender state legislators in Alabama and Georgia, the first openly gay man elected to Congress from Indiana, and the first openly gay man elected to the U.S. Senate.

“This has always been a long game, and last night showed why we play it,” said Brian K. Bond (he/him), chief executive officer of PFLAG National. “We celebrate our PFLAG families who showed up at this election determined to make their voice heard and to educate others on the real issues. Every lawmaker elected last night will continue to hear from us — in their home districts, at statehouses, and federal offices.”

In Missouri, PFLAG families were deeply involved in the campaign against Amendment 3, which would have reinstated a near-total abortion ban and written a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth into the state constitution. Voters rejected it, with about 55.5 percent voting no in unofficial results — a wider margin than the 51.6 percent that approved the 2024 amendment it sought to overturn. This critical win shows the power of PFLAG families and their stories to change hearts and minds despite hurtful attacks on our trans loved ones.

Yet, PFLAG is deeply disappointed by the passage of measures targeting transgender youth in states such as Arizona and Nebraska, which set a dangerous precedent for LGBTQ+ people, and their families. Transgender young people and their families in these states are hurting today, and they are not alone. PFLAG exists and has been standing with LGBTQ+ people and their families for more than 50 years because families face hard moments, and we know there is a path forward. We’ve seen setbacks before, and we will not be overcome.

“Last night was historic, and for many LGBTQ+ people and families it was also painful,” said Bond. “To transgender people and their families in states where anti-trans measures passed: we see you, and PFLAG has your back. Parents, grandparents and allies made their voices heard because they know what’s at stake for the people they love. That work doesn’t stop now.”

Changes in the leadership of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and legislatures across the country create new opportunities to advance policies that protect the rights and interests of LGBTQ+ Americans. Parents and families are the most powerful messengers on LGBTQ+ issues, and their stories reach people across the political spectrum. Alongside national and state partners, PFLAG will continue to drive its priorities forward and walk into the 2027 legislative sessions with families leading the way.

“No matter who holds office, PFLAG families will be in the room,” said Bond. “Lawmakers who have never met a PFLAG family will meet one. And where our families face new threats, we will be there, louder and stronger than ever. The election is over, but the work is not done. We will stay in the fight.”