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Sharing Your Story

Storytelling moves the discussion away from impersonal policies and focuses attention on what matters: people. Here are some tips for telling a great story. You can hone your skills even more by taking the PFLAG Academy Online course Sharing Your Story to Create Change.

Choose Your Personal Story

Pick a moment that gives a glimpse into your experience as an LGBTQ+ person or ally:

  • Your coming out/disclosure story
  • Incidents of bullying or discrimination
  • Your journey to accepting yourself or others
  • What it felt like to find out that someone you love is LGBTQ+

Convey Your Message

Stories have purpose. Through your story, you can help your audience connect with a specific issue.

  • What does your audience need to know about this issue?
  • Why is it important to you — and to them?
  • What can they do? (e.g., Vote, go to a PFLAG meeting, sponsor your program, learn more, etc.)

Tips

  • Practice your story — in the mirror, to your pets, to your friends — then practice more.
  • Allow your story to evolve as you do.
  • Avoid going on autopilot when telling your story in person. Stay aware of how you’re feeling and how people respond.
  • Keep the details concise and know what to leave out.
  • Stay committed to the truth. Don’t exaggerate or change your story because you think it might be more convincing.
  • You don’t need to be an expert. If someone asks you a question and you don’t know the answer, commit to finding the information and following up.
  • Let your emotions show when telling your story in person. This openness will help others relate to your message.
  • Engage in the conversation by using gestures and making eye contact.
  • Avoid using ‘insider’ language and acronyms until you’ve explicitly explained them.
The shape of Texas with a transgender pride flag heart in the center.

Our Love is Louder!

The Texas Attorney General took an outrageous action and demanded that PFLAG National turn over information about our support of families in Texas seeking gender-affirming medical care for their transgender youth. Help make sure families who need PFLAG’s vital resources can get them!

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