This week's episode is about supporting military families and their LGBTQ+ dependents.
Something to Talk About Live: The Financial Cost of So-Called "Conversion Therapy"
This week's discussion topic is the financial cost of conversion therapy in the US.
PFLAG Connects: Communities -- Understanding How to Build Inclusive Spaces Recording & Training Toolkit
Launched in October 2021, PFLAG Connects: Communities (PCC) has quickly become a mainstay of PFLAG National’s work to increase diversity and inclusion efforts. Through the creation of support meetings specifically...
Something to Talk About Live: "Parental Rights In Education Bills” Will Hurt Marginalized Youth
This week's discussion topic is Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill.
Something To Talk About Live: This National Hugging Day (January 21) Hug Your Trans And Nonbinary Loved Ones Tight
This week's discussion is about what to do if a child or loved one comes out as trans/nonbinary.
Something to Talk About Live: May Your Holidays Be Merry and Gay
This week's discussion topic is queer holiday traditions and creating joy at a time that can be difficult for some.
Advanced Bi+ Allyship: Going Beyond the "Bi"nary Recording & Training Toolkit
Beginning the ally journey can take a lot of introspection about your biases—and that work must continue as you become a more advanced ally. In this 201-level training, we will...
Something to Talk About Live: September 2, 2021
This week's discussion topic is the LGBTQ+ generational wealth gap.
Something to Talk About Live: August 26, 2021
This week's discussion topic is conversion therapy and the film Pray Away on Netflix.
Something to Talk About Live: August 12, 2021
This week's discussion topic is "guncles" and the role the play in modern families.
Bisexuality+ 101: Understanding & Supporting People Who Are Bi+: Recording & Training Toolkit
The LGBTQ+ community is inclusive of many, but too often certain letters -- and people -- are less visible. As allies become increasingly educated about the LGBTQ+ community and feel more...
Something to Talk About Live: June 17, 2021
This week's discussion topic is the experience of black LGBTQ+ folks and their families.
Something to Talk About Live: May 6, 2020
This week's discussion topic is LGBTQ+ inclusion in faith communities.
Something to Talk About Live: April 29, 2021
This week's discussion topic is impact that anti-trans legislation is having on families with gender diverse children.
Something to Talk About Live: April 1, 2021
This week's discussion topic is the experience of college-aged LGBTQ+ folks during COVID-19.
Something to Talk About Live: March 25, 2021
This week's discussion topic is the significance and impact of the FX show Pose.
Something to Talk About Live; February 11, 2021
This week's discussion topic is asexuality and aromanticism.
Something to Talk About Live: January 7, 2021
This week's discussion topic is chosen families and the impact of COVID-19 has had on them.
Something to Talk About Live: December 17, 2020
This week's discussion topic is the experience of LGBTQ+ Jews in the US.
Something to Talk About Live: December 10, 2020
This week's discussion topic is conversion therapy and the PBS film Cured.
Something to Talk About Live: November 12, 2020
This week's discussion topic is the experiences of queer, Christian, Tejanos.
Something to Talk About Live: October 15, 2020
This week's discussion topic is the experiences of LGBTQ+ Filipinos in the Philippines and in the US.
Something to Talk About Live: October 8, 2020
This week's discussion topic is the experience of LGBTQ+ Republicans and conservatives in the US.
Something to Talk About Live: July 23, 2020
This week's discussion topic is the mental health impacts COVID-19 has had on the LGBTQ+ population.
Something to Talk About Live: June 18, 2020
This week's discussion topic is how to celebrate Pride if you aren't out to everyone in your life.
The Role of Parents in Protecting Youth from Conversion Therapy Recording & Training Toolkit
PFLAG National is proud to partner with The Mattachine Society of Washington, DC and Lisa Linksy, Partner at McDermott, Will, & Emery,...
PFLAG National Presents a Series on Conversion Therapy and LGBTQ Youth
PFLAG National is proud to partner with The Mattachine Society of Washington, DC and Lisa Linksy, Partner at McDermott,...
Conversion Therapy and LGBTQ Youth Recording & Training Toolkit
PFLAG National is proud to partner with The Mattachine Society of Washington, DC and Lisa Linksy, Partner at McDermott,...
Something to Talk About Live: March 26, 2020
This week's discussion topic is how COVID-19 will impact Pride in 2020.
When Someone Comes Out: A PFLAGers Guide to Demonstrating Support and Acceptance Recording & Training Toolkit
The term “coming out” has become so mainstream that many people assume that the word—and the actions it entails—are simple. However PFLAGers know that it can still be a harrowing...

The Unknown Depths of a Parent's Love
You never know how much love you have for your child until you’re challenged. Being a southern Black woman from a traditional background prepared me to raise my children well, but when one of my children came out to me...
PFLAG National Responds to UMC Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, PFLAG National—the nation’s first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their families, and allies—issued the followin
PFLAG Helps Teen Come Out
"His dad’s acceptance evolved rather quickly. Within a year of Adams transition, Mr. Miller was attending PFLAG meetings regularly and even marched in Atlanta’s Pride parade with the PFLAG chapter."
Just one gay acquaintance can change hearts and minds on LGBTQ rights
"Those who were previously opposed or ambivalent about gay and lesbian people can change their hearts and minds," Owen said.
Three mothers form South Bay chapter of PFLAG
"Linda Reeves, along with two other mothers of gay children — Cindy Byrne and Tina Sarafa — will soon launch the first Manhattan Beach and South Bay chapter"
Sam Thoron, former PFLAG president, dies at 79
Sam Thoron sold insurance and raced sports cars — but he was better known for changing the lives of thousands of straight families with gay children.
Family Acceptance Within Families of Color Recording & Training Toolkit
Parents of LGBTQ+ children from Asian, Latinx, and African American backgrounds will share their stories of transforming parent’s fear, shame, and guilt into unconditional love and acceptance for their children...
PFLAG National Board Member Susan Thronson "Won't Be Denied"
"Family acceptance for LGBTQ youth who face homelessness and attempt suicide at tragic and unacceptable levels.
Keeping Siblings Seen and Supported with Dr. Anderson and Mr. Doherty Recording
Gender diversity impacts everyone in a family. When a family stands out for any reason, each member is likely to handle this differently. In the community, siblings of gender...
Nuestros Seres Queridos Trans: Una Nueva Traducción al Español
Estamos muy orgullosos de anunciar el primero de nuestras nuevas traducciones actualizadas en Español de todas nuestras publicaciones nacionales de PFLAG. La miembro de la junta Isolda Atayde lidera el...

Disney's ANDI MACK: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Self-Acceptance
ANDI MACK, an immensely popular show on the Disney Channel, has its season two premiere this Friday night (8pm ET/PT)...and is a ground-breaking episode: One of the lead characters begins a coming-out process that will continue throughout the season.
If...

Coming Out Day: Creating the Safety and Extended Family Support System Our LGBTQ+ Loved Ones Need
PFLAG always looks forward to celebrating Coming Out Day alongside all of the amazing LGBTQ+ people in queer history, in our networks, and across the nation, who have had the strength and support to come out and live their truths....
Gender Basics for Parents with Joel Baum Recording
Discussions of gender are everywhere these days. Unfortunately, these discussions can leave us more confused than ever. Whether for your own information, or to help you support parents of...

Happy #BiWeek... What Will YOU Do?
I was really fortunate to come into national LGBTQ work as the Bi movement was exploding.
Some of my first friendships in my now 30-year life in DC were with intrepid Bi activists. I watched Bi leaders fight for inclusion...

A Note to My Kid: #ParentsComingOut
Family support makes a transformative difference in the lives of people who come out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer. And when parents and families share their stories--coming out in support of their LGBTQ children and loved ones--they not...
PFLAG and other pro-LGBT organizations advocate at Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting
Liz Owen, director of communications for PFLAG National, attended the Phoenix event and says it confirmed that LGBT acceptance is a value that r

PFLAGers Take Pride
For the past month, parades, marches, festivals, workshops, picnics, and parties have taken place around the world to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month, which honors the Stonewall riots which took place in 1969 in New York City. PFLAGers...

Parents: Quick Tips for Supporting Your LGBTQ Kids--and YOURSELF--During the Coming-Out Process
When a loved one comes out, reactions vary, from “Now that I know, what can I do to support my child?” to “How will I ever handle this?” For some people, it’s a combination of these two reactions…and more. There...
Health Risk Behaviors among Gender Expansive Students with Alison Gill Recording
In addition to transgender youth, gender expansive (also called gender nonconforming or nonbinary) youth are receiving a great deal of attention in the media and among educators and policymakers. However,...
Psychology Today Suggests PFLAG to Readers
Show support and acceptance of your child even if you are struggling with your feelings...You can join your local chapter of PFLAG to find groups and activities that support gay, lesbian, bisexual
Organizations Provide Holiday Assistance for At-Risk LGBTQ Youth
Elizabeth Kohm, the organization's interim executive director, told NBC Out PFLAG begins to think about its holiday strategy as early as September.

A PFLAG Founder Remembered: Adele Starr
Just as it would be impossible to tell the story of PFLAG without telling the story of founder Jeanne Manford, it would be impossible to tell the story of PFLAG National without telling the story of Adele Starr. So we chose today, December 10th, the 10th anniversary of her passing, to re-share it.
Adele and her husband, Larry, founded PFLAG LA, and Adele subsequently became the first President of PFLAG National. There is no question that she and Jeanne Manford were a formidable team. Much like Jeanne, Adele was a mama lion, willing to do whatever it took not just to protect her own cubs, but all of the others who came her way. Adele, by all accounts from those who knew her, was a true force to be reckoned with.

LDS Church and Suicide Prevention
This past November, LDS church leaders declared those in same-sex marriages apostates. The resolution prevents children of such couples from becoming church members or partaking in baptism until after the...
Copyright and Marriage Equality Act
This bill redefines “widow” and “widower” in federal copyright law to include surviving spouses in all legal marriages valid at time of death for the...
The Veteran Spouses Equal Treatment Act
The Veteran Spouses Equal Treatment Act amends sections of Title 38 of the US Code to give all LGBTQ veterans and their families access to their VA benefits regardless of their...
Every Child Deserves a Family Act (ECDF)
ECDF would prohibit any child welfare service provider receiving federal assistance and involved in adoption or foster care placements from...
Adoption and Foster Parenting
Marriage equality became the law of the land with the Obergefell v. Hodges ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States on June 26th, 2015. Yet for same-sex...
Faith In Our Families
Newly updated! Discovering that a loved one is LGBTQ+ can pose new questions about your faith and may prompt you to re-evaluate beliefs that you previously took for granted. By using...

One Mother's Voice: PFLAG Cofounder Recalls Group's Beginnings
One mother's support and acceptance of her gay son led to the creation of a national support group for gays, lesbians and their families.
Jeanne Manford needs few words to make the most complex questions simple. "I loved him," she...
Recommended Reading: Coming Out
The reading list below is an excellent starting point in your coming-out journey ahead, since many of the titles listed cover the process both for those who are navigating a...
Faith FAQ
For many people of faith, coming out or learning a loved one has come out can bring up several questions. PFLAG offers some answers, advice, and considerations for working through these difficult questions.

A note from Mormon mom Kathleen to her friend Emily

A letter from Laurin to her son, Danny

A letter to my unborn child...
Dear...you:
Yes you, you in there, the one who keeps kicking me, and whose hiccups I'm feeling all the time (are you drinking in there??), and whose sonogram started out looking a bit like a kidney bean and now looks...
A gay son's open letter to his parents...can this rift heal?

S4E: Allies and the Holidays

Until I See Skylar Again...
We are proud to share this piece from PFLAG mom and National board member Marsha Aizumi, though heartbroken that we have to. With thanks to Huffington Post Gay Voices, where it was originally posted.
There are...
Mom gives trans daughter a wonderful surprise
Late last month, a mom gave her teenage trans daughter a wonderful surprise...a gift she had been waiting a very long time for.

Family, Faith and PFLAG
Today, we hear from our Executive Director, Jody Huckaby, about his experience attending the Pope's visit to the White House.
I took the day yesterday to spend time with my sister, Joan. We started the day at 3:30 AM...

Two East-Coast Gender Conferences Began With One PFLAG Family’s Dream
In 2008, we were reeling from learning that our 15 year old “son” identified as a trans girl. I was desperate for support for my child, myself, and my family. We felt alone and frightened and had not yet found...

A note from Amy to her daughter, M
Dear M,
Today marks one year that your life changed. That our family's life changed. Our foundation shook just like the steps of your school bus as you sprinted home on your last day of 4th grade. This was the...

A letter from Brynn to her daughter, Eleanore

Huffington Post: I'm A Mormon Mom Taking A Stand For All The Gay Kids In Our Church
We had to share this lovely--and loving--piece, originally published over at the Huffington Post Religion vertical, from Diane Oviatt, a pediatric oncology nurse and an active church member working with the children in her local congregation.
When her...

Being Transgender for Our Child
Six months ago, our ten year old began to identify as transgender. This after spending years trying to explain it and find a way to fit in at school and...

A Note to Logan from "Proud Mom" Carly
I will start by saying that this Journey has not...

Another visit with Mimi Lemay and her son, Jacob
Back in March, we were so honored to share this beautiful letter from Mimi Lemay
...
A Letter to Jacob From His Mom, Mimi
This is an extraordinary and powerful letter, that we are so grateful to its author to be able share with you today. It was originally posted here, at medium.com.
Thank you, Mimi, for sharing your story--and your letter...
A Letter to My (Possible) Son...from mom
This piece, by writer Lily Burana, was originally published by Dame Magazine. Thanks to Dame and Ms. Burana for letting us share it with you here at A Note to My Kid. To hear more...
A message of hope and love from the mom of a transgender youth
As a facilitator for Trans Youth Education and Support (TYES), an affiliate of PFLAG, I hear and observe incredible transition stories every day: the young child who hated having his picture taken before he transitioned, who immediately afterward...
A Note to Fellow Parents of LGBTQ Youth From Beth
Note: Author Beth Leyba asked us to please share this piece, which was first published by our friends at HuffPo Gay Voices. We're happy to do so. Note that the author uses the pronouns xe, xyr and xem...

The Thorons: A Legacy of Love
Today we hear from Jeff Johnson, a Communications and Policy intern with PFLAG National. Jeff had the opportunity to meet with longtime PFLAG leaders Sam and Julia Thoron. Following is his report on their journey to becoming dedicated PFLAG leaders,...
A Note to Dear Abby From 'Hurting in Houston'
PFLAG is grateful to have a long and lovely history with Dear Abby. In fact, it was she who helped put PFLAG on the map so many years ago!
Since then, she's received a number of letters from LGBTQ individuals,...

A Note to Miles From his Mom, Erika
Dear Miles:
I think you already know how proud I am of you, and daddy feels the same way. You're a smart, funny, hard-working, and talented young man. You're also a...
Do Unto Others: An Open Letter from Violet About Her Gender Nonconforming Child
We're honored to share this open letter from Violet, the mom of a gender nonconforming child. Her words are powerful, moving...and we thank her for letting us share them here.
Hello. My name is Violet, and I am writing...
And then sometimes, the kid supports the parents...
We got this sweet video from Lance, whose mom Leslie is the Vice President of PFLAG Fresno. Lance surprised his mom by driving from his home in LA up to Fresno to march with her in the Fresno Pride...
To My Son. From Me. Your Mom.
A note to my beautiful daughter Becca, from Jill
Dearest Becca,
I want to begin by saying how proud I am to be your mom and how impressed I am by your bravery and great love for all people. Your ability to see people first and challenges second has...
A son comes out to his mother...but it's not her reaction to his news that is the surprise!
This video has gone viral and we aren't surprised! Well, not as surprised as Hayden Smith, the nervous young star of this raw footage, who decided to record his mother's reaction to him coming out.
Her reply is gorgeous. She...
A dad’s surprising response to his gay son’s heartwrenching ‘coming out’
Today, courtesy of our friends at lgbtqnation, we bring you this wonderful letter to James from his dad:
James,
Your Mother and I have read your email and
...
A Letter to my Dad, from Kristin
Today at ANTMK we have a special letter, from Kristin Beck to her dad. Kristin is a former US Navy SEAL who gained public attention in 2013 when she came out as a transgender woman. As an activist and advocate in the LGBT community, Kristin is a remarkable hero and leader, and the following letter--which she wanted to pen both to and about her dad--is an open, honest, and loving communication that we are honored to share in hope that it may provide support and inspiration to others!
A Letter to Blake From His Mom, Susan
Dear Blake,
You are the bravest person I have ever met. You bring my life joy every day. It is an honor to be your mother.

A Letter to the World from Debi about Her Trans Kid
We received, via Facebook, a note in the form of a video link, asking us to take a watch and a listen as a woman took on the myths about transgender kids. We watched and, well needless to say, we were...
An oldie but a goodie...A letter from Dad to Nate
It's not quite Throwback Thursday yet, but we couldn't resist revisiting this wonderful letter from a dad in Michigan, to his high-school age son, Nate. The note first appeared on the Facebook page of an anti-homophobia organization, then went immediately viral. Said...
From RAISING MY RAINBOW: This Is How A Father Should Love
Normally we don't share other blog posts here at A Note to My Kid. But this was such a special post, from one special parent to another, we couldn't resist. We hear so often about the mothers...this Father's Day post was just to gorgeous to ignore.
A Note from Dad to Holly: Beautiful Blonde Hair of June
My daughter recently posted an Instagram that I want to respond to.
Now I won't lie, even though I'm tech savvy enough, I don't speak Facebook and the...
A Note to Mom and Dad From Pete
Mom and Dad,
I know you don't support me or who I am and I currently feel that you never will, although I hope that one day you and the rest of our extremely large family will come around. I want...
A Poem to Tristan from Mom
We received the following via email:
Hello. My name is Dawn Jaksons and I'm a PFLAG mom in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Our son came out to us when he was 14. We told him we loved him no matter what. Accepting
...

Dear Abby Gives A Special Shout-Out to PFLAG Lubbock!
The relationship between PFLAG and advice columnist superstar Dear Abby goes back years. In fact, in the early 1980s when her syndicated column mentioned PFLAG as a resource for parents of gay children, PFLAG’s National Office--which at the time was the...
A Note to Jacob from Dad
Jacob, I write this letter to you to let you know just how much I Love you.
I wish there was another word besides ‘Love’ to say because I feel the word love has lost it’s true meaning, It has...