PFLAG
Southwest Washington
A Message from the Board
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the dissolution of the PFLAG Southwest Washington Chapter, with all services coming to an immediate halt. We've come to realize that the expertise required to efficiently run the organization is currently unavailable.
Throughout our journey, we've been deeply committed to supporting and advocating for our LGBTQIA+ community members. Much of our assistance was offered discreetly, catering to individuals who approached us with particular needs. We also took pride in educating allies about the nuances and challenges faced by the community.
However, our journey has not been without its hurdles. Members of our board have faced, observed, or been informed of instances of harassment, intimidation, bullying, misogyny, and racism within PFLAG. It's been disheartening to note the lack of adequate support from PFLAG's leadership in addressing and resolving these issues.
Despite these challenges, some of us are enthusiastic about initiating a grassroots organization with the sole aim of effecting positive change in our local community. Our gratitude for the unwavering support from our members, volunteers, supporters, and the broader community cannot be expressed in mere words. Your encouragement has been the backbone of every milestone we achieved, particularly the notable endeavors of the past year. As we venture into a new chapter, we hope to continue championing values of respect, kindness, equality, and solidarity outside the confines of PFLAG.
If you're interested in staying informed about the new endeavors some of us are embarking on (or need support/resources), please fill out this form. Meanwhile, we encourage you to support and follow these groups:
Battle Ground Pride
Cascade AIDS Project
Embodied Peace
Genderations
ISCRE (Imperial Sovereign Court of the Raintree Empire)
Janus Youth - The Perch / A Way Home Washington
Martha’s Pantry
Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette
QYRC (Queer Youth Resource Center)
Reflecting Rainbows (Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries)
Triple Point / Children's Home Society
Twelve6 Strategies
Wild Heart Society
Thank you for granting us the privilege to serve you.
With deepest gratitude,
PFLAG Southwest Washington Board
Our Mission
To create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
Our Vision
An equitable, inclusive world where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved.
Who We Are
PFLAG Southwest Washington began as a series of support meetings in 1993 and became an official PFLAG chapter in 1996.
PFLAG Southwest Washington is one of over 400 PFLAG chapters that are all part of PFLAG National, the oldest LGBTQ+ advocacy group in the nation and a powerful grassroots effort of volunteers. Founded in 1973, PFLAG National is committed to advancing support of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) people through support, education, and advocacy. Our memberships consist of families, friends, and allies of LGBTQ+ people, as well as LGBTQ+ people themselves.
We are dedicated to moving equality forward for LGBTQ+ persons, and we champion our LGBTQ+ community members, family members, and friends.
We serve the communities of Vancouver, Battle Ground, Camas, Washougal, Ridgefield, La Center, Yacolt, Amboy, and Woodland.
We continue to thrive through community outreach by offering satellite support meetings in Battle Ground.
Support Meetings in Vancouver and Battle Ground
PFLAG Southwest Washington hosts monthly support meeting for friends and family of LGBTQ people. Our meetings usually last about two hours. Most meetings include an educational session or guest speaker and a support session. You'll meet parents, siblings, straight people, LGBTQ people, seniors, and young people. Some will be seasoned members, others will be new. Meeting discussions are always confidential.