PFLAG Dallas

PFLAG Dallas is a chapter of the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, 

educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.

Founded in 1973 after the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG is the nation's largest LGBTQ+, family and ally organization. Its goals are to support, educate and advocate on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community.

The Dallas chapter of PFLAG meets those goals in the following ways;

SUPPORT

PFLAG Dallas provides peer-to-peer support through in-person and virtual meetings, online and in person outreach, and a variety of additional resources and programs. We connect with about 100 new people per year through our meetings, emails, hotline and online messaging. Through these communications, we address questions, concerns and other needs relating to LGBTQ+ issues (either for themselves or for their loved ones). Often it is their first time for these folks to be talking to someone about these issues, and we offer an understanding ear having traveled some of that road ourselves. We hold monthly support meetings attended by LGBTQ+ individuals, family members, friends and allies. With some of our meetings, a guest presenter shares their story or additional information to further our understanding of the community and its needs.

Our chapter has been in the Dallas Pride Parade and Festival since 1992, where our free hugs and Skittles have earned us special designation awards in several recent years. We have also participated in various other Pride Events in the North Texas area, including events in Carrollton, Frisco, Plano and Rockwall.

EDUCATION

PFLAG Dallas members are in a unique position to tell their stories and share their experiences as members of the LGBTQ+ community or as LGBTQ+ allies. We are often in demand to serve on panels or present at corporate and other workshops and fairs to share our knowledges and experiences.

Because of the ever present need for education and understanding of developing information, we also provide educational materials through our website (pflagdallas.org) and through the National PFLAG website (pflag.org).

In connection with sharing this information and education to the community, PFLAG Dallas has recently participated in the following events:

Dallas Public Library Community Event

Union Coffee House Community Event

AT&T Performing Arts Center Community Event

Chicken N Pickle Community Event

Michaels ERG table event

Allstate Pride Event

Texas Native Health Winter Festival (with follow-up community meeting with additional Texas Native Health members)

ADVOCACY

Our chapter works to make sure our members and others are educated on LGBTQ+ rights. We strongly recommend that every individual exercise their right to vote. While PFLAG Dallas is not a political organization (and does not endorse specific individual candidates for political office), PFLAG Dallas helps provide the resources to our members identifying critical LGBTQ+ legislative issues. We help coordinate communications to our respective legislative representatives so that we can provide our voice on these issues. 

On a bi-annual basis (during each Texas legislative session), PFLAG Dallas has proudly participated in All In For Equality Day and Transgender Advocacy Day with appearances by members in Austin. We encourage members to meet with their legislative representatives to discuss the LGBTQ+ issues that they feel strongly about.

According to the ACLU Website

Texas is home to the  second largest population  of LGBTQIA+ people in the country, yet across the state, LGBTQIA+ Texans lack basic protections. Many face discrimination, harassment, bullying, and violence in their daily lives simply for being who they are. This is especially true for the most vulnerable groups like LGBTQIA+ Texans of color, transgender Texans, and LGBTQIA+ youth. 

Dallas County is the 2nd most populous county in the State of Texas and PFLAG Dallas is here to advocate, educate and support in Dallas and the North Texas area.