History & Philosophy
Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays was started in 1973 by one couple who could no longer tolerate the bigotry and hatred suffered by their child and millions of others. They and their gay son marched with just a small sign in the New York Gay Pride Parade. Gays and lesbians along the parade route embraced them with tears and kisses.

The family formed a support group. Since then PFLAG has grown to over 400 chapters in the United States and in eleven other countries. This grass-roots organization has done inestimable good. It is respected and widely recognized by the general public, by those in the helping professions, and by the gay/lesbian/ bisexual/transgendered community.

We do not endorse or oppose anything that is not related to gay issues. We do not condone promiscuity or sexual relations with children. We are not for or against or part of any religious group. Our only purpose is to love, support and understand our gay children; to educate the public about the truth of gay orientation; and to work to assure human rights for our children.

We who have dared to think that society may be wrong with its cruel jokes, abuse and stereotyping of the gay orientation have found a fuller, happier life through PFLAG. We have cultivated new relationships with our children, marked with great love and sharing--of which the God of our understanding should certainly approve.

We ask that you accept the challenge of what may now seem to be the most negative thing that could happen in your life. It could very well turn out to be the most positive.