PFLAG of Jacksonville. Jackosnville, Fl

PFLAG of Jacksonville Meeting FAQs

Do I have to make an appointment or let someone know that I am coming?
No. You can simply attend the meeting. If you wish, you are certainly welcome to contact our helpline at (904) 737-3329 and leave a message and someone will respond to your inquiry.

Who can come to a meeting?
Everybody can come to a meeting and everybody comes for different reasons. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender persons (LGBT) come to a PFLAG meeting because sometimes they want to know from parents how they can tell their own parents that they are LGBT. Sometimes LGBT persons come to a PFLAG meeting to help other parents adjust to the news that their child is LGBT. Parents and family members often come to gain support from other parents and family members who have been through similar experiences. Spouses of LGBT persons come because they want to support their spouse and maintain their family life. Transgender persons and their parents come because they want to share support about what it is like to have a family member transition to another gender. Straight persons come to meetings because they simply want to help the LGBT rights movement or they want to help a friend who is LGBT or they are curious about how to handle LGBT issues that face today's society. Some people attend PFLAG just to learn how to stand up for the rights of LGBT persons or just because they are curious about doing more to support LGBT persons. There are many different types of people who come and all are welcome. You always have a home in PFLAG.

Who is at these meetings?
People who attend PFLAG meetings are people just like you. They have gone through similar experiences and sometimes they still experience struggles about being a parent or family member of an LGBT loved one. Many people come to PFLAG just to share stories and enjoy the company of PFLAG. People come from various backgrounds, occupations, and different age groups. The people who are at PFLAG meetings are everyday people just like you and me. People from different religious backgrounds also come to the meetings. Many of us are affiliated with our local congregations and some of us had to struggle with being LGBTQ or having an LGBTQ child, and also being affiliated with a church or temple that rejects LGBTQs. Despite some religions' unfavorable stance towards LGBTQ persons, PFLAG accepts people who are struggling with their religious faith and having an LGBT loved one. You are welcome at PFLAG. We will support you in your struggle.

Do I need a reason to attend a PFLAG meeting?
No. You do not have to have a pressing crisis or have to be associated with anyone in the gay community. You can simply come. Often our stories that we share prompt other people to share because we all have stories that can help.

What usually takes place at a meeting?
PFLAG chapter meetings are different but essentially meetings start off with introductions about who we are and if we have a LGBT loved one or are LGBT or straight. Then we share announcements of various happenings about LGBT issues. Then we usually have a guest speaker talk about a myriad of LGBT topics. We usually have great refreshments and then we break into small groups to talk about any LGBT news or story we have.

I am really not comfortable with large groups. Is there any way I can meet PFLAG members without having to go to meetings?
For people who come to a meeting for the first time, we understand that it can be difficult to be the newcomer. We've all been through that experience. If you wish, you can contact our PFLAG helpline at (904) 737-3329 and make a request for an individual conversation. We can talk with you individually on the phone or over your favorite cup of coffee so that you can meet a PFLAG parent. We would be happy to arrange this for you. Also, people have brought their friend or someone else they trust to accompany them to a PFLAG meeting. We welcome anyone who walks through the PFLAG door.

What do people talk about at meetings?
PFLAG members talk about all sorts of topics. Some share the news that their LGBT child has told other members of their family that he or she is gay and we all celebrate that news. Some members talk about the struggles their spouse has with accepting their LGBT child. Some members talk about how difficult it is to hear gay jokes now that they have an LGBT child. Some members talk about a news story or a political event that was unfavorable to gays and we gather information to educate ourselves about current LGBT events.

One myth I have heard about PFLAG meetings is that they consist of mothers
who sob about their child being gay. Is this true?
No. Although we do make sure we take time to support those who are experiencing struggles, we also take time to celebrate our loved ones, and we talk, we enjoy each other's company.

How often do people come to PFLAG meetings?
People come as often as they wish. You are under no obligation to the PFLAG chapter. We hope that you find the PFLAG of Jacksonville chapter welcoming and most often people come back after they have resolved their initial anxieties and give back the support they received to others who may come to a PFLAG meeting for the first time.
We try to follow up. If a PFLAG meeting is not how you expected, let us know. There are many ways that PFLAG meetings are conducted and lots of different experiences can be had at such meetings. If you didn't feel you got what you needed from a PFLAG meeting, you are certainly welcome to talk with a PFLAG board member to ensure that your story and concerns are heard.