Dear PFLAG Chapter Leaders:

I want to ensure you saw the invitation from our CEO Brian Bond to join us for a PFLAG Community Gathering this Thursday, Jan 30, at 8pm ET/5pm PT. You’ll hear from our Brian and other PFLAG National leaders, as well as Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Executive Director of Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE).

In order to keep this a safe space, you must sign up in advance using this linked registration page to receive the information to join. I look forward to being in community with you.

Additionally, I want to confidentially caution you to keep an eye on your email lists, members lists, and social media signups. There are reports at the national level that OPM email addresses (such as DEIAtruth@opm.gov and deiareports@opm.gov) have been signing up for organization lists to monitor activity. False names are being used, including possibly other @opm.gov email addresses. This is not a cause to panic, only a reminder to stay vigilant. If you receive unkind emails? Do not respond. Simply report them as spam and if the email address has signed up to receive future emails, remove it. Do the same with your Facebook groups and pages: just take a glance at new signups. Have questions? Reach out to our digital comms team at digital@pflag.org.  

Finally, I want to elevate a brand-new messaging brief that our Strategic Communications team has put together, password-protected and found in the Chapter Leader messaging resources on the chapter portal. It will help you speak to the first 100 days of our new administration and the Executive Orders that are coming fast and furious. As staff work with coalition partners and legal organizations to better understand the ramifications of what is being done—and recognizing that these orders are meant to sow chaos—this brief will hopefully help you address questions, whether from your community, your members, or media. The StratComms team is here to help you when needed. Please reach out to Laura McGinnis at lmcginnis@pflag.org for any questions or support. As we learn more from our partners, we will be sharing it with all of you.

Call For Ally Stories: The Fifth Edition of The Guide to Being An Ally to LGBTQ+ People

PFLAG National is looking for help to update one of our most popular publications, The Guide to Being an Ally to LGBTQ+ People (formerly the guide to being a straight ally). Please share this call for stories with your chapter and local networks; we will select a number of the responses for inclusion in the publication. Submit your stories by Friday, February 14th. 

Below is a sample caption you can use in your next email newsletter to spread the word. You can also reshare this post on our Instagram, Facebook, or BlueSky.

Urban Think Tank Alert!

Urban PFLAG chapters have unique opportunities and challenges, including lots of chances to host events-- fundraisers, anniversary parties, holiday parties, social events, and more. The advantage of being in a city is that there are many potential attendees, partners, spaces, and ways to generate engagement. If this is something your chapter has succeeded in, wanted to focus on, or needs guidance on, then  join us for a facilitated discussion in a peer-support space specifically for urban chapter leaders. Register to attend on Wednesday February 19th at 4pm PT / 7pm ET.

Regional Roundup

As you’re considering how you’re engaging in advocacy and education work, don’t forget that February is Black History Month. There may be some natural opportunities to grow understanding, support ongoing programming efforts by community partners, or take some time to reflect on the diversity within your chapter. If you’re looking for easy ways to support Black and African American community members, consider referring  people to PFLAG Connects: Black/African American Community to join others in a space of belonging.

Stay safe,

Ruadhan Ward (They / Them)

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