Dear PFLAG Supporter,

Sunday, July 28th is PFLAG Parent Day, celebrating those who parent and mentor LGBTQ+ people, and for parenting people to shout out their love and affirmation for LGBTQ+ loved ones. Keep an eye on Leadership Matters next week, when we’ll share toolkits and information to help your chapter participate.

Calling All Grandparents: A PCC Meeting Just For You!

We are excited to announce the launch of a new meeting in our PFLAG Connects: Communities (PCC) program: the PFLAG Connects: Grandparent Community. PCC provides safe, virtual, moderated spaces where people with shared experiences can connect each month. PFLAG National’s communities gather people to gain support, ask questions, and learn from others—and that’s exactly what this new community will do.

Our meetings will take place for 60 minutes on the last Monday of each month, at 8pm ET/5pm PT, beginning Monday, July 29th.

As with all PFLAG support groups, there are no dues, fees, or membership required to join. For the PFLAG Connects: Grandparent Community meeting, anyone who is a grandparent of an LGBTQ+ person is welcome to attend. We’re also excited to share that this meeting will include a Gender Spectrum Breakout Room especially for grandparents of transgender and gender-diverse grandkids. 

As always, the only requirement is to register in advance so that we can provide an even higher level of safety and support to attendees. Register now, and then get ready to join us on Monday, July 29th!

Rural Think Tank - Happening TOMORROW!

We know that rural chapters have unique challenges, including navigating anti-LGBTQ+ cultural climates. Whether you have struggled to figure out how to do outreach and promote your PFLAG chapter in a hostile community or had success finding and reaching the LGBTQ+ and ally community, the upcoming Rural Think Tank tomorrow evening will provide an opportunity to discuss and share ideas. Register to attend July’s Rural Think Tank, taking place from 5pm-6:30pm PT/8pm-9:30pm ET.

Regional Roundup

June is always a busy month, and this year was no different! I kicked off my Pride season in Saginaw, MI with PFLAG Great Lakes Bay Region. We had a fantastic strategic planning session to set organization goals for the next year (and shared a lovely meal together)! I was so impressed with their commitment to their PFLAG work, and can’t wait to see what comes next. Then, I headed down to PrideFest in Milwaukee, WI where I was able to spend the day greeting and tabling with PFLAG Milwaukee and PFLAG Waukesha. It was a vibrant day spent with family and friends and we made great connections in the community. I loved hearing all about the ways these two chapters celebrate themselves and loved ones in the face of adversity. I closed out my Pride month at Open Door Pride in Sturgeon Bay, WI where I spent the day with PFLAG Sturgeon Bay/Door County. Long time PFLAGer Sandy Brown gave out the Sandy Brown award, which honors local Door County people and organizations doing important work for the LGBTQ+ community. It was so impactful seeing how important PFLAG was to this community, and it was clear that everyone’s work has had a lasting impact for decades.

I had such a wonderful time visiting PFLAGers across the Midwest this late spring and early summer. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me into your spaces and communities - it was truly my pleasure. If you’d like me to come visit your chapter, attend an event, or support you next Pride, let me know! The May/June season books up quickly, so it’s never too early to ask! 

Check out photos from my travels and from Pride across the country with our PFLAG Pride Photo Album! Got cool pictures of your June events? Don’t forget to add them to the folder.

Stay safe,

Ruadhan Ward (They / Them)

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