Dear PFLAG Supporter,

A number of our chapters across every region have recently had someone reach out on Facebook Messenger claiming to have been kicked out of their parents' home and asking for money. These messages have come from primarily newly created Facebook profiles, with few Facebook friends and either no picture or a cartoon picture.

We all know that this could be true or could be a scammer, and it’s difficult to tell. Here is some general guidance about this situation and situations like this.

• PFLAG chapters should not offer to send money to individuals, including running funding campaigns through GoFundMe or other digital tools. This is beyond PFLAG's scope even if the person is not running a scam. They can always be referred to appropriate crisis care organizations.
• It can be hard to tell which inquiries are real or a scam, so when in doubt, ask follow up questions and point people to other relevant resources. 
• Always be kind. Even to scammers.
• Ask questions like age and general location in order to refer them to appropriate local organizations for help.
• Sometimes you can tell a scammer based on how they talk/type. LGBTQ+ youth, for example, can be overly apologetic for bothering anyone; they may ramble or be scared. Scammers are very clean with a concise story and specific ask; the phrasing of their ask may also seem odd or robotic.
• If you receive a link or attachment in one of these messages—or to your chapter or personal email—do not click it. When in doubt, please reach out to your Regional Director or to me for guidance; we’re happy to have our staff review any potential threat.

This is a good time to review our recent Safety Tips for Chapters PAO. This training includes tips on online safety and other relevant information to keep your chapter and members safe.

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me if you need support.

Now, on to some positive things!

Spring is a time of growth and gratitude! In March, PFLAG National staff gathered for a week-long, in-person retreat; this shared time provided us with opportunities for restoration, connection, and planning in service of our shared work. 

Some of our activities included centering ourselves in PFLAG’s Mission, Vision, and Values; learning more about DEI and how we all show up to this work; and connecting with our teams. We even had a raucous afternoon of bowling together! We’re returning to our work reinvigorated and ready to dig into planning for Pride, election season, ongoing legislative sessions, and support for everything you need for your chapter.

Did you know that April is Global Volunteer Month? It’s a great time to pause and express gratitude, all around, and to remember to thank fellow board members, volunteers, and other supporters of the work happening across your PFLAG chapter. 

I want to personally thank YOU! We could not do this work without your dedication, support, and gifts of time and talents.

NEW: Urban Think Tank Alert!

We know that PFLAG chapters in different communities have different needs, which led to the development of the Rural Think Tank. However, we also know that urban chapter leaders face specific challenges and would also benefit from a space to share ideas and get advice from their peers. Thus, the Urban Think Tank: facilitated discussions on a specific relevant topic, held bimonthly, starting on Wednesday, April 17th. 

The first topic will be “Finding Your Niche.” Cities are often rife with LGBTQ+ resources, leaving PFLAG chapters to wonder where they fit in the local landscape. Whether your chapter has found the perfect way to meet community needs and work with other organizations or your chapter is trying to find the right programs and right audience, this space is for you! 

Register now to attend and give your support to—and get support from—other PFLAG chapter leaders:

Wednesday, April 17th: 5pm-6:30pm PT/8pm-9:30pm ET

Resilience Roundup

With this year’s challenging legislative sessions targeting LGBTQ+ people, as well as other community harms to LGBTQ+ youth, their parents and families, and allies across the country and world, it’s now more important than ever that we’re taking care of ourselves and our community. 

The power of the LGBTQ+ movement truly comes from the love in our community, and our ability to lean on each other when the fight gets tough. Remember: taking care of yourself is community care. Taking a moment to step back from the fight to recharge is how we can keep going and protect ourselves, our families, and our community. 

Shout out to Ann Miller, Gulf Regional Director, for reminding us that advocacy and community support is like a choir: Staggering breathing among the members is what ensures the song remains consistent! All that to say this work is not on one person's shoulders, or even the shoulders of a handful of people.

Please reach out to me if you need any resources or are just interested in connecting! We’re all in this together, and won’t stop until every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved.

Stay safe,

Abby Shuler (she/her)

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