The “coming-out” process is a very challenging time for individuals and families due to fear, feeling alone, and not knowing where to turn for help. With information and support, the adjustment can be easier and the future more hopeful.

PFLAG Peel Region

PFLAG Peel Region is a volunteer-run chapter of PFLAG Canada and provides support, resources and education to family and friends wishing to understand and accept their LGBTQ+ loved one.

Support – A listening ear and non-judgemental support is offered by phone, email, and monthly drop-in meetings (which are currently online). Please see our CONTACT page for how to reach us by email and phone, and our EVENTS page for information about our support meetings.

Resources – We can assist you to find answers to your questions and to locate the help you need in your region and online. The RESOURCES page has numerous links to local and online resources and materials. The BOOKS page has details about reading material and where it can be obtained.

Education – We invite you to be a part of our occasional educational sessions such as our Speaker Series and movie nights. We also participate in Community Outreach to schools, businesses, and local events.

PFLAG Peel Region is co-facilitated by Carolyn Bieck and Wendie Hutchinson, both of whom are proud parents to children on the LGBTQ spectrum. The chapter is supported by a growing number individuals who are volunteering their time and skills.

PFLAG Canada

PFLAG Canada is a national charitable organization, founded by parents, that offers support, resources, and education to individuals and families on issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression. Local support is provided by chapters in communities across Canada, and PFLAG Peel Region is one of the chapters.

The History of PFLAG

The concept of PFLAG dates back to 1972 when a young gay man was attacked at a gay rights demonstration in New York City. His parents saw the attack and the absence of intervention on television. Later that year his mother, Jeanne Manford (1920 – 2013), marched with him in New York’s Pride Day parade and she was subsequently persuaded to begin a support group for parents of gay and lesbian children. In 1979, following the National March for Gay and Lesbian Rights, representatives of various parent support groups met in Washington, D.C., and two years later they launched a national Parents FLAG  (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) organization. In 1993 they added “Families” to their name.

Today PFLAG or similar organizations operate in at least 17 countries around the world.

DONOR RECOGNITION

PFLAG Peel Region relies on donations to fund projects and educational events, purchase materials and pamphlets for outreach, and buy books for lending out at the support meetings. We wish to say a huge THANK YOU! to the community organizations and businesses that have provided monetary support to PFLAG Peel Region.