PFLAG - The nation's largest family-based group of its kind - began in 1972, when a courageous mother marched with her gay son in New York City's gay pride parade. Her single voice - calling on society to treat all of its citizens equally and with dignity - sparked a national movement. Since then, tens of thousands of ordinary Americans have joined forces as PFLAG.

PFLAG's Mission:

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends, through several activities.

• WE PROVIDE SUPPORT, to cope with an adverse society, and to learn from one another. Many people don't know where to turn when they find out a loved one is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered (g/l/b/t). PFLAG affiliates nationwide, including our Princeton Chapter, provide support and information to counter myths and misinformation about sexual orientation and gender identity. Our confidential support group meetings offer a non-judgmental outlet for feelings. We also learn the facts about sexual orientation and gender identity through presentations and speakers, literature, and ongoing discussions.

• WE EDUCATE OUR COMMUNITIES, to enlighten an ill-informed public. PFLAG knows how to educate a misinformed society because many of us were once misinformed ourselves. We dispel negative myths about gay and lesbian people and communicate the truth about our loved ones. We work with youth and schools in our community to ensure that g/l/b/t students - and those perceived to be g/l/b/t - receive their education in safe, supportive environments. We reach out to faith-based groups and religious leaders and congregations to encourage moral leadership that fosters acceptance and affirmation. And we come out publicly, sharing our personal stories with others in our communities. Our first-person accounts can be powerful tools in shaping how our friends, neighbors and colleagues view and treat our loved ones.

• WE ADVOCATE FOR EQUALITY AND TOLERANCE, by contacting public officials, speaking out in the media, and testifying before lawmakers. We are active advocates for equal civil rights on issues including employment discrimination; laws criminalizing private, consensual sexual behavior; hate crimes; education; g/l/b/t parenting and same sex marriage.

The Princeton Area Chapter of PFLAG was formed in 1999 by a group of parents who had recently experienced a son or daughter coming out as gay or lesbian, and who wanted to come together to learn from one another and to provide support for parents and their children who are struggling to cope with the pressures and misunderstandings associated with being gay and lesbian.

We invite you to browse our website to learn more about our work and the resources we might make available to you and your family.

Check out our Membership Page for an updated schedule of our chapter meetings and speakers, plus information on How to Become a Member and how to Contact Us. We invite you to join us!