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PFLAG Portland Holiday Gift Drive
As every year, PFLAG Portland at our Winter Gathering partners with Outside In and HomePlate Youth Services to collect gifts that can make the holidays brighter for queer and homeless youth.
One Facebook Page for the Whole PFLAG Family
We’re consolidating our 3 separate Facebook pages into one starting this month.
Ready…Set…PRIDE!
For over 45 years, PFLAG has been supporting the LGBTQ community. Now – more than ever – its critical that we show-up and be visible for our families. So lace up your marching shoes, PFLAGers. It’s time for Portland Pride! Here’s the details.
Still Needed After All These Years
We’ve traveled a long way – and not that far at all – in the 50 years since Stonewall. Sometimes a call brings that home.
Oregon is bursting with PRIDE in 2019
This year, PRIDE celebrations are being held in many smaller cities around Portland and throughout the state, some for the first time. Show your support – show up!
Dalai Lama: We need an education of the heart.
The Dalai Lama thinks that solving the world’s problems begins by all of us learning what it means to live from the heart.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
Today we remember those of the transgender community who have lost their lives to transphobia and to recommit to live courageously and authentically.
HHS proposes defining gender by genitalia, eliminating transgender
In its most drastic move yet, he Trump administration is considering for the purposes of Title 9 education funding narrowly defining gender as a biological, immutable condition determined by genitalia at birth, precluding teaching about or accommodating transgender individuals.
Stop complimenting me for loving and accepting my gay child
“accepting one of my babies simply because he happens to be gay, doesn’t make me an “amazing mom.” It makes me a parent.”. A mom’s take on how our complimenting might actually be normalizing parental rejection.
Stand against hate on this 1st Anniversary of Charlottesville
As Unite The Right begins in the Nation’s Capital, communities across the country are rising up to counter messages of hate and encourage healing.
PFLAG Portland Family of Chapters welcomes new President
Patt Bekken, PFLAG Portland Washington County Co-Coordinator, has been elected President of the PFLAG Portland Family of Chapters.
LGBTQ Seniors can now find certified-welcoming Retirement Communities
The Stonewall generation is checking into retirement homes – but until SAGE developed its new certification process, they often had to check their full selves at the door.
Why PRIDE?
The next time grumpy ol’ Uncle Fred asks you why we need PRIDE, show him this.
It’s IDAHOT!
Today is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia – the Global page – #IDAHOT. Together, let’s raise awareness of the struggles our gay, bi, and trans loved ones are facing around the world!
Remembering Estill Deitz 1922-2018
Dr. Estill Deitz, one of the Portland LGBTQ community’s strongest early allies and a leader during PFLAG Portland’s beginning, passed away earlier this month.
Poll reveals declining acceptance of LGBT Americans
Although 79% of Americans support the idea of LGBTQ equal rights, acceptance of and allyship to the LGBTQ community is dropping.
India’s Gay Prince Opens Palace to LGBTQ People in Need
India’s only openly gay prince has announced plans to open up his ancestral palace to Indians who have been ostracized for their sexuality or gender identity.
45 Years of Family
It’s our 45th anniversary year! That’s right: This March it will be 45 years since our very first meeting took place at @VillageChurch in NYC’s Greenwich Village. Help us celebrate, all year long!
America’s First Transgender Crisis Hotline is Now Live
The transgender community finally has its own suicide hotline courtesy of Trans Lifeline.
PFLAG will never stop saying the words.
With a 45-year history of front-line activism – it is almost like a badge of honor to be in this company of banned terms at the CDC.
SCOTUS undermines Texas Marriage Equality
Today the Supreme Court upheld a ruling threatening spousal benefits for LGBTQ couples by declining to hear Pidgeon v Turner.
The Embers’ Last Night is … Tonight
The Embers has been a cornerstone of Portland’s Gay community for decades. Its last night is November 30.
Transgender People are not Protected by Title VII, says US AG Sessions
DOJ lawyers have been instructed to not defend transgender litigants based on Title VII sex-discrimination protections.
PFLAG National names Dr. Jamie M. Grant as new Executive Director “...A bold choice for PFLAG, at the right time.”
Dr. Grant, a longtime social-justice leader and innovator, has extensive experience as a thought leader in progressive movements, and formidable credentials as a researcher, author, and fundraiser.
PFLAG Speaks out on the plan to end DACA
PFLAG added its voice to the millions across the nation decrying the President’s plan to end DACA.
Transgender Persons Banned from US Armed Forces
PFLAG urges you to call your federal elected officials and protest this dishonorable and offensive action.
Pullman Hospital Considering Offering Gender-Affirmation Surgery
Pullman Regional Hospital could become the first Washington hospital to offer below-the-waist gender-affirmation surgery.
DOJ to review recent murders of transgender people
Attorney General Jeff Sessions has directed the DOJ to review the murders of transgender people after a recent rash of killings.
On Good Lives Taken
PFLAG Portland condemns the actions on Friday, May 26th of an avowed white supremacist on a MAX train in Portland. Two heroic persons paid the ultimate price – their lives – for attempting to interrupt the vile rant this terrorist directed at two Muslim women. PFLAG stands with the Muslim community and the families of those lost to hate.
Bullying is Driving LGBTQ People Out of Tech
LGBTQ employees were the most likely to be bullied and experience public humiliation or embarrassment both at significantly higher rates than non-LGBTQ employees (13 percent). Nearly two-thirds of those who left their company in the past 3 years said bullying contributed to their decision to leave.
#TakeOneStep – A Call To Action
This June 28th, we will celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Christopher Street march that launched PFLAG and, to honor our founder Jeanne Manford’s legacy, we are launching our #TakeOneStep campaign.
Same-Sex Marriage Laws Correlated to Reduced LGBTQ Youth Suicide Rate
From 1999 to 2015, same-sex marriage policies were associated each year with 134,000 fewer adolescents attempting suicide, according to this peer-reviewed Pedatric Study.
Understanding the Deeper Issues Behind the Transgender Debate
With the rescinding of Title IX protections for Transgender students, why is this such a big deal? Here are two excellent articles from Vox on the factual and political side of the issue.
Justice Department Rescinds Title IX Protections for Transgender Students
We need to send an unequivocal message that we will not stand to see the lives of transgender children–or any LGBTQ children–put at risk.
New Data Reveal Aging Experiences of LGBT Americans
2.4% of older adults in the U.S. currently self-identify as LGBT, accounting for 2.7M adults aged 50 and older, including 1.1M aged 65 and older.
Welcome to the Resistance
The First Amendment Defense Act, if passed, will decimate not only LGBTQ protections but those of unmarried straight couples as well.
Record Number of Americans Identify as LGBTQ
In a recent Gallup poll, 4.6% of Americans identify as LGBTQ, with twice as many millenials as the general population so identifying.
Demand Surges for Clinicians serving Transgender Youth
the demand for trans-specific medical care like counseling, hormone treatments, and genital surgery — is exploding, even for the youngest of patients.
NatGeo publishes landmark special issue on Gender Issues
The January 2017 issue of National Geographic is a superb and far reaching examination of gender issues across the globe.
Mental Health in the LGBTQ Community
Marginalized groups suffer high rates of suicide and mental health issues. It’s vitally important that the LGBT community be understood and supported.
Mom, You Are Kind of Wierd
Parenting is parenting, straight or gay, and kids always have something to teach us, as Nikole Potulsky reminds us.
Welcome Home to PFLAG.
For 40 years, PFLAG Portland has been there for LGBTQ folks, families, and friends. This Giving Tuesday, join us.
Post-Election Support Gatherings in Portland
Don’t be alone tonight. Visit moveon.org for Portland Area post-election support groups.
NIH Designates LGBTQ people as a health disparity population
There is more and more evidence that LGBTQ and sexual and gender minority (SGM) populations have less access to health care, suffer more from certain diseases, and experience discrimination from health care providers.
Supreme Court to hear Gavin Grimm case
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday said it would hear a transgender Virginia student’s lawsuit against his school district’s bathroom policy.
Staying Out of the Closet in Old Age
As LGBTQ Americans age, finding senior housing can be a challenge.
Mapping “Two-Spirit”
There are as many names for Two-Spirit people as there are Native American tribes, as this interactive map shows.
2016 GSA Mini-Grants
Back for a 6th year, this popular program funds small projects sponsored by Gay/Straight Alliances or other nonprofit, youth oriented organizations.
This Giving Tuesday, Give to PFLAG Portland Chapters
three times every month we unite families, allies and LGBTQ folks to create acceptance and celebration of the LGBTQ community through heart-to-heart conversations and education. This Giving Tuesday, Facebook is matching your donation, first come, first serve.
PRIDE merchandisers who actually give back to the community
Find out if that T-shirt keeps Queer folk going.
7 Reasons Why LGBTQ+ People don’t want to go to your LGBTQ+ Inclusive Church
The answers lie in what it truly means to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
Trans Allying Infographic
If you’re wondering how to be a better ally of the transgender community, here’s an infographic.
100 ways to make the world better for nonbinary people
How do we become good allies to our queer neighbors and friends? It’s a tricky question, with a lot of dead ends, loose ends, and bad ends to avoid. AC Dumlao of vice.com has written a list of 100 things you can do to start off on the right foot.
How to be a Supportive PRIDE Watcher
Pride celebrations were created by and for the LGBTQ community as a safe space to be our authentic selves, not as entertainment.
Transgender in the Emergency Room
The emergency room is a scary place for most. But even more so for transgender folks.
Study Finds That Teens Who Hide Their Sexuality Have Higher Suicide Risk
The study just released by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine surveyed over 7000 high school students across the U.S.
Genes do not indicate a Sexual Binary, says Study
The simple XX = female, XY = male rule of sexual biology we learned in school is wrong. New DNA sequencing and cell biology technologies are revealing that chromosomal sex is a process, not an assignation, with a spectrum of results.
Destination Pride – Tracking LGBTQ Laws and Social Acceptance Worldwide
PFLAG Canada has introduced a new website, www.destinationPride.org, dedicated to tracking LGBTQ Rights, Laws, and Social Acceptance throughout…
Concordia Reverses Course, Reinstates LGBTQ Student Group
The conservative Lutheran college in NE Portland has had a history of discriminating against the school’s Queer Straight Alliance.
Ending Anti-Trans Violence Begins with Everyday Respect
When it’s culturally easier to disrespect people different than yourself, it’s easier to condone violence and intolerance against them. Although this article is written from a trans persons’ perspective, it offers lessons for all of life’s situations.
Study Questions Religious Freedom Justifications for anti-LGBTQ Bias
It appears that personal prejudices and the nature of the business are the deeper reasons for accepting discriminatory behavior, questioning “religious freedom” arguments.
Transitioning when you’re Non-Binary
You probably think of transitioning as only a linear progression to where one’s body aligns with their gender identity. But, transitioning for non-binary people can be different.
World AIDS Day 2017
Today, December 1st, is World AIDS Day, a day when people everywhere commit (or recommit) to playing a personal role in the global fight to end HIV and AIDS.
US DOJ Issues Guidance Diminishing Protections for Women, LGBT People
The DOJ’s 20-point guidance invokes “protection of Religious Liberty” as justification for lifting discrimination bans.
The Best and Worst Colleges for LGBTQ Students
Oregon and Washington’s biggest Colleges and Universities were at the top of the list.
Writing about Transgender People – A Style Guide
Alex Capitan of radicalcopyeditor.com has published a style guide for writing about transgender people. It’s a great educational tool as well.
Australian Christians back Gay Marriage
54% of Australian Christians said they supported the introduction of marriage equality in a recent PFLAG poll.
Portland’s First Comprehensive LGBTQ Primary Care Clinic Opens
Cascade AIDS Project has launched Prism Health, the first such clinic in Oregon.
Federal Guidance is Gone. Is My Transgender Child Not Protected at School?
With or without the guidance, transgender students are protected under Title IX. The guidance itself just clarified how the Department of Education would be enforcing existing laws. FAQ from the National Center for Transgender Equality.
Policy Matters: Unity and Inclusion
PFLAG has just published its new Unity and Inclusion Statement.
Becoming Visible Allies
PFLAG has a few suggestions on how to increase your visibility as an LGBTQ ally.
Informed Consent in the Medical Care of Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Patients
Respect for the patient’s autonomy and experiences is becoming the standard treatment protocol for gender-nonconforming persons.
Transgender Language Primer
A new primer on gender terms has been published by the Facebook Transgender Alliance.
Guide to the Holidays
Coming Out – or just coming home – over the Holidays? Here’s some things to think about first.
You’re already using the Singular They!
We often struggle with using gender-respectful pronouns. But we’re already using one, though we might not realize it.
I’m Intersex! Here’s what that means.
About 1% of the population is intersex – about as common as are redheads. Great introductory.
Supporting Two-Spirit Native American Peoples
Many American Indian and Alaska Native, or AI/AN, cultures have a long history of recognizing two-spirit people prior to contact with Europeans.
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