Dear John, PFLAG is helping make a difference every day in communities across the country. With your support, we are helping make a difference in bridging the gap of acceptance for our community. Please take a chance to read from our chapter leaders Mark and Storm, and consider supporting PFLAG today. Mark's Story: My name is Mark and I have the pleasure of serving as a volunteer Regional Director for the South Atlantic region of PFLAG National. In this role, I have the opportunity to work with PFLAG chapter leaders and members across my region. That work is deeply impacted by my own journey…and the relationships I’ve developed along the way, fueled by PFLAG. |
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I had spent many years of my life trying to be strong on the outside — but inside I was hurting. Living in a small town in South Carolina, I faced many challenges as a gay man. The harmful words and years of shame took a toll on my mental and physical health, and as an adult, I voluntarily went through multiple conversion therapy programs, including electroshock therapy. I truly felt trapped, and I didn’t know where to find solace or support. That’s where PFLAG came in. When I found the phone number for my local PFLAG chapter in Myrtle Beach, I found a community of people who understood and affirmed me — and showed me that I mattered and deserved love. Five years ago, I co-founded our local PFLAG chapter, PFLAG Pawleys Island, after seeing the need in our community for better support systems for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. I’ve had an incredible journey. I’m married to the love of my life, Mike, and am a proud dad to three amazing sons — including my chosen son, Storm. |
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Storm's Story: As a young transgender man in rural South Carolina, I was desperately searching for an accepting community that supported me. In what was perhaps one of the toughest weeks of my life, I took a leap of faith and attended my local Pride festival alone. Everything changed when I stumbled across PFLAG. Immediately, I knew this was a safe space for me to simply exist, and to begin healing in ways I didn’t know I needed. Mark and PFLAG reminded me that I am not broken and that being transgender is something to celebrate. Since then, PFLAG has helped me build a new direction in life, one grounded in authenticity, self-love, and purpose. I’ve begun to move more fully into who I really am — not just for me, but so I can hold space for others, too. PFLAG didn’t “fix” me: PFLAG simply loved me, and now I am proud of who I am. It is no secret that LGBTQ+ people are facing unprecedented challenges and attacks, and although this community is no stranger to adversity, we need you in this fight. This work is driven by individual contributions made by people like you from all across the country, and we are grateful for your support. Please consider making a year-end gift to PFLAG National to help more LGBTQ+ people and families like ours. In Community, Mark and Storm |
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