Dear John, This is a story of how two PFLAG moms changed a Senator’s vote on a major bill for LGBTQ+ equality. I was one of those moms. My name is Dale Bernstein. I’m a proud PFLAG parent, former PFLAG Board Member, and strategic human resources executive. Back in 2016, joined by my friend Peggy Moore, we met with the senior team of Senator Orrin Hatch to talk about passing an inclusive, fair, and equal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) in the Senate. Equipped with the tools and training provided by PFLAG, we made our case for anti-discrimination and workplace protections for LGBTQ+ people and their families. We made that case both as moms and as business executives. The business case was important, but it was our personal plea as mothers of LGBTQ+ kids that made the difference. And after that meeting? Senator Hatch voted “Yes” in the Senate’s historic passage of ENDA -- a vote he attributed to our meeting. That’s how I know we can get the Equality Act passed in the Senate: because PFLAG voices are powerful. But we can’t do it without the resources and training that your support provides. Donate toward PFLAG National’s Giving Tuesday goal of $100,000 and help make full equality a reality for our LGBTQ+ loved ones. | |
Just as PFLAG founder and parent Jeanne Manford changed the hearts and minds of so many people--from parents and family members to legislators and the public at large--I know we can move legislators with the power of our PFLAG stories. Your support will ramp up our advocacy tools and trainings so that other parents and allies like me are well equipped to make the case for equality to legislators. I know this is a big ask -- when we walked into Senator Hatch’s office, we made a big ask, too -- but your support, of any amount, will have an impact on whether or not our LGBTQ+ loved ones will have the same protections as everyone else. | |
Together, we can make the Equality Act a reality, and create a future where all LGBTQ+ people are safe from discrimination, harassment, and harm. Thank you,  Dale Bernstein
Past PFLAG National Board Member | |
