Dear John,

50 years ago today, a shy, petite elementary public school teacher from Queens, NY gathered her courage, galvanized by the abuse and harassment of her gay son. Carrying a sign made from school supplies taken from her own classroom—at her own peril, as the principal of her school had already warned her that even the mere mention of having a gay son would get her fired—she marched as a call to activism, advocacy, and action to parents to unite in support of their gay children. 

As the crowd marched from Christopher Street all the way to Central Park, Jeanne heard cheers. It wasn’t until later on the route that she realized those cheers were for her. Cheers and requests--for her to speak to other parents who might heed her call to action, leading with love the way she did.

Over the next few months, it became clear that a meeting of like-minded people could help not only LGBTQ+ people get the support they needed, but would really help parents and families learn how to support their loved ones. PFLAG was born out of this need.

On this special anniversary, leading with love as PFLAG founder Jeanne Manford did 50 years ago is crucial to change hearts and minds. Please give a gift to PFLAG National today so that the work of PFLAG can continue.

A lot has changed in 50 years, but sadly some things haven’t. We are still fighting for equality, state governments are still trying to ban inclusive, accurate, and honest education about LGBTQ+ people, and attacks at local events—including Pride celebrations—are on the rise. 

And with yesterday’s devastating Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade, families are terrified for the future of privacy, choice, and even marriage equality.

But PFLAGers are out their leading with love, now carrying an updated version of Jeanne’s sign from 50 years ago: 

PFLAG often gets the loudest cheers at Pride: so many people have been impacted by PFLAG’s life-saving work. Whether it’s an LGBTQ+ kid who encouraged their parents to attend a PFLAG meeting or one ally helping another in a workplace or place of worship, PFLAG’s impact can be felt everywhere. 

Your support keeps our work moving forward, so that every parent, family member, ally, or LGBTQ+ person who needs PFLAG can find PFLAG.

Please support PFLAG National with a donation today, so that no LGBTQ+ kid has to endure the same kind of abuse and harassment that Jeanne’s son did, 50 years ago.

Together, let’s lead like Jeanne, by leading with love. 

Thank you,

Brian K. Bond (he/him), Executive Director
PFLAG National