Q: Do I have to register or let you know that I am coming?

A:  Nope. However, we don’t always post the location of the meeting publicly.
If you email info@pflagrfv.org or text (970) 306-6850 we can share the information.

Q: Who can come to a meeting?

A:  Anyone! There are many different types of people who come to PFLAG meetings. All are welcome.
You will always be welcome.

Q: Why do people come to a meeting?

A:  For many different reasons:

• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, questioning, agender, aromantic, asexual, and
  two-spirit (LGBTQIA+ or LGBTQ2A+) people come to a PFLAG meeting:

• to talk with other people’s family members and allies how they can tell the people in their own
  lives that they are LGBTQIA+.

• to help other people adjust to the news that someone they know is LGBTQIA+.

• to make friends, build community, create a family of choice to replace the family they lost when they came out.

• Parents and family members come to get support from other parents and family members who have been through similar experiences and to listen to LGBTQIA+ people’s experiences and perspectives. 

• Spouses of LGBTQIA+ persons come because they want to support their spouses and their families.

• Transgender people and their parents come because they want to get support and share about what it is like to have a family member transition to another gender.

• Allies and friends come to meetings:

• to support a friend who is LGBTQIA+

• to learn how to help support the LGBTQIA+ community in the issues that face them in today’s society, and how to stand up for the rights of LGBTQIA+ people and help create a more equitable society.

• to connect with other folks in their community who care about and are working for equal rights for LGBTQ folks

Q: Who are at these meetings?

A:  The people who are at PFLAG meetings are everyday people. We come from various backgrounds, occupations, and age groups. Some of us have gone through similar experiences. Sometimes we are still struggling with being a parent or family member of a loved one who is LGBTQIA+. Some of us come to PFLAG just to share support and stories and enjoy the company of other PFLAG members.

Many of us have struggled, learned, and have great joy around being LGBTQIA+ or having an LGBTQIA+ child. Many have experienced being in a family, church/temple, workplace, or other group that rejects LGBTQIA+ people. You are welcome at PFLAG Roaring Fork Valley. We will support you in any way that we can, we are building a strong community from Aspen to Parachute.

Q: Do I need a reason to attend a PFLAG meeting?

A:  Nope. You do not have to have a pressing issue or be associated with anyone in the LGBTQIA+ community. You can simply come. Often the stories that we share about our humanness and our complex lives prompt others to share, and our stories can help each other. 

Q: What usually happens at meetings?

A:  It varies! And these are casual! They usually start off with anyone who feels like introducing themselves and sharing why they came if they want to. We ask that whatever is shared be kept in confidence. Then we share announcements of various events that are happening or about any local updates about LGBTQIA+ issues. Sometimes we have a guest speaker talk about one of the myriad LGBTQIA topics. We have time for snacks and socializing. If anyone prefers to chat one-on-one with someone there, we can break into smaller groups at the end.

Q: I am really not comfortable with large groups. Is there any way I can meet PFLAG members without having to go to a meeting?

A:  We understand that it can be difficult to be a newcomer and to come to a meeting for the first time. We’ve all been through that experience. Some chapters will offer you a private session with an experienced PFLAG member so you can talk about your experience with someone who can share your story.

If you wish, you can reach out to ask for an individual email/text/phone conversation or to meet for coffee. You can meet and talk with an experienced PFLAG member at a local public spot. Some people bring their friends or someone else they trust to PFLAG meetings. We welcome anyone who reaches out to PFLAG RFV!

Q: What do people talk about at meetings?

A:  PFLAG members talk about all kinds of things. Some share the news that their LGBTQIA+ child or other family member has come out to other members of the family. We all celebrate that news. Some members share their concerns about family members, friends or co-workers who are not accepting of an LGBTQIA+ person. Some members talk about how difficult it is to hear gay jokes when they have a loved one who is LGBTQIA+. Some members talk about local, state, or national news stories or public issues. We also share information with each other to educate ourselves about local activities, events, or local organizations or businesses that are super supportive, or not supportive. 

Q: I have heard that PFLAG meetings only consist of mothers who sob about their children being gay. Is this true?

A:  No. We take time to celebrate our loved ones. We talk, we snack, we enjoy each other’s company. We make sure we take time to support those who are struggling.

Q: How often do people come to PFLAG meetings?

A:  People come as often as they want. You are under no obligation to the PFLAG chapter. We hope that you find the PFLAG chapter a welcoming and interesting community.

People often come back after they have resolved their initial anxieties because they want to give support to others who are coming to a PFLAG meeting for the first time.

We try to follow up. If a PFLAG meeting is not what you expected, let us know. There are lots of different ways to hold the meetings, and people can have many different experiences. If you didn’t feel you got what you needed from a PFLAG meeting, let us know! They are dynamic and we love feedback, as well as suggestions for activities, topics, speakers, events. 

Q: Do I have to join PFLAG and pay dues to attend?

A:  You don’t have to be an official dues paying member, but we hope you will consider supporting PFLAG by joining the chapter. Membership supports the chapter’s expenses and helps cover the cost of our projects. You can also support the chapter by making donations, volunteering your time, or by attending fundraising events.