Parents and Friends of Lesbians

by Deb Lashman

Our kids are just fine the way they are.

The motto of P-FLAG, spotted on a
banner at a Pride march, neatly sums up
what this organization is about. P-FLAG
(Parents and Friends of Lesbians and
Gays), is a national federation, with chap-
ters across the U.S. Its primary objective is
to help families and their lesbian and gay
members to understand and love one an-
other and to provide support where needed.

The national office is located in Wash-
ington D.C. and provides resources and
lobbying efforts to support local chapters.
Two to three inquiries are received each
week asking about starting new chapters,
and the current mailing list includes over
13,000 households. In addition to assisting
the formation of new chapters, the national
office provides resources in the form of
publications, works on media campaigns,
and joins with other gay and lesbian organi-
zations in lobbying Congress. TheP-F LAG
Poll, published quarterly, is the official
newsletter of the national organization.

  
  

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The national office is currently work-
ing on a major project called “Respect All
Youth.” A set of promotional materials has
been created, and further funding is being
sought to cover production costs as well as
to sustain a training program for youth-
oriented organizations. Efforts are under-
way to enlist the support of several such
organizations so that local P-FLAG chap-
ters can work with in their areas on training
about such topics as issues facing gay and
lesbian youth and the images presented in
society of lesbian and gays.

Vermont has three P-FLAG chapters:
one in Rutland, one in Manchester, and the
newest one in Burlington.

The Rutland chapter is headed by Peter
and Julie Cooper and has been active in a
number of areas. The group has worked
with the Coalition of Lesbians and Gay

. Men on lobbying for the passage of the

Vermont Civil Rights bill, and it is cur-
rently working on a brochure for distribu-
tion at Pride Day.

The group meets regularly to provide
support and assistance to families and their
gay and lesbian members. In addition, be-
cause of their listing in the Gay Yellow
Pages, they have served as a resource for
gays and lesbians new to the area looking to
meet others.

Perhaps their most dramatic instance
of support came when a young man called
them just after he was thrown out of his
parents’ house. Through a series of calls,
the Coopers were able to connect him with
services and support through Addison
County Counseling Service and find him a
place to live. “A listening ear” is how Peter
Cooper describes what they do.

Perhaps the biggest concern of the
Rutland Chapter is getting people to attend

and Gays

meetings. Parents have been very reluctant
to come out - a problem that is not uncom-
mon in rural areas and smaller communi-
ties. The Coopers can be reached by calling
773-7601 or by writing 11 North St., Rut-
land, Vermont 05701.

In Manchester, the P-FLAG Chapter is
headed by Mae Morrow. Meetings are held
the first Sunday of each month at 2:00 p.m.
at the Manchester Congregational Church
(across from Equinox House). Mae can be
reached by calling 362-4400 or writing PO
Box 92, Manchester, Vermont 05254.

The newest P-FLAG chapter in Ver-
mont is the Lake Champlain Chapter,
which meets the second Sunday of each
month at 2:00 at OUTRIGHT VERMONT,
30 Elmwood Ave, Burlington.

Organized last October and newly
registered with the national organization,
the Lake Champlain Chapter currently has
fifteen members from as far away as the
Crown Point area of New York (thus the
name Lake Champlain). In addition to
regular meetings, they have met with the
Guidance Department of South Burlington
High and plan to meet with other guidance

departments and teachers. They are work- J

ing on a brochure and will be marching in
the Gay Pride Parade with the Rutland and
Manchester chapters. Call Renee at 658-
3961, Lil at 863-4285, or Robert or Peggy
at 518-597-3555 for more information. «-
In addition to meetings and support
services, P-FLAG chapters have a number
of publications available. Contact the chap-
ter in your area for more information. For
information not available through your
local chapter, or to find out how to start a
new chapter, you can contact the National
Office at (202) 638-4200 or write to PO
Box 27605, Washington, D.C. 20038.

 

Susan Franz, M.A.
Kate O'Brien, M.S.
Psychotherapists

Indivldual
Couples
Family
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15 Pinecrest Drive Essex Junction,\/T 05452 802/878-4399