At their annual meeting, the present members of PFLAG National voted to change the name of the organization from Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays to PFLAG National. This name change was enacted to be more inclusive and mirror the organization’s already inclusive practices. There seemed to be a lack of acknowledgement for bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified individuals in the name, which caused challenges. Some questioned how strong the commitment to inclusion was if the name didn’t reflect that commitment. The new name more accurately represents the work that PFLAG does, which is support, educate, and advocate on behalf of all LGBTQ persons and allies.
Jean Hodges, Chair of the PFLAG Regional Director Counsel said, “PFLAG members know what PFLAG is, we know who we are—PFLAG is the place that is home for everyone engaged in moving equality forward for everyone, inclusive of how you identify your sexual orientation, gender identity, or family status. It’s time for us as an organization to solidify that and ensure that the message is clear both inside and outside of PFLAG: We are inclusive and united toward this goal.”
The mission and vision statements have been changed to reflect the new name.
Vision statement
PFLAG envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed inclusive of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.
Mission statement
By meeting people where they are and collaborating with others, PFLAG realizes its vision through: Support for families, allies and people who are LGBTQ, Education for ourselves and others about the unique issues and challenges facing people who are LGBTQ, Advocacy in our communities to change attitudes and create policies and laws that achieve full equality for people who are LGBTQ.