PFLAG Canada

A place where we can openly remember and celebrate our GLBTT2IQQ friends, lovers, partners, family members and allies.

The death of a loved-one is one of the most traumatic experiences we face in life. And though we each grieve in our own way, people commonly experience a range of emotions, which may include, shock, anger, sorrow, despair, confusion and/or guilt.

The grieving process can be long and difficult, but many take comfort in the caring compassion of friends, family members and community support workers. However, when the loss involves someone who is GLBTT2IQQ, the bereaved do not always feel supported in their grief.

"When a loss is not socially validated - that is, not acknowledged by society as an important loss to be mourned - you are put in a difficult situation. Since the loss is not viewed as valid by society, you lack the social support necessary to face the pain and accommodate to it. Additionally, if the relationship that has been severed is not openly acknowledged, often there are no bereavement rituals to help you cope with the loss. You miss the confirmation, expression, and support they can offer."

"How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies"
Therese A. Rando, Bantam Books, 1991.

PFLAG Canada recognizes the members of our community who experience disenfranchised grief. You are not alone. If you wish to talk about your loss, please call our toll-free line at 1-888-530-6777 or check our online directory for a list of PFLAG Canada volunteers in your area.

The Memorial Garden is a place where you can openly celebrate and remember the life of a loved-one. We accept poems, letters, obituaries, eulogies and stories up to 500 words. Photos are also welcome and encouraged. Submissions will remain online for one year, but can be removed at the request of the sender. You are not required to post the last name, birth date or date-of-death of your loved one and we will not display your contact information.

There are two types of submissions:

All proceeds go to PFLAG Canada's Communities Encourage Campaign.

PFLAG Canada understands the importance of protecting your privacy. We collect only the information necessary to process your request, keeping access to your records limited to staff members who "need to know".

We do not sell, rent or distribute the personal information of our customers or contacts. You will never receive third party correspondence as a result of contacting our organization.