PFLAG Peer Support
Whether you are learning to accept yourself or someone you care about, it may be helpful to speak with someone who understands what you’re going through.
PFLAG Canada has a thriving network of dedicated volunteers who serve as community support "Contacts" or "PFLAG Chapter Leaders".
A PFLAG Contact is an individual who provides telephone support for a specific geographic area.
A PFLAG Chapter is group of individuals who meet at a usual time and place every month to listen to and support one another. Chapter meetings are organized and chaired by a PFLAG Chapter Leader. The meetings are open to anyone who wishes to learn more about sexual orientation and gender identity. There is no cost to attend, but some Chapters request a voluntary small-change donation to help meet expenses.
What about privacy?
PFLAG Canada has strict rules regarding privacy. People who attend Chapter meetings are asked to introduce themselves using their first name only. Everyone is encouraged to share his or her own personal stories, but no one is required to speak. At each meeting, we remind our members to respect each other’s privacy; anything that is said at a PFLAG meeting must remain there. For some of us, privacy means comfort; for others it means safety. Your personal information will not be shared with anyone.
What can I expect at a PFLAG Chapter meeting?
Chapter meetings begin with a brief statement from the Chapter Leader, followed by a round of introductions from those in attendance. People often mention why they have come: some wish to learn, some may be experiencing a difficult adjustment and others attend just to provide support. Almost everyone who attends PFLAG has been directly affected by issues pertaining to sexual orientation or gender identity (individuals, parents, family members and close friends), but we also have allies who attend because they care deeply about social justice and equality for members of the rainbow community.
The Chapter Leader opens with a few brief remarks and invites comment from those in attendance. A discussion ensues with the thoughts and experiences that are brought forward. People share their personal joy and pain; insight and hindsight and some of the wisdom they’ve gathered along the way. Almost always, we leave with a little more strength and courage to face the challenges we meet everyday.
How else can peer-support help?
PFLAG Contacts and Chapter Leaders are knowledgeable about the resources available in your community. They can assist you or members of your family by recommending books, websites and sometimes even individual service providers. Some PFLAG Chapters have amassed a small library. These materials are often available to borrow during monthly Chapter meetings.
We understand the confusion, fear, isolation, frustration, hope, joy and relief that accompany issues pertaining to sexual orientation and gender identity. We care because we’ve been there. If you need someone to listen, PFLAG Canada can help!