PFLAG OKC needs you!

by Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief

“I came to PFLAG because a friend said I needed this group and I said, ‘Well, what have I done?!’”

Cecelia Smith, from Oklahoma City, said she has a daughter who is lesbian, but she didn’t realize what PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) was all about before she first attended. Now she is the President of the OKC Chapter.

“My daughter and her partner have three children,” added Smith. “I’m so glad that friend suggested I come to that first meeting. I didn’t even know I needed the support. Just because I had a lesbian daughter.

“For anyone who is new on this path, go to www.pflag.org. There is wonderful information there and definitions. You will find topics that help you explore and help you share with others.” Smith wanted to make sure to give a shout-out to the National PFLAG.

In 1972, a mother wanted to publicly support her gay son. With that simple act over 40 years ago, PFLAG National was formed and has united people since that time with its “threefold mission” of support, education and advocacy.

Brande Sanders was also at the meeting and said she has a teenager daughter who is a lesbian. She said, “The teenager part is harder than the lesbian part.”

Both Smith and Sanders are on the board of OKC’s PFLAG.

A woman named Virginia said she came for her granddaughter who said “mamma, I just want you to go.” Virginia spoke to her husband (“Pappa”) and they have both been attending their local PFLAG meetings.

“I just want you to be in our lives,” Virginia shared her conversation with her granddaughter. “We are behind you 100 percent. You are a precious gift. You have so much to give to so many people, and Pappa has been so supportive.”

The granddaughter is afraid to tell her parents and afraid they won’t accept her.

Another woman attended who said she was having a hard time coming out, but her two children have been as supportive as possible. “Why are you gay, mom?” said her nine-year-old, as repeated by the woman through tears.

Stories were shared, tears were spilled, topics of safety and concern were discussed. Before long, there was laughter.

PFLAG OKC meetings are just about one hour long on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., and refreshments are served. Meetings are held at the first floor conference room at 4001 N. Classen (39th and Classen).

PFLAG OKC provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. In an effort to reach their local community and tobuild the OKC PFLAG community, they are reaching out for people to attend their meetings and share stories.

They will also be partnering with the new musical Pryor Rendering. The musical is about a boy growing up gay in Pryor, Oklahoma. PFLAG OKC is raising $2,500 to send 150 LGBTQ youth and a support person to a special performance.

“If we save one life, prevent one suicide, it’s worth it,” Smith said in conclusion.

For more information, visit www.pflagoklahomacity.org.

The Gayly – September 6, 2016 @ 1 p.m.