About

PFLAG SCC believes that our purpose is:

  • 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 community to change attitudes and create policies and laws that achieve full equality for people who are LGBTQ.

PFLAG Santa Cruz County History

PFLAG Santa Cruz County was originally launched in 1991 after the mother of a gay man in Watsonville struggled with finding support in understanding about her son’s sexual orientation. She knew that other parents in the area were probably experiencing similar confusion, pain, and desire for peer support and information. She wanted to make things better and had the determination to do it. This founding member received assistance from other PFLAG chapter leaders and the national organization in forming. With involvement from other parents and a handful of local mental health professionals, the chapter operated over the next 18 years. PFLAG Santa Cruz was a small, but valued support group, primarily comprised of parents of lesbian or gay children. Generally, it operated quietly, with monthly meetings. PFLAG is a national organization with chapters all over the country.

About PFLAG

The idea for PFLAG began in 1972 when Jeanne Manford marched with her gay son in New York’s Pride Day parade. After many gay and lesbian people ran up to Jeanne during the parade and begged her to talk toe their parents, she decided to begin a support group. The first formal meeting took place in March 1973 at a local church. Approximately 20 people attended. Read more….

Get Support 

PFLAG’s support efforts provide encouragement and resources to parents, families, friends, as well as LGBT people themselves. Read more….