Come celebrate our "Rainbow Families". The conservative religious right often calls our families "non-traditional", if they recognize them as families at all. Well, we think our families are pretty special. Look what we go through to build them and keep them together!

While this meeting is still in the planning stages, we currently have two speakers lined up for you to enjoy.

Attorney Emily Russell from the Zavos Law Firm. Emily specializes in LGBT family law and has spoken at other events.

Sandy Rappeport, LCSW-C, and Director of International Adoption at Adoptions Together spoke to us several years ago and is excited to come back and speak again.

Cheryl Richards, Foster Parent Recruiter/Trainer, Hearts & Homes for Youth, Inc., Family Ties Therapeutic Foster Care Program - a GLBT friendly group.

Check back here for details as they develop. But do put this meeting on your calendars and plan to come meet and celebrate our Rainbow Families.

Jamie Curtis, PFLAG National Senior Field & Policy Coordinator and Jean-Marie Navetta, Director of Equality Partnerships for PFLAG National will present. Jean-Marie heads up the organization's Straight for Equality campaign which aims to involve more straight allies in efforts to achieve equality for all. The project, launched in October 2007, focuses in three primary areas: the workplace, home, and faith communities.
Click on the Straight for Equality logo to learn more.

Please join us for a topical and insightful discussion on the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy." Our meeting falls on the traditional Veterans Day when we will celebrate those in uniform who have defended our nation. But we will also honor those who have been unfairly discharged for being gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered.

Representatives of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) will discuss the last 15 years under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and the prospects for the policy's removal.

Our Film - Under Pressure - Click on the DVD Cover, print the form and order!

We Need Your Help!

Your PFLAG chapter is an all-volunteer organization. Everything we do is funded by membership fees and donations. We advertise our presence in Howard County high school newspapers We support a GLBT youth group with adult facilitators We publish and mail a bi-monthly newsletter We produce monthly meetings on a wide range of important topics We staff tables at village fairs, expos, community events We supply printed material to inform and enlighten the public We host an annual family picnic Won't you please consider becoming a member or making a donation, or both? Find out how here.

About Us

PFLAG meetings are free and we welcome everyone. We provide a safe and confidential space for everyone. Teens and young people are invited to participate in our Rainbow Youth Alliance, and new parents are welcomed to meet separately w/another parent for a confidential discussion. We also have an active Parent Forum that meets regularly on another evening. We have a great group of lesbian and gay members, as well as kids who have gay parents. We don't just celebrate diversity in our chapter...we are diversity! Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month beginning at 7:30 PM at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center, 7246 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD. Most meetings include a speaker and general discussion. There is also time allotted for people to share what is happening in their lives. See what our meetings are like. For additional information please contact Colette Roberts 410-290-8292 or email: Robertscp@aol.com. PFLAG Mission Statement To promote the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their families and friends through: SUPPORT - to cope with an adverse society EDUCATION - to enlighten an ill-informed public ADVOCACY - to end discrimination and to secure equal civil rights Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays provides opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation and gender identity, and acts to create a society that is healthy and respectful of human diversity. Our Chapter Mission Statement The mission of PFLAG Columbia/Howard County is to support parents of gay children. We also welcome all people, gay, straight, bisexual or transgendered, as well as their families and friends. Together, we support each other, educate the broader community, and advocate for equality.

Contacts

EMAIL: RobertsCP@aol.com MAILING ADDRESS: PFLAG/Columbia 7303 Swan Point Way Columbia, MD 21045 PHONE: (410) 290-8292