Discovering LGBTQ Parent Support San Rafael CA

By Jennifer King


Coming out is a process which a number of people who identify as living a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, non-binary or queer often experience. In fact, one of the hardest moments in a number of documented coming out stories has been with regards to telling parents and other family members. Whether accepting, or otherwise, the lgbtq Parent support san rafael ca can be of assistance to both those identifying as LGBTQ+ as well as friends and family.

In one case, the well known PFLAG organization out of San Francisco offers a great deal of support for parents, friends ad allies of those in the community. In most cases, people get involved with PFLAG after having come to terms and accepted that a child is not just going through a phase. Whereas, there are others whom might need to seek out a local support ground for those having more difficulty than others in coming to terms with a lgbtq child, friend or ally.

While the smaller groups generally hold regular monthly or bi-monthly meetings, PFLAG meets once a month with a workshop type format. In many cases, those coming out will bring willing friends and family members to the group in hopes of gaining support. While this is the case, it can often take a few times before visitors and members begin to feel comfortable talking about issues in the group. As such, it is important to give those having difficulty time to process the information and support provided in each session.

In most cases, the chapters of the organization offer bi-monthly or monthly meetings when it comes to these support groups. In doing so, the hope is to educate those whom are having difficult accepting a love one whom has chosen to come out through dialogue and associated resources such as the guidebook provided to those involved in the process.

One of the main goals of hosting these meetings is to promote opportunities which will create a more open and accepting society. In most cases, those whom attend these meetings have the same goal. At the same time, it can often be as difficult for family and friends as it is for the individual whether still in, or out of the closet.

Whether attending a small localized group, or a larger one such as the one which meets in San Francisco, it is important to be as open and honest about issues as possible. For, if someone else in the group has gone through a similar experience, it can often be easier for others to share potential solutions and resolutions when having experienced the same or similar issue in the past.

When ready to attend a larger meetings, there are often themes or topics for each session. In many cases, these include election concerns, lgbtq+ students, religious associations with schools and churches, coming out at school or work, AIDs awareness and other factors which the community deals with on an ongoing basis. Whereas, the PFLAG guidebook can also be a great resource for people to learn more about the difficulties these individuals face, often on a daily basis.

It is important to note that PFLAG is a tax-exempt 501c3 organization. As such, donations are always welcome but there is never a charge with regards to counseling or attending groups or meetings. In fact, all members receive a free monthly newsletter along with the opportunity to become a voting member if so desired.




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