Gay time at the National PFLAG Gala
On March 3rd it was the esteemed privilege and honor for the GBPFLAG Executive team to join the celebration of the 50th anniversary of PFLAG National at their gala in New York City.
The event kicked off with a video highlighting PFLAG’s impact since the fateful day that Jeanne Manford took to the street in 1972 to support her son Morty at the St. Christopher Street parade. Since then, Jeanne and others have grown a movement of love, support, and advocacy for our LGBTQ+ children and youth.
As Brian K. Bond (he/him), National Executive Director, shared “I see loves flicker of hope everywhere…”. There was much revelry and celebration on the key accomplishments of both the organization at large and specific chapters across the country. Everyday ordinary people and parents making a difference just by creating local impact. Even on this festive occasion though the audience also reflected on the real threats of harm and challenges that are still showing up. “So do all that you can to be part of the solution,” asked Jeanne’s daughter, Suzanne Manford Swan (she/her). “Show up with love.”
Over the course of the program we were moved by stories shared by leaders across PFLAG National and reflected together as Suzanne Manford Swan shared how it all began and the legacy that has been created from simple acts. We listened to performances by Big Freedia, recipient of the Breaking Barriers Awards, and celebrated achievements for companies and people leading the way. The event ended on a high note with Tom Daly, Olympic Gold Medalist, accepting the George Takei Advocate Award and gave a beautiful speech that punctuated his own identity journey, coming out, and leading with love.
While we enjoyed the evening and connected with other chapter leaders, regional leaders, and the National team, the key message stood out that local impact matters and we cannot take pause from our mission. Even in our home state of Massachusetts – while we may not be subject to legislation pummeling our rights or targeting our kids; we know all too well that our LGBTQ+ youth are just as susceptible to bullying in our schools, camps, and programs where youth spend a majority of their time together. They are also paying attention and watching in terror as states within our country target people like them. Our LGBTQ+ youth are still at risk for higher rates of depression and suicide. Supporting and growing a larger and louder cadre of allies from parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, and medical care providers is necessary now more than ever. When LGBTQ+ youth have affirmative positive support and care their risks are reduced and they are more able to move past simply surviving to truly thriving.
At Greater Boston PFLAG we are committed to our mission of creating a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Local impact matters and we can’t do this without all of you. Thank you for all that you do now and being in lockstep with us, we have more to do, and by leading with love and a consistent assertion for equality we will better position a more just world for the future.