{"id":70,"date":"2013-04-10T14:56:46","date_gmt":"2013-04-10T14:56:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/nonprofit.jonathan-belanger.com\/?page_id=70"},"modified":"2013-04-10T14:56:46","modified_gmt":"2013-04-10T14:56:46","slug":"for-families-friends-allies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/nonprofit.jonathan-belanger.com\/?page_id=70","title":{"rendered":"For Families, Friends, & Allies"},"content":{"rendered":"

Your first reaction to learning that your loved one is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or questioning can range anywhere from anger to sadness, fear to hurt, confusion to grief, and anywhere and everything in between. These emotions and the thousands of others that parents, families, and friends experience as they navigate their loved ones coming out process are normal.<\/p>\n

We can tell you with absolute certainty that you’re not alone. According to statistics, one in every ten people in this country and around the world is lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). Approximately one in four families has an immediate family member who is LGBT, and most people have at least one LGBT individual in their extended circle of friends and family.<\/p>\n

Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) is here for you.<\/strong>\u00a0Our members are parents, families and friends of LGBT people and LGBT people themselves. We have been through much of what you are now feeling.\u00a0We understand.<\/p>\n

<\/strong>The first thing you should do for yourself and your loved one is to talk to someone who has been through this process.\u00a0 Whether it is by e-mail, phone or in-person at a PFLAG meeting listening to and talking to those who have experienced the feelings you are encountering can be both cathartic and comforting.\u00a0 PFLAG has more than 500 chapters and representatives across the country ready and willing to work with families and friends both in meeting and in a one on one basis.\u00a0Click here to find a chapter<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

The second thing you should do is educate yourself.\u00a0 Below you will find resources specific to family and friends of the LGBT community. All of these are available for free right here. But please also\u00a0consider joining PFLAG<\/strong><\/a>. \u00a0As a member of PFLAG you are entitled to support education and advocacy materials whose focus are helping you help you child or loved one.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Get started with your journey now:<\/strong><\/p>\n