Coming Out and Living Out! Pflag International is a name synonymous with the words; support, welcome, and love. Started in 1972 by Jeanne Manford, Pflag was born after Jeanne’s son was beaten and hospitalized in New York City. Jeanne soon realized that that was little to no support for parents and grandparents of children who identified under the rainbow umbrella. Jeanne set to work as the first Pflag Mama, making a safe space for families to land after a child’s coming out, or even after they had been living out for several years. Ahead of her times, she understood first hand the need for support, friendship, and love for families at a time when being gay was still seen as a choice. Fast forward to 2022, and Pflag is just as relevant, and important as it was in the 70’s. Pflag is now a worldwide organization, operating in over 20 countries, the latest in 2008, in China. Pflag Canada was started in the 1980’s by Pauline Martin and her son Russell. Canada now has over 70 Chapters, serving thousands of families and queer folx. Pflag London has been a long-standing support group in the Forest City. Evolving from a small room at RHAC facilitated by Joanne King, to large group meetings run by Lori Ward, to our current online format. Pflag London supports everyone under the umbrella, we like to stay everyone is welcome here, During the early 2000’s Pflag london made a shift, to not just support families, but to support queer folx as well, soon after we started to welcome the trans* community, and then, anyone who loved someone under the rainbow umbrella or anyone who identifies under it. Pflag London now includes five different support groups, offering a listening ear and support for anyone on this journey. During the pandemic, with so many folx dealing with isolation it became more apparent than ever the need to pivot our services and offer online support. Since that pivot, we have been able to continue our work, minus the hugs. To help provide as much support to our community as possible Pflag offers different support groups: • Mama’s, Papa’s and Caregivers – The Pflag Original. This group offers support for the parents and caregivers for people who are coming out and living out. Occasionally attended by a grandparent or sibling/nibling, this group is always well attended, and much loved.
• The Queerdo/Rainbow Room – This group is for anyone under the umbrella. Welcoming 2SLGBTQIA+ from London and the surrounding area, this group is full of support, often some laughter, and assured a safe space to land. • Pflag Youth, and Pflag Youth 2.0 – Currently these groups are on pause. The pandemic has overloaded our youth with online classes, and unfortunately resulting in poor online pflag attendance. We can’t wait to bring our youth back in person soon!
Claire Salisbury MSc (Clinical Psychology), RP, CCC Registered Psychotherapist Pronouns: She/Her Individual psychotherapy and support for adults, teens, and children, focusing on gender identity and gender dysphoria. Virtual and phone sessions available.
salisbury.claire@gmail.com Find me on psychologytoday.com
Living together? Make it legal! License your pet. All cats and dogs must be licensed by law. Licensing helps save animals’ lives. • Lost pets are returned home • Helps to fund animal services programs • Homeless pets get adopted
London Animal Care Centre • 121 Pine Valley Blvd, London • www.accpets.ca 519-685-1330 • Facebook.com/LondonAnimalCare Please do you part! Contact us to license your pet Lo don Animal Ca Centre • 121 Pine Valley Blvd, London www.accpets.ca 529-685-1330 • Facebook.com/LondonAnimalCare
PRIDE Villager
Page 5 Issue 8 • Spring 2022 To advertise here, please contact Barb@VillagerPublications.com
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