PFLAG Great Lakes Bay: Strengthening the bonds in your community

PFLAG is a national organization that serves the LGBTQ+ community, its loved ones, and its allies. Since its founding in 1973, the organization has branched out all across the United States. One of those chapters resides here in the middle of the Mitten: PFLAG Great Lakes Bay.

If you have been to a local LGBTQ+ event, like the Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival, then you have likely stumbled across PFLAG Great Lakes Bay. The organization can usually be found at these types of events providing information for LGBTQ+ and allies.

Last year, PFLAG National recognized the Great Lakes Bay PFLAG chapter with the “PFLAG National Chapter Award: Getting off the Curb - Expanding PFLAG’s Reach.” PFLAG Great Lakes Bay was one of only four PFLAG chapters to receive this award, and there are over 400 chapters in existence! The award is a great reflection of the hard work being done in our community.

PFLAG supports the LGBTQ+ community by strengthening the important connection between LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones. Through education, communication, and connection, family and friends can better understand their LGBTQ+ loved ones and how to support them. 

What started as a small collection of LGBTQ+ literature has grown into a bona fide library of more than 300 books and a small collection of movies. The space provided by the First United Methodist Church has aided PFLAG Great Lakes Bay in the creation of this library by offering a permanent home for the books.

Thanks to donations from supporters, the Richard S. Resource Library continues to grow, ensuring accessibility to a wide range of perspectives and narratives that resonate with individuals of all backgrounds. It has also become home to the works of local LGBTQ+ authors like Donny Winter and Dominic Thrasher. 

If you would like to support this growing library, there are a few ways you can donate, shown on the PFLAG Great Lakes Bay website.

Whether seeking guidance, historical context, or simply a story that reflects their own experiences, the PFLAG Great Lakes Bay offers a welcoming environment where visitors can explore, learn, and connect.

PFLAG Great Lakes Bay holds monthly meetings at the First United Methodist Church. These meetings feature a variety of guest speakers, from authors to counselors to community leaders. By participating in these meetings, attendees can become better-informed citizens and stay up-to-date on issues that affect members of their communities. Support sessions are also held at these meetings, allowing attendees to share their stories or have a friendly conversation. All meetings are kept confidential for the privacy and safety of all who participate. 

Again, PFLAG serves the LGBTQ+ community and those outside of the LGBTQ+ community. So, PFLAG Great Lakes Bay’s meetings and events are welcome to everyone and anyone who might be interested.