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Date: 8/9/2023
ENFIELD — PFLAG Enfield, a local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, announced its range of services and upcoming events.
The organization offers in-person support groups on the first Monday of each month at Asnuntuck Community College, room 209, and hosts virtual peer support groups on the third Saturday of each month. They also offer various educational resources, workshops and presentations to schools, businesses, and community organizations. As part of its efforts, PFLAG Enfield are organizing a banned book display in collaboration with public libraries, aiming to raise awareness about censorship and the importance of diverse voices. In addition, PFLAG Enfield will be hosting their highly anticipated second annual Pride Festival on the town green in Enfield, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and promoting inclusivity.
“These are just a few examples of the activities and initiatives planned by PFLAG Enfield,” said president Brandon Jewell. “We are committed to creating positive change, supporting individuals, and fostering a community that embraces diversity. By offering diverse programs and events, we aim to address the unique needs of the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society.”
PFLAG was founded in 1972 by Jeanne Manford, a mother who stood up for her gay son and marched alongside him in a gay pride parade. Her actions inspired the creation of PFLAG, which has since grown into a nationwide network of chapters. PFLAG Enfield was founded to provide education, support, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families and allies in the Enfield community. A collective of parents and LGBTQ+ individuals identified a need for education, support and advocacy within the Enfield and surrounding community. Jewell told Reminder Publishing their path towards PFLAG Enfield began when they attended Enfield Pride meetings, during which PFLAG was introduced. Intrigued, they conducted further research to understand the mission and values of PFLAG. Recognizing the significance of such an organization in their community, they collectively decided to establish a local chapter to meet the needs of their community members.
PFLAG Enfield possesses several unique qualities such as local focus, holistic support, intersectionality, collaborative approach, education and advocacy, and is volunteer-driven. They seek to build strong community connections and partnerships and actively engage with local organizations, schools and businesses to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity, understanding and acceptance. They aspire to expand their support services, including the development of additional support groups, counseling resources and specialized programs tailored to the needs of different age groups within the LGBTQ+ community.
The idea of implementing these initiatives within PFLAG Enfield was borne out of a collective desire to make a positive impact on the local LGBTQ+ community and the surrounding area. The members of PFLAG Enfield recognized the need for various forms of support, education and advocacy. The concept of peer support groups emerged from the understanding that individuals often benefit greatly from sharing their experiences, struggles and triumphs with others who can relate. The advocacy aspect of their initiatives stemmed from the recognition that there is still work to be done in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and promoting equality.
“We wanted to create a safe and inclusive space where LGBTQ+ individuals and their families could come together, find support and build meaningful connections,” Jewell explained. “We wanted to actively engage with the local community, raise awareness about LGBTQ+ issues and advocate for positive change.”
He continued, “By organizing events such as the banned book display and the PRIDE Festival, we aimed to celebrate diversity, challenge stereotypes and foster greater acceptance.”
The specific ideas for these initiatives were developed through discussions, brainstorming sessions and consultations with the community. The members listened to the needs and concerns of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, conducted research on effective strategies and drew inspiration from successful initiatives in other communities. PFLAG Enfield aims to collaborate with other local LGBTQ+ organizations, community groups, and social justice advocates to amplify their impact and create a stronger collective voice for change. They’ll continue to advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusive policies and legislation at the local, state, and national levels. This includes working towards nondiscrimination protections, comprehensive healthcare access and safe school environments for LGBTQ+ individuals.
“Seeing individuals find solace, validation and a sense of belonging within our support groups brings immeasurable joy,” Jewell responded. “Witnessing the power of connection, as people share their stories, offer support and build meaningful relationships, reinforces the importance of the work we do.”
He went on to say, “The impact of our advocacy work is deeply fulfilling. Whether it’s contributing to policy changes, raising awareness about LGBTQ+ issues, or challenging societal biases, knowing that we are actively working towards creating a more equitable and accepting society brings a great sense of fulfillment.”
For more information about PFLAG Enfield, their services, or upcoming events, visit www.pflagenfield.org.