New PFLAG group aims to support the rainbow community

A new support group for the families and friends of queer and transgender people has recently started in Palmerston North. PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Central aims to fill the critical gap in services supporting queer and transgender people, and their families and friends. The next support meeting for PFLAG will be held in the AS@U Building at UCOL on 137 Queen St, Palmerston North, on 1st May 2012 at 6.30pm.

Mary White, PFLAG Coordinator for the Palmerston North Region, states that this group offers friendship and support in what can be difficult time for many people: ‘We have walked this road together and can help you on your journey – be it toward acceptance and love of yourself, of a friend or of a member of your family’. Mrs White encourages anyone from any point in their journey and anywhere in the lower North Island region to get in touch and see how they can benefit from the services and support PFLAG offers. Mrs White encourages anyone interested to contact the group at pflag@inspire.net.nz or through the PFLAG Facebook page.

There are a number of existing organisations supporting young queer people; however, there is a lack of networks supporting the wider queer community. Mrs White explains: ‘Coming to terms with the sexuality of someone close to you can be a difficult and confusing experience. However, few groups exist to support and guide these people. We seek to provide a safe and supportive network for people to share their experiences, discuss their feelings and reach out to other people in the queer community.’

PFLAG Central is part of an international movement and seeks to support and promote the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, takaatapui, fa’afafine and intersex people and their families and friends. It works with PFLAG South, which is based in Dunedin, and other PFLAG organisations from around the world. PFLAG works alongside existing organisations supporting the queer community, such as Rainbow Youth, GayLine Wellington, MalGra Palmerston North and UniQ Palmerston North.

For further information please visit http://www.facebook.com/PflagPalmerstonNorth

ENDS

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