PFLAG Canada

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PFLAG Canada is a national nonprofit organization that supports families and friends of LGBTQ people across Canada. It began in Toronto in the 1970s as Parents Of Gays (POG), a group for welcoming non-LGBTQ family members.

Rev. Brent Hawkes helped move the group forward and brought Betty Fairchild, co-author of Now That You Know, to POG meetings. After POG was advertised in Chatelaine, Anne Rutledge and June Tattle connected with Pauline Martin and her son Russell, who started Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (FFLAG) in October 1981. The two groups merged and became Parents FLAG.

With media appearances, more chapters formed throughout Canada in the 1980s and 1990s. In 2003 the organization became PFLAG Canada to distinguish it from the American group, and it was consolidated as a federal corporation in 2005, with all chapters renamed PFLAG Canada.

As of November 2014, PFLAG Canada had over 70 chapters or contacts in nine provinces. The board oversees six regions and includes roles such as president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer. The organization focuses on campaigning, advocacy, support groups, public speaking, and education.

PFLAG Canada endorses the web series Out With Dad and has partnered with FCB Toronto on the PSA “Nobody’s Memories,” which aired across Canada and North America.

Website: pflagcanada.ca