FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does PFLAG Gainesville meet?

PFLAG Gainesville holds regular chapter meetings every third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at United Church of Gainesville (map). When you get to UCG, you should see PFLAG signs directing you to where we're meeting.

I'm interested in PFLAG, but I'm nervous about attending. What can I expect at a chapter meeting?

Our chapter meetings start at 7:00 p.m. We'll give you a name tag to fill out so that we'll know how you like to be addressed. Some of the chapter members will probably greet you and welcome you to the meeting, but you're always welcome to find a chair and sit quietly if you feel uncomfortable chatting with people you don't know. Meetings usually start with a few brief announcements and an explanation by our chapter president that everything mentioned at the meeting is prviate and confidential. After that, we usually start our program. Usually, our program committee arranges for speakers to come and address the group. After the speaker(s) finish, we usually take a few moments for members to share information with the group if they feel so inclined. This ends the formal part of the meeting, but people often stick around to chat with other members, ask questions of our speaker(s), and get to know other people.

We always provide snacks and drinks of various types at the meeting. Some of our members are vegetarian and gluten free, so there's usually something there for everyone.

How do I join PFLAG Gainesville?

You can actually join PFLAG Gainesville in a few different ways. If you have a PayPal account, you can actually join online. Just fill out the form you'll find when you click the Join PFLAG button at the top of our page, click on Pay via PayPal on the screen when you submit your contact information, and login with your PayPal credentials. (PFLAG Gainesville never receives your credit card or bank account details, so your private financial information is safe and secure.)

Alternately, you can send a check or money order to:

PFLAG Gainesville
PO Box 358472
Gainesville, FL 32635-8472

Honestly though, most of our members join by bringing a check, money order, or cash to our monthly chapter meetings. When you're at the meeting, ask any board member for help.

Sometimes at PFLAG Gainesville meetings, I hear people refer to themselves as "queer". In my experience, that word has always been considered negative. Why would they refer to themselves in such a way?

One issue frequently discussed at chapter meetings is the use of the word "queer." Many people choose to self-identify as queer, but some people are only used to hearing this word as a slur and do not understand why anyone would call herself that. Everyone has their own reasons for the words they choose for themselves, but many people like the word "queer" because it encompasses all non-straight identities. Others enjoy the process of reclamation - using a word that had once been used against them as a tool of self-empowerment. Related, some appreciate the provocative political stance of the word. Regardless of how one identifies, others are encouraged treat the words others use for themselves with respect and appreciation for the thoughtfulness that people put into their self-expression.