Someone who is considering attending a Columbia chapter PFLAG meeting for the first time may be understandably nervous. It is natural to wonder: What's it like? What if I see people I know? Will I have to talk to everybody? Will I have somebody to talk to privately?

Our chapter meets in a large meeting room at the Owen Brown Interfaith Center. Right inside the meeting room door there is a table where everyone can sign in, get a name tag and sign up to get our newsletter. The name tags and the sign up are optional. There are always some members at the door to welcome new people and regulars alike. We have our collection of books and pamphlets set up early so people can browse through them before the meeting starts. If you see people that you know, it's good to remember that if they are at a PFLAG meeting the chances are they have a similar reason for being there as you do.

The number of people attending varies. It can be 30 or it can be 70 or more depending on the program. If a new parent would be more comfortable meeting privately with a PFLAG parent at this first meeting, accommodations can be made.

The meeting starts with everyone sitting in a circle. The chapter president or another designated member explains the program for the night and reminds everyone that everything said is confidential. There are announcements. Then we do a round of introductions where we encourage people to briefly say who they are, why they are with us, and relate any special news they may care to share. During introductions you may share only what you want to; some newcomers give only their first names.

After the introductions we begin the program for the evening. After the program, which typically lasts 60 to 90 minutes, we break for refreshments. At that time our youth group, the Rainbow Youth Alliance (RYA) heads downstairs with their facilitators for their own meeting. After refreshments and socializing we go back to the circle to provide support that anyone in the group might need, continue discussing the evening's program, or comment on other pertinent topics. Our meetings are over by 10 pm but we respect those who must leave earlier.

Our chapter is very diverse, which is why it’s such a friendly and vibrant group of people, very much like family. We have parents of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) children (of all ages), grandparents and other family members, friends, and many members of the GLBT community who find it a very welcoming place.

It is important to mention that we have a separate Parent Forum that meets on another night. New parents are always welcome. Additional information is available by clicking the Parent Forum link.

We encourage you to join our chapter and become part of an active group working to end discrimination.