PFLAG Benton Franklin

Please visit our website for the most up to date information on our chapter: pflagbf.org 

Our Story

Founded in 1972 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son, PFLAG is the original family and ally organization. Made up of parents, families, friends, and allies uniting with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, PFLAG is committed to advancing equality through its mission of support, education and advocacy. PFLAG has over 350 chapters and 200,000 supporters crossing multiple generations of American families in major urban centers, small cities and rural areas in all 50 states.

This vast grassroots network is cultivated, resourced and serviced by PFLAG National, the national Board of Directors and 13 Regional Directors.

We are PFLAG Benton Franklin the local chapter in the Richland, Pasco, Kennewick area of Washington also referred to as the Tri-Cities. 

Our chapter received it's 501(c)(3) status in May 1994. Yes, 20 years ago! Since then there have been many changes in our area and much progress made. In January 2011 a revitalization took place after the chapter went dormant for a while. Since then we've held monthly support meetings, started an annual BBQ, hosted faith panel discussions, advocated for student rights in our community allowing GSA's in local schools, hosted trans panels, as well as educational events geared toward suicide prevention and anti-bullying. We also support each other by sharing our stories and learning from each other, encourage acceptance, and work for social change to ensure full equality for everyone. We look forward to a time when people look back in history and remember PFLAG as an organization that helped us care for each other.

We are comprised of all volunteers who love serving our community and making a difference to the people in it. We are very thankful to be a part of the wave of change happening. 

Our Vision

PFLAG envisions a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.

Our Mission

By meeting people where they are and collaborating with others, PFLAG realizes its vision through:

• Support for families, allies and people who are LGBTQIA2+
• Education for ourselves and others about the unique issues and challenges facing people who are LGBTQIA2+
• Advocacy in our communities to change attitudes and create policies and laws that achieve full equality for people who are LGBTQIA2+

Since we are a non-profit we do rely upon donations. The funds raised will go towards our operating expenses to provided services to our community. Thank you for your support!