PFLAG NYC https://www.pflagnyc.org Loving Families • Safe Schools • Inclusive Communities Tue, 02 Aug 2022 20:54:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.2 https://i0.wp.com/www.pflagnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/cropped-android-chrome-512x512-1-1.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 PFLAG NYC https://www.pflagnyc.org 32 32 199490708 Welcome Our New Executive Director, Melissa D’Andrea! https://www.pflagnyc.org/news/welcome-new-ed/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=welcome-new-ed Mon, 07 Mar 2022 18:08:10 +0000 https://www.pflagnyc.org/?p=3072 The Board of Directors of PFLAG NYC is pleased to share this exciting news with our entire community… Dear PFLAG NYC Community, We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Melissa D’Andrea as the new Executive Director of PFLAG NYC. Melissa will officially begin her role on Monday, March 14, 2022. Melissa D’Andrea is a New York native, born and raised in Brooklyn, and living in the Bronx. She is a youth development professional with 20 years of experience in program design and implementation for NYC youth and families. She comes to PFLAG NYC from the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, where she has overseen all program strategy and implementation as Chief Program Officer, a core member of the executive leadership team. Previously she was the Vice President of Programs for Girls Incorporated of New York City. Aside from her day job, she enjoys consulting for start-up non-profits on programming, operations, grant-writing, and fund development; and volunteering with hospice patients, LGBTQIA+ youth, and justice-system impacted youth.  Melissa has a BA degree in Human Services from SUNY Empire State College, and is completing her MBA from Thomas Edison State University. She holds Graduate Certificates in Fundraising and Board Development and […]

The post Welcome Our New Executive Director, Melissa D’Andrea! first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
The Board of Directors of PFLAG NYC is pleased to share this exciting news with our entire community

Dear PFLAG NYC Community,

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Melissa D’Andrea as the new Executive Director of PFLAG NYC. Melissa will officially begin her role on Monday, March 14, 2022.

Melissa D’Andrea is a New York native, born and raised in Brooklyn, and living in the Bronx. She is a youth development professional with 20 years of experience in program design and implementation for NYC youth and families. She comes to PFLAG NYC from the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, where she has overseen all program strategy and implementation as Chief Program Officer, a core member of the executive leadership team. Previously she was the Vice President of Programs for Girls Incorporated of New York City. Aside from her day job, she enjoys consulting for start-up non-profits on programming, operations, grant-writing, and fund development; and volunteering with hospice patients, LGBTQIA+ youth, and justice-system impacted youth. 

Melissa has a BA degree in Human Services from SUNY Empire State College, and is completing her MBA from Thomas Edison State University. She holds Graduate Certificates in Fundraising and Board Development and Nonprofit Management from SUNY Purchase College, a Certificate in Mentoring Supervision from Fordham University and is a 2017 New York Community Trust Leadership Fellow. 

Melissa credits her career path to the foundation she received from her own experience growing up in youth development programs in New York City. In particular, the Youth Enrichment Services Program at the LGBT Community Center, the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, GLSEN, and the HEART (HIV/AIDS Education Activism Resources Team) Club at Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn.

Along with the whole board, I am excited for the experience and enthusiasm that Melissa brings to PFLAG NYC. We feel very fortunate to have found someone who has experience that touches on so many of the pillars of PFLAG NYC’s work with LGBTQ+ youth, their parents and families. Melissa brings immediate knowledge of building programs for youth and families, with schools, and with volunteers, and we look forward to working with her as she focuses on the next phase of PFLAG NYC’s growth.

The selection of Melissa was made after an extensive search process, in which the board was assisted by a talented team from Sandler Search, a nationally recognized executive search firm specializing in non-profit organizations. The board appreciates the guidance of Josie Sandler, Shalena Broadnax, and their colleagues.

Finally, the board and the whole of PFLAG NYC are grateful to outgoing Executive Director, Drew Tagliabue, who has continued effectively leading PFLAG NYC through the selection of Melissa and will remain with us for a period to ensure a smooth onboarding and transition process. We are extremely proud of PFLAG NYC’s accomplishments during fifteen years of Drew’s leadership and plan to hold an event later in the year to salute Drew as we look towards an exciting future with Melissa.

Please join me in welcoming Melissa to PFLAG NYC. I look forward to many of our community getting the chance to meet her in the months ahead.

Sincerely,

Judy Sennesh
Chair, Board of Directors


Send Melissa a Welcome Message

The post Welcome Our New Executive Director, Melissa D’Andrea! first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
3072
Sex Ed for Parents of LGBTQ+ Youth – Workshop Series https://www.pflagnyc.org/outreach/sex-ed-workshop-series/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=sex-ed-workshop-series Wed, 02 Mar 2022 19:14:00 +0000 https://www.pflagnyc.org/?p=3213 “Sex Ed for Parents of LGBTQ+ Youth” is a 3-part workshop series that will help parents and caregivers learn both content knowledge and communication skills to ensure that their LGBTQ+ child/ren are supported in ways that will improve the parent/child relationship. The workshops will be led by experienced health educator Dennis Flores, Assistant Professor of Family and Community Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing. As the coming out process happens ever earlier for many children, the time that they’re under parents’ care, influence, and teaching grows. Parents need to be equipped and to understand their LGBTQ+ child/ren and their sexual maturation, feelings, needs, and safety, yet many parents feel way out of their depth. Even more so when their child’s journey is different than their own. But it’s so important for parents to keep communication open and honest in order to build up the bonds and trust with their kids, while they live together and when time comes for kids to strike out on their own. The aim of this workshop series is to help parents create trust and a safe space with their children where they can talk honestly about gender identity and sexual orientation. The […]

The post Sex Ed for Parents of LGBTQ+ Youth – Workshop Series first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
“Sex Ed for Parents of LGBTQ+ Youth” is a 3-part workshop series that will help parents and caregivers learn both content knowledge and communication skills to ensure that their LGBTQ+ child/ren are supported in ways that will improve the parent/child relationship.

The workshops will be led by experienced health educator Dennis Flores, Assistant Professor of Family and Community Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

As the coming out process happens ever earlier for many children, the time that they’re under parents’ care, influence, and teaching grows. Parents need to be equipped and to understand their LGBTQ+ child/ren and their sexual maturation, feelings, needs, and safety, yet many parents feel way out of their depth. Even more so when their child’s journey is different than their own. But it’s so important for parents to keep communication open and honest in order to build up the bonds and trust with their kids, while they live together and when time comes for kids to strike out on their own.

The aim of this workshop series is to help parents create trust and a safe space with their children where they can talk honestly about gender identity and sexual orientation. The 3 sessions of the series will focus on:

  1. Your Child is LGBTQ+: A Plea for Tailored Sexual Health Discussion At Home
  2. The Nitty-Gritty Details When Talking to LGBTQ+ Adolescents
  3. Not Your Parents’ Sex Talk: The Practice of Affirmative Communication

The series of 3 workshops will take place every other month starting on Tuesday, March 29 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. ET, and then again at the same time on May 17 and July 19. In between sessions, participants will have time for reading and practice with additional learning resources to prepare for the next session. Participants are asked to plan to attend all 3 sessions in the series to gain optimum knowledge and skills.

The workshop series is offered free of charge to the PFLAG NYC community and will take place online via Zoom. Registration will close on March 28.

Registration for the workshop series is now closed.

If you have any questions, contact LoAn Nguyen at LoAn@pflagnyc.org.


About the Presenter — Dennis Flores

Dennis Flores is an Assistant Professor of Family and Community Health at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, an affiliated faculty member at UPenn’s Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Program, and also is a Visiting Faculty Fellow at the Center for Research on AIDS at Yale University’s School of Public Health.

He has led several studies that investigates the role of parents in the sexual health education of their adolescent children who identify as LGBTQ. His studies fuel his subsequent HIV prevention work that includes both urban and rural community education, being a national spokesperson for HIV testing campaigns, and workforce development with around 1300 nurses across three continents.

Dr. Flores earned his PhD from Duke University, a Masters in Public Health Nursing Leadership at Emory University, and a Bachelors in Nursing from Kennesaw State University in Georgia.

Photo of Dennis Flores

The post Sex Ed for Parents of LGBTQ+ Youth – Workshop Series first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
3213
Name & Gender Change Workshop for Parents of TNB Youth https://www.pflagnyc.org/outreach/get-the-latest-for-parents-with-trans-and-non-binary-children/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=get-the-latest-for-parents-with-trans-and-non-binary-children Mon, 24 Jan 2022 20:41:00 +0000 https://www.pflagnyc.org/?p=3087 The Gender Recognition Act (GRA) is updating New York law to make it easier to change name and gender markers for trans and nonbinary (TNB) people of all ages. It’s great news for our community. When it comes to families with trans and non-binary children, parents appreciate some guidance even as the process becomes easier. Following on the big turnout for our last workshop in November, we’ve invited Charlie Arrowood back for another session that will incorporate all the latest information now that the first round of GRA changes have come into effect. Join us on February 15 at 7 p.m. for our 2nd Name and Gender Change Workshop with attorney Charlie Arrowood. The workshop will be livestreamed with Q&A on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  After the event is over, the recorded livestream will be on PFLAG NYC’s YouTube channel. Please note, the workshop will be focused on the law and situation in New York state, but we welcome attendees from all over for background knowledge. About Charlie Arrowood Charlie Arrowood (they/them) is an attorney licensed in New York state. They primarily provide transition-related legal services to transgender clients, including name and gender marker change assistance and guidance regarding health insurance coverage and employment matters. In […]

The post Name & Gender Change Workshop for Parents of TNB Youth first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
The Gender Recognition Act (GRA) is updating New York law to make it easier to change name and gender markers for trans and nonbinary (TNB) people of all ages. It’s great news for our community.

When it comes to families with trans and non-binary children, parents appreciate some guidance even as the process becomes easier. Following on the big turnout for our last workshop in November, we’ve invited Charlie Arrowood back for another session that will incorporate all the latest information now that the first round of GRA changes have come into effect.

Join us on February 15 at 7 p.m. for our 2nd Name and Gender Change Workshop with attorney Charlie Arrowood.

The workshop will be livestreamed with Q&A on YouTube, Facebook, and LinkedIn.  After the event is over, the recorded livestream will be on PFLAG NYC’s YouTube channel.

Please note, the workshop will be focused on the law and situation in New York state, but we welcome attendees from all over for background knowledge.


About Charlie Arrowood

Charlie Arrowood (they/them) is an attorney licensed in New York state. They primarily provide transition-related legal services to transgender clients, including name and gender marker change assistance and guidance regarding health insurance coverage and employment matters.

In addition to their private practice, Charlie is Name Change Project Counsel at the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF), where they manage the Name Change Project’s advocacy efforts, develop materials, and provide technical assistance to TLDEF’s pro bono partners.

Charlie is a Commissioner on the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission of the New York State Courts, the Chair of the LGBTQ Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association, and a board member at Gender Equality NY. Charlie is also the recipient of the LGBT Bar Association of New York’s 2021 Community Excellence Award and was named one of the National LGBT Bar Association’s 2021 Top 40 Lawyers Under 40. They are a parent of two and graduate of Tulane University (B.A. History, 2009) and New York Law School (2013).

The post Name & Gender Change Workshop for Parents of TNB Youth first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
3087
Shake Off the Winter Chill with a Read-Aloud of “Téo’s Tutu” https://www.pflagnyc.org/outreach/shake-off-the-winter-chill-with-a-read-aloud-of-teos-tutu/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=shake-off-the-winter-chill-with-a-read-aloud-of-teos-tutu Thu, 06 Jan 2022 22:05:00 +0000 https://www.pflagnyc.org/?p=1623 PFLAG NYC is proud to start the new year with a Read-Aloud with proud parent ally Maryann Jacob Macias reading her new book Téo’s Tutu on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. EST.

The post Shake Off the Winter Chill with a Read-Aloud of “Téo’s Tutu” first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
PFLAG NYC is proud to start the new year with a Read-Aloud with proud parent ally Maryann Jacob Macias reading her new book Téo’s Tutu on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. EST.

Téo’s Tutu is a picture book about Téo, who loves to dance — whether it’s the cumbia with Papí, the bhangra with Amma, or ballet class with Miss Lila. He also loves the way his tutu makes him feel, inside and out. But when it comes time to decide which outfit to wear in the big dance recital — a sparkly tutu or shimmering silver pants — Téo wonders if being his most authentic self on stage will put him too much in the spotlight.

Make this dinner-time Read-Aloud a family event. Bring your food and enjoy the reading from the comfort of your home!

Click here to register and receive the Zoom link.

If you’d like to pick up your own copy of Teo’s Tutu to have in hand to read along, Maryann suggests checking out some of her favorite independent bookstores: Café Con Libros, Mil Mundos, and Books of Wonder. Get it from your own local bookshop via IndieBound. Both Amazon and Bookshop also carry the book online.

Critical Praise for Téo’s Tutu

Kirkus Reviews wrote “This lyrical book bursts with sincerity without ever feeling preachy or forced…A gender-affirming picture book with a lovable, indomitable star.”

School Library Journal said, “Written with poise and grace, Macias’s gentle story is filled with warmth from the joys of self-expression and calm assurance found in loving support.”

About the Author

Maryann Jacob Macias is a graduate of the City College of New York, CUNY and the Solstice MFA Program. Her debut children’s picture book, Téo’s Tutu, was named an Amazon Best Book of 2021 for 3-5 year olds.

Multiple-award winning author Jacqueline Woodson said of Maryann’s work: “What an exciting and thoughtful new voice to welcome into the world of young people’s literature. As her former teacher and present friend, I am thrilled to support all that she creates.”

Follow Maryann on Instagram @mjm_writes!

PFLAG NYC Virtual Read-Aloud of Téo’s Tutu with Maryann Jacob Macias
January 18, 2022 — from 6 to 6:45 p.m. EST

Zoom Meeting Online — Link provided to those who register.

The post Shake Off the Winter Chill with a Read-Aloud of “Téo’s Tutu” first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
1623
We’ve Got Just the Group for You! Join Us Online. https://www.pflagnyc.org/uncategorized/weve-got-just-the-group-for-you-join-us-online-2/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=weve-got-just-the-group-for-you-join-us-online-2 Sat, 01 Jan 2022 21:50:00 +0000 https://www.pflagnyc.org/?p=1621 General MeetingsOur core support groups are open to all seeking support and understanding when a child or loved one identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, queer, questioning, or part of the LGBTQ+ community in any way. 2nd Sunday – 3:00–4:30 p.m.: General Support Meeting – Sunday4th Monday – 7:00–8:30 p.m.: General Support Meeting – Monday TransFamilies Project (TFP)Dedicated groups for parents, families, and all with transgender, gender non-binary and gender non-conforming children and loved ones. Individuals who identify as TGNCNB+ are welcomed to join for discussion of family issues as well. 2nd Sunday – 10:00–11:30 a.m.: TransFamilies Project – Sunday4th Tuesday – 6:30–8:00 p.m.: TransFamilies Project – Tuesday Dads GroupThis group provides a space for dads to connect with other dads around the topic of their child’s and their family’s coming out process across the range of LGBTQ+ identities. All dads and caregivers in a father-like role are welcome to join. 2nd Wednesday – 7:00–8:30 p.m.: Dads Group API Rainbow ParentsPrograms for individuals of Asian & Pacific Islander (API) background to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and receive support addressing API culture and language needs: 2nd Sunday – 3:00–4:30 p.m.: API Rainbow Parents Afternoon Tea: A monthly social gathering for […]

The post We’ve Got Just the Group for You! Join Us Online. first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>

All PFLAG NYC support meetings are taking place online via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even on Zoom, we are glad that our community is continuing to offer mutual support, share information, and find solidarity.

We look forward to the day that we can return to having in-person meetings, but we’re also glad that meeting online has given us the flexibility to create a range of new groups for different audiences. Black Family Circle, lunchtime groups, and most recently a new group for dads are all part of our online offerings. If you have any questions about the group that is the best fir for you, please email us at info@pflagnyc.org or call 646-809-4099.

The monthly schedule of online meetings and registration info is below. You can go directly to the registration form here.

General Meetings
Our core support groups are open to all seeking support and understanding when a child or loved one identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, queer, questioning, or part of the LGBTQ+ community in any way.

2nd Sunday – 3:00–4:30 p.m.: General Support Meeting – Sunday
4th Monday – 7:00–8:30 p.m.: General Support Meeting – Monday

TransFamilies Project (TFP)
Dedicated groups for parents, families, and all with transgender, gender non-binary and gender non-conforming children and loved ones. Individuals who identify as TGNCNB+ are welcomed to join for discussion of family issues as well.

2nd Sunday – 10:00–11:30 a.m.: TransFamilies Project – Sunday
4th Tuesday – 6:30–8:00 p.m.: TransFamilies Project – Tuesday

Dads Group
This group provides a space for dads to connect with other dads around the topic of their child’s and their family’s coming out process across the range of LGBTQ+ identities. All dads and caregivers in a father-like role are welcome to join.

2nd Wednesday – 7:00–8:30 p.m.: Dads Group

API Rainbow Parents
Programs for individuals of Asian & Pacific Islander (API) background to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and receive support addressing API culture and language needs:

2nd Sunday – 3:00–4:30 p.m.: API Rainbow Parents Afternoon Tea: A monthly social gathering for members of the Asian & Pacific Island community who are LGBTQ+, their parents and other loved ones.
2nd & 4th Wednesday – 12:00–1:30 p.m.: API Discussion Group: A twice-monthly lunchtime discussion group for API parents & caregivers about their children who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Black Family Circle
A monthly group for individuals who identify as Black to come together for family-to-family support about accepting and embracing loved ones who are LGBTQ+.

4th Sunday – 3:00–4:30 p.m.: Black Family Circle

El Amor Hace la Familia
Grupo de apoyo para familias en la comunidad latina con seres queridos LGBTQ+ de diversas orientaciones sexuales o identidades de género / Support group for families in the Latino community with LGBTQ+ loved ones of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities Para más información en español

2º sábado/2nd Saturday – 10:00–11:30 a.m.: El Amor Hace La Familia – Love Makes a Family

Please note that this schedule may vary due to holidays and other special events. Please confirm actual meeting dates on each Support Group’s page.

In order to maintain the safety and confidentiality of our online support meetings, we ask you to fill out this short intake form the first time you join any of our meetings. Once we receive your information, a link and instructions to join the online group will be sent prior to the meeting.

If you’ve already joined a PFLAG NYC online meeting previously and completed the intake form for that meeting, you do not need to complete it again. The meeting link will be sent to you. For any question or to confirm your attendance at a meeting, please email info@pflagnyc.org.

In order to keep a safe and confidential meeting space, you must register to attend PFLAG NYC meetings online. The link to join the meeting on Zoom will be provided to everyone who registers in advance.

The post We’ve Got Just the Group for You! Join Us Online. first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
1621
In a Year of Change, PFLAG NYC Has Responded https://www.pflagnyc.org/news/in-a-year-of-change-pflag-nyc-has-responded/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=in-a-year-of-change-pflag-nyc-has-responded Thu, 02 Dec 2021 02:28:00 +0000 https://www.pflagnyc.org/?p=1384 Our PFLAG NYC community has risen to the challenge of the past year in such remarkable ways, and you have helped us keep helping LGBTQ+ youth, their families, schools and everyone who aspires to help them find welcome and affirmation. As we come into the final month of the year, we ask you to help once more with a year-end donation. Social distancing and life lived remotely have brought particular challenges and heightened the risks that LGBTQ+ young people face. Everyone is navigating new pressures, but for young people who are grappling with identity the pressures can be unbearable. Home and family may not be a supportive environment. Going to school is a daily refuge that no longer exists. In an all-digital world, isolation, bullying, and fear of the future can be even more inescapable. On the flip side, parents and families can feel especially lost when a child comes out and they don’t know how to cope. Faced with new needs, this year PFLAG NYC reworked every one of our programs to serve the needs of our new reality. The result is that we are better, stronger, and more capable for all that the future may bring. We moved […]

The post In a Year of Change, PFLAG NYC Has Responded first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>

Our PFLAG NYC community has risen to the challenge of the past year in such remarkable ways, and you have helped us keep helping LGBTQ+ youth, their families, schools and everyone who aspires to help them find welcome and affirmation. As we come into the final month of the year, we ask you to help once more with a year-end donation.

Social distancing and life lived remotely have brought particular challenges and heightened the risks that LGBTQ+ young people face. Everyone is navigating new pressures, but for young people who are grappling with identity the pressures can be unbearable. Home and family may not be a supportive environment. Going to school is a daily refuge that no longer exists. In an all-digital world, isolation, bullying, and fear of the future can be even more inescapable. On the flip side, parents and families can feel especially lost when a child comes out and they don’t know how to cope.

Faced with new needs, this year PFLAG NYC reworked every one of our programs to serve the needs of our new reality. The result is that we are better, stronger, and more capable for all that the future may bring.

We moved all our support meetings online and increased the number of meetings to more than a dozen a month. With weekday lunchtime sessions, we are making strides to make PFLAG NYC accessible in whatever slot a busy parent has in their schedule.

We created entirely new groups, including Black Family Circle, the Stepping Stones Tweens Group, Pride Story Hour, PFLAG NYC Book Club, and a círculo latino/a/x on WhatsApp for El Amor Hace La Familia, so that we can be wherever there’s a need.

We joined students in their virtual classrooms without missing a beat with the Safe Schools Program, but we also helped schools with new training on affirming LGBTQ students in remote learning and we facilitated student drop-ins at online clubs and through public libraries so that young people could still find safe spaces.

We turned Gender Conference NYC into an all-virtual event so that more than 500 parents, caregivers, trans and gender-expansive young people, and the teachers, counselors, social workers, healthcare providers and other professionals who serve them could still gather to learn and exchange ideas in more than 60 workshops.
None of this could have happened without all the partners who make our programs possible. Facilitators, school presenters, volunteers, panelists, sponsors, and donors. We are thankful for everyone who has risen to the challenge.

Looking forward to 2021, we will continue to push ourselves to do better. Like everyone, we can’t wait till we can safely resume our work in person, but so much of what we have learned and made possible this year will continue. Flexible, adaptable, resourceful, but most of all UNSTOPPABLE — these will be the hallmarks of PFLAG NYC going forward.

Help us now and show your support by donating to PFLAG NYC before the end of the year.

The post In a Year of Change, PFLAG NYC Has Responded first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
1384
Workshop on Name & Gender Marker Changes with Charlie Arrowood https://www.pflagnyc.org/outreach/workshop-on-name-gender-marker-changes-with-charlie-arrowood/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=workshop-on-name-gender-marker-changes-with-charlie-arrowood Wed, 10 Nov 2021 02:14:00 +0000 https://www.pflagnyc.org/?p=1373 Please note, the workshop will be focused on the law and situation in New York state, but we welcome attendees from all over for background knowledge. Please register for this workshop via Zoom. If you have questions, please contact LoAn Nguyen, Support Program Coordinator. About Charlie Arrowood Charlie Arrowood (they/them) is an attorney licensed in New York state. They primarily provide transition-related legal services to transgender clients, including name and gender marker change assistance and guidance regarding health insurance coverage and employment matters. In addition to their private practice, Charlie is Name Change Project Counsel at the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF), where they manage the Name Change Project’s advocacy efforts, develop materials, and provide technical assistance to TLDEF’s pro bono partners. Charlie is a Commissioner on the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission of the New York State Courts, the Chair of the LGBTQ Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association, and a board member at Gender Equality NY. Charlie is also the recipient of the LGBT Bar Association of New York’s 2021 Community Excellence Award and was named one of the National LGBT Bar Association’s 2021 Top 40 Lawyers Under 40. They are a parent of two […]

The post Workshop on Name & Gender Marker Changes with Charlie Arrowood first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>

Parents, caregivers, family members, as well as trans and non-binary people are invited to join us next Tuesday when we host an online workshop on Name & Gender Marker Changes with attorney Charlie Arrowood.

Register now for the online Zoom meeting on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The name and gender marker change process can be overwhelming even if you are familiar with the courts. This workshop will provide attendees with information about the current name and document change process, as well as the upcoming changes that will go into effect when the Gender Recognition Act is implemented in December 2021 and June 2022.

Please note, the workshop will be focused on the law and situation in New York state, but we welcome attendees from all over for background knowledge.

Please register for this workshop via Zoom. If you have questions, please contact LoAn Nguyen, Support Program Coordinator.

About Charlie Arrowood

Charlie Arrowood (they/them) is an attorney licensed in New York state. They primarily provide transition-related legal services to transgender clients, including name and gender marker change assistance and guidance regarding health insurance coverage and employment matters.

In addition to their private practice, Charlie is Name Change Project Counsel at the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund (TLDEF), where they manage the Name Change Project’s advocacy efforts, develop materials, and provide technical assistance to TLDEF’s pro bono partners.

Charlie is a Commissioner on the Richard C. Failla LGBTQ Commission of the New York State Courts, the Chair of the LGBTQ Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association, and a board member at Gender Equality NY. Charlie is also the recipient of the LGBT Bar Association of New York’s 2021 Community Excellence Award and was named one of the National LGBT Bar Association’s 2021 Top 40 Lawyers Under 40. They are a parent of two and graduate of Tulane University (B.A. History, 2009) and New York Law School (2013).

The post Workshop on Name & Gender Marker Changes with Charlie Arrowood first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
1373
A Message from Our Executive Director & Board of Directors https://www.pflagnyc.org/news/ed-transition-2021/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ed-transition-2021 Thu, 28 Oct 2021 01:27:00 +0000 https://www.pflagnyc.org/?p=1379 Our Executive Director, Drew Tagliabue, and our Board of Directors would like to share the following joint messages with the PFLAG NYC community… Dear Friends & Supporters of PFLAG NYC, I am writing to share some news with the entire PFLAG NYC community. I recently informed the Board of Directors and my colleagues of my intention to step down as Executive Director at the end of the year. I did not reach this decision lightly, as I am extremely proud of the impact that this amazing organization has in the lives of LGBTQ+ people and their families. Since 2007 I have started every day excited to get to work, and it has been an honor to work with the inspiring community of PFLAG NYC families, volunteers, colleagues, donors, funders, and partners. In the next several months I’ll be fully engaged continuing to lead PFLAG NYC and working with our board for a smooth transition and continued success. I hope I’ll have opportunities to thank the many of you I’ve gotten to know so personally for your partnership and passion for raising our families’ understanding and making our community better for every young person on their coming-out journey. With much appreciation […]

The post A Message from Our Executive Director & Board of Directors first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
Our Executive Director, Drew Tagliabue, and our Board of Directors would like to share the following joint messages with the PFLAG NYC community…

Dear Friends & Supporters of PFLAG NYC,

I am writing to share some news with the entire PFLAG NYC community. I recently informed the Board of Directors and my colleagues of my intention to step down as Executive Director at the end of the year. I did not reach this decision lightly, as I am extremely proud of the impact that this amazing organization has in the lives of LGBTQ+ people and their families. Since 2007 I have started every day excited to get to work, and it has been an honor to work with the inspiring community of PFLAG NYC families, volunteers, colleagues, donors, funders, and partners.

I began this job humbly, standing on the shoulders of the parents that created PFLAG and were committed to engaging families in the movement for LGBTQ+ acceptance and equality. I am proud of how far we have expanded the reach of this work. My involvement began with the “Stay Close” public awareness campaign that had the audacious goal to make every family know that PFLAG NYC was there for them when a child came out. While I can’t speak for every family, I leave immensely gratified that PFLAG NYC has taken our Safe Schools Program out to reach every public school in NYC so that there is a touchpoint for families to get support and young people to find affirming, supportive adults and peers close by.

It’s been a privilege to lead the growth of PFLAG NYC from a circle of passionate volunteers to a strong organization with a talented professional team and effective, expanding programs. At the same time, PFLAG NYC remains true to its identity as a family-based organization with peer support and community engagement at the center of our education, outreach, and advocacy.

“I am proud that there is not a school in New York City that is more than a phone call away from PFLAG NYC’s services. We are reaching more young people than I ever could have imagined.”

In the next several months I’ll be fully engaged continuing to lead PFLAG NYC and working with our board for a smooth transition and continued success. I hope I’ll have opportunities to thank the many of you I’ve gotten to know so personally for your partnership and passion for raising our families’ understanding and making our community better for every young person on their coming-out journey.

With much appreciation and gratitude,

Drew Tagliabue
Executive Director


Dear PFLAG NYC Community,

It is with both sadness and gratitude that we join with Drew in sharing the news that he is stepping down as our Executive Director.

Drew Tagliabue and Judy Sennesh jointly teach a class at PS721Q in Elmhurst, Queens.

PFLAG NYC has undergone significant growth and development under Drew’s leadership since 2007. From a handful of support groups, he expanded our reach and impact in communities throughout New York City. PFLAG NYC has gone from helping families who manage to find us, to actively reaching out to bring parental love for LGBTQ+ young people to the most important places in kids’ lives. Our Safe Schools Program is found now in every public school, delivering in-person or virtual training to nearly 2,000 teachers and school staff and more than 10,000 students annually. Along the way, Drew built important strategic partnerships, expanded our staff and increased support programming, among many other accomplishments.

Drew leaves PFLAG NYC in a very strong position for continued growth, and we sincerely thank him for his vision, leadership, management excellence, and heart these past 14 years. He will be staying with us through the transition to our next Executive Director, and we have confidence that our programs will broaden with continued strength.

Our Board formed a Search Committee, and we have been working diligently to think about future leadership for PFLAG NYC. We recently retained the firm of Sandler Search to assist us with the search, which will be led by Josie Sandler and Shalena Broadnax. We welcome your assistance in identifying candidates for this unique leadership position.

We are all going to miss Drew, but we know he will not be fully stepping away from the PFLAG NYC community. If you have any questions about the transition or the organization, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at jsennesh@pflagnyc.org.

Sincerely,

Judy Sennesh
Chair, Board of Directors

The post A Message from Our Executive Director & Board of Directors first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
1379
We’ve Got Just the Group for You! Join Us Online. https://www.pflagnyc.org/support/weve-got-just-the-group-for-you-join-us-online/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=weve-got-just-the-group-for-you-join-us-online Sun, 03 Oct 2021 00:58:00 +0000 https://www.pflagnyc.org/?p=1365 General MeetingsOur core support groups are open to all seeking support and understanding when a child or loved one identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, queer, questioning, or part of the LGBTQ+ community in any way. 2nd Sunday – 3:00–4:30 p.m.: General Support Meeting – Sunday4th Monday – 7:00–8:30 p.m.: General Support Meeting – Monday TransFamilies Project (TFP)Dedicated groups for parents, families, and all with transgender, gender non-binary and gender non-conforming children and loved ones. Individuals who identify as TGNCNB+ are welcomed to join for discussion of family issues as well. 2nd Sunday – 10:00–11:30 a.m.: TransFamilies Project – Sunday4th Tuesday – 6:30–8:00 p.m.: TransFamilies Project – Tuesday Dads GroupThis group provides a space for dads to connect with other dads around the topic of their child’s and their family’s coming out process across the range of LGBTQ+ identities. All dads and caregivers in a father-like role are welcome to join. 2nd Wednesday – 7:00–8:30 p.m.: Dads Group API Rainbow ParentsPrograms for individuals of Asian & Pacific Islander (API) background to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and receive support addressing API culture and language needs: 2nd Sunday – 3:00–4:30 p.m.: API Rainbow Parents Afternoon Tea: A monthly social gathering for […]

The post We’ve Got Just the Group for You! Join Us Online. first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>

All PFLAG NYC support meetings are taking place online via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even on Zoom, we are glad that our community is continuing to offer mutual support, share information, and find solidarity.

We look forward to the day that we can return to having in-person meetings, but we’re also glad that meeting online has given us the flexibility to create a range of new groups for different audiences. Black Family Circle, lunchtime groups, and most recently a new group for dads are all part of our online offerings. If you have any questions about the group that is the best fir for you, please email us at info@pflagnyc.org or call 646-809-4099.

The monthly schedule of online meetings and registration info are below.

screen shot of a zoom meeting with 20 people on the screen

General Meetings
Our core support groups are open to all seeking support and understanding when a child or loved one identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, gender non-conforming, queer, questioning, or part of the LGBTQ+ community in any way.

2nd Sunday – 3:00–4:30 p.m.: General Support Meeting – Sunday
4th Monday – 7:00–8:30 p.m.: General Support Meeting – Monday

TransFamilies Project (TFP)
Dedicated groups for parents, families, and all with transgender, gender non-binary and gender non-conforming children and loved ones. Individuals who identify as TGNCNB+ are welcomed to join for discussion of family issues as well.

2nd Sunday – 10:00–11:30 a.m.: TransFamilies Project – Sunday
4th Tuesday – 6:30–8:00 p.m.: TransFamilies Project – Tuesday

Dads Group
This group provides a space for dads to connect with other dads around the topic of their child’s and their family’s coming out process across the range of LGBTQ+ identities. All dads and caregivers in a father-like role are welcome to join.

2nd Wednesday – 7:00–8:30 p.m.: Dads Group

API Rainbow Parents
Programs for individuals of Asian & Pacific Islander (API) background to discuss LGBTQ+ issues and receive support addressing API culture and language needs:

2nd Sunday – 3:00–4:30 p.m.: API Rainbow Parents Afternoon Tea: A monthly social gathering for members of the Asian & Pacific Island community who are LGBTQ+, their parents and other loved ones.
2nd & 4th Wednesday – 12:00–1:30 p.m.: API Discussion Group: A twice-monthly lunchtime discussion group for API parents & caregivers about their children who are part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Black Family Circle
A monthly group for individuals who identify as Black to come together for family-to-family support about accepting and embracing loved ones who are LGBTQ+.

4th Sunday – 3:00–4:30 p.m.: Black Family Circle

El Amor Hace la Familia
Grupo de apoyo para familias en la comunidad latina con seres queridos LGBTQ+ de diversas orientaciones sexuales o identidades de género / Support group for families in the Latino community with LGBTQ+ loved ones of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities Para más información en español

2º sábado/2nd Saturday – 10:00–11:30 a.m.: El Amor Hace La Familia – Love Makes a Family

Please note that this schedule may vary due to holidays and other special events. Please confirm actual meeting dates on each Support Group’s page.

In order to maintain the safety and confidentiality of our online support meetings, we ask you to fill out this short intake form the first time you join any of our meetings. Once we receive your information, a link and instructions to join the online group will be sent prior to the meeting.

In order to keep a safe and confidential meeting space, you must register to attend PFLAG NYC meetings online. The link to join the meeting on Zoom will be provided to everyone who registers in advance.

If you’ve already joined a PFLAG NYC online meeting previously and completed the intake form for that meeting, you do not need to complete it again. The meeting link will be sent to you. For any question or to confirm your attendance at a meeting, please email info@pflagnyc.org.

The post We’ve Got Just the Group for You! Join Us Online. first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
1365
Share Yourself to Help LGBTQ+ Youth Find Connections during the Pandemic https://www.pflagnyc.org/uncategorized/share-yourself-to-help-lgbtq-youth-find-connections-during-the-pandemic/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=share-yourself-to-help-lgbtq-youth-find-connections-during-the-pandemic Wed, 29 Sep 2021 21:44:00 +0000 https://www.pflagnyc.org/?p=1391 Before the pandemic, PFLAG NYC had brought the Safe Schools Program into schools in every part of New York City. Now online, we have the chance to be in every single school! Since March, when schools moved online, we have brought all our programs with students and educators into virtual schools. Volunteer with the Safe Schools Program! Community speakers make the Safe Schools Program powerful, because it is unlike any other experience students have. Ordinary people from the community — parents, other relatives, and LGBT people themselves — share their own stories of having an LGBTQ loved one, or of being LGBT themselves. These personal stories make the Safe Schools Program uniquely powerful in reaching students. As one educator told us, “The event was absolutely fabulous! Students commented that you never hear parents’ reactions and family stories. It was a new perspective for them. It was a really great program and led to great conversations!” In the 2020-21 school year even as students return to school part-time, we will continue to be in virtual classrooms. We always need more volunteers to be speakers in the program and share their story with school communities, and now you can do it without […]

The post Share Yourself to Help LGBTQ+ Youth Find Connections during the Pandemic first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>

The Safe Schools Program brings community speakers to classrooms throughout New York City to share their personal experience of LGBTQ loved ones in their lives, or being an LGBTQ person themselves. Even remotely, students need to hear your story!

PFLAG NYC’s Safe Schools Program continues engaging students even online.

Before the pandemic, PFLAG NYC had brought the Safe Schools Program into schools in every part of New York City. Now online, we have the chance to be in every single school! Since March, when schools moved online, we have brought all our programs with students and educators into virtual schools.

Volunteer with the Safe Schools Program!

Community speakers make the Safe Schools Program powerful, because it is unlike any other experience students have. Ordinary people from the community — parents, other relatives, and LGBT people themselves — share their own stories of having an LGBTQ loved one, or of being LGBT themselves. These personal stories make the Safe Schools Program uniquely powerful in reaching students. As one educator told us, “The event was absolutely fabulous! Students commented that you never hear parents’ reactions and family stories. It was a new perspective for them. It was a really great program and led to great conversations!

In the 2020-21 school year even as students return to school part-time, we will continue to be in virtual classrooms. We always need more volunteers to be speakers in the program and share their story with school communities, and now you can do it without leaving home! Whether you are the parent of an LGBTQ person, someone with an LGBTQ loved one, or an LGBTQ person yourself, your story can help others learn what it means to be LGBTQ and help change the climate in schools for young people growing up, LGBTQ or not. You may not think your story is remarkable, but the most seemingly ordinary stories told honestly and proudly can spark revelations and change behavior.

Training Workshops for New and Current Speakers

For new volunteers, join us on October 10 for our next New Speaker Orientation Training. Learn how sharing your personal story can open dialogue, inspire students, and help schools make sure they are safe and affirming for LBGTQ students. Your story could save a life.

If you’re already involved, come to our Skill Building Training on October 15 to brush up on your storytelling skills and, most importantly, to learn how things have changed in Remote Learning. Telling your story to students in a virtual classroom is different, and we are here to help you get used to this new environment.

And we’ve got an exciting addition to the Safe Schools Program that’s new for everyone: programs for Elementary school students! This brings us finally into all grade levels, kindergarten through high school! Want to be a part of our Elementary School team? Then come to an Elementary Team Training on October 29 or November 14.

If you have always wanted to explore volunteering with the Safe Schools Program, here’s your opportunity! Here’s the full schedule of upcoming workshops:

New Volunteer Training:
Saturday, October 10 – 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Skill Building Training:
Thursday, October 15 – 5:00–6:30 p.m.

Elementary Team Trainings:
Thursday, October 29 – 5:00–6:30 p.m. OR
Saturday, November 14 – 10:00–11:30 a.m.

All these workshops are taking place on Zoom. If you would like to sign up to attend, please register here now for any of these workshops.

For more information, or if you have any questions, send an email to safeschools@pflagnyc.org.

The post Share Yourself to Help LGBTQ+ Youth Find Connections during the Pandemic first appeared on PFLAG NYC.

]]>
1391