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POLICY STATEMENTS
Long experience has shown that it is exceedingly difficult to broaden the scope of civil rights legislation to expand the protections provided for additional classes of persons, such as transgender, once those laws are in place. This means that any proposed legislation, however progressive and desirable, which does not include all the classes of persons in our mission statement and for whom we advocate will result in the exclusion of those persons from the benefits of such legislation for years to come, if not permanently. The Board of Directors of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays has, therefore, adopted the following policy: PFLAG can only support legislation that provides explicit inclusion of all who are included in our mission statement. (Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on September 27, 2002 and revised on October 18, 2003.)
At least one in 2000 children is born with notably atypical sexual anatomy, i.e., an intersex condition. In our culture, sexual variation, which blurs the line between male and female, is stigmatized. The presence of a genital anomaly often elicits feelings of guilt and shame. PFLAG supports efforts to end the secrecy and the medically unnecessary genital surgery experienced by some intersex persons. PFLAG welcomes the efforts of medical organizations, support groups, and others, working toward this end. PFLAG urges the entire medical community to establish and adopt a patient-centered treatment protocol under which patients are treated with the utmost sensitivity. Full and accurate information should be disclosed to parents of newborn intersex children, and appropriate referrals, including supporting groups of adult intersex people, should be provided. PFLAG encourages its members to be sensitive to the
needs of intersex persons and their families as they address societal
issues and biases which contribute to their shame, guilt, and isolation.
(Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on September 27, 2002.)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) supports federal, state and local laws that address the increasing and deadly hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people. Crimes against GLBT people have been on the rise for the last several years[i], and these crimes hurt not only our GLBT loved ones, but us, their parents, families and friends. We recognize that violence against GLBT people is rooted in a climate of hate that also impacts people of color, youth, women, religious minorities, people with disabilities and others. Hate crimes are simply not like any other kind of crime:
Public policy that addresses these crimes is not only necessary, but sends a strong public message that violence targeted at GLBT people is wrong. PFLAG appeals to our elected and appointed officials to take a firm stand against hate crimes and to pass legislation that recognizes the serious impact of anti-GLBT violence on our communities nationwide. Our society distinguishes between crimes targeted at specific communities from other acts of violence by increasing penalties for violence against churches, synagogues, children or law enforcement officials. This is done not to diminish the significance of non-bias crime, but to express our national values to protect those at risk. PFLAG strongly advocates hate crimes legislation that emphasizes community education and prevention and assistance for local law enforcement. It is imperative that our society has the tools and information to break the cycle of violence against GLBT people, and heal their communities if an anti-GLBT violent attack has occurred. The victims and their families are devastated physically and emotionally after an attack, and, many times, suffer again because of insenstive law enforcement and judicial systems. PFLAG offers support, encouragement and assistance to families as they deal with their grief and the legal process. Law enforcement and the judicial system must value the needs and concerns of the survivors and their families and acknowledge the real and serious nature of these crimes. [i] Hate Crimes Statistics, Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2000. [ii] Gary David Comstock, Violence Against Lesbians and Gay Men (New York Columbia University Press, 1991). [iii] Hate Crimes Today: A Age-Old Foe in Modern Dress, American Psychological Association, 1998. (Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on July 23, 2001.)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) supports equal employment practices and employee benefits for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people. Employment non-discrimination policies acknowledge the value of all employees and create a safe and positive workplace environment for all. Such practices recognize the dignity of every person to have equal opportunities to work, and affirm the right of each person to participate equally. Increasingly, public and private employers are implementing and benefiting from fair workplace practices, including same-sex partner health benefits, retirement benefits, and family medical leave. PFLAG calls upon all employers to implement such measures. Equal benefits allow all employees to enjoy a safer and more diverse workplace, and many talented workers are attracted to an environment in which all people are treated fairly. Customers appreciate companies that are fair to their workers, and many businesses have found that ensuring equal rights is good business. PFLAG supports federal, state and local employment non-discrimination laws that include sexual orientation and gender identity. It is the responsibility of our elected officials to take a stand against discrimination and protect those who are at risk in our country's workplaces. PFLAG supports the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), but strongly favors the addition of "gender identity" in such legislation. Many employees are discriminated against because of their gender presentation in the workplace, not necessarily their sexual orientation. Any and all discrimination is immoral and unconscionable, and we look to our elected officials to set the example and the law so all people are treated with dignity and opportunity. (Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on July 23,
2001.
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) supports and endorses efforts by public and private elementary and secondary schools to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students and school personnel. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) students, children of GLBT parents, or students who are perceived to be GLBT frequently endure verbal and physical harassment in their schools. Responsible school safety efforts must be directed to end this harassment. As youth are recognizing their homosexuality, bisexuality or gender variance at younger ages than ever before, school administrators and personnel must address the needs and concerns of these students. They are at higher risks for social isolation, depression, drop-out and suicide. They may be isolated from their faith, family and/or friends, and they are most likely the target of harassment or violence from their classmates or teachers. Without school programs and resources to address their needs, GLBT students are abandoned by the educational system responsible for guiding and supporting all students. This issue impacts any student who may challenge our society's assumptions of what it means to be a boy or girl. Effeminate boys or masculine girls who may or may not be gay are targeted for harassment. Transgender students face not only teasing, harassment or violence; they also are challenged by the lack of gender non-specific resources, such as restrooms, locker rooms, uniforms, or athletic teams. PFLAG strongly advises School Boards, school administrators, faculty and support staff to adopt and implement school policy and practices that create a healthy, open and safe environment for all students respecting differences in sexual orientation or gender identity. PFLAG's national safe schools campaign, "From Our House to the School House: A Recipe for Safe Schools," has given many schools nationwide the tools to create a welcoming learning environment:
(Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on July 23, 2001.)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) believes that society at large benefits from an environment that supports committed stable relationships, including same-gender committed relationships, which provide mutual emotional, social, financial, legal and medical support. PFLAG, therefore, supports revision of federal and state statutes to extend to persons in same-gender committed relationships the right to marry with the full legal rights and benefits, as well as responsibilities and obligations. (Adopted by the Board of Directors, January 17, 2000.)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) opposes and deplores efforts by professional and religious groups that propose to change or repair anyone's sexual orientation. We believe such attempts originate from cultural bias based on myth, misperception and misunderstanding. We encourage all professional, educational and religious organizations to work towards changing cultural biases rather than embarking on futile and damaging efforts to change sexual orientation. (Adopted by the Board of Directors, January 17, 2000.)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) represents families around the world. One of PFLAG’s primary objectives is to maintain families in loving and supportive relationships. PFLAG challenges any concept of "traditional" family values that exclude our gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) loved ones. PFLAG also rejects the perception that GLBT persons exist independent of the institution of family. PFLAG defines a family as two or more persons who share resources, share responsibility for decisions, share values and goals, and have commitments to one another over a period of time. The family is that climate that one comes home to; and it is that network of sharing and commitments that most accurately describes the family unit, regardless of blood, legalities, adoption or marriage. GLBT persons are vital members of families and society. They function in leadership and support roles at every level of public life. They are our doctors, nurses, teachers, ministers, lawyers, sales clerks, union leaders, CEO’s, auto mechanics, political representatives, athletes and office colleagues. They are our parents, children, siblings, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, grandparents, and cherished friends. PFLAG and our loved ones endorse values of personal integrity, spirituality and responsibility; compassion for those in need; and commitment to healthy and mutually respectful relationships. GLBT persons further the same values as any other responsible member of society. PFLAG denounces any effort to label our family and friends as anything other than responsible citizens and caring family members. (Adopted by the Board of Directors, July 17, 2000.)
Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), an organization dedicated to the support of families, deplores the Boy Scouts of America's practice of excluding gay youth, leaders and volunteers from its program and services. We condemn any policy that would not allow gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered individuals to fully participate at all levels in any activity within scouting. PFLAG asserts that one's sexual orientation and gender identity are separate from one's moral values and actions. The negative stereotypes and attitudes engendered by the Boy Scouts of America's exclusionary practice are detrimental to all youth and society as a whole, causing further alienation and lowered self esteem among gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBT) youth. The injury caused by this discrimination and these attitudes violates the tradition of the Boy Scout's values of honesty, friendliness, kindness and fair play. PFLAG calls upon Boy Scouts of America to end its discrimination and to adopt non-discrimination policies which include GLBT youth, volunteers, and leaders. We condemn the use of public funds by private groups that discriminate and call upon public facilities to cease their support of Boy Scouts of America until such non-discrimination policies are adopted. (Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on July 17, 2000 with revisions approved on October 6, 2001.)
As a family organization, Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Inc. (PFLAG) strongly condemns the sexual exploitation of children by any individual, group, or organization, in any form and under any circumstance. Although the majority of sexual abusers of children are heterosexual men, and the majority of victims are young girls, the North American Man/Boy Love Association (NAMBLA) is a pedophile organization whose sole purpose is to facilitate sex between adult men and young boys. PFLAG, therefore, repudiates NAMBLA and its aims. PFLAG opposes the inclusion of NAMBLA in any umbrella organization, coalition, event, or activity that is associated with the gay, lesbian, bisexual communities or their families and friends. (Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors in February 1997.)
A person’s legal right to parent should not be restricted on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation. Parenting issues include, but are not limited to: child custody, visitation, access to fertility services, foster care, and adoption. (Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on February 12, 1995, with revisions approved on January 15.)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays encourages gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their parents, families and friends to participate in "National Coming Out Day" wherever and whenever possible. (Adopted by the Board of Directors, February 12, 1995, with revisions approved on October 28, 2000.)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays endorses the following consensus statement by the National Commission on Adolescent Sexual Health: Becoming a sexually healthy adult is a key development task of adolescence. Achieving sexual health requires the integration of psychological, physical, societal, cultural, educational, economic and spiritual factors. Sexual health encompasses sexual development and reproductive health, as well as such characteristics as the ability to develop and maintain meaningful interpersonal relationships, appreciate one's own body, interact with both genders in respectful and appropriate ways, and express affection, love and intimacy in ways consistent with one's own values. Adults can encourage adolescent sexual health by:
Society can enhance adolescent sexual health if it provides access to a comprehensive sexuality education and affordable, sensitive, and confidential reproductive health care services, as well as education and employment opportunities. Families, schools, community agencies, religious institutions, media, business, health care providers, and government at all levels may have important roles to play. Society should encourage adolescents to delay sexual behaviors until they are ready physically, cognitively, and emotionally for mature sexual relationships and their consequences. This support should include education about:
Society must also recognize that a majority of adolescents will become involved in sexual relationships during their teen years. Adolescents should receive support and education for developing the skills to evaluate their readiness for mature sexual relationships. Responsible adolescent intimate relationships, like those of adults, should be based on shared personal values, and should be:
This statement reflects the overall consensus of the National Commission on Adolescent Sexual Health. (Adopted by the Board of Directors, February 12, 1995.)
Comprehensive Health and Sex Education In keeping with the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays’ mission statement, PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons and their parents, families and friends. As an organization, PFLAG joins other noted national and international groups in recognizing that we are sexual beings throughout our lives and that learning about our sexuality and gender identity and expression is an integral part of living. PFLAG acknowledges that spectrums of sexuality and gender exist, and that individuals may experience their sexuality and gender differently throughout their lifetime. To the extent that sexuality education guides our understanding of sexual behavior, PFLAG encourages the availability of comprehensive, professionally recognized health and sex education for all persons, including education about sexual orientation and gender identity. In addition, we endorse the premise that the primary goal of sexuality education is the promotion of sexual health and that sexuality education is a lifelong process of acquiring information and forming attitudes, beliefs and values about identity, intimacy, and healthy, respectful sexual relationships. PFLAG encourages local, state and federal education entities to adopt age-appropriate health and sex education policies, including sexual orientation and gender identity, for students of all ages. PFLAG recognizes the need for accurate and complete information about HIV/AIDS and all sexually transmitted diseases for persons of all sexualities, ethnicities, ages and backgrounds. PFLAG strongly endorses efforts to that end sponsored and conducted by community-based groups, governmental agencies, private businesses and others. (Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on May 22, 1994, with revisions approved by the Board on October 28, 2000.)
Organizational Independence from Faith Communities PFLAG, and its affiliates, regardless of location, are non-sectarian, non-denominational, and not affiliated with any religious institution. In order that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons, their parents, families and friends understand PFLAG’s independence from organizational ties to any faith community, PFLAG affirms:
(Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on September 6, 1993, with revisions approved on January 15, 2001.)
In order that Parents, Families, Friends, Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals may feel a spiritual connection, we affirm:
In summary, PFLAG, and its affiliates, regardless of location, are non-sectarian, non-denominational, and not affiliated with any religious institution. (Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on September 6, 1993.)
Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays condemn the emergence of nationally orchestrated extremist groups that use selective Biblical text and other religious dogma to promote bigotry and intolerance against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons. Some political and religious groups intend to deny our children, forever, the same basic protection guaranteed all other citizens. With spurious piety, they seek the "special right" to force their definition of family and morality into the legal fabric of our constitution. It is a deliberate falsehood to equate homosexuality with child abuse of any form, recruitment and depravity in order to promote religious-based discrimination against healthy and productive citizens. This position is not supported by fact or by reputable scientific research. Legalized mandatory discrimination dehumanizes both the labelers and the labeled. Loving family relationships are threatened when some members are stigmatized and labeled "abnormal" and perverse." Our loved ones become the target of violence, suffer loss of jobs, homes, and even life itself. Even the perception of homosexuality has exposed non-gay persons to harassment, violence and discrimination. Preaching of falsehood and hatred against one group perpetuates hatred in new generations of children, leaving indelible scars in hearts and souls. We adamantly defend the rights of our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered friends and family members to live in a society that accords them the same dignity, privileges and protection accorded all other citizens. We are determined to end abusive policies and practices. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays seeks a just world in which all children receive understanding and equal acceptance and protection. (Adopted by the PFLAG Board of Directors on September 7, 1992, with revisions approved on January 15, 2001.)
Statement to the Radical Right Based on scientific research, it is estimated that one family in four includes a member who is lesbian, gay, or bisexual. These cherished members of the PFLAG family are an integral stripe in the multicultural flag of diversity that is the backbone of this nation. We are all family. This statement is addressed to all right-wing political and religious leaders who accuse our children of child abuse, recruitment, and sexual depravity: These accusations and distortions are not supported by facts and research. We conclude that they are made with the intention of exploiting our children and family members in order to further fund raising efforts, to provide a platform of aggrandizement for people who would otherwise fade into obscurity, and to satiate their obsessive need to preach a gospel of hate and discrimination. This epidemic of hypocrisy must be stopped. No God of our understanding intends for his/her words to be used to propagate hate. The misuse of biblical texts to attack the lesbian, gay, and bisexual community is seen by the PFLAG family as a shameful and deliberate attempt to destroy our children and will be challenged at every opportunity. The preaching of hatred and misinformation against our children harms all children because it teaches children to hate and perpetuates violence against lesbians, gays, and bisexuals. The physical and psychological abuse and neglect which contribute to the high rate of suicide of our teenagers and young adults are a national disgrace and must be stopped. We vehemently reject the notion that the death of so-called "innocent victims" of AIDS are more tragic that the deaths of our children. Our children are no more expendable. The suffering of our families is no less painful. We intend to have justice in this entire country so that all lesbian, gay, and bisexual children will grow up in a world which understands and accepts them as equal citizens, entitled to the benefits of the civil rights granted to all people by the United States Constitution. Our outrage comes from the knowledge of our children's suffering and is born of our love for them and our pride in the enormous contributions that they make on a daily basis to the betterment of this society. We intend to gain the support of all reasonable people in our fight against purveyors of hatred and discrimination. (Adopted at Tenth Annual Convention in Charlotte, NC, October 14,1991.)
In Order That Our Children May Grow To Healthy, Whole Adulthood, We Believe:
(Adopted by Board of Directors on June 29, 1987.) |
