ABOVE: Photo via PFLAG Riverview’s Facebook page.
RIVERVIEW, Fla. | PFLAG Riverview was honored at PFLAG National’s 2021 convention “We Are the Change” Oct. 24 for the chapter’s dedication to the LGBTQ community in its first year.
PFLAG is the nation’s first and largest organization dedicated to uniting the LGBTQ community and its allies. The Riverview chapter is one of more than 400 nationwide, each of which provides confidential support, education and advocacy to those in need.
“PFLAG National staff is excited to present a safe and creative ‘We Are the Change: The 2021 PFLAG National Convention’ experience,” the organization shared ahead of the biennial convention. It was held virtually so participants across the nation could “share best practices and learn strategies to fulfill the organizational mission of LGBTQ+ support, education, and advocacy within their communities.”
PFLAG Riverview marked one year as a safe space for the LGBTQ community in March. It was co-founded by Faith Moeller, the mother of two LGBTQ youth who now serves as its president.
The group began with 25 attendees and held an in-person meeting just one day before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic. They met virtually for the rest of the year and experienced record growth.
“I could not be more honored, excited and proud of my PFLAG Riverview Family’s first year as a chapter,” Moeller says. “Everyone is welcome no matter where they are at on their journey. We have grown to 100 members including LGBTQ+ adults & youth, grandparents, parents and allies in our very first year in spite of the pandemic.”
PFLAG Riverview resumed in-person meetings in April and continues to offer virtual support as well. They also host a variety of social activities and as a part of “We Are the Change,” members joined hundreds of others for three days’ worth of panels.
The convention culminated with the awards recognizing PFLAG Riverview and three others. More than 30 chapters were nominated.
“We are honoring four exceptional PFLAG chapters that have shown up for their communities over the last 18 months,” PFLAG National shared Oct. 24. “We celebrate the ways in which PFLAG Riverview succeeded in building virtual community via PFLAG Connects in the wake of the pandemic.
“The fact that this chapter grew a community of roughly 100 members in its first year is worth recognition,” officials added. PFLAG Jersey Shore in New Jersey, PFLAG Columbus in Ohio and PFLAG Gillette in Wyoming were also recognized for their work:
PFLAG Riverview reflected on the award via social media as well:
“I think we were selected by the sheer number of nominations that came in which is wonderful and having 100 people join through membership during the pandemic when most chapters struggled with attendance,” Moeller says. “We are still in our infancy stage. I am new and have a lot to learn but am surrounded by a very dedicated and qualified bunch!”
For more information about PFLAG Riverview and its meetings, visit PFLAGRiverview.org or call 813-833-7972.
