Local chapter of PFLAG to hold meeting

HOULTON, Maine — Often parents, friends and other family members feel alone when someone “comes out,” declaring his or her sexual orientation as anything other than heterosexual. It is sometimes difficult to accept this news and loved ones may be overwhelmed by confusion about the issues or fear for the person’s safety.
PFLAG Houlton was established to a be source of information and a safe place for anyone to discuss the issues, ask questions, or just sit and listen. Most of all, the meetings are an opportunity to meet someone who has been through what you are going through and a place to discover that you are not alone, after all.
PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) Houlton will hold its second monthly meeting in the Katahdin Trust Co. Room at the Community Education Center of Houlton Regional Hospital on Friday, May 30, at 6:30 p.m. The purpose of these meetings is to offer a caring environment for discussion, support, education and advocacy. All people are welcome, whether straight or gay, who have an interest.
Local members of PFLAG Houlton, Dale Holden, Brenda Wright and Brian McMann, all of Houlton, attended a day of training and information-gathering at a state-wide meeting sponsored and led by the PFLAG national organization held at the University of Maine in Orono on April 26. PFLAG is headquartered in Washington, D.C.
Other PFLAG chapters in Maine are located in Portland, Machias, Waterville and a newly-established chapter serving Presque Isle/ Caribou/Fort Fairfield.
PFLAG’s mission is “to provide opportunities for dialogue about sexual orientation, and to help create a society that is healthy and respectful of diversity.” For more information, contact Mellissa Fuller at paintwithmellissa@hotmail.com or at 532-0670.