Support Meetings
|
PFLAG Cape Cod's monthly support meetings, both in-person and virtual, are relaxed and informal. The meetings are open to anyone 18 and older (those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian).
The meetings typically include a mixture of parents, family members, LGBTQ+ people, and allies. We start with announcements about events and activities, and devote the remaining time to support. Each person has an opportunity to speak, but no one is pressured and discussions are completely confidential. We occasionally have a film or a short presentation by an outside speaker. Now offering support meetings in Portuguese! Here's a flyer with more information in English and Portuguese. 
|
People who come to our meetings are extremely varied. They range from those who have just learned that their loved one is LGBTQ+ and are struggling with disappointment and concern, to those who embrace their children's or loved one's sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. Participants often find others with similar issues and discussion helps relieve feelings of confusion, isolation, anger, or helplessness. LGBTQ+ persons, some closeted and some out, are also active participants.
Virtual support meetings via Zoom are typically held on the first Monday of the month from 7:00-8:00 pm, in-person support meetings at First Parish Brewster UU are typically held on the third Monday of the month from 7:00-8:30 pm, and hybrid Portuguese support meetings (in-person and virtual) are typically held on the third Friday of the month from 7:00-8:00 pm at Latinx In Action in Hyannis and online via Zoom. Please visit the Calendar page of this website for exact dates and times of upcoming support meetings which may change due to holidays, and please review our meeting guidelines to learn more about how our meetings are structured and the ground rules for participation.
Virtual support meetings via Zoom are typically held on the first Monday of the month from 7:00-8:00 pm, in-person support meetings at First Parish Brewster UU are typically held on the third Monday of the month from 7:00-8:30 pm, and hybrid Portuguese support meetings (in-person and virtual) are typically held on the third Friday of the month from 7:00-8:00 pm at Latinx In Action in Hyannis and online via Zoom. Please visit the Calendar page of this website for exact dates and times of upcoming support meetings which may change due to holidays, and please review our meeting guidelines to learn more about how our meetings are structured and the ground rules for participation.
PFLAG Cape Cod's support meetings, whether in-person or virtual, provide much-needed support to LGBTQ+ people and their families, right here on Cape Cod. Whether you are:
Ready to join us? If so, just check out the Calendar section of this website for meeting dates and times. And don't forget to sign up for our emails so you'll get the Zoom link sent directly to you!
- An LGBTQ+ person who is newly - or not yet - out to your family and friends;
- A parent or family member on a journey of supporting an LGBTQ+ loved one;
- A parent or family member who suspects that someone you love is LGBTQ+ and aren’t sure how to approach the subject, or if you should;
- A teacher, counselor, or school administrator providing instruction and looking to help support LGBTQ+ students who are out at school but not at home;
- A friend or ally looking to provide support, PFLAG Cape Cod has you covered.
Ready to join us? If so, just check out the Calendar section of this website for meeting dates and times. And don't forget to sign up for our emails so you'll get the Zoom link sent directly to you!
A parent who has benefited from our support meetings, both in-person and virtual, shared this moving sentiment:
"When I opened the note and read “gender dysphoria” I was overwhelmed with emotion - confusion, shock, fear, guilt, relief, love, and that was just the beginning. I knew I needed to get educated and didn’t know how to get accurate and unbiased information. I turned to PFLAG Cape Cod. Not knowing what to expect at my first meeting, I walked in with trepidation. The group welcomed me with open arms! They provided me with resources so I could better understand what my daughter was going through. They provided a safe place for me to share, served as sounding boards, and allowed me to ask difficult questions - all in a judgment free zone. These wonderful people made sure I understood that I wasn’t alone. They openly share their stories and are helping me to navigate my own journey. They’ve made a huge difference in my life and help me to be stronger for my transgender daughter. I am eternally grateful for their unconditional support."
"When I opened the note and read “gender dysphoria” I was overwhelmed with emotion - confusion, shock, fear, guilt, relief, love, and that was just the beginning. I knew I needed to get educated and didn’t know how to get accurate and unbiased information. I turned to PFLAG Cape Cod. Not knowing what to expect at my first meeting, I walked in with trepidation. The group welcomed me with open arms! They provided me with resources so I could better understand what my daughter was going through. They provided a safe place for me to share, served as sounding boards, and allowed me to ask difficult questions - all in a judgment free zone. These wonderful people made sure I understood that I wasn’t alone. They openly share their stories and are helping me to navigate my own journey. They’ve made a huge difference in my life and help me to be stronger for my transgender daughter. I am eternally grateful for their unconditional support."