What is FFLAG?
FFLAG is a national voluntary organisation and registered charity which supports lesbians and gay men and their families and works towards the elimination of homophobia by education and information
Who are we?
We are all parents of lesbian daughters and gay sons
What do we do?
We have over 40 confidential telephone helplines across the UK and parents’ groups in nine of the larger cities. We produce information booklets, a video and a quarterly newsletter.
Many parents of gay children find it difficult to know who to talk to when their daughter or son first comes out to them and often the existence of a helpline with its anonymity and confidentiality can act as a safety valve for them.
Where parents have problems over understanding and accepting the sexuality of their daughters and sons, we can listen and share their concerns for the safety and well-being of their children, and dispel some of the myths and misinformation that is likely to be the only ‘knowledge’ they have of lesbian and gay issues.
Although the reactions are many and various and most parents go through confusion, sadness, guilt and blame, the predominantemotions we find are love for their children, a desire to know more in order to support them better, pride in their courage and gratitude for their honesty. There is also anger at a society which is so narrow and prejudiced and makes an issue of sexual orientation instead of accepting and welcoming diversity
We also are happy to receive calls from lesbian, gay and bisexual people seeking support and information for their parents, and sometimes just a friendly parent to talk things over with.
FFLAG parents are involved locally, nationally and in Europe on issues of equality and justice for lesbian and gay people and in projects on homophobic bullying. We are determined to do everything we can to enable LGB young people to grow up in an environment in which they can feel safe and be proud of themselves and their families.