New Chapter Of PFLAG Established In Tolland, Mansfield

TOLLAND/MANSFIELD, CT — A New Chapter of PFLAG Inc. has been established in Tolland and Mansfield and is designed to serve the northeast corner of Connecticut.

Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the "first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families," according to the organization's website. PFLAG is a grassroots, chapter-based organization that is currently set up in more than 400 communities across the United States. Its governance structure is membership-based, and is comprised of chapter members and members at large.

Organizer Lisa Day-Lewis said PFLAG Tolland-Mansfield started out as a parent group that met monthly at the United Congregational Church in Tolland in 2021. The group members decided that to grow, offer more services and get more exposure it would be beneficial to start a non-profit organization, so the "natural next step" was to incorporate as a PFLAG chapter, she said.

Board Members currently are Day-Lewis and Matilda "Tilly" Murray of Tolland and Hanna Brinkhaus of Mansfield.

"As a PFLAG Chapter we will have support groups for parents, LBGTQ+ adults, and youth, as long as we have enough facilitators," Day-Lewis said. "Our support groups will continue in Tolland and we will add a Mansfield group starting in December or January."

Informational sessions for both towns are scheduled throughout November and December.

Day-Lewis said membership is not required to attend support meetings, but "it will enable us to offer our programs,
which include supporting education in local schools, advocacy in the community, special speakers, LGBTQ+ brochures and resources, and more."

Annual membership, which includes a membership to PFLAG National, has multiple levels — including "individual, family, and flag waiver," Day-Lewis said.

More information about the group can be found at www.pflagtolland-mansfield.org or via email at info@pflagtm.org or membership@pflagtm.org.

The informational sessions are:

• Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at the Tolland Library, 21 Tolland Green, Tolland
• Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the First Church of Christ, 549 Storrs Rd Mansfield
• Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the UCC Church in Tolland, 45 Tolland Green