Madison, WI –The newly formed Sun Prairie PFLAG Chapter is holding its first meeting at the Colonial Club at 301 Blankenheim Lane on Sept. 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The presentation, entitled LGBT 101, will be followed with a discussion and time for sharing stories and perspectives with others.

The meeting is open to everyone and is suitable for both youth and adults. Sun Prairie PFLAG will hold additional meetings on the third Monday of each month at 6:30 at the Colonial Club. PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) was founded in 1972 with the simple act of a mother publicly supporting her gay son. Made up of parents, families, friends, and allies united with people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), PFLAG is committed to advancing equality and full societal affirmation of LGBT people.

PFLAG has over 350 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas in all 50 states. The Sun Prairie PFLAG Chapter will serve all of eastern Dane county and adjacent areas. According to Sun Prairie PFLAG Chapter President Paul Esser, the need for a chapter in this area is great.

“PFLAG is a national organization whose mission is advocacy, education and support on behalf of the LGBT community and their family and friends. While there is an existing PFLAG chapter in Madison, a suburban community like Sun Prairie and its surrounding rural areas have distinct needs,” said President Paul Esser. “Members of the LGBT community who live outside of urban centers are often faced with isolation and lack of access to information and support, and it is part of our mission to reach them where they live.”

Esser, a former mayor of Sun Prairie, spearheaded the effort to create a local PFLAG Chapter. Sun Prairie Alderwoman Andrea Gage, a longtime advocate of LGBT rights, is a member of the Sun Prairie PFLAG Steering Committee.

Check out Sun Prairie PFLAG Facebook page at www.facebook.com/PFLAGSunPrairieArea.

Who:

Sun Prairie PFLAG Chapter Meeting

What:

LGBT 101-Presentation and Discussion

When:

Sept. 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where:

Colonial Club at 301 Blankenheim Lane, Sun Prairie