Statement from PFLAG National Executive Director Brian K. Bond: "Twenty years ago, undeniable acts of heroism occurred in the face of vicious cruelty. The terrorist attacks on 9-11 upended the world as we then knew it. Yet, the story did not end there. Valiant firefighters, paramedics, and police rushed to the front lines to help, including Rev. Mychal Judge. And passengers like Mark Bingham, who were trapped on a suicide mission to harm, fought back and in doing so saved the lives of countless others. These are just two of the patriotic heroes of that day who were LGBTQ+, and also only two of the victims who lost their lives in the terrible tragedy of 9-11.

WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, July 21, PFLAG National will honor Sen. Tammy Baldwin with the 2021 PFLAG National Champion of Justice Award during its annual "Moving Equality Forward" event. This ticketed online event will be hosted by Tony Award® winning actor BD Wong and will feature guest appearances by elected officials working to advance equality for LGBTQ+ people on the state and national stage.

"On June 12, 2016, the lives of 49 people were taken by brutal, hate-fueled violence at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. These individuals had parents and families, friends and neighbors who loved them, and who miss them, and now in 2021, Congress has voted to ensure this country will not forget them," said Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National. "PFLAG National pledged then to continue working against bias-based violence and in support of policies that protect LGBTQ+ people from hatred, harassment, and harm. The National Monument recognizing the massacre of LGBTQ+ people at the Pulse Nightclub is a call to action, reminding us all that the work must continue."

June 15, 2021 - Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National, released the following statement: "One year ago, the U.S. Supreme Court took a major step to assure that LGBTQ+ people had the right to get and keep a job. During the pandemic, this assurance has helped PFLAG families across the country feel a little less burdened. Yet, we are keenly aware that federal law does not fully protect LGBTQ+ people, especially transgender people of color, and Black transgender people in particular.

WASHINGTON - On Sunday, May 23, PFLAG National invites LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies to tune in online for PFLAG Parent Day: A Virtual Celebration of Parenting People. This free, online special event celebrates and uplifts all the parents, grandparents, foster parents, adoptive parents, caregivers, and found family members who have provided love, support, and affirmation to their LGBTQ+ kids.

WASHINGTON-On Dec. 22, 2010 then President Barack Obama signed the repeal of the military policy known as "Don't Ask Don't Tell," which banned service of lesbian, gay, and bisexual people. Statement by Brian K. Bond, a member of the Obama-Biden White House staff who worked closely on the repeal (2009-2011) and current Executive Director of PFLAG National: "'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' was always bad policy. When President Obama signed the repeal 10 years ago, it was the culmination of the combined efforts of scores of former and active duty LGBTQ+ service members whose lives were impacted by this policy, together with LGBTQ+ advocates and allies, congressional champions, and leaders in the Department of Defense. It was a bipartisan effort I am proud to have been a part of, recognizing that it was only a step toward a fully inclusive military force.

WASHINGTON-On Dec. 4, the mother who inspired a movement of parents, families, and allies to advocate for their LGBTQ+ loved ones would have been 100 years old. PFLAG celebrates Jeanne Manford's centennial birthday with a strong commitment to the advocacy that resulted in establishing what is the nation's first and largest organization of its kind.