PFLAG Franklin - Hampshire

PFLAG Franklin-Hampshire Chapter provides comprehensive support, education, and advocacy services for LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families throughout Western Massachusetts, including the Amherst, MA area. As part of PFLAG National—the first and largest organization of its kind with nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members nationwide—the Franklin-Hampshire Chapter delivers specialized programming designed to meet the diverse needs of the LGBTQ+ community and their loved ones.

The chapter offers twice-monthly virtual meetings featuring a support group on the second Tuesday of each month and a video discussion group on the fourth Tuesday, both from 7-8:30 PM via Zoom. These sessions provide safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ community members, parents, families, friends, and allies to connect, learn, and grow together. The chapter also maintains an active guest speaker program that brings local organizations, service providers, professionals, and community representatives to share expertise on relevant issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community.

Beyond meetings, PFLAG Franklin-Hampshire Chapter engages in extensive community advocacy and education efforts. The organization participates in parades, rallies, and community events throughout the Pioneer Valley, maintains an active presence at Transgender Day of Remembrance vigils, and participates in lobbying efforts to protect LGBTQIA+ rights at local and state levels. The chapter also administers the Eric Collins Memorial Award, recognizing outstanding LGBTQIA+ youth. Founded in 2008 by families in Western Massachusetts, the chapter has grown from a small gathering in Ashfield to an established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Amherst, MA, committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed.