Our Vision is to create an equitable, inclusive world where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered and loved. Our Mission is to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. We are based in Shenandoah County VA and founded our chapter in May 2022

Everyone is WELCOME!

Come, Learn, and Become an Ally!

Susie is a retired potter/artist who has been an advocate for many things over the years. She is a founding member of this PFLAG Woodstock VA Chapter and feels education is the key to change.

She is currently a council member for the town of Tom’s Brook, loves to garden and shares many plants with friends and neighbors, goes for walks with her dog Sadie

Following the Buddhist philosophy of “Do No Harm”, she felt that many folks in the LGBTQ+ community would experience harm from having books banned and removed from the library shelves and wants to stand up and stand with them. It is her goal to provide a safe environment for the queer community.

"I am a retired software engineer with a passion for amateur astronomy. That’s what brought my wife and I to the Shenandoah Valley at the end of 2020. In addition to astronomy, I’m also passionate about the issues facing the LGBT+ community."

Currently, in addition to working with PFLAG Woodstock, Linda hosts The Spectrum, a podcast about LGBTQ+ issues and is the president of the Shenandoah Astronomical Society.

"Encouraging more education on behalf of PFLAG is the way I enjoy channeling a career in the classroom into an asset for the community. A native Virginian, I taught Sociology and Women’s Studies at Meredith College in Raleigh for nearly 30 years, and then relocated to the Shenandoah Valley to head up the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services at James Madison University, where I served as an Associate Dean until retiring. Learning is a delight that never grows old, and curiosity about the world keeps us fresh from childhood throughout our lives. With the Safe Zone Training hosted by PFLAG Woodstock, I know we are shining a light on great questions and overcoming a lot of confusion that is harmful to people in the LGBTQ+ community. Keeping an eye out for resources that teach me something new lets me look as well for news that makes PFLAG stronger."

"Although not a native of Shenandoah County, I’ve lived here for more than half my life and am so thankful to call Fort Valley my home. My background is in special education and elementary school counseling, and also spent several years working for Response, our local domestic and sexual violence agency.

My life has been spent working in the helping field, so in retirement I’m pleased to continue working for social justice, and helping marginalized people. That desire to help brought me to PFLAG Woodstock in the early days of our organization. I’ve never understood the animosity toward those in the LGBTQ+ community, and believe that we all should have the right to live peacefully in whatever relationship we choose. My hope is that we will eventually reach that goal.

I’m so happy that we have an organization devoted to supporting LGBTQ+ people and am glad that I can use my knowledge of our local community to help PFLAG gain visibility and respect. I enjoy talking with local community members about PFLAG, helping people find resources to learn more about LGBTQ+ issues, and making connections that will help our community find acceptance."

"I am a native of Front Royal, VA and I currently live in Strasburg, VA. I love living in the Shenandoah Valley with my husband, 2 cats, and my new dog Bo! I want all to feel free to be who they are and love whoever and however they love in our beautiful corner of the world. I am working towards my Masters in Clincial Mental Health Counseling. I want to be a part of a community to advocate for equality for all and use my given privileges and voice for those who don't have one or or never did. I hope to provide support and a space for those in need of a safe, loving and supportive environment."

"The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance." — Unknown

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