Jim Bianchetta, President of PFLAG Delaware, and Sally McBride, a founder and Co-Chair of PTK – DE (Parents of Trans Kids) discussed their efforts to support their children and their children’s communities.
PFLAG is the first and largest organization for LGBTQ+ people, their parents and families, and allies with nearly 400 chapters and 250,000 members and supporters across America; Jim spoke of reaching out to them when his son came out as gay and staying to help other parents who may need support and information. PTK-DE is a support group for parents of transgender and gender-expansive kids founded in part from the experiences of Sally and her trans-daughter.
Both are grateful for the legal protections Delaware offers its residents, but worry about families in areas that don’t have a supportive community or resources. Jim and Sally stress education and real information as the best way to work through the feelings, the fear and the uncertainty parents experience. For youth or children who are not accepted by their parents, they offer help with resources and peer support. They work with schools and other institutions to help them create a welcoming, understanding and respectful environment. Jim is currently working with others on the Delaware LGBTQ+ Housing Safeguard Committee to offer safe housing, medical care and other basic needs.
For more information on PFLAG visit PFLAG.ORG. Find PTK as a support organization at ACLU.org or email them at [email protected]