About PFLAG Omaha
History of Omaha PFLAG
Founders of Omaha PFLAG first met with Lincoln PFLAG. In February 1987, the Omahans began meeting at First United Methodist Church in Omaha. The group was incorporated in 1992 and was granted tax-exempt, non-profit status under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Service code in 1994.
Omaha PFLAG satisfied all the requirements for affiliation with National PFLAG and received recognition as a chartered chapter on Feb. 11, 1995. Our members include folks in the gay community as well as parents, other family members, friends and allies of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons.
Helpline
Have you recently found out that your son or daughter is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender? Have you known for years but can't keep it bottled up inside any longer? Our telephone hotline is staffed by parents and other volunteers who know how you feel.
Are you a lesbian, gay, transgender or bisexual person and need a referral or just someone to speak with? Call us! We would like to help.
Our helpline offers:
- Someone to chat with who knows how you're feeling.
- Referrals to community service agencies. We're part of the United Way's First Call for Help network.
- Information on our monthly meetings and our Proud Horizons youth group where you can meet with people who understand your concerns and feelings.
For confidential information or support, call:
402-291-6781
Meetings - What to expect
We meet monthly on the second Thursday at First United Methodist Church. Someone who is considering attending for the first time might wonder what goes on. Some of us begin gathering at 6:30 p.m. to enjoy coffee and snacks and to socialize. Typically 15 to 25 people attend the meetings--a mix of PFLAG members and people coming for the first time.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. with everyone sitting at tables arranged in a square. This is a time of sharing and support. We encourage people to briefly say who they are and why they are with us. They can relate any special news or concerns they care to share with a group of people who may have gone through similar experiences. Visitors don’t have to say anything at all if that is their desire.
Shortly before 8 p.m., the chapter president makes a few announcements. Then we take a short break for a coffee refill, more socializing and checking out our chapter library. Our program takes the last hour or so. We might have a guest speaker or we might watch a video. The programs educate us on important gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender issues. The meeting ends at 9 p.m.
We hope you will join us!
| When: |
The 2nd Thursday of each month (See the Calendar to confirm the meeting date.) |
| Time: |
7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., join us at 6:30 p.m. for social time before the meeting. |
| Where: |
Mead Hall (west end of building)
First United Methodist Church
7020 Cass Street
Omaha, Nebraska
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Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a top priority. Nothing said during sharing-support time will leave our meeting room, nor will people be pressed to share more information than they are comfortable with sharing during or after the meeting.
Speakers Bureau
PFLAG Omaha's speakers bureau is designed to educate people about the realities of lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and gay people by countering stereotypes and negative images in a non-confrontational style. Our speakers are PFLAG parents and often include gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender PFLAG Omaha members or friends.
Our standard presentation is 2 to 2-1/2 hours long and includes a one-hour presentation and a one-hour panel of parents and others sharing their stories.
Our speakers bureau has made presentations for many different organizations, including ministers in training, nursing students, occupational therapist students, religious organizations of various types, many college-classes, and others. Audience sizes have ranged from 6 to over 150.
PFLAG Omaha recently held a two-part, joint speakers training seminar with the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN). This very successful seminar helped expand the number of speakers available to both PFLAG Omaha and the local chapter of GLSEN.
If you would like to inquire about inviting us to speak to your group, or if you would like to consider joining us and participate in some of our engagements, please e-mail us at speakersbureau@pflag-omaha.org or call us at 402-291-6781.
Lending Library
Omaha PFLAG maintains a library of about 100 books at its meeting place in Mead Hall at First United Methodist Church. The books have themes that inform parents who don't understand why their son or daughter has "come out," and themes that help young people struggling with their sexuality. They are available for browsing or for checkout.
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