Personal Stories: Navigating the LGBTQ+ Journey with Loved Ones

Friends in Fellowship Zoom Event – FREE! Open to Friends and friends of Friends

Event Description

In keeping with the Quaker practice of welcoming all, this event focuses on how individual people successfully navigate gender and other transitions and what we as a society can do to make that easier.

The census is counting LGBTQ+ populations this year, and Wikipedia notes that a 2017 Gallup poll concluded that 4.5% of adult Americans identified as LGBT (about 15 million Americans). The comic strip above, by Ramona Sharples, shows how walking in the door (or entering a Quaker meeting) after a transition can be difficult for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

This Friends in Fellowship Zoom event features conversations with Yardley Meeting Member, Doreen Boerner-Gage, Michele Mazakas, PFLAG President, and Anthony Mazakas, a volunteer with South and Central LGBTQ+ organizations.

They will share their wisdom around navigating the LGBTQ+ journey with loved ones, and discuss how they work within their communities.

About PFLAG and Our Presenters

The PFLAG Princeton chapter supports family members and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people with meetings where they can share their experiences, feelings, and challenges in a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental environment.

Michele (pronouns she/her) is a mom and scientist who became active with PFLAG in 2015 after both her children came out as part of the LGBTQ+ community.  Michele has served on the Princeton PFLAG planning board since 2017 and as president since April 2018.

Anthony Mazakas(pronouns he/they) is a planned Social Work major and volunteers with multiple South and Central Jersey based LGBTQ+ organizations.

Doreen Boerner-Gage is a Yardley Meeting Member who has been engaged in the PFLAG community.