One of the greatest challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones is simply having someone to lean on—someone who will be there to offer support. Although society has become more accepting in recent years, many people, especially in the current political climate, still make it difficult for people to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or reprisal. This is where one of the oldest organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ community, PFLAG, shines as a beacon of hope, support, education, and advocacy. PFLAG was founded in 1973 by Jeanne Manford, a Queens, New York, teacher who publicly supported her gay son, Morty, after he was assaulted because of his sexual orientation. Following an overwhelmingly positive response to her participation in the 1972 New York City Pride March, Manford organized the first meeting for parents of LGBTQ+ children on March 11, 1973, creating a support network that eventually grew into a nationally recognized organization.[1] As the movement expanded, local chapters emerged throughout the United States, including chapters in both Dallas and Fort Worth.

PFLAG Dallas

      The Dallas chapter was formally established on August 7, 1992, after a small group of parents recognized the need for a support network for families with LGBTQ+ loved ones. More specifically, these parents sought to help other families navigate acceptance, understanding, and advocacy at a time when few local resources existed. Over time, PFLAG Dallas grew into an important community organization, providing support, education, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, friends, and allies throughout North Texas.

      Jim and Kathryn Patterson, members of the Board of Directors of PFLAG Dallas, provided additional insight into the mission and role of the Dallas chapter. The chapter provides three pillars of services as follows:

1. Support Meetings: Each month, participants can join in person or virtually to share experiences and stories and provide support. Sharing similar experiences and challenges can help individuals feel less isolated and realize there are options to address the challenges they face.
2. Education: PLFAG’s website provides several resources that help with issues. Chapter leaders and members participate in private, employer resources, and partner events and provide educational materials to build both broader awareness in the Dallas area and within the LGBTQ+
3. Advocacy: There have been recent changes to the law at all levels of government, which have created new challenges, especially regarding censorship. PFLAG is very vocal in its advocacy. As Jim Patterson explains, “If a law is adverse to LGBTQ+ rights, then they hear from us, including why we don’t agree with a law and how it impacts the community negatively.”[2]

      Kathryn Patterson described the chapter as focusing on leading with love across all materials shared, with the premise that everyone is treated with respect and given the opportunity to thrive. “We’re available as a local chapter, and those who need help know where we are and can reach out. We connect them with the resources they need. We also participate in pride festivals and parades, hand out swag, chat with attendees, and build overall awareness. We’re a connector organization.”[3]

      Beyond awareness, support, and education, PFLAG advocates for the rights of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. As an example, PFLAG, as a national organization, was involved in a lawsuit focused on transgender care in Texas. PFLAG v. Abbott challenged attempts by Texas leaders to consider medically necessary gender-affirming care for transgender youth as a form of child abuse. For decades doctors and medical organizations provided this medically necessary gender-affirming care to transgender youth. Filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU of Texas, the case sought to stop state-mandated child abuse investigations against parents affirming their transgender identity. PFLAG obtained injunctions against state organizations on behalf of parents and extended injunctions to PFLAG members to stop inappropriate actions, such as the disclosure of medical records. This example reflects PFLAG’s ongoing commitment to fight for LGBTQ+ rights and protections.[4]

      When asked what the most pressing barriers are that LGBTQ+ individuals face in Dallas when seeking support, safety, or equal access to services, the Pattersons cited several reasons, such as a minor being unable to receive gender affirming care. Even if a parent, child, and doctor agree it is the best option, it is against the law, and a doctor can be punished for providing care to anyone under age 18. This can be broadly interpreted to include simply talking with a therapist or using a different name or pronoun. The state of Texas also enacted a sweeping law (Senate Bill 12) that entirely bans school-sponsored clubs and organizations “based on sexual orientation or gender identity,” which explicitly includes Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) and Genders & Sexualities Alliances in public K-12 and charter schools.[5] LGBTQ+ students can no longer gather and share their experiences in a safe and affirming environment, leading to a potentially higher level of bullying in school. Teachers can also no longer provide support without risking retribution. These students are at a high risk of suicide, and the highest marker that would eliminate this risk is a positive, affirming response to at-risk youth. Jim Patterson advised, “We want kids to feel safe, and we believe a lot of laws have done the opposite. There is no safe space for you as kids. It causes people to mask and not seek services for fear of being transparent and then being bullied.”[6] These more recent governmental barriers have become an impactful detriment to LGBTQ+ youth. 

      PFLAG Dallas has transformed countless lives by creating a welcoming and supportive community for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, and allies. Many people arrive feeling isolated, uncertain, or alone, but quickly discover a network of understanding, encouragement, and acceptance. Through support meetings, educational resources, and open conversations, PFLAG Dallas helps families strengthen relationships, fosters greater understanding, and empowers individuals to be their authentic selves. By bringing people together in a safe and affirming environment, PFLAG Dallas continues to build a more inclusive and compassionate North Texas community.

      When asked what it would mean for Dallas to be recognized as a Human Rights City, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, Jim and Kathryn Patterson emphasized that such a designation sends an important message of inclusion, respect, and support. They noted that while Dallas has taken steps to be welcoming, the controversy surrounding the removal of rainbow crosswalks reflected the tension between local support and broader state-level resistance. For Jim and Kathryn, a Human Rights City designation reflects that Dallas values and supports all communities, rather than appearing exclusionary. They also pointed to the economic impact of unwelcoming policies, noting that talented people may choose to leave or avoid Texas when they do not feel safe, respected, or included. In their view, this important designation affirms the region’s diversity, strengthens its reputation, and reflects the more inclusive spirit that many residents believe Texas truly represents.

      Jim and Kathryn Patterson emphasized that PFLAG Dallas’ work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: every person deserves to be treated fairly, equally, and with dignity. While PFLAG is nonpartisan, the organization remains deeply committed to advocating for the rights, freedoms, and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals and their families. Their message to the broader Dallas community is one of understanding, compassion, and action: listen to the needs of LGBTQ+ people, recognize the importance of equal treatment, and support the human rights of all community members. Through education, advocacy, and unwavering support, PFLAG Dallas continues to stand beside LGBTQ+ individuals and loved ones with both reason and passion.

ENDNOTES

[1] PFLAG, “Our History,” accessed April 30, 2026, https://pflag.org/our-history/.

[2] Jim Patterson and Kathryn Patterson, interview by Ralph Nitsch, June 18, 2026.

[3] Jim Patterson and Kathryn Patterson, interview by Ralph Nitsch, June 18, 2026.

[4] Court Cases:  PFLAG v. Abbott. PFLAG v. Abbott | American Civil Liberties Union

[5] Sofia Sorochinskaia , “Texas’ DEI ban on public schools heads to Gov. Greg Abbott for final sign-off,” The Texas Tribune, May 25,2025. Texas’ DEI ban on public schools heads to Gov. Greg Abbott

[6] Jim Patterson and Kathryn Patterson, interview by Ralph Nitsch, June 18, 2026.