FRANKLIN COUNTY, Wash.- Benton-Franklin’s chapter of Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) seeks those looking to advocate for LGBTQ+ community outreach.
Community events like PFLAG’s annual fundraisers, like this year’s Walk and Roll 3K Fundraiser at Chiawana Park in Pasco, help educate and spread awareness in the community. According to Kai Leigha Dygert, the Community Outreach Director for PFLAG, the event was formerly called ‘The Climb, ‘ a Badger Mountain hike to raise funds for at-risk LGBTQ+ in the area. This year’s event change reflects the organization’s growth and local need.
When speaking about the importance of their organization, Dygert says, “You can’t deny that right now LGBTQ+ mental health awareness, especially in the Tri-Cities community, is more important than ever.” Dygert goes on to cite the American Civil Liberties Union by reporting, “Almost 75% of LGBTQ+ youth across the county experienced some form of verbal harassment within the last year. These same youth are twice as likely to be assaulted(…) than their non-gay peers.”
PFLAG represents one of several organizational resources for LGBTQ+ youth and adults that create safe spaces that encourage authenticity and community support.
