The Manhattan Beach/South Bay chapter of PFLAG was formed on the belief that every member of the LGBTQ+ community and their families should have easy access to support and services and that our culture in the South Bay should be one that celebrates the unique identity of every individual.
When residents of the South Bay come out as LGBTQ+, they are often forced to travel to Hollywood or beyond to find doctors, therapists, faith communities, and groups to receive care, education and support. Without a local, visible network, and an embracing community, LGBTQ youth and families can feel isolated, fearful and confused. Kids, in particular, need to know that they are not alone – that there are others in our community questioning their sexual orientation and/or gender identity.
The creation and launch of any meaningful enterprise takes passion, patience and persistence. The movement to form the Manhattan Beach / South Bay PFLAG chapter came together after Tina and Cindy connected with Linda Reeves, the mother of a gay son and an LGBTQ+-affirmative psychotherapist who also provides LGBTQ+ diversity training to school districts. Linda had investigated launching a PFLAG chapter in 2014, but didn’t yet have the critical mass to make it happen. Once the three came together, they had the necessary skills, connections and vision to begin working with PFLAG national to bring a local chapter to the South Bay.
As the South Bay chapter put out the word to expand the leadership team, a network of professionals, agencies and organizations working to serve and ensure the rights of the LGBTQ+ community in the South Bay began to emerge. Pastor Mark Pettis offered the Manhattan Beach Community Church, which embraces an LGBTQ+-inclusive welcome statement and mission, as a potential meeting place and introduced the team to soon-to-be Board member and Treasurer, Frank Hanzel. The Beach Cities Health District also offered space while initiating its Adolescent Mental Health Task Force, of which Linda was a member. A cadre of local therapists specializing in the needs of LGBTQ+ people and their families emerged, indicating their recognition of the need in the community and their dedication to providing critical support.
The Manhattan Beach/South Bay PFLAG chapter was officially incorporated on August 14, 2018, and held its first monthly support group meeting on October 2, 2018 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Meetings take place the first Tuesday of every month. Meetings are held in the Fireside Room at the Manhattan Beach Community Church located at 303 S. Peck Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266.
Locations
Primary Office Location
1721 Artesia Blvd., Suite E Manhattan Beach CA 90266
