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Chapter HistoryPFLAG Melbourne Space Coast sprang to life as two people with a clipboard saw a need for support for LGBTQ+ folx, their friends, family, and allies and started a PFLAG chapter in Brevard. On July 30, 2007, PFLAG Melbourne Space Coast became an official chapter of PFLAG. Monthly support meetings started, filling a need for support and community.
As time went by, the chapter started hosting, sometimes with community partners, events for youth and families that offer support, education, social, and/or advocacy in nature. When the community accessed its needs, other support groups formed, most notably the Transgender Network of Brevard. |
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Community Engagement
We are proud to have been part of Space Coast Pride’s first Pride Fest and Pride Parade. Most notably, in 2015, with the support of a broad coalition of progressive ally groups, we successfully changed Brevard Public School’s policies to protect LGBTQ students and staff. This was the first and only countywide protection for the community. More recently, PFLAG Space Coast Melbourne hosted the first LGBTQ+ teen dance in Brevard. We were also invited to participate in both the Puerto Rican Day and Melbourne 4th of July Parades, first for LGBTQ representation in both. Join us as we continue to work for a more LGBTQ+ affirming community in Florida’s Space Coast. * Header photo by Mercedes Mehling. All other photos by Mikey. |
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In Memoriam
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Susan Freedman-Noa
Chosen Family, it is with great sadness that we regret to inform you of the passing of, another of our fierce Momma Bears, Susan Freedman-Noa. Susan and her husband Alex came to PFLAG to support a family member. They quickly along with Willow Noa became strong advocates for the entire LGBTQ community. They were regulars PFLAG meetings, school board meetings, and at the Thursday night coffee where they gave as much support as they received. Please consider attending her memorial and/or posting a message on Susan's Facebook page. |
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Nancy Jo Gilbertson Mullen
It is with a heavy heart that we inform our Chosen Family of the sudden passing of Nancy Jo Gilbertson Mullen earlier this week. Nancy was a past President of PFLAG MSC and the quintessential PFLAG Mom. Always with a smile and a hug she was an extra Mom to many of us and provided lifesaving support to our LGBTQ youth. Many times, Nancy and her husband Rex Mullen opened their home for PFLAG family. She was a driving force in The Community’s efforts to pass protections for LGBTQ Students and Staff in BPS. Graduating from the PFLAG Board to the SCP Board she was part of creating Brevard’s first proper Pridefest and Parade in EGAD. Both Nancy and Rex Mullen were active with many other progressive organizations in Brevard most notably Brevard NOW. |
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