Our MISSION

The mission of the PFLAG Manhattan Beach / South Bay chapter is to build a culture of inclusiveness, engagement, and equality for the LGBTQ+/gender expansive community and allies within the South Bay by:

• Supporting the LGBTQ+ community, families and allies through a monthly support group meeting in which all are welcome to express needs, fears and questions in a compassionate and caring environment;

• Educating PFLAG families and the broader community about the facts, needs and rights of the LGBTQ+ community by providing resources, referrals, materials and public presentations; and

• Advocating within our local communities for programs and policies that provide for the needs and ensure the equal rights of our local LGBTQ+ population.

“WE KNOW THAT THE SUPPORT AND ACCEPTANCE OF FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR IN THE EMOTIONAL WELLBEING OF LGBTQ+/GENDER NON-CONFORMING YOUTH AND WHATEVER WE DO TO HELP FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS ALONG THEIR PATHS WILL LITERALLY SAVE LIVES.”  

- LINDA K. REEVES, LMFT, CO-FOUNDER AND BOARD MEMBER

What is gender identity & sexual orientation?

Archeologists and historians have recognized that diversity of gender and sexual identity has been present in human beings for millennia. What society is coming to understand is that human sexuality, gender identity and expression exist in a multi-dimensional continuum with no position on that continuum having greater or lesser value than others. What is “normal” to one person may not be so to another. If you’re visiting this website to find information and support, take comfort in the knowledge that you are not alone. Most of us have neither been taught nor learned about these topics, and most of us carry with us the effects of our socialization, which, for the most part, can be rife with biases against LGBTQ+ people.

Gender identity is not always as simple as the sex you were assigned at birth. It’s not just about one’s genitals or secondary sex characteristics. Gender identity is as unique as a thumbprint, but not always as permanent. Science and experience are confirming that there are important emotional and mental aspects of gender identify. In most societies, there is a basic division between gender attributes assigned to males and females, which forms the gender binary to which most people adhere. However, many people do not identify with some, or all, of the aspects of gender assigned to their biological sex. These people may experience themselves as transgender, non-binary, genderqueer or another gender identity label.

Gender expression refers to the myriad individual ways a person chooses to present themselves in the world, including clothing, cosmetics, and affect. Gender expression isn’t necessarily indicative of gender identity or sexual orientation, even where it differs from accepted gender stereotypes.

Sexual identity or orientation refers to the part of you that is sexually attracted to others and encompasses how you experience sexuality. Historically, our culture has privileged heterosexuality, which is the attraction exclusively between men and women. But sexual attraction also naturally occurs between same sex partners and between people of non- binary or genderqueer identities.

These topics are dense and ever changing, so be kind to yourself as you traverse this new terrain. If you’re interested in learning more about gender and sexual orientation, please visit our Glossary of Terms on our Resources Pages.