Nicole Johnson

Parents, families, and friends of lesbians and gays, also known as PFLAG will be hosting its fourth-annual straight for equality gala April 2 from 5:30-7 p.m. at the New York Marriot Marquis located in Times Square.

PFLAG is a national non-profit organization created in 1972 by Jeanne Manford and consists of over 200,000 members and supporters across the U.S. The organization provides help lines, support group meetings and resources to educate families and communities  on sexual orientation, gender identity and lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender people.

PFLAG advocates for equal rights for the LGBT community on local, state, and national levels.

According to the Equality and Diversity Partnerships Coordinator for PFLAG National Jamie Henkel, Straight for Equality is a national outreach and education project created by PFLAG National to empower allies in supporting and advocating for GLBT  people.

“In keeping with this goal,” said Henkel. “The Straight for Equality Gala aims to honor and celebrate amazing straight allies. Their selfless support of the GLBT community truly embodies the spirit of Straight for Equality and PFLAG.  Our work could not continue without them and we are grateful for the opportunity to honor them.”

Henkel works directly with the Straight for Equality project, and will partake in behind the scenes roles that include point of contact for general questions about the event, ticket sales, event promotions, and anything else the event may require at the gala.

The New York Marriott Marquis / Times Square
President’s Reception: 5:30 p.m. (VIP tickets only)
General Reception: 6:00 p.m.
Dinner and Awards: 7:00 p.m.

The primary purpose of the Straight for Equality project is to invite, educate, and engage straight allies in the movement for GLBT equality.

“Through our work with PFLAG over the past 40 years we know the significant role that straight allies take in moving equality forward,” said Henkel. “The Straight for Equality Gala provides us with an opportunity to recognize, honor, and celebrate straight allies in fields such as education, entertainment, business, sports, and literature.”

According to Henkel, several icons have been awarded for their continuing support such as Dr. Maya Angelou, Liza Minnelli, Sigourney Weaver, Hudson Taylor, Charlaine Harris, and IBM.

“Our honorees demonstrate that straight allies can come from anywhere,” said Henkel. “There are no prerequisites to being an ally, and most importantly the far-reaching impact that they have.”

For more information, contact Jamie Henkel at (202) 467-8180 ext. 210 or email  at jhenkel@pflag.org