PFLAG IN ACTION

Looking ahead to 2026

In 2025, across the country, families faced an unprecedented wave of legislation targeting LGBTQ+ people—especially youth. From book bans and classroom censorship to restrictions on gender-affirming care, attacks on identity documents, and renewed threats to marriage equality, these measures harm families, divide communities, and undermine our shared values. PFLAG families know this: love and liberty are inseparable. That’s why PFLAG launched Fighting for Our Pride—a nationwide campaign focused on advocacy at the state and local level, where many of the most harmful policies are being introduced and passed.

2025 In Review

2025 brought new challenges across the nation for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Undeterred by the challenges, we increased our visibility and accessibility in Lower Columbia communities in 2025. PFLAG continues to support, educate, and advocate for LGBTQ+ communities.

St Helens Health Fair

Dale from PFLAG and Becca from the Amani Center at the St Helens Health Fair. Both PFLAG and the Amani Center provide ongoing support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.

National Day of Action

On April 19, 2025, concerned citizens across the nation gathered to freely and peacefully express their opinons. PFLAG Lower Columbia was at the Longview event where Shannon and Debbie told particpants about PFLAG and handed out pride flags to marchers.

May Day Rally

PFLAGers Dale, Debbie, and Shannon are wearing their new PFLAG We Are Family t-shirts at the 50501 May Day Rally in support of labor at Longview's Civic Circle.

Lower Columbia College Pride

2025 Pride season began with PFLAG Lower Columbia tabling at the Lower Columbia College Pride Festival. This was the first Pride Festival in Longview since the pandemic so PFLAGers Mary Ann (seated), Debbie, Dale, Megan, and Stephen were happy to join in the festivities.

International Festival

It was a hot day when PFLAGers Dale, Stephen, and Megan tabled at the 2025 International Festrival at Lower Columbia College. They introduced PFLAG to people from a variety of cultures.

Astoria Pride

Dan, Secretary of Astoria Pride and Dale from PFLAG Lower Columbia pose in front of the PFLAG table during the 10th annual Astoria Pride festival.

Astoria Pride 10th Anniversary

PFLAG Lower Columbia was delighted to participate in Astoria Pride's 10th anniversary.

No Kings Rally

PFLAG Lower Columbia board member, David (seated), is seen with fellow protesters at the June 14th No Kings Rally at Longview's Civic Circle. David and fellow board member, Shannon, gave out many pride flags to the protesters.

Pacific County Pride

It was a rainy and cold day in Long Beach at the 2025 Pacific County Pride festival. Nevertheless, an enrthusiatic crowd danced to the lively music and enjoyed a fabulous show by Tacoma drag queen artist. Shannon and Dale represented PFLAG Lower Columbia and gave out hand creme donated by Nivea as well as sharing the PFLAG story.

Pacific County Pride

Nivia is a generous supporter and ally of PFLAG. Nivea provided PFLAG chapters with free hand creme to give out to patrons at pride events. At the 2025 Pacific County Pride, PFLAG and pride swag and the hand creme were gratefully received.

Juneteenth

Stephen and Megan enjoyed the food and activities of the 2025 Juneteen commemoration.

Kelso Library Duct Tape Wars

At the 2025 Duct Tape Wars librarian Erik was so securely taped to the library wall by the children that he had a much harder time escaping than he did in 2024! it was fun watching the kids do their work. Dale introduced both parents and children to stop bullying resources.

Stonewall 56th Anniversary

PFLAGers Shannon and David joined in the commemoration of 56th anniverary of the Stonewall riots at Longview s Civic Circle. Stonewall Inn was raided by New York police on June 28, 1969. Tired of police harassment, the Inn's patrons fought back. This event is considered to be the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Morty Manford, gay activist and later a PFLAG founder, was at Stonewall.

Rainbow Community Pride Celebration

Usually the Rainbow Community Pride Celebration includes a march around Longview's Civic Circle. But in 2025, due to safety concerns, it was held inside where the participants enjoyed pizza and ice cream. Hanna and Dale were there to celebrate with the Rainbow youth.

Longview Go 4th Parade

PFLAGers Eunice, Dale, Debbie, and Mary Ann are pictured with allies from Longview First Christian and United Methodist churches at Longview's 2025 Go 4th parade. They crewed or marched with an Allys Ship float painted in Pride colors. Marchers passed out candy and American and Pride flags. Pride flags were in high demand and we soon ran out. During the 2024 parade the weather was quite hot and we received a notably cool reception. In contrast, in 2025 the weather was much cooler and we received a very warm reception with much applause and cheering. The annual Rainbow Station BBQ, situated along the parade route, was well attended.

Longview Go 4th Parade

PFLAGers Eunice, Debbie, and Dale gather around the chapter's banner before Longview's 2025 Go 4th parade began.

Cathlamet Bald Eagle Days

Mary Ann and Stephen at the 2025 Bald Eagles Day

Bald Eagles Days

At the 2025 Bald Eagle Days Parade, PFLAG Lower Columbia's entry received the first place award in the vehicle decorating category for its portrayal of the festival theme of "Rooted and Rising". Megan, chapter president, celebrates!

Bald Eagle Days

Mary Ann, PFLAG Lower Columbia founder, rides in the 2025 Bald Eagle Days parade. PFLAG marchers passed out candy and over 300 Pride flags to the parade watchers.

Bald Eagle Days

Prior to the 2025 Bald Eagle Days parade PFLAGers and allies gathered for a group picture in front of the chapter's decorated car. The car was decorated with eagle pride flags and a huge eagle sitting on a nest of eggs.

Woodland Community Resource Fair

Woodland is a small town situated in both Cowlitz and Clark counties so Dale from PFLAG Lower Columbia (Cowlitz County) and Shirley from PFLAG Vancouver (Clark County) joined together to tell attendees at the 2025 Woodland Community Resource Fair about PFLAG.

Clatskanie Garlic Festival

Dale enjoyed excellent food made with local garlic and met Mr. Garlic Head, who smelleth of garlic, at the 2025 Clatskanie Garlic Festival.

Squirrel Fest

Each year Longview celebrates its numerous squirrels and the squirrel bridges that dot the city landscape. PFLAGers Shannon and Megan (shown in insert) and Debbie and Stephen were happy to join the 2025 festivities while sharing the PFLAG story.

Longview/Kelso Back to School

PFLAG Lower Columbia joined many other support organizations at the 2025 Longview/Kelso Back to School event where students and families received school supplies and learned about community resources. PFLAG members, Dale and Debbie, gave out the Stop Bullying resources including pamphlets, pins, stickers, book marks, and pencils.

Harvest Fest

Megan and Dale huddled together during a break in the rain at the 2025 Harvest Fest in downtown Longview.

PFLAG National Convention

PFLAG Lower Columbia board members Shannon and Debbie pose for a picture at the 2025 PFLAG National Convention. The convention's theme was 'Learning with Love." They felt the love emanating from the conference as well as gaining knowledge and strength to move our chapter forward despite the challenges we face.

No Kings Protest

PFLAGers Shirley, Dale, and Mary Ann joined over 2,000 citizens attending the October 2025 No Kings protest at Longview's Civic Circle. They passed our numerous pride flags.

Inatai Foundation and PFLAG Lower Columbia

PFLAG Lower Columbia board members Megan, Mary Ann, Debbie, Shannon, and Dale met with Inatai Foundation's representative, Jay (left front). The board talked with Jay about its goals and achievements and its gratitude to the Foundation for its generous donations to PFLAG Lower Columbia which helps the chapter achieve its mission and goals. The Inatai Foundation is a 501(c)(4) philanthropy seeking to transform the balance of power to ensure equity and racial justice across Washington State and beyond.

Living Well in Wahkiakum

Mary Ann and Dale enjoyed a day with the citizens of Wahkiakum County. May Ann, a Wahkiakum resident, met many friends and she and Dale shared the mission and vision of PFLAG. It was Mary Ann and her husband, Rick, who paved the way for the warm reception PFLAG receives from the county's citizens.

2025 Food Drive

In late 2025, with the US government shutdown, SNAP eligibility and food support was in limbo. Many community organizations and citizens, including PFLAG Lower Columbia and its allies, stepped up to fill the void. In November the chapter gave bulk food to three food banks in Cowlitz, Columbia, and Wahkiakum counties. At the Cathlamet Hope Center food support is provided though an unlocked outside food pantry. PFLAG's Mary Ann and Dale joined a Hope Center representative in restocking the pantry. In December the chapter donated $50 gift cards to four food banks to be distributed to people in need during the holiday season.

Queersgiving 2025

For the third year PFLAG Lower Columbia teamed up with the Rainbow Community in Longview to present a fun filled Queersgiving party. Around 114 people enjoyed a bounteous meal of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, veggies, salads and more plus many, many fabulous desserts. There was also music and lots of door prizes. We are so grateful to the Woodworker's Union which hosted the event. We are also grateful to US Chef Store and Ocean Beach Walmart which donated supplies and water.

2025 Queersgiving

The set up crew poses after setting up tables and chairs and decorating the Woodworkers Union Hall. In 2023 around 50 people attended Queersgiving. Then in 2024 between 80 and 100 people came to the feast and we ran out of tables and chairs. For Queersgiving 2025 we were better prepared. We set up many more tables and chairs. The hall was decorated with new welcome banners and pride flag table runners.

2025 Queersgiving

Board member Debbie (upper left) arranged all the door prizes (upper right) donated by Emerald Haven, Magpie Books, Woodland Corner Store, The Lovely Lia Esthetics, Cafe Guse, The Sugar Pearl Confectionary, Forest, Stone, and Sea, Misfit Gift Shop, Spectra Studios, House of Roses, and Elipse Coffee and Tea and many other door prizes donated by individuals and by PFLAG Lower Columbia. There were also door prizes just for kids. This year prize winners were able to pick out the door prize they liked best. Shown below are Kimberleigh looking a prize T-shirt and Mandy wearing a Pride cowboy hat prize.

2024 in Review

In 2024 PFLAG Lower Columbia celebrated its 20th anniversary with a colorful banner featured at the front of the chapter's new rainbow canopy. We hope, as the chapter begins its third decade, that we will realize PFLAG's vision of an equitable, inclusive world where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved.

International Festival

Dale and Carla at the 2024 International Festival at LCC. They enjoyed Norwegian split pea soup, Polish sausages, and dancing and songs from around the world.

Astoria Pride

It was sunny, but very windy day, at the Barbey Marine Center along the Columbia River where PFLAGers, Shirley and Dale, joined the 2024 Astoria Pride Festival. It was a fun day! Following the downtown Pride parade, the marchers arrived at the Barbey Center, waving pride flags and in a festive mood, on the pride festooned Astoria Trolley.

Kelso Library Duct Tape Wars

The 2024 Kelso Public Library's Annual Duck Tape War was lots of fun for the kids who taped librarian, Eric, to the walls. The intensity of the kid's taping was amazing and enjoyable for the adults to watch. Eric, who smiled through out the ordeal, was able to break loose from the wall but his legs had to be rescued by a policeman wielding a strong pair of scissors. As the kids duck taped Eric and made bead bracelets, Dale told the adults about PFLAG.

Pacific County Pride

It was an overcast and windy day at the 2024 Pacific County Pride Festival in Raymond but weather did not dampen the festivities. In contrast, day two of the festival in Long Beach, was sunny and warm. At both locations Dale and Shirley shared PFLAG's history and mission with large appreciative crowds. Participants also spun the wheel for Pride swag and kids made bead bracelets.

Broad Strokes Drag Brunch

Megan had a fun time tabling at the 2024 Broad Strokes Project Drag Brunch at Longview's Merk Building. Broad Strokes promotes public art in Longview and raises funds through the annual brunch.

Erebus Pride Night

It was a festive and fun Erebus Pride Nite on Friday, June 14th. While Dale tabled and talked with individuals, the club's owner stopped by and invited him to speak to all the attendees at once. Dale simply told the patrons about the love he has for his gay son and how that love prompted his involvement in PFLAG. He then explained PFLAG's mission. The crowd responded with great applause, and after Dale went back to tabling, many more individuals approached him to get more information and to collect PFLAG swag. Dale says, "It was gratifying to see the appreciation the celebrants have for PFLAG."

Woodland Planters Days

It was typical Pacific Northwest stormy day when PFLAG Lower Columbia tabled at the 2024 Woodland Planters Day Festival. It rained, then poured, then rained, then poured, and finally the sun broke though the clouds and our canopy and flags provided the rainbow colors! Even though it was rainy, many people visited the chapter booth including young people seeking affirmation and support and parents and allies who were so glad to see PFLAG visible in the community.

Rainbow Walk

At the 2024 Rainbow Walk it was inspiring to watch the Rainbow Community youth take charge in organizing and leading the march around Longview's Civic Circle. Later some of the adults gathered at the PFLAG table to celebrate LGBTQ+ youth and the loving parents who support their children. PFLAG Lower Columbia is grateful to have participated to this fun event.

Rainbow Station

The Rainbow Station is an annual event where LGBTQ+ people, families, and allies safely gather to enjoy a BBQ picnic and watch Longview's Go 4th parade. Our host, Kia, Megan, and Geoff, served delicous hamburgers and hot dogs and we also enjoyed popsicles donated by Walmart.

Bald Eagles Days Parade

The chapter won the 2nd place award for its portrayal of the 2024 Bald Eagle Days parade theme of Wings Over Wahkiakum. The decorations included colorful eagle pride flags and flowers and a large nest of eagles and eaglets.

Bald Eagle Days Parade

With eagle pride flags flying, PFLAGers and allies are ready for the 2024 Cathlamet Bald Eagle Days parade. Marchers wore butterfly wing costumes and the banner bearers wore pride colored capes and hats.

Bald Eagle Days

Dale, Carla, and Steen shared PFLAG's story with booth visitors at the 2024 Cathlamet Bald Eagle Days Festival.

Terry-Taylor Neighborhood Yard Sale

The owners of Emerald Haven game store, Amy and Dani, particpated in the 2024 Terry-Taylor neigborhood yard sale by selling games and puzzles. The proceeds of their yard sale were donated to PFLAG Lower Columbia, which tabled at the event. Thank you Amy and Dani.

Squirrel Fest

New chapter board member, Ryan, helped tell many 2024 Squirrel Fest participants about PFLAG.

Clatskanie Harvest Festival

PFLAG Lower Columbia chapter member, Mandy (right), grew up in Clatskanie, Oregon. She joined Dale (left) on a very windy day at the 2024 Clatskanie Harvest Festival. It was fun to meet so many members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families and allies and, also, Mandy had an unexpected reunion with some of her relatives!

1946

On October 5th, 33 people gathered at the Longview United Methodist Church to watch the documentary 1946 presented by the church and PFLAG Lower Columbia. PFLAG Lower Columbia and Called to Love, a Christian reconciliation organization, had literature and other information available for the participants.
Shown in the pictures (L to R) are Gail and Eunice from Called to Love, Pastor Allison, and Dale from PFLAG; Gail, PFLAG Lower Columbia founder Mary Ann, and Eunice; and Shirley with the popcorn. There were also candy Kisses and Hugs. Pastor Allison led a post viewing discussion.

Queersgiving

Queersgiving

The 2024 Queersgiving was a huge success with over eighty participants enjoying a feast of turkey, ham, and all the trimings and desserts galore. Over thirty wonderful door prizes donated by Woodland's Corner Store, Magpie Book Store, Emerald Haven game store, Cafe Guse, Sugar Pearl Dessert Company, Forest, Stone, and Sea store, Queerly Crafted, and community members were given away. The highlight of the giveaways was the joy on a boy's face when he won the last prize, a beautiful Pride quilt created by a talented ally out of donated fabric. Thank you to the prize donors and also to Walmart and US Chefs Store for their donations of water and supplies.

Queersgiving

The setup, music, and decorating crews pause for a group picture at the 2024 Queersging dinner. Thank you to the many volunteers who helped setup, decorate, and cleanup, as well as those who provided festive music throughout! A special thanks is given to the Woodworkers Union for making their hall available.

2023 In Review

PFlAG National celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. To commemorate this wonderful achievement, PFLAG gave each chapter a new logo, banner, and table runner. PFLAG Lower Columbia displayed its new logo, banner, and table runner at numrous tabling events in 2023.

PFLAG's 50th Anniversary

PFLAG Lower Columbia celebrated PFLAG's 50th anniversay.

Sons of Norway

Steen, a native of Denmark, told the Norwegians and other particpants about PFLAG at the 2023 Spring Festival of the Sons of Norway.

Back to Summer

Megan is at Link's 2023 Back to Summer festival. Megan helped the kids make bead bracelets.

International Festival

Dale at the 2023 International Festival at Lower Columbia College. He helpled festival participants spin for prizes and learn about PFLAG.

Pacific County Pride

Dale enjoyed a great drag queen musical show and spoke to the crowd about PFLAG at the 2023 Pacific County Pride Festival in Long Beach.

Pacific County Pride

Festival goers could spin the wheel for Pride prizes and make bead bracelets at the PFLAG booth.

Bald Eagle Days Parade

Megan and Steen lead PFLAGers and allies at the 2023 Bald Eagle Days parade.

Bald Eagle Days Parade

Mary Ann and Carol passed out candy to the crowd lining the 2023 Bald Eagle Days parade route.

Bald Eagle Days Award

PFLAG received the award for the best decorated car at the 2023 Bald Eagle Days parade.

Bald Eagle Days

Carla and Steen at the PFLAG booth at the 2023 Bald Eagle Days Festival.

Squirrel Fest

PFLAG Lower Columbia at the 2023 Squirrel Fest.

Longview Trunk or Treat

Megan and Dale took turns passing out candy bags at downtown Longview's Trunk or Treat event. The bags contained candy and the chapter business card and were sealed with a rainbow sticker.

Cathlamet Neewollah Trunk or Treat

Dale and Mary Ann passed out candy bags to both kids and adults at Cathlamet's 2024 Neewollah (Halloween spelled backwards) Trunk or Treat event. Kids could also make bead bracelets and spin the wheel for more candy,

Wakiakum County Resource Fair

Dale and Mary Ann passed out candy bags to both kids and adults at Cathlamet's 2024 Neewollah (Halloween spelled backwards) Trunk or Treat event. Kids could also make bead bracelets and spin the wheel for more candy,

Queersgiving

Queersgiving

Nicole, Dale, Julia, Megan, Mary Ann, and Pat posed for a picture after preparing the Woodworkers Union Hall for the 2023 Queersgiving dinner.

Queersgiving

2022 In Review

During the Covid pandemic the chapter transitioned from inperson support meetings to Zoom meetings. Then in 2022, as the pandemic subsided, chapter support meetings transitioned again; this time to hybrid meetings held both in-person and via Zoom.

Back to Summer

Carla and Dale at Link's 2022 Back to Summer Festival

Bald Eagle Days

Shirley at Bald Eagle Days Festival, July 2022

RAINs Pride

Steen and Carla at RAINS Pride, July 2022

2004-2021 In Review

The chapter was founded in January 2004 in Cathlamet.

In 2013 PFLAG celebrated its 40th anniverary and then PFLAG Lower Columbia commemorated its 10th in 2014. The following years saw progress in achieving LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality, at both state and national levels.

2012 Bald Eagles Days

PFLAG Lower Columbia Founder, Mary Ann (right), at the 2012 Cathlamet Bald Eagle Days,

2013 Bald Eagle Days

In 2013 PFLAG Lower Columbia joined PFLAG National in celebrating its 40th aniversary at the Bald Eagle Daus parade.

2014 Bald Eagle Days

PFLAGers and allies ready to march in the 2014 Bald Eagle Days parade. The chapter celebrated its 10th year in 2014.

2014 Bald Eagle Days

Tabling at the 2014 Bald Eagle Days

2014 Frisbee Fun

In 2014 the chapter played frisbee. Fun!

2015 Cathlamet Downhill Race

PFLAG Lower Columbia offered cold water to runners in the 2015 Cathlamet Downhill Race.

2016 Event

The PFLAG Lower Columbia table is decorated with Pride colors for an event in 2016.

2016 Chapter Picnic

PFLAG Lower Columbia founder, Rick, enjoys the warmth of a fire at a chapter picnic in 2016. The participants enjoyed Smores prepared over the fire pit.

2017 PFLAG Free Hugs

Mary Ann offered free PFLAG hugs at a 2017 chapter event.

2018 Bald Eagle Days Parade

PFLAG Lower Columbia entry is decorated and ready for the 2018 Bald Eagle Days parade.

2018 PFLAG Northwest Regional Conference

PFLAG Lower Columbia founders Mary Ann and Rick (partially shown) joined PFLAG Vice President Diego Sanchez at the 2018 Pacific Northwest Regional Conference in Boise.

2021 Bald Eagle Days Parade

At the 2021 Bald Eagle Days parade the car was decked out in pride flags and ready to roll.