This past week, a surprising press release came out from Butler PFLAG announcing the Joe Tomlinson, a primary force behind this very successful PFLAG group was stepping down as President. The purpose of my post today, is to offer my personal thanks to Joe for all of the hard work he has done and express my continued support to this valuable group of folks here in Western PA.

Joe, if you never met him, is a man of great passion, commitment, and drive. I so often saw him with a huge loving smile on his face, and he was one of those folks who just instilled in you, by his presence, a sense of trust. Some might say that without his perseverance, the PFLAG group may not have made it, but I have no idea really. At the various meetings and events I attended, it seemed that they had formed a sound and viable group, where the group was important, not only a single leader. Joe was really a part of making that happen.

As I have tried to see LGBTQ from a larger perspective than what my life in the relatively big city of Pittsburgh is all about, I have come to have an even more profound appreciation for PFLAG groups. Their work is immeasurable and essential to supporting LGBTQ persons everywhere. Butler is not what one might call a bastion of liberal thinking, and s for this group, like a number across Western PA to keep doing such important work is all important.

Even with Joe’s departure, the Butler PFLAG group remains with solid leadership, and I wish them the best as they continue their great work. If you haven’t already, mark your calendar for their sumer Picnic, July 15th.  It is a chance for everyone to help support their great work, and look for them to be marching in Pittsburgh Pride along with the Pittsburgh PA PFLAG group.