Dear PFLAG Family,

August in L.A. always brings that familiar scramble: running down school supply lists, adjusting to early alarm clocks, and dealing with back-to-school traffic. But for our LGBTQ+ families, students, and educators, the start of this school year comes with a much heavier set of worries.
It's hard to tune out the national headlines and local debates around our community and our kids' rights in schools. If you're feeling protective, exhausted, or just anxious about what the first day of class will feel like, we get it. Those feelings are real, and you don't have to carry them alone.
That is also why allyship matters so much right now. When a classmate speaks up, a teacher puts up an affirming sticker, or a parent checks in on a neighbor, it changes everything. Our kids shouldn't have to carry the weight of being resilient by themselves. That's our job as a community.

PFLAG LA started with a very simple idea: Families are stronger when we look out for one another.

Whether you're a parent figuring out how to advocate on campus, a student looking for people who understand, or an ally asking how you can help, our doors are open. Come join us at our next monthly support meeting, connect with us online, or just reach out if you need a place to vent and recharge.

Take a breath. We've got each other's backs this year.

Wishing everyone a safe, welcoming, and great start to the school year.

Best,

Anthony Eftimeo (He/They/Them)

Vice President, PFLAG Los Angeles

**Next Podcast: Supporting LGBTQ+ Students in Today's Schools**

As students prepare to head back to school, the next episode of The PFLAG LA Podcast explores what today's culture wars mean for classrooms, educators, and LGBTQ+ youth. Retired California teacher and author Sue Granzella discusses her new book, "Pushed to the Edge: Teachers' Stories From the Culture Wars," which shares the firsthand experiences of educators supporting LGBTQ+ students amid book bans, political pressure, and attacks on inclusive education. Watch for the episode at pflagla.org/podcast.
**Support PFLAG LA**
Did you know PFLAG Los Angeles is entirely volunteer-led? Every support group, community event, podcast, and advocacy effort is powered by volunteers who care deeply about supporting LGBTQ+ people and their families.

If you're able, please consider supporting our work with a donation. Every gift helps us continue building a more welcoming and affirming community. To donate, please visit pflagla.org/donate.

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You can update your email preferences anytime. Click the “Update Profile” link at the bottom of this newsletter to select the updates you’d like to receive from PFLAG LA.

For more news and updates, visit pflagla.org/updates.

Nayeli Casas (she/her/ella) serves as PFLAG Los Angeles' Membership Development Chair, where she helps strengthen our community and foster meaningful connections among members. As a public health professional, she is passionate about expanding access to resources, building supportive spaces, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones. We recently asked Nayeli what inspires her and why community matters.

Why do spaces like PFLAG LA matter, especially right now?

PFLAG LA spaces matter now more than ever because the need for community, resources, and support is growing urgently.

What's something that motivates you outside of your work or volunteer roles?

Something that motivates me outside of my work and volunteer roles is attending other community organizations. Seeing people and other organizations come together and make space for communities across Los Angeles inspires me to continue working and volunteering.

Who or what has most influenced the way you show up for others?

My parents have been the biggest influence in the way I show up for others. They showed me the beauty and power of having a strong community around you and how it can provide safety and love, even during scary times.

To nominate a volunteer for Community Spotlight, email info@pflagla.org.

August 26 | Working With Your Gender Diverse Child's School

Join the TransFamily Alliance for a free virtual conversation with Joel Baum, MS (he/him), Director of Education at the Child and Adolescent Gender Center at UC San Diego Benioff Children's Hospital. Learn practical strategies for partnering with your child's school, supporting their well-being, and building strong relationships with educators. Families will also hear from others about what's worked for them, with plenty of time for questions. To register, visit the TransFamily Alliance website.