Jersey Shore PFLAG has three monthly support meetings!
We encourage you to call us at 908-814-2155 before attending your first PFLAG support group so we can direct you to the meeting that will be best for your needs and answer any questions you may have about attending.
Monmouth County LGBT Support Group in Shrewsbury
2nd Monday of every month from 7 to 9 PM
Church House of the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury
352 Sycamore Ave. Shrewsbury, N.J. 07702
Use rear parking lot, enter rear door, go up the stairs and to the right to our meeting room
Get directions using Google Maps
Ocean County LGBT Support Group in Toms River
2nd Wednesday of every month from 7 to 9 PM
United Church of Christ of Toms River
1681 Ridgeway Rd. (Rt. 571) Toms River, N.J. 08757
Get directions using Google Maps
Transgender/Transfamilies Support Group in Shrewsbury
3rd Monday of every month from 7 to 9 PM
Church House of the Presbyterian Church at Shrewsbury
352 Sycamore Ave. Shrewsbury, N.J. 07702
Use rear parking lot, enter rear door, go up the stairs and to the right to our meeting room
Get directions using Google Maps
NOTE: Although the groups meet in a church building, we are not affiliated with any religious organization.
Questions and answers about our meetings:
If you have any questions about Jersey Shore PFLAG, what happens at our support meetings, or how you can become a part of our organization, feel free to read the questions and answers in this section. If you have any other questions that are not discussed here, please contact us and we will be more than happy to answer them for you.
What happens at the support meetings?
We provide a safe, supportive and confidential environment in which to discuss LGBT-related issues with other people who are struggling with or have gone through similar experiences in the past. Our support meetings usually begin with news and announcements. We then go around the room and everyone introduces themselves and briefly explains what brings them to our meeting. This is followed by more lengthy group conversations offering support to whoever is having trouble dealing with a wide range of issues. The issues vary from month to month based on the needs of the people who attend, but common issues include parents who are struggling to accept their child after they came out as gay, LGBT teens who are having trouble coming out or who are being harassed in school because of their sexuality, and transgender people who are struggling with their transitioning process. From time to time, we also have a special presentation by a guest speaker or short video relating to LGBT issues at our meetings. Nearly everyone who attends our support meetings finds them to be a very helpful, enlightening and positive experience.
Who can attend the meetings? Do I have to be a member?
Anyone can attend a PFLAG support meeting or other event we sponsor. You could be gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning; a family member or friend of someone who is; or just someone who wishes to support the members of the community who are. And no, you don’t have to be a member of PFLAG to participate in our meetings or events, although we always welcome new members.
Do I need a reason to attend?
No, you don’t need a reason to attend a PFLAG meeting. You might have a specific problem or topic that you want to discuss or get feedback on, or you might just want to help support those who do have an issue of concern. Everyone is welcome to attend.
How much information about myself do I have to reveal?
You can reveal as much or as little information about yourself as you want at our support meetings. We usually ask that everyone shares their first name and a little bit about why they came to the meeting, but this is not required. It is perfectly fine if you just want to sit and listen to other people’s experiences and how they have dealt with their own issues.
Does PFLAG have ties to religion?
No, PFLAG is in no way affiliated with any religious organization. We are part of a non-sectarian, non-profit organization that has many local chapters throughout the country and around the world. Our chapter’s monthly support meetings do meet in churches, but it is only because those churches have been nice (and open-minded) enough to offer us a place to meet. We have no affiliation with them.
Is there a way I can get support from PFLAG without attending a meeting?
While we always recommend that people in need of support attend our monthly meetings because they are the best places to get it, we also have a support helpline that you can call if you would like. The number is 908-814-2155.
How does someone become a member of PFLAG?
You can become a PFLAG member by filling out the membership form located here. Annual membership for an individual or a family is $35, part of which goes to the national PFLAG organization and part goes to help fund our Jersey Shore PFLAG chapter. Remember, you don’t have to be a member to participate in our meetings and events, but we encourage regular attendees to join.
How is PFLAG operated? How can I help?
PFLAG is made up of local chapters all across the country. Each of the chapters, including ours, is organized and run by volunteers in the community. PFLAG is a non-profit organization, so we get all our funding from annual membership fees, fundraisers and donations. If you would like to help either by making a donation or becoming a member, please fill out the form on the Membership page. And if you would like to help out at any of our meetings or events, please don’t hesitate to contact us at jspflag@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!