In 2002 PFLAG New York City took the lead in developing The Stay Close Campaign as awareness campaign to get the word out about the PFLAG organization to parents, families, teachers, clergy, politicians, GLBT people, and the general public.
Why This Campaign is So Important
* It is estimated that one in 4 families includes someone that is gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered.
* 69% of GLBT youth report experiencing some form of harassment or violence, with 46% reporting verbal harassment, 36% reporting sexual harassment, 12% reporting physical harassment, and 6% reporting physical assault.
* Gay and lesbian youths are two to three times more likely to commit suicide than other youths.
* Of 1.3 million homeless children on America’s streets, 500,000 are thought to be GLBT kids thrown out by their parents.