NEW! PFLAG SF in Marin
facilitated by Janna Barkin
PFLAG San Francisco is part of the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them.
Since 1977, our chapter has provided free LGBTQ support groups, parent support, educational resources, and advocacy in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
We believe that family support saves lives and that informed communities create lasting change.
Our monthly LGBTQ+ support groups offer a confidential, welcoming space for parents, caregivers, LGBTQ+ individuals, and allies seeking connection and guidance.
Whether you are navigating a child’s coming out, exploring gender identity, or simply looking for community, you are welcome here.
We are excited to announce PFLAG SF in Marin, a new in-person gathering facilitated by Janna Barkin.
Details:
3rd Tuesday of each month beginning November 17
6:15pm-7:45pm pacific
Osher Marin JCC - San Rafael
200 N San Perdro Rd
San Rafael, CA
For more information about PFLAG SF: https://pflagsf.org/
PFLAG Connects: Gender Spectrum Parent Community
Hosted by PFLAG National
3rd Monday of each month
5-6:30pm pacific time
Register here.
GrandLove Grandparents Group
Hosted by DOROT
Tuesdays: 11/4, 11/18, 12/16, 12/30
10:00am – 11:30am pacific time
Register one time for all meetings here.
PFLAG Connects: Grandparents Community
Hosted by PFLAG
Last Monday of each month
5pm - 6:30pm pacific time
Register here.
Learning Opportunity for Family, Allies, and Community.
Understanding Gender Diversity - hosted by DOROT
This series provides information and tools to understand, support, and actively ally with transgender loved ones and community members.
This series is open to all. It is designed for those new to the topic, those who have attended before and wish to deepen their understanding and anyone wanting to learn how to be a more effective ally.
Some sessions will feature guest speakers, and each session builds upon previous ones. Participants are encouraged to attend the full series but are welcome to drop in for individual sessions.
This series begins on Thursday, Dec 4 and continues biweekly through Jan 22.
Community Events and Book Talks with Janna
One Person Can Make a Difference: Active Allyship for Trans Youth
Thursday, October 22, 2026
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Fairfax Library
2097 Sir Francis Drake Blvd
Fairfax, CA
What does it really mean to be an ally to a transgender young person?
In a time when transgender youth and their families are navigating significant social and political challenges, this panel will focus on what we can do - and what we are already doing - to create supportive families, communities, and pathways forward.
Trans panelists will share personal experiences of coming out, finding support, navigating challenges, and building community. We’ll explore what meaningful allyship looks and feels like in real life, including the everyday actions that communicate acceptance, safety, and belonging - and the actions, even when well-intentioned, that can have the opposite effect.
Research consistently shows the powerful impact that even one truly supportive person can have in the life of a transgender young person. Panelists will reflect on someone who has been there for them and share specifically what that support meant and what it looked like.
This is a conversation about possibility, connection, and action - and about inspiring each of us to consider what we can do to be that supportive person for someone else.
Moderator Janna Barkin (she/her) is an author, speaker, parent coach, and passionate advocate for transgender youth. She is the proud mother of a transgender son and the author of He’s Always Been My Son and A Grand Love: Stories for Grandparents of Transgender Grandchildren, both Amazon #1 bestsellers. A lifelong educator and student, Janna leads support groups, speaks widely, and shares guidance, encouragement, and stories that foster understanding, compassion, acceptance, and hope.
Learn more about Janna and the work she does by visiting her website: www.hesalwaysbeenmyson.com
PFLAG EAST BAY / OAKLAND Guest Speaker
The Power of Connection: How Families can Support Their LGBTQ+ Loved Ones
with Janna Barkin
Tuesday, October 27, 7 PM
The Campbell Room at St. John's Presbyterian Church,
Berkeley, CA
We learn from stories about others' journeys of understanding and acceptance. In October, we welcome Janna Barkin (she/her), author, speaker, group facilitator, and parent coach, for a heartfelt talk about family acceptance, hope, and the power of connection. Janna will draw upon her experience as the mother of a transgender son to share insights and stories that highlight how families can support their LGBTQ+ loved ones, foster understanding, and remind parents, grandparents, and allies that they are not alone.
Janna Barkin is a passionate advocate for transgender youth and the facilitator of support groups, including online groups for PFLAG National. She is the author of He’s Always Been My Son - A Mother's Story About Raising Her Transgender Son and A Grand Love: Stories for Grandparents of Transgender Grandchildren, both Amazon #1 bestsellers. A lifelong educator and student, Janna leads multiple support groups, speaks widely, and shares guidance, encouragement, and stories that foster understanding, compassion, acceptance, and hope.
After the program, we there will be space for confidential sharing and support. Meetings are held from 7-9 PM in the Campbell Room at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Avenue in Berkeley (look for the PFLAG banner). Masks are optional. We ask that you not attend if you are feeling unwell or if you've been in contact with anyone who is unwell.
For questions please email pflagoeb@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 510-562-7692 and someone will get back to you.
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I add events frequently.
Please contact me if you would like to book a speaking engagement, panel discussion, book talk, or any other type of event.
Upcoming Events:
Speaking, Book Talks, Groups, etc.
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