The 1980's were a much different time when you consider the perceptions and understandings most Americans have today. The 1980's were also when the Cleveland chapter of PFLAG was founded.

PFLAG is the country's first --and now largest-- organization for LGBTQ people; their parents, families, and allies. This month, the local group is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Its co-founders, Jane Daroff & Dr. Jes Sellers, were just recognized in Crain's Cleveland Business's Notable LGBTQ Executives for the work they've done for families around the region.

Today on The Sound of Ideas, we're going to hear about the growth of the chapter, and, as yesterday was national Coming Out Day, first observed in 1988 and celebrated in all 50 states for the past 30 years. The foundational belief of that date being marked is that homophobia thrives in an atmosphere of silence and ignorance.

Today, we'll hear stories from people who have recently affirmed their status, and discuss how they've reached out to PFLAG as a place of acceptance.

To start, we'll hear from the founders about how the organization has changed since the 1980s.

Later in the hour, we'll hear a conversation with NPR producer Connor Towne O'Neill about his new book, "Down Along With That Devil's Bones: A Reckoning with Monuments, Memory and the Legacy of White Supremacy."

Guests:
Jes Sellers, PhD, Co-Founder and Support Group Moderator, PFLAG & Psychologist

Jane Daroff, Co-Founder & Support Group Moderator, PFLAG & Clinical Social Worker

Jack Kincaid, Senior, CWRU & 2020 PFLAG Cleveland Scholarship Recipient

McKenzie Kenny, Transgender woman

Joy & John Kenny, McKenzie's parents

Connor Towne O'Neill, Author, Down Along With That Devil's Bones: A Reckoning with Monuments, Memory and the Legacy of White Supremacy & Producer, NPR podcast White Lies