Contacts:
Petra Wahlqvist, PFLAG Lincoln Board Secretary, secretary@pflagcornhusker.com
Abbi Swatsworth, OutNebraska Executive Director, abbi@outnebraska.org
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Statement: Exciting changes happening in Lincoln for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them
After 40 years serving our community, the Board of Directors of PFLAG Lincoln—a local chapter of PFLAG National, and whose mission is to create a caring, just, and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them—has made the decision to close. OutNebraska, whose mission is to advocate, celebrate and educate to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ Nebraskans, will be available to serve those formerly served by PFLAG. PFLAG National is supporting PFLAG Lincoln with this closure and transition process.
“The board of PFLAG Lincoln believes that with the changing landscape of LGBTQ+ issues, OutNebraska can provide services in a sustainable and effective manner going forward,” said Becky Boesen, PFLAG Lincoln Board Chair. “Because of the all-volunteer nature of PFLAG Lincoln’s work, the mission was not being met at its full potential. Our board unanimously agreed to leave this critical work in the caring and capable hands of OutNebraska, which has greater staff and resources.”
“OutNebraska is grateful for the decades-long support of parents and friends of LGBTQ+ folks provided through PFLAG Lincoln,” said Abbi Swatsworth, OutNebraska’s Executive Director. “Our team looks forward to carrying on this work of supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people, their families, and non-family allies in our community.”
OutNebraska will receive PFLAG Lincoln’s remaining assets, per PFLAG Lincoln’s Bylaws, which indicates that resources are to be transferred to a nonprofit serving a similar mission in the case of dissolving the organization.