PFLAG Whidbey Island at the Coupeville Greening Holiday Parade

This year our PFLAG Whidbey Island  (PFLAG is the first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents and families, and allies. With over 400 chapters and 200,000 members and supporters crossing multiple generations of families in major urban centers, small cities, and rural areas across America, PFLAG is committed to creating a world where diversity is celebrated and all people are respected, valued, and affirmed. )  PFLAG Whidbey Island with renewed life and spirit jumped right in.  I had been pushing for a louder voice for  our Whidbey Island LGBTQ community.   On North Whidbey there was a feeling of greater retreat from equality in Oak Harbor and with our military administration.  Therefore  PFLAG needing North Whidbey to be a such a strong, collective voice for our military, help students in the schools and parents in their workplace and home.  We couldn’t have asked for a nicer evening.  The acceptance from the individuals along the parade route was fabulous.  We actually had people yelling out “PFLAG, WE LOVE YOU!”  I also received several hugs as we were merely walking along handing out candy.

Anita Johnston with PFLAG Whidbey Island in Coupeville Greening Parade

Look for us at future events and definitely message me if you have questions regarding how you can help PFLAG or equality on Whidbey Island.

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Anita Johnston with PFLAG Whidbey Island in Coupeville Greening Parade

The historic buildings of Coupeville were all be dressed up in greens, white lights and red bows.  It was a beautiful, traditional Christmas parade – with, of course, Santa Claus at the end- from charming Front Street. The Coupeville Chamber of Commerce organizes the parade and caps off the evening with a tree lighting and weather permitting a boat parade in Penn Cove. There will also be late evening shopping at participating merchants downtown.   It was guaranteed to bring smiles to young and old.