What IS PFLAG?
PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) with their families, friends, and allies. Since 1972, its mission has been to advance equality and full societal affirmation of LGBTQ+ people through support, education, and advocacy.
Our Chapter
PFLAG Washburn-Chequamegon Bay was founded in 2009 and proudly serves Ashland and Bayfield counties in northern Wisconsin. Year round, we provide the Chequamagon Bay community of Lake Superior with information and a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.
With the changing political climate, we are also working to strengthen support and help make schools a safer and more inclusive space for LGBTQ youth.
Your Chapter
It makes no difference if you’re 65 and still in the closet, or you’re 14 and proudly out - or if you're a parent, sibling, grandparent, or friend. We're with you!
Our Board
Elise Kehle, Chapter President
This is a fight I have been in since age twelve. Originally from Missouri, I know the fate that awaits us if we fail in the struggle. Our local chapter must be a vital part of the community. I came to PFLAG through hosting our 2021 trivia night and never looked back. The Chequamegon Bay has unique potential to be as welcoming for everyone as it has been for me, and I want us all to strive for that. Our path to survival is through working class solidarity and compassion!
Pronouns: She/Her
Jess Hall, Vice President
I want to be a part of something bigger than myself. I want to: help facilitate and provide tools for parents and show we can be comfortable with questions without answers rather than promote answers that can’t be questioned. It is time for me in my life to give back. I have empathy for the underdog. I had no adult queer role models when I grew up. I could not see myself as an adult. I can now provide to young persons my role model as a trans non-binary person. A dream outcome would be that PFLAG provides a solid presence in this community, and we can increase the resources for queer folks.
Pronouns: They/Them
Nancy Hanson, Founder / Outgoing Treasurer
Nancy has been our PFLAG chapter leader since inception in 2009. Her day job is serving as an ELCA pastor for two congregations on the Bayfield peninsula. In her free time, she loves cross country skiing and beach walking with her spouse.
Pronouns: She/Her
Jocelyn Langholz, Incoming Treasurer
Pronouns:
Brian Heeringa, Secretary
I want to make a difference for those in the LGBTQ+ community, meet other people with similar values, be more involved, be a voice for those who need it, and try to improve understanding and acceptance. To make our whole community in which we live safer. To encourage more engagement at all levels and progress PFLAG’s mission. My hope is that we can provide a space where everyone can grow, thrive, feel safe and valued.
Pronouns: He/Him
Mark Ricker, Board Member
When I was asked to join the PFLAG Board I had just ‘come out’ as a gay father, pastor and friend to many in the Ashland WI area. Joining the Board was one step toward becoming an activist for gay rights and protection. Over the years that I have served I have gotten to know many like-minded humans who are smart, kind and a pleasure to work with!
Pronouns: He/Him
Colene Lee, Board Member
I want to learn more about the struggles and persecution of LBGTQ+ folks and get to know them, so I can be a better ally for the group. I have a 16-year-old grandson who I want to grow up whole---as I want for all children--- not incapacitated by fear and hatred based solely on skin color and sexual and gender preferences. Being a part of PFLAG, hearing people’s stories, being an ally, hopefully offsetting some of the hatred they’ve experienced with acceptance and love makes me happy. I feel privileged to attend school board meetings with fellow PFLAG board members to advocate for LBGTQ+. I like staffing the PFLAG events table, meeting people, and expanding their understanding of the LBGTQ+ community. I desire to aid PFLAG in its multi-faceted efforts to mitigate and eliminate the prejudice and hatred perpetrated against the LBGTQ+ by those who seek to rise to power through fear mongering and promoting violence against innocent people.
Pronouns: She/Her
Kathleen Skoraczewski, Board Member
I am the proud parent of a trans non-binary person who completed their K-12 education in our local area. Through their experiences, I have an understanding of the challenges these environments can bring. They are now happily living their best life as a college student in California, but I promised them I would not stop working to make our area better for kids like them who are growing up here. As the owner of a small family run business in a service-based profession, I have had the opportunity to put names and faces to many of the issues our customers only hear about on their respective news stations. I work to humanize hot topics and challenge some long held beliefs. Through PFLAG, I look forward to the opportunity to do these things in more organized settings.
Pronouns: She/Her
Lyle Poppe, Board Member
Hi, I’m Lyle Poppe, and I live in Bayfield County with my husband and our dogs. Since moving here a few years ago, I’ve been captivated by the natural beauty of the area and inspired by the welcoming spirit of the community. Serving on the PFLAG board is my way of giving back, working to ensure that everyone feels safe, accepted, and fully supported. I’m passionate about fostering inclusivity and strengthening connections within our community for all its members.
Pronouns: He/Him
Jason Kline, Board Member
I've been a resident of Ashalnd since 2014, after growing up in the far North Chicago Suburbs. I write, design tabletop games, and generally want to be useful. Honestly, I'm not sure if I'm the best one to take part in this struggle, but everyone deserves safety.
Pronouns: He/Him