In this second of two interviews, psychotherapist James Green discusses his nearly thirty year involvement with the Charlotte, North Carolina chapter of Parents & Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Mr. Green discusses the nascent Charlotte chapter of PFLAG in 1987, explaining that as Charlotte was growing into a bigger city in the 1980s, there was a population in Charlotte who had a need for PFLAG services. He also attributes the establishment of PFLAG in Charlotte in 1987 to the combined effect of more people coming out due to more publicized gay liberation, and more gay men being forced to come out by their HIV diagnosis. Mr. Green discusses the network of cooperation between PFLAG, the Metrolina Aids Project (MAP), and other local LGBT organizations to address community needs. Love, acceptance, and friendliness are the attributes of PFLAG that Mr. Green explains helped the organization navigate local opposition. He also suggests that the close work between PFLAG and faith communities helped build a more inclusive community. After recounting PFLAG Charlotte's history, Mr. Green discusses topical contemporary issues facing PFLAG, such as transgender acceptance and support--especially in the aftermath of North Carolina's divisive 2016 statute, the Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act, popularly known as House Bill 2 or HB2.
