CULLMAN, Ala. — Cullman County, a region long associated with its conservative roots and fraught history of exclusion, is taking a step toward inclusivity with the launch of its first chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays). The chapter held its inaugural meeting Saturday at the North Alabama Agriplex, marking a historic moment for LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies in the area.
The new chapter will provide monthly support meetings for LGBTQ+ people and their families, offering a safe and confidential space for education, dialogue, and advocacy. PFLAG is the nation’s largest organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals and their loved ones, with over 400 chapters nationwide. The Cullman chapter’s creation is seen as a significant milestone in a region where open discussions about LGBTQ+ issues have often been met with resistance.
Cullman County’s history is steeped in exclusionary practices that linger in local memory. In the late 19th century, the area was known as a “sundown town,” where Black residents were not welcome after dark. While those policies are long gone, Cullman has continued to struggle with embracing diversity. More recently, LGBTQ+ residents have faced challenges ranging from workplace discrimination to hostility toward public events celebrating queer identity. In 2022, Cullman hosted its first-ever Pride event, which drew both supporters and detractors.
Despite these challenges, advocates believe the establishment of a PFLAG chapter could mark a turning point. The group’s mission is to provide support for families navigating questions about gender identity and sexual orientation while fostering understanding within the broader community.
“PFLAG has always been about creating spaces where people can feel safe and supported,” said Brian Bond, executive director of PFLAG National, in a statement announcing the new chapter. “We’re thrilled to see Cullman join this movement.”
The chapter’s organizers have emphasized that confidentiality will be a cornerstone of their meetings to ensure participants feel secure in sharing their experiences. This is particularly important in smaller communities like Cullman, where anonymity can be difficult to maintain.
Cullman’s move to establish a PFLAG chapter comes at a time when LGBTQ+ rights remain under scrutiny across Alabama. The state has no laws explicitly protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in housing or employment. Meanwhile, legislation targeting transgender youth has drawn national criticism from civil rights groups.
Still, advocates see hope in grassroots efforts like this one. By fostering understanding at the local level, they believe communities like Cullman can begin to challenge long-standing prejudices.
While it remains to be seen how the community will respond over time, Saturday’s meeting marked what many hope will be the beginning of meaningful change in Cullman—a community taking its first steps toward inclusion after decades of division.