End Of An Era For PFLAG

Local News, By Jen Somewhere, 18th January, 2010

This year will not only mark the start of the new decade, but it also marks a new chapter for PFLAG Brisbane. Shelly Argent, long standing President of PFLAG Brisbane is taking on other responsibilities within the group and leaving Margaret Parkhill take the reins.

Argent mentions her decision to move away from the Presidency was not made lightly, but it does have a number of benefits.

“By no longer being President, it now means I can spend more time lobbying, which I believe is very important in the sense that the PFLAG parents believe it’s important to show that we want equality for our sons and daughters,” says Argent. “It’s time for others to become known and step up and take the reins of the general running of PFLAG in Brisbane, especially while I am still involved which I hope will make the transition easier for everyone involved.”

With so many years of experience under her belt, having Argent still on hand as the National Spokesperson is sure to be very useful resource for the group.

From humble beginnings of a print run of just 1000 flyers, PFLAG Brisbane recently launched a campaign headed by Argent that saw 90,000 postcards being placed around the country advising the general community on how to be an ally for equality. While creating and maintaining a presence in the wider community and related media has always been important to Argent, she was also able to use her time as President to lobby politicians, speak at meetings and conferences advocating for the queer community.

When reflecting on her time at the helm, Argent describes her proudest moment as the Longreach for Outreach program. “That was very well received by school based health nurses, school counselors and the QLD Police Service. The resource was written for rural and regional workers in QLD who had very few resources to assist families and LGBT youth.”

While the positions and faces may have changed a little in 2010, there is no indication that things are going to slow down for PFLAG who are preparing for another year of positive action. Argent mentions the plan for new year is to continue to put pressure on government both State and Federal to advocate for rights. “In QLD we are still advocating for recognition for same sex parents and surrogacy to be introduced. And of course federally, it is equality in marriage.”

If you consider her numerous accomplishments during her time as President I think there is little doubt Argent will not stop until she has assisted PFLAG in meeting these goals.