With what seems to be an upswing in awareness surrounding the Chippewa Valley’s LGBT community, the LGBT Community Center of the Chippewa Valley is considering reopening a chapter of PFLAG, or Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. PFLAG is a national organization which, among other things, seeks to provide knowledge and support to those who have questions about LGBT issues. The Valley’s last chapter folded a year and a half ago due to lack of participation, but Eau Claire resident Paul Wagner, co-author of Ready or Not, They’re Gay, feels that now is a crucial time to establish a place for dialogue. “More and more people are coming out. More and more people are being exposed to people coming out,” says Wagner, and he feels it’s essential that those people have a safe place to share their stories. Ann Hoeppner, who is currently organizing the local chapter, says one of her main goals is to let parents of LGBT individuals know that they’re not alone and that there are others with whom they can share their thoughts. For the moment, the Chippewa Valley chapter will be an online-only group, functioning through mass e-mails (people can remain anonymous if they wish), but if there’s enough interest Hoeppner would like to hold physical meetings as well. You can contact Hoeppner at hoeppnera@gmail.com.