Advocacy at All Levels: Making Your PFLAG Voice Heard

With state legislative sessions kicking off and Congress back in session, now is the time for PFLAGers to make their voices heard. Join the PFLAG Advocacy Team for a workshop designed to empower the PFLAG community to advocate effectively for LGBTQ+ issues at the local, state, and federal levels. Whether you’re stepping into advocacy for the first time or bringing years of experience, this session will provide the tools and strategies needed to engage with lawmakers and amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ people and their families.

Katie Blair (she/her)

Vice President, Advocacy

PFLAG National

Katie Blair is an experienced advocate with a track record of leading numerous historic initiatives aimed at safeguarding and advancing civil rights. She served as the Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at the ACLU of Indiana for over a decade where she spearheaded the organization’s coalition and legislative work on issues including LGBTQ rights, criminal legal reform, racial justice, reproductive freedom and voting rights. In her role at the ACLU, Katie led the fight to defeat Indiana’s controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which would have enshrined LGBTQ discrimination into law. Additionally, she spearheaded the fight against Indiana’s abortion ban and led the charge against the state’s most recent legislative attacks on LGBTQ youth and their families. She also created business advocacy and community engagement programs that have become models for advocacy organizations across the country. Prior to her work at the ACLU of Indiana, Katie served as the Director of Activism for Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Executive Director for the 51% Club, a political organization aimed at inspiring Democratic women to vote. Originally from Illiopolis, Illinois, Katie received her undergraduate degree in communication and her Masters of Public Health from the University of Missouri. She lives in Indianapolis with her wife, Megan, and their three rescue dogs, Stevie Nicks, Jolene and Sissy.

Patrick Cocharn (he/him)

Advocacy and Policy Engagement Manager

PFLAG National

Patrick joined the team at PFLAG National in May of 2019. He grew up in Annapolis, Maryland and went to the University of Maryland for his post-secondary education. He earned BAs in Government & Politics and in French, both cum laude, in 2017 and then extended his time as a Terp for one additional year to get his Masters of Public Policy. While in school, he served as an intern in several Congressional Offices, as well as the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. Before coming to PFLAG, Patrick was a program manager at the Eisenhower Institute. He was also elected Chair of the Virginia Young Democrats LGBTQA Caucus in April of 2019.