President’s Letter 2025-2026

Dear PFLAG Norman Family,

As I come to the end of my time serving on the PFLAG Norman board, I find myself reflecting on a journey that has meant more to me than I could ever put into words.

For six years, I have had the honor of serving this chapter.

I served as Chapter Vice President from October 1, 2020, through September 30, 2023, and as Chapter President from October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2026.

But my journey with PFLAG started with someone who encouraged me to take that first step.

I want to take a moment to thank our former President, Michael Robertson. Michael was the person who pushed me to step forward and get involved in helping our community. At the time, I didn't know where that step would take me or how much it would change my life.

That one step turned into six years of service, countless friendships, difficult challenges, beautiful memories, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of what it truly means to show up for your community.

Michael, thank you for seeing something in me and encouraging me to take that step. I will always be grateful that you did.

I also want to thank every current and former board member who has been part of this journey over the past six years.

Each and every one of you has left a mark on my life and in my heart. I cherish every one of you more than you can imagine. We may have shared different experiences, faced difficult moments, celebrated victories, or sometimes simply tried to figure things out together, but each of you has been part of my story and part of the story of PFLAG Norman.

Thank you for your time, your dedication, your ideas, your honesty, your friendship, and most importantly, for caring about the people we serve.

And to my husband, Ryan Watson.

There are no words big enough to express how grateful I am for you.

For all these years, you have stood beside me through this journey. You have supported me, encouraged me, listened to me, celebrated the good moments with me, and held me through the difficult ones. You have given me the space and strength to pour so much of myself into our community while always being there when I came home.

Thank you for loving me through all of it.

I love you more than anything.

These six years have taught me that PFLAG is so much more than an organization. It is a family. It is a place where people can find support, understanding, friendship, and love.

We exist because people need to know they are not alone. We exist because families need support and understanding. We exist because our LGBTQIA+ community deserves people who will stand beside them, listen to them, and remind them that they are loved exactly as they are.

I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, but I am even more proud of the people who make PFLAG Norman what it is.

As I step away from the role of President, I also want to ask our PFLAG family to please support our incoming Vice President, Katie Mihalek, as she takes on this important role while we continue working to find the next person who will serve as President.

Katie has the same love, compassion, and passion for our community that has driven me throughout my years of service. I know she will continue the work of Leading With Love, not only here in Norman, but throughout Midwest City and the many communities we have the privilege of serving.

Please give Katie the same support, encouragement, patience, and love that you have given me. Leadership is never something one person does alone. It takes all of us.

PFLAG Norman was never about one person. It has always been about all of us.

As I pass the torch to the next chapter of leadership, I ask you to continue supporting one another, welcoming new people, and keeping the heart of PFLAG alive.

Continue Leading With Love.

Continue making waves.

Continue reminding people that there is a community that cares about them.

Because of you, I have a greater love and understanding of who I was, who I have become, and the community around me.

My title may change, but my love for PFLAG Norman and the people who make up this family will always remain.

Thank you for allowing me to serve, for trusting me, for challenging me, for supporting me, and for sharing this incredible journey with me.

With all my love and gratitude,

Jerry Arias Watson

PFLAG Norman
Chapter Vice President, 2020–2023
Chapter President, 2023–2026