PFLAG `Bend was founded in July 1993, following the defeat of the Oregon Citizens Alliance (OCA) sponsored Ballot Measure 9.  This initiative sought to codify discrimination based on sexual orientation, declaring homosexuality an abnormal behavior.  Recognizing the particular support needs of lesbians and gays and their families in small town Bend, a group of 14 gathered to form the first PFLAG east of Oregon's populous Willamette Valley.     

In 1994, 10 people signed on as charter members of the Bend based group, procured a post office box, established a phone helpline, and began producing a bimonthly newsletter.  A large lending library of lesbian/gay-related books and videos was started in 1995, and the group hosted the first Oregon State PFLAG Conference.  In 1997, the chapter co-hosted a conference on homosexuality and the church, an "undiscussed" subject at that time in rural Oregon and established a speakers bureau.  The year 2000, was dominated by yet another successful campaign against the latest OCA initiative.  In addition the chapter changed its name to PFLAG Bend/Central Oregon to reflect the geographic area served.    

Visibility was the goal of 2001-2003.  With a membership of approximately 80 people, the chapter began publishing quarterly picture ads in the "Bend Bulletin", adopted a highway for litter patrol, hosted two concerts, sponsored "Solidarity Sunday" in a number of churches, developed a website, and had 70 people participate in the Bend holiday parade.    

Throughout the chapter's history, a monthly support group has been offered on the 2nd Monday of each month.  Each meeting features an educational program, but also sets aside time for participants to break into small discussion groups where individual's specific concerns or questions can be addressed.  No meeting would be complete without hearty refreshments and time for socializing.