During one of the most tumultuous times for LGBTQ+ people in the last decade, people look for silver linings to find the hope and motivation to continue the fight for queer rights. One of these silver linings came recently for PFLAG, the largest LGBTQ+ organization dedicated to support, education, and advocacy; a new COO has been appointed to help move the organization forward.
Sultan Shakir (he/him) is known for being a strong leader, a fearless advocate, and a facilitator of equality. Over his two-decades long career thus far, he has undertaken many endeavors to build a safer, more just world for all.
“Sultan is an experienced, well-respected nonprofit leader whose strategic guidance has strengthened each organization he has worked with. It is clear that in his first quarter as COO for PFLAG National, he has already made an impact,” says Brian K. Bond (he/him), CEO of PFLAG.
Initially, Shakir got his start by becoming a community organizer in low-income Black and Brown neighborhoods. Since then, he has served as the President and Executive Director of the Mazzoni Center in Philadelphia, Executive Director of youth services provider SMYAL, and he worked for many years with the Human Rights Campaign.
Much of Shakir’s impact has come in the form of budget expansion for nonprofits, campaigning and voter engagement outreach, and helping jumpstart local and federal policy changes.
“This work is deeply personal to me as a queer Muslim who found affirmation and community in spaces like the ones PFLAG creates,” Shakir remarks about his new position. “I am honored to join PFLAG National at this pivotal time. The parents, family members, and allies of LGBTQ+ people are such a critical voice in the national debate. I’m excited to support the work of elevating those voices and increasing national impact as we strive to ensure LGBTQ+ individuals—especially young people—are not only protected but celebrated.”
Sultan Shakir is expected to thrive as COO of PFLAG and will be greatly influential in guiding the organization through adversity.
PFLAG is proud of the progress they have made in 2025 despite the current administration’s efforts to defund nonprofits and attack queer rights groups. Since January, PFLAG added 30 new chapters, seven of which came in June alone, many of which support rural and other communities that lack support across the country.
Learning With Love: The 2025 PFLAG National Convention is also set to take place October 10-12 of this year in Chicago, IL. This convention provides information and collaboration through workshops and panels for community leaders, families, and individuals.
Photo courtesy of the press release
