A row of grey lockers with one locker painted in vertical rainbow colors.

New school year, new beginnings

By Janice Anderson

It’s almost school time. Are our kids ready? Are we ready?

As a teacher, I am gearing up for the school year by going over my lesson plans to see what can be improved, made by more interesting, more inclusive, and more successful. I am stockpiling supplies I can take back to the classroom so that my environment is welcoming and friendly. I want my students to feel safe to be themselves so they can feel free to focus on learning.

As a parent, I am making sure that my children have all the tools they need at home, like pencils, notebooks, and a study area without electronic distractions. I also make sure they have what they need at school, like a safe campus to be themselves with support from teachers and administrative staff. If your child feels welcome at school, they will be more successful. We all want successful school years: academically and socially.

When our children or loved ones are out as LGBTQ at school, we may not know how we can help them navigate their school year. Our August meeting will include a presentation on the rights students have in their schools. We will discuss what parents and family can do to make sure their child is in a safe and supportive place, how and when to talk to teachers and administration, and how to be involved in clubs like GSAs.

Come learn with us at PFLAG Houston’s general meeting on August 11. Doors open at 1:45 p.m. We meet in Room 106 at The Montrose Center, 401 Branard Street. The general meeting runs from 2 ’til 3 p.m. with small groups meeting until 4:20 p.m. We have a small group for people who want support for issues of sexuality (LGB) and one for gender identity (TQI+)

PFLAG Houston has four other small groups  which meet during the month to share support throughout the metro area:

Third Thursday of each month at Bering United Methodist Church. 1140 Harold Street, Houston, Texas at 7 p.m. Use entrance beside back parking lot.

Fourth Sunday of each month at Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church, Fellowship Hall. 17503 El Camino Real Drive, Clear Lake, Texas at 2 p.m.

Fourth Tuesday of each month at First Christian Church, 22101 Morton Ranch Road, Katy, Texas at 7 p.m. Enter through front doors.

Last Sunday of the month at First United Methodist Church, 2314 N. Grand Boulevard, Pearland, Texas at 2 ’til 3:30 p.m. Use the Jasmine Strett entrance, room B211 in the Bethel Building.

PFLAG Houston is committed to supporting families and educating the public about LGBT issues, and invites all to consider the group’s numerous volunteer opportunities. PFLAG Houston is also passionate about advocacy to ensure equal human rights and end discrimination. PFLAG Houston invites all family members, parents and/or youth who are having problems with coming out issues, and welcomes everyone, regardless of religious affiliation, ethnicity or political persuasion. The group is proud of its rich history and the continued contributions of members, and invites all to learn more about the organization and join in efforts to create a more diverse, accepting society. Find a home in PFLAG.

For information about support, upcoming events and meetings, as well as up-to-date news relevant to PFLAG Houston’s family and friends, visit PFLAGHouston.org, email janice_anderson@yahoo.com, or call the PFLAG Helpline at 713-467-3524.

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