By Janice Anderson

Thanksgiving week marks the time of year when your calendar fills up with holiday happenings.  So, get out your pen to mark your calendar because PFLAG Houston’s December 8 meeting will be our Holiday Social. 

We invite all of our members, interested parties and satellite small groups to join us. Doors open at 1:45 p.m. At 2 p.m., we will start with small groups, where you can share your stories, receive moral support and be there for each other. Following small groups, at 3 p.m., we will have our social. We’ll share finger foods and snacks. Bring your favorite treat, savory or sweet. PFLAG will bring the sodas and paper goods. 

We will hold small group facilitator training on December 14, 10 a.m. to noon. Anyone interested in learning how to facilitate a discussion in a small group setting is welcome to attend. It’s valuable training, no matter what sort of support group you may attend.

We meet in Room 113/114 at The Montrose Center, 401 Branard Street.

Our membership drive, which started in October, is still ongoing. You can find the membership form on our website or at one of our meetings.

Board elections. During our November general meeting, we held board elections. Our 2020 board members are president, Janice Anderson; vice president, Brenda Godsey; secretary, Gwendolyn Lambert; and treasurers, Lydia Middents and Cort Werntz.  

Other meetings. PFLAG Houston has four other small groups that 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.