By Janice Anderson

February is here and love is in the air! Between Valentine’s Day and my birthday, February is by far my favorite month. Although your meet-cute may have happened during a dull month like July or September, February can be a time to stop and reflect on the things you love about your partner: things that bring a smile to your face, a skip in your step and an oasis in your mind.

Sunday, February 9, the presentation at our PFLAG general meeting will be a panel of LGBTQ couples who will share their love stories. Parents and family members often worry about their LGBTQ loved ones. When your child comes out, you have fears that life will be that much harder for them. But seeing thriving, happy people in committed relationships can show worried folks that everything is going to be okay. Love is love and that love is grand.

Please join us as we celebrate love. After the general meeting, we will break into small groups where folks can share their stories, share worries and receive support from other parents, family members and allies who are on the same journey. We have a small group for people who want support for issues of sexuality (LGB) and one for gender identity (TQI+).

Doors open at 1:45 p.m. We meet in Room 113/114 at The Montrose Center, 401 Branard Street. We have a small group for people who want support for issues of sexuality (LGB) and one for gender identity (TQI+). During small groups, folks can share their stories, share worries and receive support from other parents, family members, or allies who are on the same journey.

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 the 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 Street 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.