LGBTQ parental support group offered
Oct. 2—GREENSBURG — A peer-to-peer support group for parents of LGBTQ children is scheduled for 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, in the Decatur County REMC Community Room.
Hosted by the newly established Decatur County Pride Alliance, the event offers a safe space for parents and members of the LGBTQ community to meet and talk with others facing the same challenges.
Light snacks and beverages will be provided.
The Decatur County Pride Alliance is a not-for-profit organization incorporated earlier this year.
DCPA's mission statement states: "Organized for the purpose of education and advocacy on behalf of LGBTQ individuals in Decatur County, Indiana."
The organization started as an online chat group until their first face-to-face meeting in May.
Now, the DCPA is incorporated as a 501©(3) organization with officers who were elected in July.
Tammy Bailey is the organization's secretary/treasurer, and she explained how the group started.
"The idea for a parental support group came from an online discussion between members and board members," Bailey said. "We knew we wanted to get people more involved with the DCPA, but we were at a loss."
The group forum listed issues the membership wanted to see happen in the county, and one that repeated was "come up with suggestions for parents on how to talk to their LGBTQ teenager."
As a parent of an LGBTQ teenager, Bailey could instantly see the need for an opportunity to talk to other parents.
"I think it's a great way for parents to just talk to each other," she said. "Sometimes you just need someone else to listen to you and offer suggestions."
To learn more about the Decatur County Pride Alliance or the DCPA parents support group, look for them on Facebook.
What does LGBTQ mean?
"L" refers to lesbian
"G" refers to gay
"B" refers to bisexual
"T" refers to transsexual
"Q" refers to queer or questioning
Contact Bill Rethlake at 812-651-0876 or email bill.rethlake@greensburgdailynews.com
