ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – During the holiday season, not everyone has family or friends to celebrate with, which is one reason why the PFLAG Rockford chapter held its ‘Chosen Family Holiday’ event Sunday afternoon.
The gathering brought people together, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community, to help build connections and bring a welcoming feeling to everyone who attended.
Those attending had no issue finding the church and getting to the event room(WIFR)
Organizers say the idea was sparked last year during one of their monthly meetings and PFLAG President Frank Langholf said it was a great idea.
“We had a member say, ‘I need a safe place for the holidays, I need a safe place where I can be fully myself.’ So we thought, let’s create something,” said Langholf. “That was our goal, to create a safe place, for people, particularly within the LGBTQI+ community, to gather at the time of holidays.”
With a fully decorated room at the Emanuel Lutheran Church, the holiday spirit was all around attendees. Food, drinks, and desserts were all provided by the organization and everyone who stepped inside felt welcome and safe.
No one went home hungry or thirsty as all refreshments were free and available to everyone(WIFR)
Secretary for PFLAG’s Rockford chapter Rena Folowell said it’s hard to be accepted at any time of the year but it can feel especially difficult around the holidays and around friends or family who just don’t get it.
“You get misgendered or you’re just not accepted at all so it’s hard, it’s stressful,” said Rena. “A lot of people don’t have family at all, so it’s nice to have chosen family; a place where you can go and be accepted.”
Taking time out of their own lives, organizers say it was all worth it(WIFR)
If you’re interested in learning more about PFLAG’s Rockford chapter, you can head over to their Facebook to get the latest updates.
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