NEWTON, N.C. — “Reconciling Your Faith with Your LGBT Child” will be held on Feb. 9, 6 p.m., at Unifour Christian Fellowship Church, 1546 Big Cedar Ln.
The Rev. Bob and Beth Shoffner will share their experience with attendees, relating their own story about having an LGBT child in hope that sharing their story will help other families with their journey.
During the program, OUTright Youth of Catawba Valley will also present the documentary “LEAD with Love, Strengthening Families through the Coming Out Process.” The film speaks directly and sympathetically to parents who may struggle with their children’s sexual orientation.
One thing that the documentary says is: “LGBT youth from ‘highly rejecting’ households are more than eight times more likely to attempt suicide than those in supportive households.”
OUTright Youth says: “Family rejection has a serious impact on a gay or transgender young person’s risk for health and mental health problems. Many youth who are rejected actually feel like their parents and family members hate them. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth who are shut out by their parents or family have a high incidence of homelessness, suicide and drug and alcohol abuse.”
This event is free. For more information or to reserve a spot, email mdore@outrightyouthcv.org, or call 828-320-1937.