This article was originally published in The University Press, Lamar University’s student newspaper, on Sept. 13, 2018.
Story by Eleanor Skelton
UP contributor
Live music from an indie local musician, a humid summer evening with cicadas blending in to the melody, and diverse company — and all in a good cause.
PFLAG Beaumont’s fall backyard concert, which kicks off its membership drive, is set for 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sept. 22, 5340 Rose Lane in Beaumont. Admission is a $7 suggested donation, or a PFLAG membership, $10 for students and $25 for individuals.
“You can go up to $100 or more if you want above $25 as a donation,” PFLAG Beaumont’s Vice President Jerry Thacker said. “It’s all tax-deductible. Most of (the donation) stays locally, just a small part goes to national.
“Your membership helps fund an educational support meeting every third Sunday, our newsletter and community events, as well as networking with other activist groups in the area.”
PFLAG Beaumont partners with Triangle Area Network, Triangle Caucus and Golden Triangle Indivisible, Thacker said. Lamar Allies has worked with PFLAG to host educational events.
“We took over Beaumont Pride this year and the Coming Out Ball,” Thacker said.
PFLAG is the local chapter of the national organization Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, an organization that offers support and counseling for the LGBTQ community.
The event will also feature a live auction with art and music as well as a voter registration drive. Drinks and food will be provided and over 21s may also bring their own beverages.
Beaumont native Silas Feemster will be the concert’s main act.
Feemster’s style is bottleneck, ragtime, ballad and Gospel — “nothing fancy, just simple,” his Facebook page states. The self-taught guitarist describes himself as a “one man show from the uncomfortable region of Southeast Texas.”
The Beaumont chapter of PFLAG launched in 2013 after locals attending Houston meetings decided to start their own group in Southeast Texas, Thacker said.
Everyone is invited to attend meetings, as well as the concert.
“You can be a friend, ally, gay, lesbian, whatever — we don’t limit anybody,” Thacker said. “What’s in the support groups stays in the support groups, so it’s very confidential.”
Thacker said PFLAG Beaumont connects older generations to younger people and brings people together who are on different parts of their journeys.
“All our venues are a place of mutual respect, so it’s very low key,” he said. “It’s a family-friendly and safe environment.”
For more information, visit pflagbmt.org, or the group’s Facebook page.
Eleanor Skelton 