BELOIT — A “Friendsgiving” event for LGBTQ+, which will include food and allyship, is set to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Nov. 19 at the Old Fellowship Lodge #14, 21 S. Main St., Janesville. All are welcome to the event, which is sponsored by the Rock County LGBTQ+ Committee and DEFY Domestic Abuse Beloit.

Turkey will be provided at the “Friendsgiving.” Attendees of the free event are asked to bring a dish to pass and their own non-alcoholic beverage. No reservations are required.

The Rock County LGBTQ+ Committee is also starting a friends and family of LGBTQ+ support group.

“The Friends and Family of LGBTQ+ support group is starting because of a great need in our community to gather, talk, absorb change and help loneliness among friends and/or family of LGBTQ+ members,” said DEFY Domestic Abuse Beloit LGBTQ+ Survivor Advocate Stephanie Hormig. “Sometimes new and unknown things can be difficult and scary. We want to help people understand that there is a place for you to ask questions, not know what to do, and get understanding and help.”

People are welcome to attend the support group meetings either in person or via zoom. The first meeting is at 6 p.m. Nov. 16 at 416 College St., Beloit. 

The Rock County LGBTQ+ Committee works to promote a safe, inclusive and accepting environment for all LGBTQ+ community members through education, activities and support systems. The Committee also works to bridge the gap between youth and older LGBTQ+ members, and between rural and urban LGBTQ+ members.

As part of Family Services of Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, Inc., DEFY Domestic Abuse Beloit extends to survivors of domestic abuse all the support offered by Family Services. This includes financial planning; parenting support; therapy and counseling; legal advocacy and community outreach.