LGBTQ+ family, friends share stories at Sun City Healing Project

Georgia Feiste and Deb Bontadelli aim to create a trusted place of belonging for family and friends of those in the LGBTQ+ community. They will join forces with Doing Grief Community Healing Project–Church of the Palms in Sun City to facilitate and host “Story Circles for LGBTQ+ Family & Friends” Sunday, April 28.

The event, 2-4 p.m. April 28, includes an introduction to the story circle process by Rev. Susan Princehouse, brief artistic offerings to contemplate and story-sharing. Participants can share brief personal stories on a common theme in small groups. The event will conclude with large group reflections on common threads that emerge between stories and connections made between tellers.

“When I found out my son was gay, I needed a safe place to breathe, ask my questions, share my stories, settle my heart,” Feiste said. “We want to create that kind of safe place and time for others.”

Bontadelli and Feiste are members of the Church of the Palms LGBTQ+ Ministry Team and are both parents to LGBTQ+ family. Feiste is a certified life coach and has worked with students and provided training to teachers and parents on bullying and supporting LGBTQ+ young people. Bontadelli is the event coordinator for Mama Dragons for the Arizona/New Mexico area. She is an adult educator and has a passion for helping people process emotions they experience when a loved one comes out.

“As our loved ones transition, so do we,” Bontadelli said. “This story circle is important, because humans have a need to feel like they belong. As we support our LGBTQ loved ones, so must we feel supported.”

LGBTQ+ family and friends of a loved one who is lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual/aromantic, non-cisgender, nonbinary are welcome to attend.

Doing Grief Community Healing Project is located at the Interfaith Chapel for Healing–Church of the Palms, 14808 N. Boswell Blvd. RSVP at 602-315-8480, Connect@DoingGrief.com or fill out the RSVP form at DoingGrief.com. A suggested donation of $5-10 can be donated online or at the door. All are welcome regardless of an ability to pay.