When my daughter suddenly moved out to live with her Same Sex Attracted girlfriend, the pain was crushing. I had gone from being someone that she would tell everything, to not being able to see her, or even talk to her on the phone.

Equally crushing was my self condemnation. Didn’t I see the signs? Shouldn’t I have taken her to talk to someone to help her? Could I have prevented this? How does this affect her relationship with Jesus? What can I do now to help her?

In those first days I would sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament, heart raw, not knowing what to do with the pain.

Then I heard about Encourage. I signed up for a meeting with some trepidation, but it has been a lifeline for me. Encourage has helped me to allow Jesus to hold me in my pain. It has assisted me to forgive myself and all others concerned. Most importantly, it has provided resources to help me to understand my daughter, and to love her openly and completely, though not in agreement with her actions, but still without condemnation.

I am learning to lean on Jesus and trust that His love and care for my daughter exceeds anything I could ever desire.

EnCourage members are parents, spouses, siblings, and friends of people who identify as LGBTQ. They are looking for help to keep the faith and keep the family bonds intact.

EnCourage monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Monday via Zoom. The next meeting is in January 2026.

For more information, please email: encourage.trinidad@gmail.com Resources are available at  www.couragerc.org

You are not alone on this journey. Come find the support, understanding, and spiritual guidance you seek.