Earlier this year, residents in Thief River Falls met to begin organizing the area’s first LGBT group, and earlier this month, PFLAG Thief River Falls received its charter, making it the newest chapter in Minnesota, and the only chapter in the northwest part of the state.

In an email to the PFLAG Thief River Falls chapter, Brooke Senter, head of the Central Region for PFLAG, said, “Congratulations! We’ve received and reviewed all of the affiliation paperwork and we’re really excited to welcome you as an official PFLAG chapter.”

Rabbi David M. Horowitz, president of the PFLAG national organization, sent a note to the new group that said: “Allow me to add my words of welcome to you and to PFLAG Thief River Falls to the PFLAG family of chapters. As I’m sure you know, we continue to make an incredible difference in the lives of the LGBT community, their families and friends. As the family voice of the LGBT community, our voices are heard and respected as we provide education and advocacy as well as support. May you find your work both pleasing and rewarding.”

The group recently held its first Pride event this summer, and starting Sept. 13 will have a monthly meeting on the second Saturday of the month at 10:30am at the Thief River Falls Public Library.