Family Feast fundraiser aims to raise awareness for LGBT youth homelessness

AUSTIN, Texas – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) youth, and young adults, face a particular set of challenges. Discrimination, and often rejection by their families, contributes to the disproportionate number of homeless LGBT youth, a severely at-risk population confronted with challenges in both becoming homeless as well as avoiding homelessness.

A small event between friends in Austin, known only by word of mouth as Gay Thanksgiving, eventually grew into a potluck serving over 250 guests. This year everyone in Austin, Texas is invited. Equality Texas, with support from Belvedere Vodka, will host Thanksgiving dinner for 300 people to raise awareness for LGBT youth homelessness.

“LGBT youth are part of our families and neighborhoods—even if we may not always know it. That is why it is so important that we listen to our local gay and transgender young adults who have endured unimaginable circumstances. We may come from different backgrounds and have different beliefs, but we have so much more in common” Chuck Smith of Equality Texas said.

Attendees are encouraged to bring two potluck items, one for the Family Feast, and another to serve the homeless youth community supported by Lifeworks. A minimum $10 donation to Equality Texas will be accepted as admission to the event.  The festivities will feature an open bar provided by Belvedere Vodka, dance music provided by GirlFriend, and several luxe holiday items – with 100% of their proceeds directly benefiting Equality Texas.

WHAT: Equality Texas Family Feast Thanksgiving Potluck
WHEN: November 22, 2015, 12:00 – 4:30 p.m.
WHERE: Ironwood Hall, 505 E 7th St, Austin, Texas 78701
MORE: Event details and sponsors featured at http://bit.ly/EQTXFamilyFeastSponsors

Space is limited to 300 people, and we do expect to be at full capacity. For questions about the event, contact Monica Burcham at monica.burcham@equalitytexas.org.

Equality Texas works to secure full equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Texans through political action, education, community organizing, and collaboration.