New Moab group aims to offer support, community to parents of LGBTQ+ kids

A new support group in Moab is offering parents of LGBTQ+ children a space to ask questions, process emotions and connect with others facing similar challenges.

Abigail Lawrence and Antje Rath stand outside the Moab Resource Center, where they co-facilitate a new support group for parents of LGBTQ+ children, with Rebecca McAllister. Photo by Andrew Christiansen

Currently meeting at 5 p.m. every second and fourth Wednesday at the Moab Resource Center, facilitators say the group provides a judgment-free environment where parents can navigate the complexities of supporting their children.

The group launched in January and is facilitated by volunteers Abigail Lawrence and Rebecca McAllister and licensed therapist Antje Rath. Lawrence, a Moab Pride volunteer and co-facilitator, said the goal is to give parents a place to talk openly about their experiences and struggles, regardless of their child’s age.

“There’s absolutely no political agenda, no undertone of this at all,” Lawrence said. “That’s not our goal — to tell people how to parent their kid. The goal is just to have a space for open dialogue where they can ask questions and process their own thoughts about it, and then hopefully leave the group and center their kid afterwards.”

Rath, a therapist at Moab Regional Hospital who also helps facilitate the group, said many parents share concerns about their child’s well-being.

“Most parents are highly concerned about if their child will be safe and happy throughout their lifetime,” Rath said. “They don’t want their child to be judged or hurt, they want to support but often don’t know how.”

Rath, who has worked with many LGBTQ+ individuals and their families, said that isolation is a common struggle for parents.

“The topic of ‘feeling alone’ comes up often, as well as ‘I wish I could talk to somebody who has had this experience,’” she said. “The group provides community, support and a network.”

Lawrence said parents often lack examples of how to navigate these situations, making an open discussion space even more important.

“To raise a queer kid is challenging, and there’s not a lot of resources available,” she said. “If you as a parent haven’t been through that, then you’re going to have questions.”

Lawrence said while Moab is generally an accepting place, parents don’t always know where to turn for support. Rath added that while online resources exist, in-person connections provide something more meaningful.

“There are online resources, for sure, but actually connecting with people in person seems more rewarding and helpful,” Rath said. “I hope that over time the group members will create a network for themselves and parents who are new to this, in order to support their kids and themselves.”

The group also serves as a space for parents to work through their own emotions, including uncertainty and fear, Lawrence said. Rath added that while individual counseling can be beneficial, hearing from others in similar situations can be just as valuable.

“If they can hear from other parents that they went through the same thing and that guilt or fear is a totally normal feeling at this point, it is validating and reassuring,” she said.

Since the group is still in its early stages, facilitators are open to adjusting its format based on what parents need most. Lawrence said that if recurring questions arise, they may invite guest speakers or specialists to provide additional insight.

She also encouraged parents to reach out if the current meeting schedule doesn’t work for them.

“I have gotten feedback from a couple of parents personally that were like, ‘I really want to be able to come and talk about things, but the time isn’t good for me,’” she said. “If there are multiple people, we could look into changing it.”

Parents interested in attending do not need to sign up in advance. Those with questions can contact Moab Pride at moabpridefest@gmail.com or reach out to Rath at AntjeR@mrhmoab.org.

“I don’t care what your political beliefs are. I don’t care how you vote,” Lawrence said. “I care about kids, and if this resource can help one parent be a better parent to their kid, that’s what I want.”