Annapolis, Md. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

The recently formed Annapolis chapter of PFLAG will hold a “Colorful Kickoff Cookout” this Sunday, which represents the chapter’s first major event. It will take place between 4 and 7 p.m. in Crofton Park, 2285 Davidsonville Rd., in Gambrills.

Though initial meetings have taken place beginning in May, the chapter was officially titled in June by PFLAG National. It joins other Maryland PFLAG chapters that have been established in Columbia, Westminster, Frederick, Chestertown, Bethesda, Bel Air and Salisbury.

“We’d really like to get to different parts of the county to show that support is available and let the community members show each other that their community is a safe and supportive one,” Alyssa Fenix, a member of the chapter’s steering committee and one of the lead organizers of the cookout, told the Blade. “This having a history of being a conservative county, the LGBTQ community here needs to know that they can access resources without having to travel to surrounding counties, and that we are dedicated to making sure everyone knows how and where they can find supports and information.”

Fenix adds, “We want to reach anyone and everyone to create a stronger collaborative dialogue about what this county needs in order to support and empower LGBTQ individuals, friends, family members, etc. The steering committee consists of parents, educators, and LGBTQ individuals with a diverse set of values, expectations and experiences.”

For more information about the cookout and to sign up, visit signupgenius.com/go/20f0a4aa8ab2ca0f94-colorful. To learn more about the Annapolis chapter, visit pflagannapolis.org.