LGBTQ Artist And Writers Group Forms For Teens In Beverly

CHICAGO — Two Beverly residents have teamed to form an artist and writers group for the local LGBTQ community. The group is for adolescents age 12 and older and has its first meeting set for early August at The Blossom Boys flower shop.

Heading the group are Steve English, a longtime Beverly resident and owner of The Blossom Boys, and Patti Ahern, a local licensed professional counselor.

The purpose of the group is to help young artists and writers explore their creativity, while at the same time, helping them feel comfortable in an atmosphere where they are welcomed and accepted, English and Ahern wrote in a news release.

“We’ve talked about doing this for some time,” English said. “We know there are many young people who feel disconnected because they fear being 'different.' In this current political climate of divisiveness and exclusion, we thought it was important to create a place where young people can feel accepted, and have fun, too.”

Plans for the group include creating a literary/art periodical and providing an atmosphere of camaraderie and understanding, according to the news release.

“We are hopeful that by providing this opportunity, LGBTQ and questioning young people will have a place to connect, find friends, and be themselves, without judgment or even harsh stares,” Ahern said.

The group's first meeting is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at The Blossom Boys, 1810 W. 103rd St. in Chicago.

Snacks will be available during the hour-and-a-half long meeting. To confirm attendance, please contact English at: artistbydesigns@gmail.com or Ahern, at PattiRMA@aol.com.