What Happens at Support Meetings

The format for our support meetings are simple. We aim for a safe space to share ideas and issues that are concerning us.

There will have been a zoom link shared ahead of the meeting to allow those in the community that may want to remain anonymous to be present with us and to either listen and share or to gather knowledge and feel supported.

When you attend you will sign in so that we capture your email, if we don’t already have it. You will make yourself a name tag and enter the space where we meet.

We go over ground rules so that we are all kind to one another. Those read as follows:

• This is a safe space. Be honest about your feelings and thoughts. Use “I” statements to express your feelings, not your opinions.
• Respect confidentiality. Take the stories, leave the details. Check with people before approaching them in public. We use the “VEGAS” rule. What happens here, stays here.
• Share the air, in other words, don’t talk too much and allow others a chance to share. Keep your comments relevant to the topic that is being discussed.
• Listen generously. Listen for what people are saying, not to respond. Don’t interrupt others or talk over them.
• Silence your electronics and don’t record the meeting. You may step our if you must take a call. This is a community centered space, and we want you to remain present without your electronics
• Demonstrate respect for cultural differences and diversity of views. No one is better that another- we are all equal with different perspectives and lenses. Everyone is welcome here, as long as people are respectful and kind to one another.

Then the floor is opened up so that we may share issues, ideas and topics. The idea is to learn and to form new ideas around the LGBTQ community to encourage acceptance.

We might watch a video if there is one that is relevant to the current events. If you have something that you would like for us to watch together or discuss you may reach out to us to share that idea.

When we wrap up the meeting, we have some time to chat with one another and be social and then we pack up the booklets and the bling and head out.

The facilitators of these support meetings are NOT counselors. We are in the space to use the time to share our experiences and learn from one another. If you are easily triggered or feel that our meetings might trigger you in some way we suggest that you might consider zooming in to the first meeting and get a feel for the climate before you attend in person. However, you can be assured that we are a very welcoming group and will help you to be comfortable and safe in the time that you are there.