Typical Sharing Group

During our sharing/support time, we invite people to introduce themselves and to tell us about their lives and relationships.

Occasionally people feel more comfortable listening and learning from the conversations that develop.

In any case, all are welcome…even if it is just to listen.

Parents, other family members, and friends who have just learned of their loved one's sexuality can discover that they are not alone, and can receive help and support in dealing with their feelings.

By meeting other gay and lesbian people, new members come to realize that homosexual persons are found in every ethnic, social, and occupational group. Indeed, homosexuals represent approximately 10% of the world's population, and one in every four families has a gay, lesbian, or bisexual member. Through attendance at our monthly group meetings, prejudicial and stereotypical views of homosexuality begin to dissolve, and understanding and acceptance emerge.

In a typical 90-minute sharing group of seven to nine people, one is likely to hear people speak about one or more of the following topics:

• Gay individuals facing "coming out" dilemmas with their families.
• Parents struggling to accept their son or daughter's sexuality.
• Spouses who have just learned of their husband or wife's homosexuality.
• Overcoming fear and hatred toward gays in society today.
• Gay couples who are celebrating their long-term relationships and anniversaries together.
• Parents who have worked through difficult times with shame and embarrassment and who help lead other parents toward love and acceptance.
• Gay parents talking about their children and former spouse.

All sharing groups are led by trained facilitators who follow meeting guidelines.

These group discussions should never be considered therapy. Therapy can only be performed by licensed practitioners. If you need talk therapy or individual counseling contact PERSAD at http://www.persadcenter.org/.