Support Group For Men Coming Out or Thinking of Coming Out

[leigh.bess.toad]

You all know my story by now. I've been out for about 18 months. I was one of the lucky ones. I had an incredible support group with me during my process (which is still going on, I guess). I had a large group of friends from here (client and escorts alike) to lean on for support, encouragement and reality checks through the process. It wasn't meant to be a support group, but that is really what it was.

 

I know my case was the unusual one. Coming out can be a difficult decision and process. I can't imagine going through it alone. Yet many men do.

 

I have a meeting this week with the interim director of the community center in town for organizing a support group here for guys coming out. Other men have made the same suggestion to him. I've already been in touch with the man who runs the support group at the NJ Pride Center and gotten some wonderful ideas and feedback. But I was wondering if anyone here knows of other resources, either on-line or of other support groups in your community I could contact for ideas on how to get such a group going and thriving.

 

I have been so lucky in my process. I really feel a need to help payback all that was given to me by so many. So any help/advice/comments you can offer would be greatly appreciated. If you want to do it via PM, that would be great too.

 

Thanks guys. Wish me luck.

[seeker630]

Some MCC's have groups - I see that your own local MCC has one for women now, apparently.

[leigh.bess.toad]

Some MCC's have groups - I see that your own local MCC has one for women now, apparently.

 

Thanks seeker. Yes, both the MCC and our own Gay Community Center have one for women. That's one of the biggest problems we have with the community center. Many in the community view it more as a lesbian center than a center for the entire community. Several of us (especially my partner's -ex who is now a great ally) are working hard to change that perception. I've suggested the head of our local MCC as possible group leader as well.

 

Thanks for the idea.

[rvwnsd]

Check your PM, Lee.

[+ azdr0710]

can't offer a lot except what I have experience with....the local LGBT center http://1vcc.org/ has/had a Coming Out Group and a Men's Discussion Group which I went to a few times, but have not lately because it isn't convenient to my schedule

 

http://1vcc.org/programs-services/coming-discussion-group

 

http://1vcc.org/programs-services/mens-discussion-group

 

see if they have a contact for you

 

I also attended a Bi Men's Group, not directly connected to 1V above, which met in the living room of a member's house, but this group mostly disbanded a year or two ago because of, in part, lack of participation/interest....I also think it faded away because the very large far-flung metro area inhibited attendance.....

[jjkrkwood]

I have been mentoring gay youth at the LGBT center in NYC for a long time now, on issues of coming out and family rejection. Although there are issues quite different to men coming out later in life, there are many parallels as well. I find it very rewarding, being able to give kids hope and direction. To see their tears of happiness and thanks just melts your heart.

However, not every story is a happy one.

[doitb4ugo]

I am attending a group called Gay Fathers of Boston (http://www.gayfathersboston.org/) which seems to be designed to help Gay men who are coming out or thinking about coming out to their families....I'm sure if you contact them, Lee, they would be pleased to help you....

 

We meet every other week and attendance is around 30-40 guys....I have found it to be great relief to have guys to listen to and to talk to....