HardNightDay
Really Experienced
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2008
- Posts
- 138
Hi all. I've been about for a month or so now, posting in the Lit forum. It has been great to exchange ideas with others; truly an enjoyable place. I look forward to getting to know you all better. GLBT Chatter is one of my favorite places to hang out.
Since being here, I have noticed posts by people who are in the early stages of reevaluating their sexuality. It's an exciting time, with all sort of new fantasies to explore and new things to try. It's something that many of us go through during our lives. However, whatever conclusion we ultimately come to (straight, gay, bi, bi-curious, transgendered) the experience can be difficult because in addition to our new desire to express our attraction, we have other parts of our life that may not be compatible. I want to take a moment to let everyone know that as you go through these experiences, their may be an organization nearby that can help
you find the answers that are right for you. Many communities have GLBT organizations with group meetings that are fantastic!
For everyone struggling with sexuality issues, your local GLBT organization most likely has a support group and this can be a great and very safe place to go and talk things out. Age and gender vary with each group. They have trained facilitators who will simply listen. They are discrete and respectful and people will simply refer to you by your first name. The groups are usually smallish.
What you can expect at a group is that the facilitators will often kick things off by asking an existing member how things are going. They may discuss something that the member shared with them the time before, such as, the person may have been in the process of coming out to their husband. No one is required to talk; you may just sit and listen. Although honest relationships are encouraged, respect is maintained for each member, as everyone is on their own path. No one is asked to label themselves. These groups are filled with people who are going through the same thing and some have members who have been where you are. There are young adult groups, lesbian groups, transgendered groups and others - though personally I recommend something of a mixed group for adults as the diversity of points of view can be helpful. It's a great resource.
The issues that often come up in these groups will vary. Many members are married and a common theme is "do I tell my spouse what I'm thinking? How do I tell them?" Many people may have already told their spouse and now their in the process of talking things out with their spouse and deciding what to do. Another common theme is people are simply trying to decide if they are gay, straight, bi, or what. You'll hear very real life stories and very real life answers.
What is not allowed in these meetings are disparaging remarks about others, sexual comments, attempts to pick up group members.
Unfortunately these groups can be hard to find. If you can find one via the internet, one recommendation I have is to contact the GLBT organization at a local university. These groups are for students, but they may be able to make a referral GLBT group nearby for you.
Since being here, I have noticed posts by people who are in the early stages of reevaluating their sexuality. It's an exciting time, with all sort of new fantasies to explore and new things to try. It's something that many of us go through during our lives. However, whatever conclusion we ultimately come to (straight, gay, bi, bi-curious, transgendered) the experience can be difficult because in addition to our new desire to express our attraction, we have other parts of our life that may not be compatible. I want to take a moment to let everyone know that as you go through these experiences, their may be an organization nearby that can help
you find the answers that are right for you. Many communities have GLBT organizations with group meetings that are fantastic!
For everyone struggling with sexuality issues, your local GLBT organization most likely has a support group and this can be a great and very safe place to go and talk things out. Age and gender vary with each group. They have trained facilitators who will simply listen. They are discrete and respectful and people will simply refer to you by your first name. The groups are usually smallish.
What you can expect at a group is that the facilitators will often kick things off by asking an existing member how things are going. They may discuss something that the member shared with them the time before, such as, the person may have been in the process of coming out to their husband. No one is required to talk; you may just sit and listen. Although honest relationships are encouraged, respect is maintained for each member, as everyone is on their own path. No one is asked to label themselves. These groups are filled with people who are going through the same thing and some have members who have been where you are. There are young adult groups, lesbian groups, transgendered groups and others - though personally I recommend something of a mixed group for adults as the diversity of points of view can be helpful. It's a great resource.
The issues that often come up in these groups will vary. Many members are married and a common theme is "do I tell my spouse what I'm thinking? How do I tell them?" Many people may have already told their spouse and now their in the process of talking things out with their spouse and deciding what to do. Another common theme is people are simply trying to decide if they are gay, straight, bi, or what. You'll hear very real life stories and very real life answers.
What is not allowed in these meetings are disparaging remarks about others, sexual comments, attempts to pick up group members.
Unfortunately these groups can be hard to find. If you can find one via the internet, one recommendation I have is to contact the GLBT organization at a local university. These groups are for students, but they may be able to make a referral GLBT group nearby for you.
