Women's Coming Out Group

For many years now, the GLCS has run a Women's Coming Out Group (COG) on Thursdays. This group is now held fortnightly on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 7pm at 43 Bedford Street in Newtown. The format is informal and we ask only a few things of the women who come to participate - that everything that is said is confidential, that participants respect the situation of others who come at whatever stage of their coming out process they are at - even if they still, as yet, identify as heterosexual, that they are not required to say anything, and, most of all that they have fun!

Many callers on our counselling lines when we suggest they come to a COG are concerned that the group is traumatic, sad or depressing. We can assure them that this is simply not the case. Many Coming Out stories are inspiring, sometimes very funny and even in some cases no great drama at all. Women's COG regulars say that their lives have been changed by coming because they meet other women in similar situations who are only to willing to offer friendship, support and a great social life!

We frequently have 15 to 20 women coming each week. The content of the group is often determined by the needs of the group, for example, a participant may wish to discuss with the group how they feel about coping at work when they have not yet come out or have decided not to come out at work. We talk about strategies and hear how others cope. At other times we may discuss issues surrounding how people dress, how to meet others, relationships, or indeed, any topic that directly relates to day to day living and lifestyle. After a coffee and some getting to know one another we talk about upcoming social events while many participants advertise picnics, parties or where to meet at a particular venue.

The Women's Coming Out Group is a safe and friendly place to meet and gain support while coming to terms with your sexual identity or, if you already identify as lesbian, a place to meet and socialise in a non-threatening situation.

You can download the women's coming out group brochure here.

You can ask Tracey questions about the group via email at tracey@glcsnsw.org.au

Group meets at 43 Bedford Street, Newtown, 2nd & 4th Thursdays at 7pm Sharp.

For security reasons, participants will only be let into the bulding between 6.50 and 7.30pm. Participants seeking admission after 7.30pm may be admitted at the facilitators discretion.

ROSTER OF TOPICS

For more information call our office on 8594 9500 Wednesday to Friday or our telephone counselling line on 8594 9596 (regional callers on 1800 184 527) between 5.30pm and 10.30pm 7 days a week.

We also provide a Lesbian counselling line on Mondays from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on 8594 9595 (regional callers on 1800 144 527).