Theme-centered Support Groups
Let’s work through it together
Identity House peer support groups are typically an 8 week closed gathering of individuals who come together, overseen by two facilitators, to talk with one another about their experiences, struggles and challenges. A peer support group is a freeing experience, as these individuals realize “I am not alone,” and hope and trust grow between them.
Current & Upcoming Groups
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Fridays
Gay/Bi Men’s Coming Out
Starting October 28, 2022
This an 8-week, closed support and discussion group welcoming gay and bisexual/pansexual men of all ages coming out at any stage, or exploring or questioning their sexual orientation. It’s a safe space to confidentially share experiences, fears, challenges, hopes and discuss how coming out, or reflection on sexual orientation, relates to identity and different areas of life. The group will be run by 2 Identity House co-facilitators. Discussion is largely self-led by participants, with topics that may include family, homophobia/biphobia, social norms and masculinity, sex, dating, relationships, religion, isolation, coming out at work/to family & friends, labels, and/or any other topics of interest to the group.
The group meets once a week for 8 weeks, on Fridays 6-8pm, beginning October 28, 2022. We will meet in person in lower Manhattan at a location TBD. Participants may be required to show proof of COVID vaccination.
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Thursdays
Gender Exploration
Starting December 1, 2022
Join Identity House’s Gender Exploration Group for all people aged 18+ interested in exploring concepts, ideas, relationships, and lived experience within gender non-conforming/gender expansive identities! This includes people who identify or are in question as: genderfluid, genderqueer, non-binary, transgender, cisgender, two-spirit, agender, intersex, questioning, and more!
Each week, we will meet virtually in a moderated discussion generated by the group to talk about issues, challenges, successes, and questions we have in relation to our ever-growing understanding of our gender identities. Potential topics include: gender dysphoria, gender euphoria, safety, not feeling “X” enough, identity, perception, inclusion in the LGBTQIA2S+ community as a whole, labels, coming out, friendship, romance, sex, and intimacy.
The group will meet online using Zoom. We will meet for 8 sessions total on Thursday afternoons from 3:30pm to 5:30pm EST, beginning December 1st.
Request to Join
Past Group Topics
- Lesbians’ Coming Out
- Gay Men’s Coming Out
- Trans/Non-Binary
- Gender Exploration
- Bisexual & Pansexual
- GBTQ Men of Color
Interested in one of these topics, or have a suggestion for another group?
Support Groups FAQ
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How do support groups work?
Group members are able to talk with other people who are like themselves — people who truly understand what they’re going through and can share the type of practical insights that can only come from firsthand experience.
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When and where are the groups?
Check this page for an up-to-date list of current and upcoming groups. The date and time for the group will be set in advance, and the location will be shared with the members once they have joined.
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How do I sign up for a group?
Select the group you’re interested and fill out the Request to Join form. If there is space available, the group facilitator will invite you to a screening. Groups that are currently ongoing may be closed and no longer accepting new members. In that case, you can sign up to be notified of future groups.
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Can I miss a group?
Please sign up for a group when you know you can commit to the time. We believe being present for the full 8 weeks provides the richest experience for the individual and the group as a whole. We know life happens, so if you need to miss a group please let the facilitators know. Multiple absences may lead to individuals being asked to leave the group.
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What does a group look like?
Each group is run by two Identity House facilitators. Session are usually two hours long. Most groups have between 8 and 12 people but that can vary. The groups are focused on topics, which are explored during each meeting. Past groups have included Coming Out, Transgender Support, Gender Exploration, Black and Latino Gay Men, Bisexual and Pansexual Support, among others.
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How much do groups cost?
Identity House is completely donation based. We suggest $25 per session, but no one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Some individuals choose to pay for the full eight weeks up front, others pay each week.
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Can I join a group after it’s started?
Most of our groups are closed, meaning once it has started, no new members are added. Any groups that do accept new members after they begin will be labeled “drop-in.” If you cannot make the first session, please let the facilitators know.
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Can I bring a friend?
No. In order to build trust and maintain confidentiality sessions are limited to group members only.