Meetings
We meet monthly, every third Saturday at the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Community Center in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village*. Suggested donation is $2.00 per person to cover the cost of the room rental.
Meet-ups are open to current and former members of Jehovah’s Witnesses and their partners or friends.
We follow the meet-ups with dinner at a local inexpensive eatery and additional options to socialize.
Lesbian and Gay Community Center
208 West 13th Street
New York, New York 10011
tel. 212.620.7310 (LGBT Center info only, not for ACBnyc)
www.gaycenter.org
2010 Schedule
June 2010
Saturday, June 19, 2010 - 5-6:30 pm Community Center - followed by dinner.
Topic: Joining the LGBTQ community. June is national Pride month, and gay pride celebrations/marches are self-affirming and often are the one day we can truly be ourselves within the larger straight community, but what do we do the other 364 days of the year? What is the “LGBTQ Community” and is it something I join? How do I find where I belong? What if I feel like I don’t fit in anywhere within the LGBTQ community? Is it only really about bars and clubs? Should I get involved in activism and can I make a difference? This discussion will examine the broad concept of an LGBTQ community and what it means to you. Share your experiences and learn from others.
July 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010 - 5-6:30 pm Community Center - followed by dinner.
Topic: The Truth that leads to everlasting life. The Jehovah’s Witnesses are not the only religion to lay claim to religious absolutism (possessing the true religion) but this belief is very powerful and affects how we view the religion itself and the “outside” world while at the same time, regulating our behavior. Do the Jehovah’s Witnesses have “the truth?” Why or why not? Should we question the Jehovah’s Witness authenticity? Does its origins and history matter? This discussion will provide a safe and non-judgmental space to explore the validity of religious absolutism, whether the Jehovah’s Witnesses have the true religion. Share your beliefs and opinions and learn from others.
August 2010
Saturday, August 21, 2010 - 5-6:30 pm Community Center - followed by dinner.
Topic: Drugs and alcohol – when is too much, too much? Partying is rite of passage for most teens and 20-somethings and for many of us, experimenting with recreational drugs and alcohol personifies our rejection of our Jehovah’s Witness upbringing, but when is too much, too much? Does partying lead to chronic substance abuse and how can you identify abuse in others or ourselves? This discussion will provide a safe and non-judgmental space to explore the differences between “partying” and abuse and how we can avoid the latter and prevent negative and long-term financial and health effects. Learn how to identify patterns of abuse and to keep “partying” fun and safe.
September 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010 - 5-6:30 pm Community Center - followed by dinner.
Topic: Anger and thoughts of revenge against the Society. Anger is a common emotion for former Jehovah’s Witnesses, whether it results from being shunned by family and friends, lost time or other reasons but do you harbor thoughts of revenge? Anger can be useful emotion if managed appropriately. How can you transform your anger into healing and making your life as productive and rewarding as possible? What non-violent but constructive ways to protest can you explore? This discussion will explore your feelings of anger and fantasies of retaliation. Discuss with and learn from others.
October 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010 - 5-6:30 pm Community Center - followed by dinner.
Topic: Do the JW teachings about homosexuality create roadblock to intimacy? The Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that homosexuality is wrong. Do these teachings prevent you from exhibiting intimacy with another man or woman? Do you find yourself engaging in the “sex act” but want more? This discussion will explore how ingrained beliefs can block feelings of intimacy and affect your ability in maintaining long-term relationships.
November 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010 - 5-6:30 pm Community Center - followed by dinner.
Topic: Negotiating the holiday season to keep the merry in your step. It’s that time of year and many of us are not comfortable in celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years. Avoiding celebrations with friends, partners or co-workers can often lead to feelings of loneliness and depression. Should you begin celebrating holidays? What is the true history of traditions and celebrations? How do you decide when and what to celebrate? This discussion will explore these questions and more. Share your experiences and learn from others.
December 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010 - 5-6:30 pm Community Center - followed by dinner.
Topic: Setting realistic goals. Many people set New Year resolutions only to see them fail days, weeks or months later. However, the end of the year can be a good time to assess your accomplishments, challenges and mistakes during the past 12 months. How can setting goals help you become a more productive and happier person and how can you choose and set realistic goals? This discussion will explore why setting individual goals can help you achieve success and happiness. Share your experiences and how you achieved individual goals and learn from others.
*For more information, inquire by email or phone.
Past topics:
Homosexuality and the Bible: what it really says.
Maintaining a relationship with your family: Is it possible?