For other local resources, visit:
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
18 Trinity Place Contact: Jim Ver Steeg, Director
Buffalo, New York 14201
(716) 852-PRIDE (7743)
(cell)
info
News Release
PRIDE CENTER OFFERS ‘COMING OUT’ SUPPORT GROUP
Buffalo, NY, March 29, 2004 - - With marriage equality and civil unions
grabbing headlines, it’s sometimes easy to forget that many lesbian and
gay people still struggle to live their livesy, for fear of
negative reactions, prejudice and even violence against them.
To assist those individuals who feel they would like to, or may need to
come ‘out of the closet,’ the Pride Center of Western New York is
offering a professionally developed and facilitated Coming Out Support
and Discussion Group in early spring.
The strictly confidential six-week course will work to help normalize
the experience of being gay or lesbian in an effort to help people
continue to move forward in their lives. “This [support group] will
provide reasons to feel hopeful about the future by providing real
opportunities for social involvement with other gay and lesbian people,”
said Dr. Lee Faver, the area psychologist signed on to lead the group’s
development.
Pride Center Director, Jim Ver Steeg explained why this is such and
important program. “Even while gay-themed prime time shows enjoy huge
ratings successes,” he said, “Many lesbian and gay individuals feel
significant inner guilt and shame about beingy gay. We hope to
help those individuals integrate their natural sexual orientation into
the larger context of their lives.”
Due to the confidential nature of the Coming Out Discussion and Support
Group, the times and location will be given only to registered
participants. Anyone interested in being part of the group should call
the Pride Center at or visit their website at
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