Support and Social Groups HangOuts What are HangOuts? South Asian HangOuts What is South Asian HangOuts? | Why is this group needed? | What happens at the group? | Why come to a HangOut? | Ground Rules To book a ticket for any HangOut please book through Eventbrite Video What is South Asian HangOuts? South Asian HangOuts a twice monthly friendly and welcoming online Zoom social support group for gay, bi and trans (GBT+) men who live in the UK (or have lived or have strong affiliation with the UK) and who have South Asian heritage, to come together and connect with one another in a safe and friendly non-judgmental environment. By South Asian we mean countries including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. We welcome gay, bi & trans men from all South Asian faith backgrounds as well as those who don’t identify with any faith. One of the main aims of the groups is to reduce isolation including social, cultural and geographical, by connecting with each other's lived experiences. We meet on Zoom every 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month (7-8.30pm) - times may vary. Why is this group needed? Traditionally South Asian cultures are community-focused with faith, religion and culture being a significant part of one’s upbringing. Unfortunately, sometimes these rich cultural experiences can create different types of pressures (including family honour, marriage pressures, conflicts of dual heritage or cultures, education and job roles etc) and obligations (including looking after elders, financial, pressures to continue the family name etc). This aim of the online Zoom social support group is to reduce isolation (including social, cultural and geographical) and encourage access to new knowledge and awareness; and to be part of a safe, peer-led support group and to take part in discussions, activities and form new connections with one another. The social support group offers participants a safe and inclusive space to think about topics/discussions and have access to workshops to explore a personal and group perspective without fear of judgement or discrimination. What happens at the group? We start off with intro's, ground rules and a check-in. In each group session we will discuss a different theme or topic; or take part in a creative workshops together (music, creative writing, art etc). After a fun ice-breaker we tend to discuss things as a group but sometimes depending on how many people attend there will be a chance to discuss the theme or topic in small breakout rooms and then return to the main room to share some of our thoughts and a chance for us all to reflect on what we have discussed. You are welcome to spend more time listening than speaking. There is no pressure to talk and just listening is okay too. Some people use the chat function on Zoom to share their thoughts. There's always time at the end for final thoughts and sharing of any South Asian events or updates. At the end of each group I send out an email with some thoughts and a survey link. Your feedback is very welcomed. Why come to a HangOut? Here are some reasons people have said the come to our Zoom HangOuts: To meet new people who I would not encounter in person They are more accessible to me due to my health requirements I don't have to worry about people I know seeing me while I am out I can fit them into my day easily and still come along when I'm busy Socialising can be really hard and awkward, I find it easier on Zoom. Please note to make the online Zoom space as safe and inclusive as we can: When you first enter the waiting room on Zoom your first name on your ticket needs to match your first name on Zoom before we can then let you in. Please use your pronouns (if you have one) next to your name on Zoom (if you are able to). We believe by having your Zoom camera turned on you might benefit from seeing some friendly faces and can make other people feel safer. But there is no pressure to do so, if you do not feel safe to do so or there are other health related reasons. Ground Rules Our Group Agreement is informed by your feedback in creating ‘safe spaces’ that are welcoming, inclusive and encourage participation. We are making sure that everyone who books a ticket for a HangOuts, is aware of the commitment for everyone that attends. https://www.lgbthero.org.uk/online-group-agreement Please join the session with your mics on mute. When someone else is speaking, we ask that you keep yourselves on mute (muting also helps with any background noise interference.) Please be respectful. We have zero tolerance for any kind of bullying/harassment. Anyone who exhibits this behaviour will be removed from the sessions. You are welcome to leave at anytime if you feel uncomfortable or anxious, or feel triggered. Please let the group facilitator know as a direct message on the chat function or via email and we will get back to you. Do not attempt to contact members outside the group unless they have made it clear they consent for you to do so. The group is facilitated by Dan Singh who is a British-born gay man of South Asian heritage. Dan has worked in health and wellbeing for over 20 years with South Asian LGBTQ+ communities. Dan will facilitate a safe online space for people to explore general and specific issues related to their gender and sexuality from lived experiences of South Asian heritage. If you want to find out more, or perhaps want to have a chat before attending the group then please contact Dan at [email protected] Please understand we are not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please follow THIS link. There is also further support you can access. We also have a find out service too. This programme is funded by the Hatta Hodson Estate Manage Cookie Preferences