What is the group? | Why is this group needed? | What happens at the group? | How do I book a ticket?

Further to the regular 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month, South Asian HangOuts will also be running monthly Zoom discussions/workshops on Sexual Health and Sexual Wellbeing for men with South Asian Heritage, bi, trans, queer, questioning and 'men who have sex with men' (MSM).  This will start on Monday 16th October, 7 - 9pm until April 2024. Book tickets HERE

---

Video

What is the group?

South Asian HangOuts is a twice monthly social and support online Zoom group for gay, bi & trans men with South Asian Heritage, who live or have lived in the UK. 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)

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 online Zoom group is facilitated to reduce isolation and encourage access to new knowledge and awareness; 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 space to think about topics/discussions and have access to workshops to explore a personal and group perspective and without fear of judgement or discrimination.

 

What happens at the group?

Each group session we will discuss a different theme or topic. Sometimes me way take part in 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.

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 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 to 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.

https://www.lgbthero.org.uk/online-group-agreement

Please join the session with your mics on mute.

You do not have to have your camera on, you just do what you feel comfortable with. However, we believe to get the most out of the session, you might benefit from seeing some friendly faces.
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, just let the group facilitator know as a direct message.

Do not attempt to contact members outside the group unless they have made it clear they consent to do so. 

What do I need to attend the online groups?

All you need is to have a smart phone, tablet, laptop, or computer. We will hold the online sessions via Zoom. 

 

Who will run the group?

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 being South Asian. 

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]

 

How do I book a ticket?

You can book a ticket via this link or through Eventbrite

Email [email protected] if you need help on how to book or to ask any questions before attending.

---

Please understand we are not a crisis service, we can do our best to support you or answer questions but we are primarily a social support group. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis please follow THIS link. 

This programme is funded by the Hatta Hodson Estate