COMING OUT GROUPS
Following up on an article in the March issue of the Tamaki Makaurau newsletter (read the article here), the LESO management committee met recently to discuss the future of the group. Reluctantly the decision was taken that, due to a decrease in demand and a reduction in the number of facilitators available, at this time LESO will no longer be offering coming out groups. LESO will continue to provide information and referral to other services through the website and always welcomes enquiries.

In view of LESO’S long history in providing coming out and support groups this was not an easy decision to make but the committee felt confident that there are a number of other options available for women. LESO will be continuing to organise the Annual Lesbian Ball, which we see as an important event for lesbian visibility and lesbian pride.

SOCIAL SUPPORT GROUP FOR LGBT FAMILIES WITH OLDER CHILDREN
Are you a lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) parent/ caregiver whose  outgrown or bypassed play group? Have your babies and toddlers grown into  school kids? Would you like to expand their - and your - queer community? If  so, you may be interested in joining a new social/support group for LGBT  families with older children (e.g. aged 5 - 17 years).

The purpose of  this group is to get queer families together to share social time, activities and experiences relevant to LGBT families with older kids. It  will provide the opportunity for our children/teenagers to meet other kids  with LGBT parents, and for parents to meet other parents to share information and provide social support.

All interested in hooking up with this group (provisionally called, Auckland Family Pride) contact Sheri Marander.

Email: SheriM@xtra.co.nz