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Those who come to our meetings include people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures and religious beliefs. Most of those who come are parents, but we also see grandparents, siblings and friends.
A major resource in the group is the number of parents who, whatever journey they have made, are incredibly proud of their sons and daughters. Many come to meetings in order to help other parents. Others contribute by campaigning in support of LGBT people generally. Some parents come by themselves, but many couples attend together. There are regular attenders, whilst others only come to meetings occasionally.
Garry, Jackie, Mary and Hatta
Families Together London members NewcomersIt is understandable for newcomers to feel anxious about coming to their first meeting, but there is a warm welcome for new parents. We allow plenty of time for listening to people when they come for the first time, although no-one has to talk unless they want to. VenuesBattersea Venue: meetings are on the second Saturday of every month from 12.00pm to 3.30pm. Lunch is provided and there is easy parking.
At the Battersea venue we ask for a voluntary contribution of £5.00 towards the cost of hiring the hall and providing lunch.
King's Cross Venue: meetings are on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Drinks are available at a small charge, and there are shops nearby for those who need to buy a snack. There is easy access by bus or train. Parking is available after 6.30pm.
Stratford Venue: meetings will be on the first Tuesday of every month from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Drinks are available at a small charge, and there are shops nearby for those who need to buy a snack. There is easy access from Stratford and Maryland train stations. Stratford station is served by Central and Jubilee lines, overground and DLR. Many buses also use Stratford station. Morrison supermarket which is adjacent to Stratford venue also has ample car parking.
There is wheelchair access at all three venues. What happens at the meetings?Each session is divided into structured meeting time and informal chat, which at the Battersea venue would be over lunch. The structured meeting time will include: listening to new members, an update on everyone's personal news and feedback from conferences or meetings that some members will have attended. We talk about a whole range of issues. We regularly discuss our own feelings, how other family members are coping, whether and how to tell other family members, such as grandparents.For those who cannot come to meetings, we try to keep in touch by visiting each other or meeting up on other days of the week.
Speakers At the Battersea venue, where meetings are longer, a speaker is invited to occasional meetings. Speakers have included:
The benefits for usFor parents who are upset and unhappy about their child's gender identity or sexual orientation, FTL offers:
For parents who have concerns about their LGBT sons' or daughters' well-being, FTL offers:
Click here to have a look at our page How we change.
How LGBT sons and daughters feelKnowing that their parents are seeking support and help can be a great relief to a son or daughter, who may feel guilty at the impact their news has had on their parents' lives.
LGBT sons and daughters appreciate their parents' efforts to adapt and adjust and most are pleased that their parents are not only seeking help and support, but also becoming more informed about the issues they face.
Read the views of one daughter here.
Calendar of meetings and eventsI'd like to attend - who should I contact?To attend a meeting, contact Hatta. Her email address is hatta@familiestogetherlondon.com, or you can call her on 07806 746780 or 020 8874 4214. Please only call from 9.00am to 9.00pm. To get in touch with other Steering Committee members about other issues, find their contact details on About Us. The extended work of FTLWe find that parents' views change as a result of coming to meetings, talking and working together. For more about this, click here:
For parents who wish to take part in activities to support other parents, or to support the LGBT community, FTL offers encouragement to:
FFLAG (Friends and Family of Lesbians and Gays) is the national organisation for parents of LGBT people. FTL members represent FFLAG at the following events:
Steering Committee MeetingsThe steering commmittee comprises those who attend group meetings but also wish to take part in the extended work of Families Together London.
FundingFamilies Together London is entirely self-funded. Donations may be given to Mary at meetings. Alternatively, anyone wishing to make a donation to Families Together London should post a cheque to: Families Together London
c/o LGBT Consortium
B303 Tower Bridge Business Complex
Clements Road London SE16 4DG
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