People join the group to receive support, affirmation of their concerns on their journey bringing up their LGBTQ child(ren). Our role is to enable that support to be provided: either by information, through the use of the website; by meeting up with them one-to-one, answering their personal direct questions or redirecting (signposting) them to an appropriate agency; providing mutual support through the secret Facebook group; and establishing a community through the regular meetings of all available parents.
One significant concern is the admission of a person to the group whose interests are not totally aligned to the above. People contact us usually via the website. This is through a web mail proforma which is sent direct to [email protected]. We respond seeking to clarify their position and to offer support. We also offer the possibility for them to join the group but stipulating that 'the information on the secret Facebook page remains on the page'. This 'rule' is actually unenforceable albeit useful.
As we have a number of parents who are possible still very fragile and not 'out' to their friends, we propose that:
What are your thoughts?
One significant concern is the admission of a person to the group whose interests are not totally aligned to the above. People contact us usually via the website. This is through a web mail proforma which is sent direct to [email protected]. We respond seeking to clarify their position and to offer support. We also offer the possibility for them to join the group but stipulating that 'the information on the secret Facebook page remains on the page'. This 'rule' is actually unenforceable albeit useful.
As we have a number of parents who are possible still very fragile and not 'out' to their friends, we propose that:
- Upon contact we arrange a personal face-to-face meeting to discuss issues
- This also confirms that we are not simply an internet group but one who really does want to share and support people in a very personal manner.
- If distance is an issue, then a telephone discussion is made to discuss those issues.
- They confirm by email that they agree to the confidentiality ruling. Again it is unenforceable but it does confirm to them that we are serious about the importance of confidentiality.
What are your thoughts?