GayBombay turns six in the first week of September and we are celebrating our birthday with a line-up of six great events. We are launched the celebrations with a party. The next event to follow is the Special Sunday Meet for Sibblings of Gays and Lesbians

Date: Sunday, 29 August 2004.

Time: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM.

Venue: 1st Floor Terrace, McDonalds, Bandra.

Many a times coming out to family begins with coming out to our siblings - brothers or sisters. They are the ones with whom we shared our secrets in those growing up days and when it comes to share the biggest secret of our lives many of us turn to our brothers and sisters. Within the family, that's where we find our first support system.
 
Perhaps this may be because, being part of "Our" generation, they are in a better position to understand the issues, but perhaps more than anything else it is the fact that our siblings are our natural allies in the Generation Battle and it is always a good idea to have a ally by your side in the Long March from the Closet to the Shangri-La where all men are Equal irrespective of their sexuality and only the ugly ones are heterosexual.
 
For many of us this process of coming out to siblings is a stepping-stone to coming out to parents. The inputs and the support that we get from them plays a vital role in deciding when and how to move on to the next logical step of coming out to the parents.
 
As a part of our series of 6 events, to mark the 6th Anniversary of GayBombay, this Sunday, the 29 August, we invite brothers and sisters, bhaiya and bhabhis, didis and jeejoos and even cousins of gay men and lesbians to a Special Meet to share with us their experiences. And what better day could it be than to talk about it on Raksha Bandhan Day.
 
Which is not to say that the meeting is not open to those who can not bring their family along. Do come anyway and share with us your (bitter?) sweet experiences. If even that is too much for you - NEVER MIND. Just turn up and be a part of the audience. Who knows? Maybe you will find some tips that will help you when you decide to take the leap out of the closet.
 
Largely many of us have a pleasant experience of coming out to our siblings. The experience in many cases has been so positive that we have often found a greater degree of support from  the spouses of our siblings.
 
We shall certainly celebrate such experiences that were hunky and dory but some attempts may have also gone sour. The angel of empathy could have also turned out to be vamp/villain. We shall also be talking about such experience, which made our lives miserable. You are welcome come any share such experiences too where others who plan to come out soon can take a leaf or two.
 
For those who are coming along with their brothers and sisters may please get in touch with Vikram at vgd69@yahoo.co.uk or Jayesh at de_joy@hotmail.com so that we can arrange to take them directly to the actual meet venue.
 
 
Also as a part of our "Going back to our Roots" drive that we are celebrating as a part of our anniversary fiesta we go back to the venue of our initial GayBombay Sunday Meets.
 
So it will not be at Just around the Corner but at the 1st Floor Terrace of McDonalds, Bandra. We shall congregate there between 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm after which we shall go to the actual meet venue.
 
For those who have never been to a GB Sunday Meet and have apprehensions or reservations about coming alone to the Meet may also get in touch with Vikram at vgd69@yahoo.co.uk or Jayesh at de_joy@hotmail.com

Note :
1. Ensure that you get to venue before 5:30 pm - since the evening carries over to another gay-friendly place close by.

2. You have to be above the age of 18 to attend this event.

3. GB as a support group, has created this comfort/safe space for gays, many of whom may be "newbies" (those still coming to terms with their sexuality and who have mustered courage to come for such a meeting for the first time). So we request you to be sensitive to the comfort levels of others attending the meeting and behave and dress accordingly.

4. To identify the group, look out for someone wearing a BLACK cap with 'gb' inscribed on it.

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This is a GayBombay (gb) organized event
Rights of admission reserved.
If you have any further queries/questions please email at: events@gaybombay.cc
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