my name is Bill. I’m not sure if you got my first
email about a week ago. I think I messed up the
address. I was wondering if you would be interested
in starting a support group for gay male parents. I
wrote you a long time ago and asked for assisstance in
telling my boys about my partner and I. Well now they
know and everything is great! They accept him and
love him almost as much as I do. Anyway, we had
attended the Compass Alternative Families group and
for the most part, it’s all lesbians. I don’t have a
problem with that and they love when I come to the
meetings. I have a lot of parenting experience. But
I feel that gay male parents have different issues
than lesbians. I also think that’s it’s more socially
acceptable for lesbians to be mothers than gays to be
fathers. So I was thinking about trying to get an all
male parenting group together. I know you are a
father and counselor and was wondering if you would
like to facilitate a group like that or not? I’m not
trying to exclude lesbians I just think we deal with
some issues that they don’t see. I’d also like to
meet other gay dads who are going through the same
things that my partner and I are going through.
Well thanks for reading this and let me know.
Bill Rizzo
Hey Bill, Of course I remember you. And I did get the email from last week but my computer has been down and just getting back on track. Sorry I did not respond earlier.
I understand your thoughts about a gay male support group. Our issues are often different from lesbians. There is a group that Tom and I have been talking to. It is a healthy mix of gay men and women, actually more men than women, who meet for social outings with their kids and use the time to talk and get to know each other. It is run out of fort lauderdale. I think it is a great idea. The groups address is gayparentsflorida@yahoogroups.com. The man who runs the site is Michael. His address is Mikeyg75@aol.com. You can contact him directly and ask questions about the group. Tell him I sent you.
I think your idea about a gay male parents support group is wonderful. However, between my practice, writing deadlines, and the children there is little left over time. I would be interested in talking with you about it however. In the meantime, this group seems like it may be a great outlet for you. They seem to plan many activities. Tom and I are determined to make their next gathering. It would be great to meet up and meet your kids.
Keep in touch and we can discuss this more. Thanks for getting in touch.
Take Care, Mark