We really happy to confirm that Gaybombay's fourth Parents meeting will be taking place this Sunday. We have received confirmations from the families of several gays and lesbians that they will be attending so it promises to be another really interesting and moving occasion. The meet is taking place this Sunday evening at the house of one of the aunts of a GB member - she's a lady who has long been a really strong and welcome supporter of ours and we are very happy to be having the meet at her house. We are making arrangements for those kids coming with their families to go directly to the venue so if you are interested in coming with someone from your family, get in touch with Vikram at vgd67@yahoo.co.uk  directly.

Those who have taken part in past parents meets will attest to how really interesting and moving they are. They are really unique, not to be missed occasions so do try to attend - especially if you have parents, or other family members who might be interested in attending.

General guidelines for Gaybombay Parents Meet:

Who Can Attend: The meeting is open to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, whether in or out of the closet (of course those still in the closet, or out to just a few family members, can be confident that the confidentiality of them and their family will be respected), and to any of their family members who will be willing to attend. So its not just parents: sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, are all welcome. There have been suggestions to include close friends, and we guess we could consider it. But personally, we do think there's a distinction between friends and family, and in this meeting we should focus on the latter.

Parents of Kids Abroad: Kids who are abroad have occasionally asked us if their parents can come even if they are not there. Obviously, it's ideal if both parents and children are there together, but if the parents are willing to come by themselves, we are very happy to have them, and will do whatever is necessary to help them come.

Positive and Negative Views: We are not putting any expectations on the views or opinions of the relatives. In other words, we're not expecting only those with right-on, warm and supportive views to attend. What we want is a dialogue, and all that we ask for that is the willingness to talk and to listen. And we will promise the same in return. So every if you feel your relatives views may not be pleasant or what the group wants to hear, we would still welcome them and urge that they come.

Despite that last point, we think you can be sure it will be a friendly and non-threatening place. Since I realise that relatives may have apprehensions about attending such a group, please assure them that we are almost boringly respectable! It will really be a nice tea party and discussions, with perhaps just a few more cute guys and girls than the average kitty party!