A Loving Men+ Pot-Luck Lunch and Discussion
Come together for a pot-luck lunch and some space to share the impact on you of living in a polarised world.
We are thinking especially at this moment of polarisation in the UK about the rights of trans and non-binary people, and about racism, migration, the rise of the far-right and impact this is currently having on black and brown people.
We know that many people of colour and many trans and non-binary people are living with a heightened sense of threat and fear, increased harassment and concerns about things getting worse rather than better.
We also know that many cis-gendered and white people are also feeling scared, threatened and challenged by the polarisation and extremism that are emerging within our society, and uncertain about the best ways to ‘do something’ about what’s happening, including how to be a support and an ally to people of colour and trans and non-binary folk.
One thing we do know is that coming together, sharing a meal, listening and talking about what’s going on with each other helps make community, relieves isolation & pressure, increases understanding, sometimes helps clarify what is and isn’t useful, and can lead to feelings of solidarity and support.
Come and join us for a Loving Men+ potluck afternoon.
Book your place here. Entry is free.
NEW LOCATION ANNOUNCED!
Schedule
2.00 - 3.00 pm Pot-lunch lunch - please bring something to share.
3.00 - 5.15 pm Facilitated discussion space - Living in a Polarised World.
Ground Rules
We’d like the space to be one where people feel safe enough to express what they want to in relation to the subject and also be interested to listen to others especially those who may have diverse perspectives to yours.
We are very aware that safety is both an individual and collective experience.
With that in mind we’d like to suggest the following ground rules in the spirit of supporting a deeper conversation
- We’d love the discussion to be as honest and caring as possible.
- Come with the intention to have a conversation with an interest in different perspectives even if you don’t agree with them.
- Try to show respect to everyone in the room in the way you speak and express yourself.
- Share your feelings using I statements (ie I feel angry…) rather than You statements (ie You are stupid).
- Use active listening. Try to put yourself in the shoes of the person speaking.
- Take time to breathe, regulate and de-escalate if feelings run high in the group.
- There will be facilitation throughout and also ask for help from the facilitators and other group members if you are struggling.
- No verbal attacks.
For any queries please email info@lovingmen.org .
Loving Men+ welcomes gay, bi & trans men and gender non-binary people, from all walks of life who want to develop their capacity to love. We particularly encourage participation from black and ethnic minority, HIV positive and negative, young and older, trans and disabled men and non-binary people. In 2023 we added the + to our logo in recognition that trans and non-binary people have been a valued part of Loving Men+ since we began in 2003.