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Would you like to discover more about the people who attend the
group and what keeps them coming back week after week?
I asked some
members a few questions
Let's start
with Barrie
Q) My favourite
memory of the group is…
A) Revealing the secrets of my life (even at my age) in desert island
discs
Q) If I could
tell people one thing about the group it would be…
A) How genuinely friendly it is - I don't imagine any other gay
group goes on holiday en mass
Q) The reason
I keep coming to the group is…
A) To hear what the people I'm beginning to know have been up to
Q) Did you find
what you were looking for at when you came to the group…
A) Yes, people who would accept me for what I am, a shy gay man
and give me the confidence not to be shy
Q) The reason
the group is different from other groups or the scene is…
A) The camaraderie
Q) Is there
anything you especially like about the group…
A) The incredible scoring systems for the games, particularly by
"young" Mike
Q) What you
can expect if you come along to the group…
A) Lots of fun, earthy repartee and real friendship
Let's ask another
member what he thinks
Peter (The group has more than one Peter let's call this
one Peter W)
Q) What can
people expect from coming along to the group?
A) Many new
friends, share common interests, expand local social network. Fun
at meetings, nights out. Socialize mid week when there is nothing
on TV on a Wednesday! Gay but not gay just normal every day guys
"Young"
Mike what would you like to say?
The best thing about coming to the group is seeing new people arrive
who are shy and concerned about being gay. Then, over the weeks
seeing them come out of their shells and begin to relax in gay company.
It's also nice
to meet friends in a relaxed atmosphere and talk about different
things such as gay rights and even Madonna!!
"Small"
Paul (he's not as tall as big Paul)
I started at the group about nine years ago; it's not a place to
meet a possible partner although that's where I met mine. But that's
not what the groups about.
It's a place
to have a laugh to meet with friends and play stupid games. I can
not promise it will change your life but if you want a night out
then you never know you may just meet some fantastic friends like
I have.
"Big"
Paul
My reasons for
going to the group
Having been going to the group for over 17 years, I have found the
group to be a stimulating and educational group.
It has been
a stable part of my life, through the trials and tribulations and
emotional rollercoaster of coming out and living as a gay man. The
friendships I have made at the group have formed a big part of my
social life.
I feel relaxed
and at ease in the company of fellow gay men, and feel part of a
family unit.
Mike S
(Group founder)
When I started the group 30 years ago, I never imagined we would
still be going in 2004. We must be doing something interesting.
I have made
good friends through the group which have lasted a long time.
Peter
(another Peter)
I have been coming to the group for many years. I have made many
friends there over the years. I enjoy the company, the conversation
and the camaraderie. I still look forward to Wednesday nights as
a good social night out.
"John
Boy"
Q) The types
of people I think would enjoy the group are...
A) People who have things bottled up, you can be your self
Q) If I could
tell people one thing about the group it would be…
A) The more often you come the more at home you feel
Q) The reason
I keep coming to the group is…
A) It's a rock in my otherwise turbulent world
Q) What can
people expect from the group? Is there anything you especially like
about it?
A) To meet real people like me where I can socialize and feel safe
Q) The reason
the group is different from other groups or the scene is…
A) It is not based around sex and there are no expectations placed
on people
Q) What you
can expect if you come along to the group…
A) To make a lot of friends and a sense of belonging
Some more
comments people made
My thoughts
on Hagg
Being a teenager
is a difficult time, fitting in at school with friends, trying to
be cool hanging out with your mates and revising for your exams;
trying to get good grades for college. Everything all at once then
on top of all this your hormones are thrust upon you.
I found during
my late teens and early twenties admitting to my self I am gay and
feeling confident with myself quite difficult, luckily a friend
introduced me to Hagg.
I find the support
from Hagg's social group very reassuring, knowing there are likeminded
people out there and I am not on my own! Yes, there are other gay
people out there living a happy life. The support and friendly atmosphere
the group creates is marvellous. I can relax and talk openly to
the group, which is important as well as enjoying the various events
each Wednesday evening.
Each Wednesday
I look forward to meeting up with my new friends at Hagg and taking
part in the evenings entertainment; a music quiz, a discussion or
slideshow just a few of the many events covered.
I always learn
something new in a creative, friendly atmosphere.
A big thank
you to everyone at Hagg for your wonderful support. Keep up the
good work!!
(Anon)
Q) My favourite
memory of the group is…
A) Battle ships
Q) The types
of people I think would enjoy the group are ...
A) People who like structured activities in gay surroundings
Q) If I could
tell people one thing about the group it would be…
A) Feel comfortable doing the above
Q) The reason
I keep coming to the group is…
A) I find it supportive
Q) Has the group
been a success for you?
A) Yes
Q) The reason
the group is different from other groups or the scene is…
A) One can attend the group without the need for alcohol unlike
the scene, but if you desire alcohol you can join the social trip
to the pub afterwards
Q) My favourite
event at the group is…
A) Doing the games
(Anon)
"The group
is a social get together where individuals can feel comfortable
and at ease. Within the group I have met and developed friendships
which are supportive and enjoyable in maintaining my personal life.
It's not easy
taking the first step but unless you make the jump as an individual
you may never realise what you are missing."
(Anon)
Well, I hope
this gives you a better idea of why the group is so enjoyable. If
you think you would like to give the group a try why not get in
touch?
P.S. After I
collected these quotes for you someone brought me a piece about
what it takes to be a man. I think it's rather good what do you
think?
Just be yourself
I think what
it takes to be a man is courage. Having the courage to listen deeply
to your inner voice and live your own life, regardless of what anyone
else thinks, or of what society thinks a man should be. And I think
the greatest barrier to being a man is machismo, the view that all
men should be testosterone fuelled hunter-gathers, or his modern
equivalent.
It takes courage
to break away from gender stereotyping and just be yourself.
A real man is
just that, himself.
www.hagg.org.uk
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