One of the most powerful ways PFLAG Denver uplifts and strengthens the LGBTQIA+ community is by supporting those who should be their biggest allies - their families. We know that having an affirming first line of support is shown to both significantly improve an LGBTQIA+ individual's sense of well being and dramatically improve their mental health outcome. To that end, PFLAG Denver provides significant others, families, friends, and allies (SOFFA) with a brave space to both learn and unlearn, to expand and grow, and to be seen in their own complexity during a loved ones exploration of their gender identity and/or transition. Through self-reflection and peer support, SOFFA equipts attendees with the knowledge and understanding to stand tall in their allyship and to better support their loved ones on their journey. Schedule and FAQ, below.
SOFFA GROUP
SIGNIFICANT OTHERS, FAMILY, FRIENDS & ALLIES
SOFFA SCHEDULE
2023
VIRTUAL Groups | 5:00 - 6:00PM (MST) | ZOOM
IN-PERSON Groups | 10:00 - 11:30AM (MST)
Prodigy Coffee House | 3801 E 40th Ave Denver, CO
No registration necessary
FAQs
Who is this group for?
This is a closed support group that centers the experiences and emotional needs of the Significant Others, Family, and Friends who have Transgender, Non-binary and gender expansive loved ones. If you are a partner, a parent, a grandparent, sibling, aunt/uncle, a friend... you get it... this group is for you! Allies who have a direct connection to a Trans, NB, or GNC individual (e.g. a co-worker who is transitioning) are also welcome.
Who is this group NOT for?
Please note this is a space to actively process and reflect on personal situations. It is NOT an appropriate venue to gain general understanding without a direct, personal connection to the community that you are actively processing. Additionally, this is not a space to expand professional competencies (e.g. students or therapists). PFLAG Denver has several special sessions in planning for our community that are related to gender which will be a better fit for these needs. We welcome your allyship and appreciate your partnership in keeping SOFFA a brave space for those directly seeking support. With questions or for clarification, please reach out to SOFFA@pflagdenver.org
What is a SOFFA support group like?
For many of you this may be your first experience seeking support in a community format. It may be the first time that you can actually talk openly about your situation. It may even be the first time you meet other people whose stories sound like yours. We know that all of these things can be exhilarating and terrifying, all at the same time.
Whether Virtual or In-Person, our SOFFA group begins with a facilitator introduction. We introduce the community agreements of the group, which are designed to maximize the privacy of those in attendance and to encourage everyone to set their own personal boundaries. We then "round table" (or "popcorn" if virtual) for attendee introductions. You will be asked to give your first name, your pronouns (a great opportunity to practice!) and to say how you are connected to the community (e.g. "I am the parent of a gender expansive child" or "My spouse is considering transitioning"). After everyone has introduced themself, the conversation gets going. Someone will crack the ice (don't be shy!) and share an update or an issue they need support on. Conversation is accretive, with others adding perspective from their own lived experiences to the challenges presented by others. Sometimes attendees have a lot to work through in any given session. Sometimes they are just there to learn and be a part of the community. All styles of participation are valid and welcome. Do what feels comfortable to you. Say as much or as little as you want.
What we hope you will find during this hour is a group of individuals committed to building a broader definition of love within their own hearts. We come together to process our own, unique relationships within the context of community and in the reflections of others’ experiences. There is always something to learn from each other. This is your time to listen and to share, to see and to be seen. That’s what community support is all about.
Is this therapy?
NO, this is not therapy. This is a peer-to-peer support group. This means that the advice and perspectives given, either by facilitators or those in attendance, is not coming from a licensed professional. Therefore, it is up to the discretion of each attendee as to whether they should employ their learnings. This also means that conversation will focus on high level topics, not intricate, highly involved personal details that one would work through with a licensed professional.
Does this cost money?
NO! PFLAG support groups are always free. They are made possible by the generous donations of individuals, PFLAG Denver Members and community partners who believe in the transformative power of community support and who are aligned in the vision that all transgender, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary individuals should be safe, seen, and celebrated, especially by those who should love them.
Have more questions?
Ask us! You can connect with facilitators by emailing SOFFA@pflagdenver.org