FAQs
Where do you meet?
We meet every Friday, 8:30 pm, in a room at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church
in Dupont Circle. Although we are not affiliated with the church, we have
been renting a room from them for many years.
Find directions here.
What do you do at your meetings?
We get together and have a discussion for about an hour or so, socialize,
share announcements, and then head out to a restaurant, coffee shop, or bar.
Do I need to talk during the discussion hour or can I just listen?
No one is required to say anything! Many of our members prefer to listen,
and not all members have something to say about every topic. We provide a
very different listening environment than most people might get at their
job or at home, so what you want to say, or not, is up to you.
Does it cost to attend the meetings?
Participants are asked to contribute five dollars ($5) to cover the cost
of the meeting room, but anyone who cannot afford to contribute is still
welcome to attend. When the group goes to dinner after the meeting,
everyone pays their own way. Some people come along to dinner but choose
not to eat. If you missed an opportunity to donate last time, you can do
so via our Paypal account.
How many people normally show up on any given Friday?
It varies. Weather, time of year, and other factors can have an impact on
the number of people that make it to our meetings and participation can range
from a handful of people to a few dozen.
Is it always the same people every Friday?
No. Each Friday we have a different mix of people; some are familiar faces
and some are new to the group. People come and go as their schedules allow,
and it is never the same group twice. Overall, we have a few hundred members
on our list serv but certainly not the space for them all to arrive on the same night.
I have already turned 30. Do I have to be in my 20s to be a member of the group?
We try to provide an interesting group and safe meeting space for men who
are sharing common experiences related to their age and, therefore, we
restrict participation in our group to those under the age of 30. However,
please consult our Resources section for links
to other organizations that are open to those of all ages.
I just moved to the DC area and am not
interested in a cruising environment. Is this the right group for me?
Absolutely. We create a safe environment for people to meet people and
make new friends. Lots of our members have formed great friendships and
social networks through attending.
Is this a social group or a support group for coming out,
substance abuse, mental health and other issues?
Twenties Group is primarily a social group, NOT a support group.
While we frequently discuss coming out, substance abuse, violence
and other topics related to the gay experience these discussions
are not a substitute for the crucial role professional intervention
and bona fide support groups provide. For more information,
see our Resources section.
How can I find out about activities the group is planning?
Check our schedule of upcoming events, join
our mailing list by emailing twentiesgroupdc-subscribe AT yahoogroups.com,
or contact us.
Do I have to be out to attend?
No. Participants range from those that have been out for many years,
those in the early stages of coming out, and those that are just starting
that process or just starting to consider it.
Can I bring one of my straight or female friends along?
Although we all love our straight allies and lady friends, this group is
a resource for you, not them. We have a shared history with Women in
their 20s (insert link www.womenintheir20s.org) a related group that
serves to provide a similar social outlet for lesbian, bisexual,
transgendered and questioning women in their 20s. Your straight friends
might be interested in some of the meetings and resources available to
them at PFLAG Metro Washington or via
PFLAG National.
What if I still have questions?
You can always email us, or simply come
to this Friday's meeting!