“ComingOutWomen” is a support group in the South Sound designed for women who are exploring sexual orientation and identity…who are at ANY point in the coming out process. Coming out is not a single event, but a life long process. Women at the group may be in our 30s, 50s, 70s…whatever age. Alternate names for the group are "Women's Space" or “Wednesday Women” (as on the meeting room door sign—for the sake of anonymity). Together we graw in AWE: Authenticity, Wholeness, Empowerment.

A woman who is gay or lesbian (or whatever “label” she chooses—or no label) engages in a primary relationship (or wishes to) with another woman. She can be truly herself in this relationship—emotionally, physically, sexually, spiritually. A second characteristic of a gay/lesbian woman is that she is likely to feel most comfortable when she connects with women friends, in women’s gatherings, at social events by and for women. We live in a world in which “compulsory heterosexuality” prevails, is required. But not so within the room where we meet. We visit with other women-loving-women. We relax, share and/or simply listen. We can give our names—or not; share our stories—or not. We can recount when we “first knew” (was it the dark-haired angel in third grade or the volleyball coach in junior high?); when we were “kinda sure” (maybe that captivating woman at work?). We may have felt incredible pain and loneliness about “being different” and having no one to talk with. We may recognize the similarities of our journeys to those of other women: feeling forced into the “heterosexual box,” marrying…at some point knowing that “this is not where I should be.”

Now we can celebrate KNOWING how wonderful the difference is between trying to relate to a man…and loving relating with a woman. “My existence was missing something. Now it is…life-giving.” But society has a great stake in disallowing woman-to-woman relationships; we upset the applecart of sexism. Based on gender roles dictated primarily by men, sexism rules that men are to be dominant and women submissive. Men have the power; women don’t. And sexism is the foundation of heterosexism which generates homophobia. So what does a woman-woman couple do to these ideologies/systems? (Squash them!)

On Wednesdays we talk amongst ourselves (with coffee or not). We “come out of the silence.” Our voices are heard. What we think and feel and say…MATTERS. Whether we are taking the first tentative steps to explore life with a special woman, or if we’ve been “out” for years/decades as gay or lesbian, bisexual or transwomen…we are welcome in this Wednesday Women space. Journey together towards being truly, wholly, beautifully, who we are. Come “breathe lesbian air” together! And we welcome our adult women friends and families who support us on out journey. 

Facilitator Kathy guided a women’s coming out group in Ohio for 15 years; she started working with the group while completing a masters in psychiatric/mental health nursing. "Being 'outed' in my 30’s (1976), I faced a custody battle for my two daughters, 7 and 5, in Richland, WA. Thank goodness I won. Then I taught at a Catholic college in Ohio and lived in a community where being divorced was unacceptable--and being gay was unmentionable! From these experiences, I recognize the value of support of women who ‘get it’ because we ‘live it. Come gather with us…you’re not alone.”

Date/Time: 1st and 3rd Wednesdays (7/20, 8/3, 8/17, 9/7, 9/21, 10/5, 10/19, 11/2, 11/16, 12/7, 12/21, 1/4/12...ongoing), 7:00-8:30 PM.

Location: from 7/20/11 through 9/7/11, we will meet at: St. Joseph/St. John Episcopal Church, 11111 Military Rd, SW, Lakewood, WA 98498.

Location: beginning 9/21/11 and thereafter: The Pine Cone Cafe,7912 27th St W, University Place, WA. Sign on meeting room says WEDNESDAY WOMEN.

Confidentiality emphasized. Free of all charges. Handouts provide accurate information. Come to meetings, listen and/or share your story. ComingOutWomen website: http://comingoutwomen.org ; Kathyprez@comcast.net  253-268-0098