gay dads adopting

**Men of Unity** is a safe, welcoming space for men to connect, share, and grow together. In this circle, we explore what it means to live with purpose, integrity, and spiritual awareness in today’s world. Through open dialogue, reflection, and mutual support, we learn to balance strength with compassion, confidence with humility, and action with mindfulness. Whether you’re seeking deeper spiritual connection, personal clarity, or simply a supportive brotherhood, this group invites you to bring your authentic self and grow in community. This week the Men's of Group will meet at Scrambler's - the North Hamilton Road location: 5729 North Hamilton Road Columbus, 43230

Westerville Pride Festival Sat\. June 6\, 2026 \| 5 PM \- 8 PM If you're thinking of attending, or being a sponsor, vendor, or volunteer, visit our website at https://www.westervillequeercollective.org/pride for more information! Location and other info will be announced soon :)

**The idea for this group is to build a community where men can gather together and build connections & learn and grow from each other.** How we start each meeting is by each of us checking in with our "roses and thorns" aka what are the good things and the bad things going on in your life recently? Then we will go into a topic discussion. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS** \*\*THERE WILL BE A ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY FOR NO-SHOWS. IF YOU RSVP TO A MEETING AND FAIL TO SHOW UP WITHOUT NOTICE, YOU'LL BE REMOVED FROM THE GROUP. THIS IS TO PRESERVE THE INTEGRITY OF THE GROUP\*\* 1. Confidentiality - EVERYTHING that is shared NEVER leaves this space so that this space remains safe and sacred. There is a zero tolerance policy for this. If a man is in violation of this, they will be permanently removed from the group. 2. Non-Judgement - we respect and honor every man’s truth so that we may receive the same from others. While we may not agree on everything, we commit to respecting every man’s perspectives and engaging in honorable discussion with one another. 3. Be committed - honor your commitment to this group and to yourself. If you attend a meeting, please commit yourself fully to the meeting. Also be committed to your own journey. When we fail, we own it & clean it up. 4. Speak from the heart - this is NOT a space to “look good”, have the “right” answers, and have it all together. Relax and know you are not alone. Be exactly who you are within the safety of this space. 5. Be supportive - This means always willing to provide encouragement to your fellow men, encourage action and momentum in each other’s lives.. Be willing to challenge each other. Be willing to hold each other accountable. 6. Participation - what you receive from this community will be a reflection of what you put into it. Period. We ask that you share your perspectives, reflect on others, and give/receive support when and where it’s needed.

Come join CORGSCON the Columbus, Ohio retro gaming expo at the Bricker Building – Ohio Expo Center June 6th-7th Saturday: 11am-6pm Saturday After Party: 6PM – 10PM Sunday: 11am-4pm PLEASE NOTE: RSVP for this event does NOT give you access to the event. Please buy tickets for the event on the website here or onsite at the event: [https://www.corgscon.com/tickets/](https://www.corgscon.com/tickets/) We'll have COGG game developers there showcasing their games alongside the [GDEX game expo](https://www.thegdex.com/) also happening later this year. Find out more here: [https://www.corgscon.com/](https://www.corgscon.com/)

I have been studying the question of "self" online with Prof. Ellie Anderson and so I thought a prompt on the "self" might be interesting. Full confession: I had Claude create this prompt and I like it, so here goes: Imagine a thought experiment that merges two classic puzzles: > You undergo a procedure, performed neuron by neuron, in which every biological component of your brain is replaced with a functionally identical synthetic substitute. At each step, your behavior, memories, and personality remain unchanged. When the last neuron is swapped, is the consciousness experiencing the world still you? And — more pressingly — was there ever a continuous "you" to begin with? ### Questions to Wrestle With * If consciousness is purely physical, does the *gradual* nature of the replacement matter, or is it equivalent to being destroyed and rebuilt? * Could there be a "self" without continuity of experience — even moment to moment, while you sleep? On a more practical level, consider the simpler case first: **hemispherectomy** patients — people who have had an entire cerebral hemisphere surgically removed — often retain a strong sense of personal identity and continuity. This suggests "you" are not rigidly tied to specific physical material. But does that vindicate the synthetic neuron case, or merely show that identity is more *flexible* than we thought — not that it can survive *complete* substrate replacement? I used Claude so I could get this out today and let everyone have some time to consider it. Hope to see you at the Oracle. Sorry about the location change two weeks ago. That's what I get for trusting local weather predictions!

In this local meeting, you will discover knowledge that you can use to get over the past. The key to improving your personal motivation, self-confidence, and happiness is to get over your painful memories. When you become free of your past, you will be free from stress, anger, anxiety and depression. Studies show that negative emotions can affect your health. By being free of negative emotions, believe it or not, you will most likely even look younger, feel more energetic, and become healthier! Be sure to click on the red "Attend" button below to come to this local event. We look forward to seeing you there. This group is brought to you by the Dianetics and Scientology life improvement center.

Join us this Pride season to paint your own pride on rocks, paper, canvas, and yes- we are bringing back the bricks! Come create and paint with us. Seats and supplies limited! Come while you can for as long as you like! Westerville Public Library Meeting Room D.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

**💖 St. Petersburg Online Speed Dating on Zoom** Join from home and meet real St. Petersburg singles in guided one-on-one Zoom rounds. Matched by age and personality. **Choose your age range to sign up:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=St.%20Petersburg&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't confirm a place.** Click your age group below, register, and take the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Sign up, take the quiz, and meet St. Petersburg singles tonight. 💞 ✨

**💗 Speed Dating from Home – Meet Jacksonville Singles Live on Zoom** We pair you by personality and age so every conversation feels natural. Each round is a brief one-on-one Zoom chat with a Jacksonville local paired by age and personality. A host keeps the pace comfortable. **✅ RSVP to secure your spot.** The host will reach out after your RSVP with a quick personality quiz to help us pair you with compatible Jacksonville singles. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Singles in Jacksonville who want to meet people from home - Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting - Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face **Event Details** - **Format:** Hosted on Zoom – one-on-one video dates - **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel - **Host:** Experienced host steering the session - **Vibe:** Laid-back one-on-one chats with Jacksonville locals - **Rounds:** Multiple short one-on-one rounds - **Privacy:** Contact info only shared when both match **How It Works** 1. **RSVP here** – Secure your spot on Meetup. 2. **The host will contact you** – After RSVP, you'll get a message with the personality quiz so we can pair you well. 3. **Answer the personality quiz** – Takes just a few minutes and makes the matching much better. 4. **Hop on Zoom** – You'll receive the Zoom link before the event. The host handles the rest. 5. **Meet your matches** – Cycle through short chats, then see who you clicked with after the event. 💡 **Tip:** Check your Zoom setup and pick a quiet, well-lit spot ahead of time. **Frequently Asked Questions** **What's the personality quiz for?** It helps us match you with compatible people. The host will send it after your RSVP. **How long are the chats?** A few minutes each — just enough to get a sense of someone. **How do I get the Zoom link?** The host will message you directly after your RSVP with everything you need. --- ✨ Speed dating from home — easy, fun, and personality matched. ✨ ✨

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

**🦋 Port St. Lucie Zoom Online Speed Dating** Meet Port St. Lucie singles from home in short, hosted one-on-one rounds on Zoom. We match by age and personality. **Register below for your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Port%20St.%20Lucie&groupurlname=join-our-circle-of-serious-singles&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** Register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Real conversations, real matches — all from home. 🦋 ✨

Join us every other Wednesday during the summer at 5:30pm at Blendon Woods Inclusive Playground. Starts Wednesday June 17th. **Agenda** 5:30-6:15 Kids Play & Dad's Meet 6:15-6:45 Snacks & Father/Son Men's Group Circle \- Simple intro Round \- What are Dad & Son working on? \- Various Topics for Fathers and Sons\(What does it mean to be a man? Etc\.\) 6:45-7 Close. Go get food or keep playing. Mario will lead this group and hold the space. Generally, it is a laid-back, open group that can be modified to accommodate those who show up. If people want to go get dinner after, we can :) It's all about making friends and building a positive community. Mario has led men's groups for several years, sponsored by Speak Your Mind, an Ohio Non-Profit organization with a focus on men's mental well-being. Click here to learn more about SYM: https://linktr.ee/taketimespeakyourmind). All events are non-denominational and donation-based. No one will be turned away for their beliefs or financial position. Suggested donation is $5 per family per meeting (Covers the cost of meetup). **Donation link**: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/angels-for-angels/speak-your-mind **Liability Waiver** to fill out before your first event (Required). This covers the non-profit in the event of any accidents. https://form.jotform.com/242207035182144 Contact Mario with any questions: 808-855-8831 Address: 4265 E. Dublin Granville Road Columbus, OH 43081 Follow signs to the back of the park (Inclusive Playground)

## 🤝 Host Information A co-hosted event by ProductTank Columbus & Women in Product Columbus 💡 About the Workshop AI adoption is stalling across organizations — not because of a lack of motivation or tools, but because it's fundamentally a behavior design challenge. This hands-on workshop applies proven Behavior Design models and methods to help you move from a vague organizational wish to boost AI adoption to 3-5 concrete, testable interventions you can act on starting tomorrow. Whether you're a product manager, on a product team, or just someone trying to get AI to actually stick at work, you'll leave with a clear picture of what's worth focusing on, what to ignore, and how to drive real, sustained adoption — no guesswork required. 🛠️ What to Bring Laptop: Fully charged and ready to go. AI Assistant: Have your favorite AI assistant pulled up. (Dom will be using Claude, but feel free to use whichever assistant you prefer!) 🍕 Logistics & Perks Food & Drink: Pizza and drinks provided! Parking: Plenty of free spaces available on-site. ###

Join us for our June Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss [The Queer Principles of Kit Webb](https://catsebastian.com/the-queer-principles-of-kit-webb/) by Cat Sebastian in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

A Father's Day Celebration at Top Golf Join Black Love & Friends as we celebrate the fathers, father figures, mentors, coaches, uncles, grandfathers, and positive male role models who help shape our community. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or have never picked up a club, come enjoy an evening of friendly competition, great conversation, food, drinks, and connection. 📅 Saturday, June 20, 202 ⏰ 7:00 PM – 9:00 P 🎯 Golf • Food • Drinks • Networking • Fu All skill levels welcome

**The Behavior Gap: Where Products Win or Lose** Teams today have more data than ever, and yet many still struggle to understand why customers adopt, engage with, or abandon their products. Teams sprint, ship faster, and chase more signals… all while metrics stall and confidence drops. The missing piece isn’t more data. It’s often the behavioral insight between the metrics, explaining why the numbers move in the first place. Dashboards can tell you what customers did, but understanding why they did it (and how to influence what they do next) requires a deeper blend of insights. This session is about closing that gap. Drawing from real-world experience designing and scaling products as [ZoCo Design](https://zocodesign.com/)’s CEO, [Lacey](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) will share how to cut through the noise and identify the insights that actually change behavior—moving people, and moving metrics. You’ll learn: * Why understanding customer behavior is a quant and qual challenge * How to spot the signals that actually predict behavior change * Where AI accelerates insight, and where it creates distraction * How to get meaningfully closer to customers, without adding more tools This talk reframes how to evaluate performance and identify what levers actually improve it, helping your team to make smarter bets with greater confidence. Every meaningful outcome is driven by behavior change. And when you know how to design for behavior, you stop guessing, and start building things that work. **About Our Speaker** [Lacey Picazo](https://www.linkedin.com/in/laceypicazo/) is the Founder and CEO of ZoCo, a healthcare product studio that turns complex, high-stakes ideas into products that drive real-world adoption. She partners with healthcare organizations to uncover critical care delivery insights, focus product strategy through behavior design, and build solutions that patients and providers actually use. Thanks to our 2026 sponsors: [Clarivoy](https://www.clarivoy.com), [What Box Consulting Group](https://www.whatboxconsultinggroup.com), [Conductrics](https://www.conductrics.com), and [Piwik PRO](https://piwik.pro) More info at [cbusdaw.com](https://cbusdaw.com)

A time to make signs, pack swag bags, and have fun together in anticipation for the Pride festivities the week after.