The coming out support group meets from 1-2:30 p.m. on the first and third Saturdays of each month in the executive meeting room at Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbott Road.

The organization is specifically designed to be a support group rather than a social group, such as West Circle’s PRIDE and South Complex’s PRISM caucuses, said Janet Okagbue-Reaves, an assistant professor at Eastern Michigan University and a clinical, licensed social orker who will facilitate the meetings.

“This group is more focused on letting us help you through this process as best we can,” she said.

While group members can benefit by interacting with others who are struggling with coming out, members also can be referred to clinical experts or therapists in the area.

“Adolescence is a horrible time emotionally for a lot of folks, especially if they are struggling with their sexuality,” she said. “Teenagers are trying to find their identity, and it’s a normal part of aging.”

There hasn’t been any direct coming out services in the area for a while, said Robert Van Kirk, president of the group.

“There really is no coming out support group in the area, so that tends to separate us (from other groups and services),” Van Kirk said. “This is not counseling, but it’s a means of providing individuals a support structure so they don’t have to go at it alone.”

The group, aimed to offer support to those who are between 15-25 years old in the Lansing area, is completely confidential.

“It’s so important that every teen who is LGBT-identified has a place where they can feel safe, supported and have an opportunity to connect with other peers,” said Brent Bilodeau, director of MSU’s Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender Resource Center.

Bilodeau said he receives phone calls from teens, parents and area counselors who are looking for a referral place for youth struggling with coming out issues, and the group will be a perfect resource outlet.

“(The coalition) wanted someone with clinical experience to facilitate the group given the sensitive nature of working with young people who may be experiencing issues around their coming out,” Okagbue-Reaves said.

The meetings will be a forum for members to discuss certain issues and sessions will be offered to help improve communication, self-esteem and other issues, Okagbue-Reaves said.

“(I hope people know) they are not alone,” she said. “Your sense of who you are and your sexuality is so important to how you develop as a person. If you’re having issues or are fearful to identify who you are, that can be an enormous psychological pressure.”

_Rachael Zylstra can be reached at zylstra4@msu.edu.