What to Expect at a Peer Support Group: A First-Timer’s Guide

Taking the first step into a support group, or any new social situation, can feel like stepping into the unknown. Maybe you're feeling nervous, curious, guarded, or even hopeful. Wherever you’re starting from, we want you to know that you belong here. We understand it might be hard to attend a group for the first time, so we created this guide to help answer any questions you might have about what to expect, because we believe transparency is key to building trust with our community. 

What Is a Peer Support Group? 

At A Haven for Us, our peer support groups are facilitated by people with lived experience: folks who understand the unique challenges and joys of being queer. We gather virtually to hold space, share stories, listen deeply, and remind one another that we’re not alone. 

This isn’t group therapy. We recognize that clinical mental health support is important and can be lifesaving, but that’s not what we’re here to provide. What we offer is community-based care, grounded in mutual respect, shared experience, and collective healing. If you're looking for a licensed therapist or crisis support, we can help connect you to affirming resources. But within this space, we come together as equals; facilitators and participants alike. 

What Happens in a Typical Meeting? 

While every group has its own rhythm, and each meeting might be a bit different, here’s what you can generally expect: 

1. A Gentle Welcome: The facilitators will begin by introducing themselves and reviewing basic guidelines around confidentiality and respect, as well as what you can expect from the meeting or group. 

2. Optional Check-ins: You’ll be invited, but never required, to share how you're feeling, your name and pronouns, city, or what brought you to the group. There’s no pressure to speak. Listening is participating too. 

3. Open Sharing and/or a Guided Topic: Some groups offer open conversation, while others focus on specific themes such as identity, policy, boundaries, community care, or just fun. These meetings are a space for discussion, reflection, sharing of experiences or resources, and friendship. You are always welcome to speak but never required; sharing is entirely up to you. 

4. A Space Built on Trust: Everyone in the group has signed up through our email list or a secure RSVP form. We do this intentionally to protect the safety and integrity of our spaces. What’s shared here stays here. Recording or screenshotting any part of a session is not allowed. 

5. Closing and Resources: We always end with care. That may include a grounding exercise, a thoughtful reflection, or information about upcoming opportunities and support. We also send an anonymous follow-up survey after most groups to hear about what went well, what helped, and what could have gone better; hearing from the community is how we learn and grow, and we greatly value your feedback. 

A Note About Privacy and Safety 

At A Haven for Us, we take confidentiality seriously, not just during group sessions, but before you ever enter the (virtual) room. We do not share group links publicly. Instead, they are only sent to people who sign up for our email list and provide required information. This approach helps protect our spaces and ensures that those attending are doing so with care and intention. Recording or capturing any part of a session is prohibited to safeguard the trust and vulnerability shared in our groups. 

Tips for Your First Group

• Bring whatever helps you feel grounded, whether that's tea, a journal, a blanket, or a fidget object. 

• Cameras are optional. You are welcome whether you are visible or not. 

• Group links are only shared via our email list to protect the space. 

• You are never required to share. Saying "pass," or keeping your microphone off is always welcome. 

• Recording is not permitted to maintain the safety and privacy of everyone in attendance. 

Why People Keep Coming Back 

For many, these groups are the first place where they feel truly seen and heard. It may be the first time someone says their name and pronouns aloud in a space that affirms them without question. Others come to process hard things, celebrate wins, learn from others, or simply exist in community without having to explain themselves. 

Because our groups are entirely virtual, they are often the first support space someone has been able to access, especially for those in isolated, rural, or unsupportive environments. Whether you're here as someone who is LGBTQIA+ or as an ally committed to showing up with care, these spaces offer connection, reflection, and a shared commitment to growth and liberation. 

Over time, they become more than meetings — they become grounding rituals and reminders that healing and learning don’t happen alone. People return not just in moments of struggle, but in moments of joy, knowing they will be met with care, respect, and community. 

You’re Not Alone 

Whether you’re joining us in a moment of crisis or calm, grief or growth, we’re glad you’re here. You don’t have to show up with answers, strength, or even words. Just showing up is enough. 

When you’re ready, we’ll be here with open hearts and a space that welcomes all of who you are. 

A Note on Peer Support 

A Haven for Us offers peer-led support groups and community-based programs designed to foster connection, reduce isolation, and promote shared lived experience. These groups are not a substitute for licensed mental health care, legal advice, or medical treatment. No facilitator, volunteer, or peer should be considered a healthcare provider or legal professional. If you are in crisis, we encourage you to connect with a qualified professional or call a crisis line:

Trevor Project: 24/7 LGBTQIA+ Crisis Hotline:

Call: 1-866-488-7386

Text: START to 678-678

Chat: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/

988 Lifeline: 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Hotline

Dial 988, press 3 if calling, or text PRIDE to 988 for LGBTQIA+ affirming counseling.

Trans Lifeline: Peer support hotline for and by transgender individuals

Call: (877) 565-886

• Mon-Fri: 10 AM – 6 PM Pacific Time

LGBT National Help Center Talkline:

Call: (888) 843-4564 for LGBT National Hotline

Call: (888) 843-5428 for LGBT National Coming Out Support

Call: (800) 246-7743 for LGBT National Youth Talkline

Call: (888) 234-7243 for LGBT National Senior Hotline

• Mon-Fri: 11 AM - 8 PM Pacific Time; Sat: 9 AM - 2 PM Pacific Time

Disclaimer: Links to external resources are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement. A Haven for Us is not responsible for the content or practices of third-party websites.

Want to join a group? Sign up for our email list to receive access to support group links, upcoming events, and community resources. We never share your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.