Manchester Outright

It can be pretty scary to walk into a group for the first time when you don't know anybody. Coming to Manchester Outright may be especially difficult because it might be the first time you have ever been with a group of gay people. You yourself might be gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgendered, or at least questioning or exploring your sexuality. You might have feelings or questions that you don't fully understand, or that you've never been able to talk about before. It may have taken you weeks or months just to get up the nerve to come to Manchester Outright.

We understand. Some of us got as far as the front door for a couple of weeks before we finally worked up the courage to come in (it's true). But we're glad YOU did.

To ensure that we will have a safe and supportive enviroment we expect all participants as well as adult advisors to adhere these few basic rules.

Respect Confidentiality: We agree to keep confidential who attends these meetings reguardless of who they are and what individuals share personally. The only exceptions are in cases where individuals are at risk of suicide, homicide, or abuse/neglect

Respect Feelings: We agree not to tell anyone what they should or should not feel. Feelings are 100% OK. Feelings are non-negotiable.

Use "I" Statements: We encourage people to use "I" statements when    sharing thoughts, opinions, and ideas. The use of the "I" statements create a more non-judgemental enviroment. Examples: " I think...", " I feel...", and " I believe...". 

Silence: Just because we're not talking doesn't necessarily mean we're not communicating. We try to be sure that a person is finished sharing before going on to the next person. We ask that no side conversations occur while others are sharing.

Respect Boundries: We agree to respect everyone's personal space. We will not harass others or make others feel uncomfortable. We will not touch others who do not want to be touched. We will be respectful of how we talk to each other. We will not interrupt others while they are speaking.

Respect Diversity: We agree to create safety for diversity. Participants attending our meetings are often different ages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, classes, poliical affiliations, religious or spiritual beliefs and have differing disabilities and abilities. We are HIV Negative, HIV Positive, and HIV unsure / untested. We encourage ourselves not to make assumptions about anyone and to respect & celebrate our diversity.

No Judgements, Blame, Shame, or Guilt: We come together to get away from these things. We will work together to keep our time together free of these things.

No Violence, Weapons, or Drugs: We agree to keep these meetings a drug free enviroment (yes this includes alcohol). We acknowledge that some of us may recovering from the effects of drugs & violence in our lives. We will respect their needs. Breaking this agreement may result in being asked to leave immediately and/or other action as deemed appropriate by the facilitators present.

Facilitators: (Anyone over age 25) All associations with participants are to be kept strictly within the group and must remain professional for as long as facilitators and participants are attending these meetings.

Due to safety reasons people over 21 may not attend Outright meetings unless they have been through facilitator training.

We meet in a room on the upper level of the Unitarian Universalist Church  669 Union Street Manchester, NH.

 Directions from the North  (Concord Area)

   Take I-89 south to I-93 South:
   Pay toll just south of Concord, NH.

1 mile south of the toll booth go straight (on I-293).
Take Exit 6 (Amoskeag Bridge). Stay to the right and go back over the highway. Follow the (sort of) circle to the left and then take the next right exit labelled "Amoskeag Bridge, to Rte 3".
At the second light, take a right onto Elm street.
At the 1st light, take a left onto Bridge street.
At the 2nd light (5th block), take a left onto Union street.
The church is 3 blocks on the right.

Alternate way:
1 mile south of the toll booth, take a right exit (this leaves you on I-93 (going straight puts you onto I-293).
Take Exit 8-Wellington Rd. to Bridge Street.
At the end of the ramp take a right at the light.
At the 4th traffic light (not counting the 3 blinking lights), turn right onto Union Street. The church is 3 blocks on the right (between Myrtle and Prospect).                 

              
Directions from the South  (Nashua area):

Follow Route 3North for approx 20(?) miles (NOTE: Compliments of the state of New Hampshire, there is a $1 toll about 5-7 miles north of Nashua.)

2 miles north of the toll booth the road changes to I-293 North - just stay on the main road - don't take any turns.

Take Exit 5 (Granite Street / Downtown). At the end of the ramp, take a right.
At the 3rd light (don't count the light at the RR tracks) when you are facing the Verizon Center take a left onto Elm Street.
At the 5th light take a right onto Bridge Street.
At the 3rd light take a left onto Union street.
The church is 3 blocks on the right.