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TZID:America/Toronto
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BEGIN:VEVENT
UID:55@gaymensbrotherhood.com
DTSTART;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260326T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Edmonton:20260326T191500
DTSTAMP:20260323T182216Z
URL:https://gaymensbrotherhood.com/events/over-identifying-with-being-gay-
 helpful-or-hinderance/
SUMMARY:Over-Identifying with Being Gay: Helpful or Hinderance?
DESCRIPTION:For many of us\, being gay isn’t just one part of who we are\
 ; it can become the identity we cling to for belonging\, safety\, and vali
 dation. And while community can be powerful\, over-identifying with our se
 xuality can sometimes leave us feeling boxed in\, performative\, or discon
 nected from other parts of ourselves.\n\nThis connection circle invites yo
 u to explore what it means to be a whole person who happens to be gay\, no
 t defined by stereotypes\, expectations\, or roles. Together\, we’ll loo
 k at how identity can become a survival strategy\, how it can limit authen
 tic self-expression\, and how to gently reclaim the fuller range of who yo
 u are.\n\nThrough reflection and open dialogue\, we’ll create space to l
 oosen labels\, release pressure\, and reconnect with your deeper sense of 
 self\, beyond sexuality\, beyond performance\, beyond approval.\n\n[video 
 width="1280" height="720" mp4="https://gaymensbrotherhood.com/wp-content/u
 ploads/2026/01/cc-over-identifying-as-being-gay.mp4"][/video]\n\nOverview\
 n\n\n\n\n\nGay Men’s Brotherhood Connection Circles are for gay men want
 ing a safe place to converse and share personal experiences. Connect direc
 tly with other members of the community in a small\, intimate virtual sett
 ing.\n\n\n\n\nThe Connection Circles will foster conversation\, collabora
 tion and support from your fellow brothers. Our intention for this offeri
 ng is to create a safe space where we can get to know one another more int
 imately and alleviate the loneliness and disconnection we see so much in o
 urselves and our community.\n\nHere's how the connection circles will work
 :\n\nWe will gather in one large group and the facilitator will review gro
 und rules and offer a topic with some discussion questions. We will then b
 reak off into small pods of 3 where you can share personal experiences\, i
 nsights\, ask questions\, or provide support to others - just like we do 
 on the Gay Men Going Deeper podcast!\n\nThis is perfect for those of you w
 ho are too shy to speak up in the large groups during our sharing circles.
  Smaller groups allow for people to take the time to get to know one anoth
 er where friendships can form. This is also a great opportunity to connec
 t with people that you might not otherwise connect with because the pods 
 will be assigned randomly.\n\nUnlike our Sharing Circles\, there is an exp
 ectation to share at this event in the small pods.\n\nLooking forward to s
 eeing you there 🙂\n\n\n\n\n\n
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://gaymensbrotherhood.com/wp-content/upload
 s/2026/01/Connection-Circle-over-identifying.png
CATEGORIES:Matt Hosting
LOCATION:https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gay-mens-brotherhood-connection-circle
 -with-matt-registration-1985255979075?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=atte
 ndeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=website
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TZID:America/Edmonton
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BEGIN:DAYLIGHT
DTSTART:20260308T030000
TZOFFSETFROM:-0700
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