lff12

Some time ago somebody told me about attempts to set up a women-only gay resource centre in Dublin.  "But we have Outhouse", I replied.  Yes, said my friend, but a lot of people feel there is a need to cater for gay women who want to go to somewhere "just for them."  Not a bad idea in theory, but in fact I am utterly opposed to such a group because of the impact of similar groups in other areas.  While such groups provide what appears to be a "resource" since it is women-only, it can only be used by women-only groups, and since these are few and far between, and any that are not based on sexual identity will not want to alienate hetero members, such resources will get used only from within.

The other problem is that because such groups are so inevitably small, they tend to quickly become power quangos, and are very rapidly inflitrated by self-interested individuals who often use them to manipulate others.  I was horrified at a so-called community meeting recently in one centre, to see well-meaning changes and improvements brushed aside, not by the lowest common demoninator effect, but simply by the bullying of those who shouted loudest and most aggressively.  The "lady" in question, who sure to form was nothing but a common bully, was pushing to ensure that family and friends of the gay women who use this centre remained nominally excluded from the groups core activities, thus ensuring, no doubt, the centres demise when funders realise that it is used only by a core group of no more than double figures, which is sad, as many people are striving hard to reach further were it not for bullies such as this individual.

Inevitably too, support groups often crack under the strain of the personal agendas of members and sometimes fall apart and split once, and even a second time, under the strain.  I spotted one such "lady" on the scene last night who for much of the last year has been masquerading under the guise of being a consultant "expert" on gender issues.  In fact that lady has no relevant qualifications, such as counselling certifications or even membership of any kind of professional body.  She is operating as a lone wolf with no backup support which is chilling as one of the areas she claims "experise" in is the highly sensitive suicide support, which demands significant levels of quality care and professionalism.  It is chilling indeed that an indivudal (who even comes across as rather flippant and unprofessional) can operate outside of the support structure of no less than 60 different counselling organisations which will at least give some level of quality assurance and care to potential clients.

I would assure you, should you come across such an individual who is claiming to be a professional at consultancy level, to question them in detail about their professional affiliations, experience and backup structure.  DO NOT let yourself be conned by soft talk and a seemingly "harmless" appearance, especially if he or she comes recommended by "friends."  These people are very skilled at conning large numbers and operate only to further their own attention-seeking and self-serving agendas.  Make sure you let other people know also as such people are now at large in the community and going unquestioned, except for a very few people.

Curious book!