Helping then and helping now... MPG!

I first came across the name Manchester Parents Group in 1995. I had recently “come out” to my dad who was having massive issues with me being gay. My dad, a working class Northerner had not knowingly been exposed to gay people and coupled with me being his only son, gave him heightened acceptance issues. My dad and I spent a lot of time arguing and our relationship was at breaking point. I simply didn’t know where to turn. After taking to a friend who had already been on a similar journey to me, he introduced me to Manchester Parents Group and I contacted them.

Even now, (twenty four years later) I can remember when I made my first call and spoke to one of their volunteers. During the call they expressed huge empathy with my situation. They immediately referred to their own feelings when their child had “come out” to them. They explained that my dad was welcome to attend one of their regular meetings and that he would find parents of gay children “just like him”. I finished the call with so much hope that they could help my dad.

I immediately made the introduction to my dad and a few months later, my dad told me he had been in contact with Manchester Parents Group. He never told me details of the call, however, their words of comfort convinced him to visit them at one of their meetings. He travelled by train without my knowledge. He attended a few times. His outlook towards my sexuality changed a few weeks after those visits. We were able to discuss openly my sexuality and for me to understand his point of view and for him to understand mine. I am not exaggerating that I thought Manchester Parents Group had performed a miracle on my dad. That’s how it felt. The change was so fundamental. All they had done was provide him with a safe place to discuss his feelings and share experiences with him.

In simple terms though, parents meeting with one another and discussing their individual situations, normalising homosexuality can offer huge support to people like my dad. My dad wasn’t the first and isn’t the last. Manchester Parents Group support many every single year.

Over the years, I have been lucky enough to work with Manchester Parents Group on other occasions. When I was asked to get involved helping to set up Icebreakers Uganda, I contacted Manchester Parents Group for advice. They were quick to respond and assist, giving me their unique parent perspective. They were also supportive when I wanted to organise counselling services for young people using youth zones. They have also assisted me by signposting a transgender friend to services available to them. They are a great fountain of knowledge and greatly respected in the LGBT community. 

But perhaps the nicest thing about Manchester Parents Group is seeing their friendly faces when they are on their float in the Manchester Pride or standing behind their stalls at the countless pride events that they attend annually, offering their services to everyone in Manchester and beyond. My daughters now look forward to seeing their friendly faces and getting loving hugs at such events.

Both my dad and myself cannot thank Manchester Parents Group enough for the work they have done. My dad has offered and helped other parents coming to terms with gay children, which I consider remarkable progress, thanks to Manchester Parents Group!

To see their great work - https://manpg.co.uk/