A new, independent group is being launched in Bermuda specifically for gay men.

Entitled the Gay Men's Support Group (GMSG), its purpose is to provide a forum where issues of concern and common problems can be shared and freely discussed in a closed setting.

The concept was formulated by "Leon" (not his real name) who, as a gay man, realised that there was no group to which he could turn to discuss life issues and share problems.

There were support groups for people with addictions, people who were grieving, and people with specific health problems, but nothing similar for gay men. The more time went on the more Leon felt the need to do something, but he was determined that any such group would be objective and free of specific influences. Finally, with careful planning, the framework for the Gay Men's Support Group was devised, and steps put in place to ensure that it would be an anonymous and secure setting, just as other support groups are.

"GMSG is a non-political group basically for gay men to get together and talk about life issues, which may include problems on the job, in relationships, and meeting partners," Leon says. "There are very few places for gay men to go, other than bars and discos."

He also cited other, major reasons why he felt such a support group was necessary.

"One is to deal with homophobia and internalised homophobia," he says. "Internalised homophobia comes through growing up in a society which is extremely prejudiced towards gay people. It starts at a very young age when schoolmates ridicule you, and goes on to be perpetuated in society. In Bermuda there is a very strong macho image. The concept of homosexual relationships being a loving unit is more recent.

"Another is the fear of HIV, which has a tremendous impact on gay relationships, just as it does in the heterosexual world. What is happening today is that, because of that fear, gay men are avoiding getting into relationships."

GMSG will provide a forum where people can start to talk about these issues and concerns in a supportive environment where they can talk freely and confidentially, and in a way that is comfortable.

"I think the difficulty is when you carry a lot of fears and don't talk about them it can make your life very stressful and complicated," Leon says. "Part of coming to accept your orientation is needing to find solidarity with each other in order to become more comfortable with your identity as a gay person. It is very much a process. The difficulty is that if you get stuck with the social images you become isolated, and end up living with a lot of discomfort."

GMS will follow a similar format to other support groups, and a protective screening process will also be in effect.

"We have the support of The Allan Vincent Smith Foundation, who will be assisting us with the screening so that we don't get disruptive personalities or people who are there deliberately to sabotage the group, and we will base it on the 12 steps concept," Leon says. "At the meetings, people will be introduced on a first-name basis."

He noted that GMSG is not to be confused with the Rainbow Coalition, whose focus is human rights issues as they relate to gays and lesbians.

"GMSG is being formed because of the lack of social settings to meet other gay people," Leon says. "It is to provide a different type of setting than is currently available."

For further information ( 295-0002.