Coming out later in life after having a wife and family can be a difficult time for most gay men. Coming to terms with sexuality and learning to balance that with family, older gay men may feel like they are on their own. A support system with friendly faces is what they need.

Gay Father’s Coalition of Richmond, one of the longest running gay organizations in Richmond, is a non-profit organization that provides support and information for gay and bisexual men that are fathers, their partners, children, friends and supporters.

Founded in April 1997 by four gay fathers, GFC-Richmond is now an integral and respected part of Richmond’s gay community. Membership is open to gay men parenting children through adoption, current or previous marriage or other arrangements; partners of gay fathers and anyone who supports the objectives of the group.

GFC-Richmond meets for a social/support dinner at members’ homes or at local restaurants on the second Thursday of every month at 7pm. The meeting venue will be published in the Calendar of Events along with other activities. The next gathering of the GFC will be a holiday potluck on December 10 at 7pm. Location information and directions will be sent out on the Yahoo group list, which is a closed group until a new member has attended a meeting.

In 2010, the group plans to host four of their meetings at the Gay Community Center of Richmond.

For more information on the Gay Father’s Coalition of Richmond, go to gfc-richmond.org.