GLBT/FOD Get together Suggestions

[Ron n Jon]

On our most recent cruise we attended the GLBT/FOD meet but arrived a little late. We immediately and customarily chose the area of the large empty crescent banquet with adjoining chairs. As first we thought we were the only attendees. But when looking about, four FOD’s had chosen two love seats facing one another. Two others had chosen two wing-backed chairs facing each other. It would be impossible to find seating in any form to join them. We mused that if it was their intent to remain apart why then attend at all.

But the point is valid. If you are the first to arrive at one of these functions, give some thought to seating and placing yourself in an area where others may join you. We have traveled with friends who have a small table centerpiece holding miniature flags of the countries customarily attending with of course the predominant Rainbow in the center. A great welcoming site for sure as many friends hesitate to approach a seating area due to uncertainty. We usually wear buttons with our first names and our country of origin printed in the Rainbow colours to help others find the seating area. The principal word in the announced activity is “together”

[B_O'Conner]

These are excellent points!

[Jerry & Kirk]

Originally Posted by Ron n Jon

On our most recent cruise we attended the GLBT/FOD meet but arrived a little late. We immediately and customarily chose the area of the large empty crescent banquet with adjoining chairs. As first we thought we were the only attendees. But when looking about, four FOD’s had chosen two love seats facing one another. Two others had chosen two wing-backed chairs facing each other. It would be impossible to find seating in any form to join them. We mused that if it was their intent to remain apart why then attend at all.

But the point is valid. If you are the first to arrive at one of these functions, give some thought to seating and placing yourself in an area where others may join you. We have traveled with friends who have a small table centerpiece holding miniature flags of the countries customarily attending with of course the predominant Rainbow in the center. A great welcoming site for sure as many friends hesitate to approach a seating area due to uncertainty. We usually wear buttons with our first names and our country of origin printed in the Rainbow colours to help others find the seating area. The principal word in the announced activity is “together”

Here's how we do it.......We arrive early at the first meeting and scout out a suitable location for a large group, then one of us stays there and the other stands at the entrance of the room, wearing a name tag with LGBT/FOD written on it and a first name. I know it's bold to stand in a doorway and attack the gays and lesbians but it works.

We also bring sticky back name tags and a marker pen and ask
each guest to write their names on it.......works great.

Hope this opens up some new ideas.

J & K