This FAQ gets you started on our virtual format and procedure for connecting to our monthly in person membership meetings. Newcomers might also consult our regular Meetings FAQ for complete details on our meetings, including their location, access for the disabled, support circles, guest speakers, and much more.

Why do you provide both in-person and remote attendance to your meetings ?

At the onset of the Covid virus in 2020, our chapter switched from in-person to virtual meetings to comply with social distancing protocols and ensure the safety and well-being of our community. We know our extended family of LGBTQ people and allies, including newcomers, greatly rely on our chapter as a source of peer-to-peer support and education. Virtual meetings provided us a viable forum.

As we resume in-person meetings, we recognize that virtual attendance is still a necessary option for some of our members and friends, so we will continue to simulcast the meeting through the usual Zoom session from a laptop computer camera and microphone (which are described below).

Can my remote attendance give me the same experience as in-person?

We try our best to make the remote experience as accessible and inclusive as possible. Virtual attendees should be able to hear discussion and can submit questions/comments to the online host via Zoom chat. If the number of in person attendees is small, you may also be able to speak directly and be heard. 

What do I need to connect to the virtual meetings?

You need to go to Zoom, a free web-based video conferencing tool that allows us to meet online from a computer or mobile device. From there, you can download the Zoom app from its Download Center. Otherwise,  Zoom prompts you to download and install Zoom when you try to join the meeting. We recommend that you learn about Zoom and optionally join a Zoom test meeting in advance, just to be more familiar with the process.

Once I’m at Zoom what do I do?

We’ve created an “invite” for our Zoom  meetings, shown below, and set it up so you simply click “Join Zoom meeting”. Note that for manual phone entry, you’ll need to enter the unique 9, 10, or 11-digit meeting ID number and password.

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID:979 8316 4287
Password: 266114
One tap mobile
+12532158782,,97983164287#,,,,,,0#,,266114# US (Tacoma)
+16699006833,,97983164287#,,,,,,0#,,266114# US (San Jose)

How do I stay on top of upcoming meetings?

• Bookmark Upcoming Meetings for future reference.
• Follow or regularly check our Facebook wall. (Note that our Facebook wall is public, so you do not need to be a Facebook member to view it.)
• Subscribe to our mailing list  to receive a monthly email that provides details on all our chapter activities.

What if I’m still confused about the process or can’t connect to meetings?

Contact us if you experience difficulties connecting to our meetings or have any other questions or concerns. We’ll do our best to get back to you before the next meeting.