Frequently Asked Questions
Can I come to Meet-Ups if I’m undiagnosed?
Yes! Meet-Ups are helpful places to learn from other people’s experiences in a way that can inform and validate your own.
Meet-Ups can also help point you in the right direction to help you get diagnosed or rule out tick-borne disease.
Will I belong at a Meet-Up if I’m feeling shy or don’t know what to say?
Yes! There’s a space for you at Gen Lyme:
If you have Lyme disease or any co-infections
If you’re undiagnosed and still seeking answers
If you’re feeling shy or on the fence about joining a call and just want to listen
If you want to talk a lot
If you’re a supporter (friend, family member, partner, colleague, etc.)
If Lyme has impacted your life in any way
Do I need to only talk about the monthly topic at a share meet-up?
Nope—the monthly topics are there to help you organize your thoughts. If you need to talk about something else or just want to use the monthly topic as a jumping-off point, that’s okay. More than anything, we want you at Meet-Ups! A monthly topic should never prevent you from joining a call. :)
What is a “safe space” and how does it work?
We are always striving to create a “safe space,” which is an environment in which a person or category of people can feel confident that they will not be exposed to discrimination, criticism, harassment, or any other emotional or physical harm, and where people can freely express themselves without fear of prejudice, negative judgment
We cannot predict or control how all of our community members will feel on a day-to-day basis, but we can promise to try our best to create a space where they can come to connect and share what’s going on in their lives without judgment.
Check out our Zoom Terms of Service to learn more about the guidelines for safeguarding our community, including what is and is not allowed at Meet-Ups.
Why are gender pronouns important, and do they matter at Meet-Ups?
We strive to provide a safe space for all people, including members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Including our pronouns promotes inclusivity for all of us. Here are a few steps for giving and getting the respect everyone deserves:
Refrain from assuming someone’s gender
Respect the pronouns people provide for themselves if and when they offer them
If you misgender someone, simply apologize and move forward mindfully
Keep in mind that gender-neutral language exists in many languages
If these steps are new for you, that’s okay—we are committed to including you, too. For more resources, check out this page from the Virginia League for Planned Parenthood, which offers a lot of helpful information.
Where can I find your Tick Boot Camp Podcast episode?
Right here!
Episode 250: Generation Lyme: An interview with Brooke Stoddard, Jennifer Hoffmann, Jesse Ruben, and Haley DiBiase
“Generation Lyme has created a judgment-free meetup platform to defeat the isolation caused by Lyme disease.”
My child/friend/family member/loved one has Lyme. How can I help them?
Check out our Resources for Supporters, which include tips on how to help, how to navigate complex situations and relationships, details about Meet-Ups specifically tailored to you, helpful videos, blogs, and more.