Open Pages

A facilitated book discussion group for gay men

A space for thoughtful reading, shared reflection, and honest conversation — not therapy, not superficial.

Open Pages is a facilitated monthly book club for gay men, centered on Out of the Shadows by Walt Odets. We will meet four times monthly this spring for virtual, facilitated group discussion of the book.

Out of the Shadows is a compassionate exploration of how gay men learn to survive emotionally—and how those strategies shape intimacy, connection, and self-understanding. Drawing on clinical insight and lived experience, Walt Odets invites readers to reflect on shame, resilience, and the possibility of more authentic relationships.

Approved participants will be asked to read Chapters 1 and 2 prior to the first meeting. This section helps us understand how many gay men learned to survive - and what it cost us. The reading schedule for the remaining three meetings will be discussed during the first meeting.

As the book centers the experience of gay men, the book club is intended for cisgender adult gay men (age eighteen and older). Shared identities make the process of developing a group dynamic more streamlined and allow for vulnerability that is often not possible in a mixed group.

The group will be facilitated by Matthew Phillips, PhD, MEd, LCSW, CST. While Matthew is a licensed clinician, this is not a therapy group. Participation in the group does not constitute the establishment of a client-therapist relationship.

Meeting Schedule

This group meets monthly on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00–8:30 p.m. (ET) on the following dates:

  • March 3, 2026

  • April 7, 2026

  • May 5, 2026

  • June 2, 2026

Attendance at all four sessions is strongly encouraged to create safe group dynamics and continuity. Please discuss any expected or emergency absences with Matthew before the group begins or as soon as possible when they arise after we’ve begun.

Fees

Since the group is not therapy, fees are not reimbursable through out of network health insurance benefits.

  • Advance Payment ($100, $25/session):

    • Charge is run the day before the first session

    • 50% refund available up to 48 hours before the first session

    • No refunds once the group begins

    • Missed sessions are not reimbursed

  • Weekly payment ($30/session):

    • Charges are run overnight following each session you attend

    • Participants are billed only for sessions attended

    • No charge for missed sessions

  • Sliding scale is available for those who need it:

    • Please let Matthew know you’d like to discuss this option

    • Any related communication will be handled with respect, care, and confidentiality

  • Participants are required to purchase their own copy of Out of the Shadows by Walt Odets. It is widely available in print and audiobook format.

Interest Form

Please complete this form as the first step in registering for the group.