~ Release group rules ~
9/14/25 — Teal
• Must be 18 years or older to join.
• Must live with hidradenitis suppurativa.
• The group is English-speaking.
1 | No discrimination.
As we’ve hopefully gotten across, we aim to serve all walks that live with hidradenitis. This means we treat each other well regardless of our backgrounds and embrace our differences, be they across gender, race, age, or anything else.
2 | Respect pronouns.
The Recystance is designed to be an inclusive space. We share things like our pronouns so we have all the tools we need to respect each other on hand. Here, we all learn together. So, if you make a mistake, be willing to listen and learn.
3 | No unsolicited advice.
Sometimes people will settle into group after a long day and the last thing that will help them is hearing advice they’ve already tried. Remember consent.
• If you’d like advice you are free to ask at any time.
• If you have advice to give you can ask if the relevant peer wants it.
*HS is an orphan condition. HS has both an abundance of stigmas and voices trying to get us to try certain products or diets. Avoid pathologizing each other and participating as a doctor rather than a peer. While you are free to share your HS rituals and coping strategies as they pertain to your story, avoid claiming anything is a miracle cure or that everyone should try it.
4 | No cross-talk.
In order to be peers on equal footing with each other, we must ensure all voices matter. The physical way to do this is not speaking over each other or interjecting. We also stay open to helping each other keep on top of these matters.
5 | Confidentiality.
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Absolutely do not share anything you’ve learned in group with anyone else or outside of group, including things like names, ages, and identities.
If you want to befriend someone you’ve met in group, respect consent. It might be a good idea to solicit contact information during the after-meet or over the group Discord.
6 | No nudity/sexually explicit or violently graphic content.
You must remain clothed, i.e., safe for work, during session and in all organization contexts. Please do not share any dialogue pertaining to sexually explicit or violent topics.
7 | Set cell phones to vibrate or silent. Limit interruptions.
Please set cell phones to vibrate or silent. If you must take a call, please take it out of the room.
Take group somewhere private. Unexpected parties walking through your space would compromise confidentiality.
8 | We are not a crisis organization.
Unfortunately, we are simply and plainly not equipped to handle active suicidality, imminent self-harm, or mental/physical health crisises, especially where these topics could trigger other members.
This doesn’t mean that anyone is cut off from group if they are struggling with these issues, it just means that, even in a dark moment, they need to do their part to help us remain a support group.
We are working on compiling resources for members living with these issues.
9 | No drugs or alcohol in meetings or any organization contexts.
10 | Respect boundaries and consent.
We hope that no one feels afraid to speak up when a line of discussion is triggering or an unwanted comment is made. Equally, if someone says ‘no,’ it means no.
~ Suggestions and other things to keep in mind ~
Hyperfocusing
It is sometimes hurtful when you recount a long story and someone hones in on just one part of it and says “yeah, I had a bad hair day too. I moved past it.” Try to remember that sometimes what we share is skin deep compared to what we felt. Equally, our lives and experiences are all big in their own right; one aspect of a story may not fully contextualize the situation. We all have different pain tolerances and we all want to feel understood.
This is not a dating platform
An unwelcome advance could really cause harm in an environment like this. Our support groups do not exist to be any person’s dating pool.
Time equity
If you feel that you are regularly the main voice in group or that others aren’t having as much of a chance to share as you, we encourage you to self-regulate. Take a shift just listening.
The rules are subject to change and you are welcome to suggest changes.
~ Disclaimer (Legalese, sorry) ~
This is a peer-led support group, not a professional counseling or medical service. Participation is voluntary and each member is responsible for their own choices and well-being. While the facilitator is based in Maine, they do not act in any professional capacity and do not assume responsibility for the care or custody of participants. Because of this, the facilitator is not a mandated reporter under Maine law.
Any check-ins, visits, or contact outside of the support group context, by the facilitator constitute a peer visit and not an undertaking of care or custody.
This space is intended to be self-determined, peer-based, and grounded in mutual support. The facilitator and organization claim no responsibility or liability for what occurs during meetings, during informal check-ins, or as a result of participation.
