How many here have support groups in your local area

[susanmichelle]

Hi all, I was just wondering if any of you have local support groups in your area and how much of a benefit it has on you. I live in the Louisville, Ky area and there is a support group listed in the local papers and have tried to contact them for several years off and on. But no one has ever called back and now when I make attempts to call it says the number is disconnected. I think it is a shame that they would list a support group and not return the calls. Maybe thats why they haven't progressed any more than they have. If there is a group, I really would like to attend to see if it would help with my dressing to meet others like me IRL for support and friendship locally. I am reallly glad to know of this web site and as time goes on hope to make friends here and hopefully contribute to you all here as well.

BTW the name of the local group here is called Sienna.

Thanks Susan Michelle

[Joanne f]

No support groups near me but even if there was i find that they are not interested in my type, you have to be all or nothing.



joanne

[Dawn Marie]

We have a local Tri-ess group here in Houston. Have tried to join but with no luck. Actually was turned down because I did not tell my wife, I guess. Not really sure. If anyone in the Houston area knows of any other groups please let me know.

[DonnaT]

There are a couple. I don't belong to either one, although I do attend some of their open functions.

[Mitch23]

We have an active Beaumont Society Group meeting in Exeter which is about 50 miles away. This has been a tremendous help to me and my friends - really great to meet and chat and socialise with other trannies. not much happening further down in cornwall so we are busy creating a 'scene' by networking and we have had quite a few events. if anyone wants a copy of my newsletter they can pm me

Tis very hard work and a lot of girls are not really wanting to get out and about so can be frustrating but I think its great for them to have a lifeline

love

mitch

[Miss Petra]

We have a local Tri-Ess group but we also started our own support group in the from of a breakfast club. It was really quite easy. Pick a spot and a monthly date, advertise in the forums, and groups and they will come. It is a non dressed event that meets at a local restaurant to encourage all and is designed to make friends and supports others like us. It gives the deeply closeted and the not so deeply closeted & the emancipated crossdresser a chance to meet and support each others in ways we had no idea was possible.

I would be happpy to answer any questions on how we did this and maybe how you could set one up in your local area.

Hugz,

Petra

[ShannonDragon]

No support groups near me but even if there was i find that they are not interested in my type, you have to be all or nothing.

joanne

Here in Indy I am a member of IXE. We are an open group (we don't worry about your type). This past January we turned 20.

[ShannonDragon]

BTW the name of the local group here is called Sienna.

Thanks Susan Michelle

Sienna was formed after the Bluegrass Belles died some years back. A bunch of uis from IXE went down two years ago during Kentucky Pride along the river. That night we went to a Sienna meeting. Sad to say there were more of us than them.

[Karren H]

What a coincidence... my minivan is named Sienna!! lol

There are no so called support groups here.... There's TransPitt but from what I heard it more social.... and I really don't require any support.. (except my bra and corsett!!)...

Karren

[susanmichelle]

It sure is a shame that things are like that with some groups not wanting you cause your wife doesnt know and so on. My wife knew thats not why we got divorced but I've been single now since 1994 and have many supportive friends. Just thought it would be great to go meet others in the local area that were like me. Thanks to all that answered. Hopefully someone will start one that will go over here, as i'm sure i'm not the only crossdresser here. Well at least i will have you great gals here. And very smart as well as pretty


------------------------------------------------------------------------
Live for today: for tomorrow may never come

[Kate Simmons]

The one I used to be a member of was an hour away from me. I left for personal reasons. I have tried to see if there was any local interest for starting one in my area but so far no luck as most folks around me are still pretty deep in the closet. Maybe some day.

[Nicole Erin]

There is a local group called Peak Area Gender Expression,PAGE. The web site says you can come dressed how ever you want but I am the dreaded "Man in a Dress" so I Have never been out of the house dressed and can't image going in drab.

I think I know that group Just call and talk to them. Ask if there is a place where you can go and dress at the meeting. Jill if you want, *I* will call and ask them. Just shoot me the # over a PM.

DawnMarie, sorry to hear that Tir-Ess would not let you join. I don't know much about thast group, but supposedly they do not always welcome everyone in the Tg community. I have no idea why. Some Cd do NOT want their wives knowing, and all of us should understand and respect that.

SusanMichelle, sometimes the support group of a town just dies out. Maybe lack of interest, maybe too much drama and people just don't want to deal with it, maybe the person running it is just disorganized.

I am in Indy and of course like Shannon said, there is IXE. I have been to but one meeting and that was years ago. Hopefully I can reconnect soon.

So my experience is that the groups are not going to judge anyone's style. You could go in a man's suit jacket and a miniskirt with heels and no one is going to say a thing. The things they normally expect - No alcohol, it is not a "meet market" for those looking for sex, and be respectful of others. No matter how good or bad you think you look, no one is going to hassle you.

[SweetCaroline]

There is an official support group (moderated by a gender psychologist) in Worcester but I've never gone. More to my liking are the Sisters groups I belong to, including my own Sisters of Gardner that I started simply because there was nothing in this area for T-girls. They're more social groups than they are support groups, but we do help each other out a lot.

With that said, I do encourage all girls to try to find someone to meet, or maybe even start their own group, like I did. Personally, it has changed my life forever.

Good luck!

[Paula G]

There is a support group near where I live, but they aren't accepting any new members at this time. I suspect it's because of some internal problems with the group.

[trannie T]

I've been to a support group in Reno which is very serious and more oriented to the transsexuals. I have een to get togethers of social groups in Walnut Creek, California (Diablo Valley Girls) and Seattle (Emerald City) both these groups are very friendly and even let my type in. I enjoy the social groups and adjust my vacations so I can participate.

[elaineg]

There are many Groups in the Houston area. Here are a few.



HTCG

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Houston Transgender CoverGirls
Group Description:
A loosely organized group that provides social interaction for transgenders and their admirers.
Group Website:



HTGA

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Helping TransGenders Anonymous
Group Description:
HTGA has but one purpose; to help transgender's be true to themselves. HTGA meetings are relatively large (averaging between 20 to 30 people a night), structured group discussion meetings. HTGA has been said to be unique among most groups nation-wide in it's diverse, healthy, supportive environment. HTGA meets every Monday night from 7 - 9 PM. See the transhouston.com for a current calendar of meeting times and locations.
Group Website:
HTGA


HTLC

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Houston Transgender Life Connection
Group Description:
A group that provides social support to transgenders and their allies. This group hosts the "Thursday Night Social." This is an informal meeting in which all attendees bring food and share a party-like atmosphere for the evening. HTLC meets every Thursday night from 7 - 9 PM. See the transhouston.com for a current calendar of meeting times and locations.
Group Website:
transhouston.com


STAG

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some Transgenders Are Guys
Group Description:
STAG is a social and support network for Trans Guys. We range in ages from the early 20's upward into the late 50's and come from various backgrounds. We all are in varying stages of transitioning. No two guys are alike in this group and we are proud of our diversity since it makes for a unique experience for all. STAG meets every 4th Saturday of the month.
Group Website:
stag.transhouston.com


TATS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Texas Association for Transsexual Support
Group Description:
TATS is a group that meets to support transsexuals who are in the process of transitioning. TATS meets every 4th Saturday of the month. See the transhouston.com for a current calendar of meeting times and locations.
Group Website:
tats.transhouston.com


Tau Chi

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Houston chapter of Tri-Ess
Group Description:
TAU CHI, is the Houston area Chapter of TRI-ESS, the Society for the Second Self, an international support organization for heterosexual crossdressers and their significant others. Tau Chi provides support and service for
area crossdressers and their wives, family members, friends and interested persons. We invite you to learn more about Tau Chi and join our very active organization.
Group Website:
tau-chi.org

[renee k]

We have Crossroads here in Detroit. It's been very helpful to me, as far networking with other girls and finding businesses that cater to TG people. Plus has monthly meetings and social gatherings during the year.

Huggs, Renee

[AndreaCalifCD]

but I am the dreaded "Man in a Dress" so I Have never been out of the house dressed and can't image going in drab.

I'm the dreaded "fat guy in a dress", I'd prefer to go in drab...if there was anywhere to go locally!

[Phoebe Reece]

We have a very active Tri-Ess chapter in Atlanta (Sigma Epsilon). I am the newsletter editor for Sigma Epsilon, so I like to promote it. You can find out more about our group at: www.sigmaepsilonatlanta.org

[Samantha43]

I attended several meetings of a group in my area in Ohio a few years ago. I was looking for a strictly social group. This group was very political, and kind of turned me off. They are very accepting of everyone, but i just couldn't stand all the political stuff. It's just not enjoyable for me. It was fun going out though. These are the only times I have ventured out of the house dressed. I made a few friends there and we went out to clubs after the meetings. It was alot of fun. I wish I could find a social group without the political baggage.

[Dita_B]

Since there was no social and/or support group here on Vancouver Island, I started my own Yahoo group just a few days ago.

I got in touch with the owner/moderator of a successful group in Vancouver (more than 1,000 members) and asked her for assistance in creating a sister group locally...

We had a meeting, talked about the details, and voilÃ* the group was there...

If you want to have a look, here is the link:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vigno/

"VIGNO" stands for "Vancouver Island Girls Night Out"...

If you want to start your own and need help, by all means, contact me...

Love, Dita.

[sterling12]

Well I think we are pretty lucky here in Florida. I have my home group in Tampa, Tri-Beta, Epsilon Mu in Orlando, and a third Tri-Ess Group in Ft. Lauderdale. So, that means that just about everyone in Florida is only a couple of hours away from a Group. Of course there are numerous other groups around the State. Some devoted to TS Gurl's, other's mixed.

I do some of the screening interviews for my groups and I will give you the criteria. It's pretty simple, they are looking to make sure your not a weirdo, reporter, or predator! There are plenty of members who are single, plenty that do not have any involvement from their wives.

When you join Tri-Ess your asked to sign certain papers that proclaim that you won't out people, and your asked to follow a few simple rules, which you also agree to abide by. I can't speak for all chapters but it's normally a very simple process to join, and 99.99999% have zero problems.

I don't know about a specific case down in Texas, but I'm sorry if this Sista' was "rejected." I would have to know the circumstances and can't comment on this particular case. But, I can tell all of you that the process of joining a Tri-Ess Chapter is normally a very simple thing. If you doubt me, send an Email to your local chapter and see what happens? We are always looking to add members and "share the gift!"

Peace and Love, Joanie

[michelle812]

Hi all, I was just wondering if any of you have local support groups in your area and how much of a benefit it has on you. I live in the Louisville, Ky area and there is a support group listed in the local papers and have tried to contact them for several years off and on. But no one has ever called back and now when I make attempts to call it says the number is disconnected. I think it is a shame that they would list a support group and not return the calls. Maybe thats why they haven't progressed any more than they have. If there is a group, I really would like to attend to see if it would help with my dressing to meet others like me IRL for support and friendship locally. I am reallly glad to know of this web site and as time goes on hope to make friends here and hopefully contribute to you all here as well.

BTW the name of the local group here is called Sienna.

Thanks Susan Michelle

Michelle,

I am in Louisville as well, I do not know of any groups. Maybe you and I could possibly start one.

Lets chat some time.

Michelle812

[Jenn2716]

There was a small group here in Moncton, but I was the only CD. There were 3 mtf ts and one ftm ts, all in various stages of their journeys. We met a few times in one of the girls houses, to chat and have coffee. They tried to have it kinda regular, like once a month. But after awhile, people stopped coming and it eventually folded.

It was nice to have a place to go dressed enfemme. I might see if there is any interest in starting a social group. I'm not a step-up and lead kinda girl, but I have to think that I'm not the only cd in the area that likes to go out dressed sometimes.

[Carroll]

there is a group here; The Southern Tier Gender Alliance-Ithaca, and the sister one in Binghamton. I only went to a few meetings. I stopped because of conflicts with other activities I was in.