Support Groups

[silhouette]

Does anyone physically go to any support groups?

How far along into your transformation were you before you attended one?

Tell us about the experience, pros, cons? :D

[Kathryn Martin]

I have tried everything to find a support group in Nova Scotia. No such luck, but there is a group starting up which will meet on August 27th and I will go dressed.

[LeannL]

There are all kinds of support groups and their targets are different. I have gone to the Tri-Ess group in Michigan for a while before I moved. That had people who were anywhere from just thinking they were a CD to about to get surgery. One of my best friends came their not knowing what her feeling were and eventually realized that she was TS. The same holds true for the TCNE group I have visited several time. These groups are both social and supportive (in a non-professional way.) They welcome everyone so going as soon as you are comfortable is when you should go.

Other groups are strictly social. Again, go as soon as you are comfortable.

I am also aware of some groups that cater to strictly TS sisters. I have never been to one but they are there to lend support as you progress through your journey. Go when you feel comfortable.

Leann

[sandra-leigh]

I discovered that there was a local cross-dressing group about 1 month after I realized that I was a cross-dresser, but I didn't find out the location in time to go to that meeting. A month later I still hadn't heard back about the location but I read the newsletter more closely and figured out where the meetings were, and showed up on my own, uninvited :devil: I'm still attending, but I think next year they might try to blackmail me to be on the executive :o

How far was I along in my transformation by then? I owned some panties and some skirts and tops by then, maybe some pantyhose too; I might have used some old lipstick but no other makeup; I had no wig or forms. So not very far along. I had, though, already gone out in public cross-dressed a few times, including to a large mall during early Christmas shopping season. Once I realized that I was a cross-dresser, getting out in public dressed was just a matter of waiting for the first opportunity.

[msniki48]

I have joined both tri ess and renaissance....and over the past 10 years i have found them nothing but helpful. supportive and giving me a safe haven to be myself, and improve on the transformation to nicole.

i would recomend them to anyone in need of support

msniki48

[NathalieX66]

For me: Tri-Ess & New Jersey Support Group, which is a bit more all-inclusive than Tri ess....Don't worry, Niki, I may even show up at the Ren Ball in September. :battingeyelashes:

Support groups do exactly what they are...support groups. If you have never stepped outside your front door while en femme , then you will find comfort and reassurance. In the case of Tri-Ess, it's fun to meet others in your situation (....bringing wife & girlfriend is more than welcome) . If you want to take it further then you will find others that enjoy going outside the support group, and into public places like restaurants, bars & clothing stores and any where else, whether solo or a ladies night out , they will help send you in the right direction.

[Missy Tanya]

Yes I do!! and so glad I did. I was a 20 year closet dresser. Other than a couple of quick trips out of the motor home on trips, and on Halloween, just the dogs and cat get to see Tanya, and wife of course.

We I turned the big 50 and decided that if I were every going to, no time like NOW!! So looking around for a local support group I came across, GASS (http://www.southsoundgender.com./) Gender Alliance of the South Sound, Washington State. Low and behold they were having a Winter Soirée. So I attend the first meeting in drab, now wishing I was dressed pretty. But still the first time I told anyone other than my wife that I liked dressing up as a woman. We went to the Soirée and had a blast. Now 1 1/2 years later have been to many a meeting, outings, movie nights, and bar mixers. The gals and boys have taken us in like to friends. It is so nice to have someone to be with that doesn't judge you for how you want to dress.

So in closing, yes I do, and would recommended joining your local TG group and start having the time of your other life with others.

Tanya

[AKAMichelle]

I run a support group in Denver called Meetup - High High Transgendered. I have been out for 2 years now. I was scared at my first meetings 2 years ago. They help you to find others and understand you aren't the only one. That goes a long way to accepting yourself. I don't think that you have to be at any certain level to get something out of a support group. The beauty of most support groups is that you can go at your own pace.

What I am trying to do in the support group is to point people to a lot of different meetings with many different groups all along the Front Range. We have our meetups but they are mostly connected with another group like PAGE or Tri-Ess. I think you would get a lot out of joining a group in your area. Too bad you aren't in my area because we could show you the ropes. :D

[sterling12]

A lot of people know my background. I've been involved with Support Groups down here for about seven years. One day, Joanie and I decided that we were tired of being alone and socially deprived. Unlike many who are initially fearful, once I made The Commitment, couldn't wait to go to my First Meeting.

I've been a Local Chapter President for two years, been Secretary, Treasurer, been Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, and this year I'm kind of a Board Member Emeritus, (It's a Perk for Last Year's President.) It's ALL been good!

If you join a Group, and learn how to stick your hand out in friendship, you will meet new people, experience a myriad of new things, new ideas, and new concepts. You will become tuned into a Huge Underground Social Network, and your femme-self will grow by leaps and bounds.

I'm sure we will get some negative comments, we almost always do on this type of question, but I am positive for about 99% of The Gurls out there, belonging to a Group will make real, positive, change in your life.

Peace and Love, Joanie

[Vickie_CDTV]

Been 14 years of experience with support groups for me.

In terms of transformation, I went to many of my early support groups en drab. Eventually I was confident enough to go en femme, and then sometimes en femme and sometimes en drab as job, time and other factors allowed. If you are not feel confident in your presentation you may be able to go en drab until you are ready (most groups allow you to come either way, a few require members to come en femme.)

[BiancaEstrella]

I can't seem to find a support group anywhere along the Gulf Coast. :(

[Lana_CD]

I, like you Dani, haven't been able to find any in Louisiana either. The closest I have heard of was in NO but was more for TS.
Lana

[Kate Simmons]

Support groups are okay but don't expect them to be a "magic bullet." Like anything else in life, you get out of it what you put into it. I found the one I was in eventually became limiting (for me) so decided to strike out on my own to develop myself. For some folks it may be just what they need though, especially if a person is closeted or bashful or awkward in social situations. For others the group is something they are familiar and comfortable with. Everyone has different needs in any case.:)

[Amanda Stubbs]

I have many years experience of going out mainstream enfemme.
I stiil attend a local support groups monthly meetings, mainly to help the newer girls with any help they need. We have changing facilities at the venue, for those that need them. We have Disco's, parties, barbecues, garden parties, theme nights, all sorts fun events, in a friendly, welcoming and supportive group.
Many long lasting friendships have been made by helping each other on our indivdual journeys. It is ideal for debutantes !

If there is anyone, around the Bristol area, who would like more information feel free to PM me.

[renee k]

I'll echo what Denise had to say about support groups. I belonged to one in Northern California when I was living there. And I did belong to one here in Detroit. Both helped me get out into the world and network with people and businesses that catered to the TG woman. I feel support groups do have a place and purpose. And I do recommend joining one, for help and support. Not to mention socializing, which I enjoyed the most. I did out grow them in time and struck out on my own. But I still enjoy going to anniversary dinners, and catching up with old friends.

Renee

[PretzelGirl]

Coming in a little late....

I have a different perspective on this. I enjoy my support group. It is a part of me. But I don't find it limiting as there is more to me than the support group. So I can have that and I can have as much more as I choose to have. A group shouldn't be limiting, it should be for growth.

And I have made some great friends! :hugs:

[StaceyJane]

When I first came out Tri-Ess really helped me. I arranged my first shopping trip with someone from Tri-Ess.
I do most of my crossdressing adventures on my own now because doing stuff on my own is how I feel most comfortable but Tri-Ess was there when I needed them.