Trans support group?

[Andrea85]

I've been thinking about going to one for years now, but really saw no real advantage to going. But reading the other thread about support groups got me thinking about it hard again. I remembered years ago before I came out to my now ex fiance, a trans friend at the time told me about a support group in Knoxville. So earlier, I talked to a friend that still knew her to see if she would try contacting me so I could find out where it was and what time, and all the good stuff about it so I could start going. Well, she turned into a psycho bitch and said she didn't want me to even try to contact her.

So that leaves me at square one and I don't even know where to begin. I had contacted another trans friend (my only other local one) and she had no clue. I do know there's one Saroj Chand deals with but I want nothing to do with her or her patients after the hissy fit she threw with me in email corresponding about possibly starting therapy with her.


Anyone have any ideas where I can begin to look? I don't exactly feel like I need it or anything, but jus think it would be good to meet others so I have people that actually understand what I'm going through. Ugh, I've given myself a headache now stressing over this for no real reason.

[Katesback]

Support groups can be interesting. First of all they are often frequented by crossdressers. Thats all and good but if you are TS then you really have little in common with them. Then there are the hard luck train wreck people that go to support groups for 15 years and never seem to have the ability to reach thier goal. You will hear all that. Finally there is a chance you will find some upwardly mobile people there.

Since you are in Tennessee you can go to the Tennessee Vals. Look them up. I went to them early when I was beginning transition.

[AllieSF]

I just Googled "Knoxville TG group" and here are some contacts:

www.meetup.com/Knoxville-TG-CD-group

www.lauras-playground.com/trans_support_groups.htm (this one looks like a list of worldwide support groups)

http://www.reocities.com/westhollywood/9427/ (looks like a personal site for Windi Night)

www.tvals.org/LGBTGroupsUSASoutheast.html

www.tgguide.com/Guide/tennessee.htm

You probably can refine the search and find some more. You can also join URNotAlone.com and do a local member search there and maybe some others will come up. Good luck.

[Andrea85]

Unfortunately, the Vals are in Nashville, a near 4 hour one way trip. Not very acessable on my no income salary, lol. The Swans is really the only one listed for here, but their site is down. Oh well. Guess it wasn't meant for me to go to one. Thanks anyways.

Well, looks like I am screwed on going to a support group. Emailed a F2M group that said on their site they would helpanyone, and they told me that they and the M2F support group are done under Saroj. Oh well. Guess I'll stick with my friends that have no clue what's going on.

[danielle40I]

Wish I could help you Andy...I'm here in Raleigh, NC, admiring your courge and fortitude.

[Shelly Preston]

I think each trans support group has its own mix of crossdressers & transexuals

The only way to really find out if the group is for your is to go along a couple of times and see how you feel about the group

You can get a lot of good local information on doctors and clinics in your area as the people there will have personal experiences and be happy to give you their opinion.

They may not be for everyone but go with an open mind and you never know what could happen.

[StaceyJane]

I used to think that a support group would be wonderful. I made it to 2 Tri-Ess meetings before I decided I could do better on my own.

[Katesback]

Well glad you said it. LOL. Truth be told a support group is often a group where crossdressers get a chance to be girls for the night. The other people in many cases fall into the misery loves company situation. Of course there are exceptions but thats from my observations. I used to go to the groups when I was working for the state and would sit there and bite my lip. I wanted to tear into some of those people.

The worse of all are the ones that think they know what they are talking about and share all sorts of false or inacurate information. Sad but true.





I used to think that a support group would be wonderful. I made it to 2 Tri-Ess meetings before I decided I could do better on my own.

[karlas dream]

I have never been to one but I am thinking about it... I have one about 5 minuets from my home.. and what I have read about it, it sounds like a great place... :)

[StaceyJane]

Let me add that Tri-ess helped me go out at first but I soon realized that I had to stretch myself and most of the members were content to meet in their secret location and act like girls once a month.

[AKAMichelle]

Support groups can be interesting. First of all they are often frequented by crossdressers.

I don't think that is a bad thing. It helps for people to see different perspectives and ways of dealing with issues. I think it is one of the best ways to figure out where you fit when you are struggling to figure things out.

[Katesback]

No doubt. My only point is that there is a great divide between someone that identifies as a CD and someone that identifies as a TS. Pretty much the difference between cats and dogs. Now of course there are some of those CDs that are really TS but have yet to have thier bell ring.



I don't think that is a bad thing. It helps for people to see different perspectives and ways of dealing with issues. I think it is one of the best ways to figure out where you fit when you are struggling to figure things out.

[Kelsy]

My therapist wants me to go> My only question is just how much support will I get if I do?

[AKAMichelle]

No doubt. My only point is that there is a great divide between someone that identifies as a CD and someone that identifies as a TS. Pretty much the difference between cats and dogs. Now of course there are some of those CDs that are really TS but have yet to have thier bell ring.

And conversely some TS who are really cd'ers. The problem is that the line is difficult for some to figure out. I think that both sides can help each other find balance and ways to deal with being TG.

[AllieSF]

There are support groups and then there are support groups. A lot are to offer informal support by meeting, maybe drinking a little and having some snacks, and then talking about whatever with no true "support" agenda. Then there are others that are pro-actively trying to help members of our community in whatever way that they can. I prefer the social groups that go out.

[Kathryn Martin]

Before you go to a support group you have to ask support for what? We have a small group, it's called a support group, but it really a group to socialize with other women in a similar situation. Spouses come too.

[Katesback]

Ohhh soo soooooo true. That or dreamers. As I have said before talk is cheap and actions are worth gold. Often I just herd talk.









And conversely some TS who are really cd'ers. The problem is that the line is difficult for some to figure out. I think that both sides can help each other find balance and ways to deal with being TG.

[Hope]

There are support groups and then there are support groups. A lot are to offer informal support by meeting, maybe drinking a little and having some snacks, and then talking about whatever with no true "support" agenda. Then there are others that are pro-actively trying to help members of our community in whatever way that they can. I prefer the social groups that go out.

Yeah - the quality of a support group can vary a LOT depending on the intended nature of the group. In my experience the groups that bill themselves as social groups are FAR better and tend to not attract the sorts of depressed, regretful transitioners who like to monopolize the conversation with warnings about how miserable everyone will be - or the angry bats who insist that everyone who doesn't transition exactly the way they do/did are not "serious."

Oddly enough, the "social" groups often end up being more supportive too.


Before you go to a support group you have to ask support for what? We have a small group, it's called a support group, but it really a group to socialize with other women in a similar situation. Spouses come too.

You know, interestingly enough, this is the exact suggestion I received from a cis-woman when I was bemoaning the quality of the local support group options. "Start a group at your house. Invite who you want. Have snacks and wine. Invite awesome cis-girls too and pick their brains..." This has been some of the best advice I have received about support groups honestly.