How many here have support groups in your local area [Archive] - Crossdressers.com - #1 Community & Forum for Crossdressers, Family and Friends

susanmichelle

11-18-2007, 11:19 AM

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 :happy:

Joanne f

11-18-2007, 12:08 PM

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

11-18-2007, 12:28 PM

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

11-18-2007, 12:34 PM

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

Mitch23

11-18-2007, 01:01 PM

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

11-18-2007, 01:01 PM

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

11-18-2007, 01:05 PM

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.

:tongueout

ShannonDragon

11-18-2007, 01:10 PM

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

Thanks Susan Michelle :happy:

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. :sad:

Karren H

11-18-2007, 01:14 PM

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

11-18-2007, 03:07 PM

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 :happy:

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Live for today: for tomorrow may never come

Kate Simmons

11-18-2007, 03:12 PM

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.:happy:

Nicole Erin

11-18-2007, 03:38 PM

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

11-18-2007, 03:38 PM

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

11-18-2007, 04:27 PM

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

11-18-2007, 05:19 PM

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

11-18-2007, 05:52 PM

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

HTCG

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

HTGA

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

11-18-2007, 08:23 PM

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

11-18-2007, 09:47 PM

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

11-18-2007, 09:47 PM

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

11-18-2007, 10:30 PM

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

11-18-2007, 11:34 PM

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, :love:Dita.

sterling12

11-19-2007, 01:21 AM

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

11-19-2007, 01:39 AM

Jenn2716

11-19-2007, 04:43 AM

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

11-19-2007, 06:03 AM

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.

Barbie Doll

12-10-2007, 04:07 AM

I live in the Bradenton, Florida area, would love to hear of any groups in my area as I am new to this site. Someone told me Joanne07 might be able to help me. Glad to be aboard, looking forward to learning more about myself and others. Barbie

Gisele

12-10-2007, 07:33 AM

Michelle,

I am in Danville. We have a group in Lexington. If you wanted to drive to Lex for the meetings we would just love to have you as a member.

I do know there is a group in Louisville as we have had contact with them off and on not too long ago. I can't remember their name but I will find out for you. It will take a couple of days for me to get back to you on it.

Let me know if you are interested in ours. We welcome all TG folks and their SO's. We have many that are hiding their secret from their SO's and we have no problems with that either.

Beth

Rebecca03038

12-10-2007, 08:08 AM

I live north of Boston and we have the Tiffany Club nearby. It is a fantastic place where everyone is so helpful and its a great bunch of girls.

Dian077

12-10-2007, 08:13 AM

I am sad to say but I do not know of any local groups in my area. I think the closet is about 2 hrs away. It would be nice to have something a little closer to home.

Sharon B.

12-10-2007, 09:21 AM

Susan Michelle you are not alone, I have tried to contact the same group and had no luck either.
I was hoping I could find one close to home but the way it looks I will be traveling to Lexington to meet with people like myself.
Just not sure I will drive up there dressed or not as I would if I could go to the one in Louisville.

Kathy Renee

12-10-2007, 09:56 AM

There are numerous groups in Colorado, probably 15+ including Tri-Ess, several GLBT organizations and several gender specific groups. The gender specific groups include:

Gender Identity Center of Colorado (Denver)
Peak Area Gender Expressions (Colorado Springs)
Northern Colorado TG Support (Fort Collins)
Boulder Gender Support Group

I am positive there are others.

I have read several posts from members who were wanting to go out in public but would not. I was like this at first and found that these support groups provide an opportunity to either go dressed to a non-threatening environment or go to the center and dress there and then revert back to go home. The love and support at these centers are not unlike this web site. Also the advice, group outings, speakers, demonstrations, etc. are fantastic. In other words, great resources.

Bethany_Anne_Fae

12-10-2007, 10:28 AM

When I lived in New Orleans from 97-00, I enjoyed meetings hosted by the Gulf Gender Association (GGA).
Dallas/Fort Worth had the Metroplex Crossdressers Club (their website is sadly out of date)
I don't know if either is still happening but I enjoyed the meetings of both groups.

*hugs*

Zara

Barbara G

12-10-2007, 10:46 AM

The nearest is 100 miles away; the next nearest is 200...

Nicki B

12-10-2007, 11:07 AM

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,

How far are you from Exeter? As Mitch says, the group at Clyst is friendly? Otherwise, is Bristol any good to you - pm me..

...both these groups are very friendly and even let my type in.

:eek::werd::winking:

carolinewalker_2000

12-10-2007, 11:15 AM

EDNA

12-10-2007, 01:24 PM

No one can make a CD. It is your Body. That tells your Brain. That is what you like. Even there are some. That has a Gene. That tells them. Most of them in the first few years of thier life. Like me and some others that I know.
In which in my case. I was born part Male and part Female.

I also work with Parants. That have Boys and want to CD.

Joanne f

12-10-2007, 02:20 PM

Joanne,

How far are you from Exeter? As Mitch says, the group at Clyst is friendly? Otherwise, is Bristol any good to you - pm me..

:eek::werd::winking:

sorry only just read you post,
i am just about halfway between Bristol and Exeter

joanne

Nicki B

12-10-2007, 02:47 PM

No Support Groups near me either. I have to say I am a bit dubious about regular gatherings of crossdressers - (what is the collective noun for a group of crossdressers!!!) - all the ones I have run up against seem to be very cliquee and not welcoming to new members.

You sure? You anywhere near Leeds, or Sheffield?

And the collective noun for trans folk is a 'book'. But unlike the paper kind, the bigger it is, the more likely it is to be read? :devil:

Kieron Andrew

12-10-2007, 02:54 PM

No Support Groups near me either.

i can think of several

JoAnnDallas

12-10-2007, 04:49 PM

There are at lease two groups here in the Dallas area.

Bethany_Anne_Fae

12-10-2007, 04:56 PM

There are at lease two groups here in the Dallas area.

Yes, but how do you find them? The old websites are pretty much 2 years out of date.

Bernice

12-10-2007, 05:04 PM

There are no groups near Kansas City that I am aware of.

There was one... after revealing all of my personal identity, the one and only contact person was never able to meet except on a moment's notice by e-mail. That e-mail address is now dead, and so is the website link. It has been two years, so I suppose I can stop worrying about being outed.

If I had to guess, I would surmise that groups form out of people in roughly the same stages of self acceptance. They serve their purpose, and no new members come in, so the groups dissolve.

I have many friends with whom I fail to keep adequate levels of communication, but I keep the same e-mail address valid for years and years, and love to hear from longtime friends.

Marcie Sexton

12-10-2007, 05:18 PM

Funny you ask about support groups...the only support around here would be support while they tarred and feathered you...

...but if you're willing to drive a couple of hours we do have tri-ess in charlotte, nc and in the lexington, ky areas...

angelfire

12-10-2007, 06:35 PM

I think there are 2 in my city, but I am not a member.

Vickifur

12-10-2007, 08:34 PM

Oh my word, if there are they are a best kept secret, and certainly none in the town I live in.

I wonder if there isn't some minimum population required where those of us with huge anxiety and fear problems could be anticipated to be a low probability. With 40,000 in my town, the odds are SCAAAAAAARY:eek:

Zee

12-10-2007, 10:06 PM

Pretty sure that there are no support groups within an hour and 45 minutes of here.

kymmieLorain

12-10-2007, 10:12 PM

I wish there was a group close to here. for freindship and support.

Kymmie

Alex!

12-10-2007, 10:21 PM

The Denver area has an excellent Tri-Ess chapter. Thank goodness for it!

Jean Marie

12-13-2007, 09:40 AM

Hello Susan, I see Beth already wrote about our group in Lexington, Transkentucky, a really nice group of people, I know it is a bit of a dreive. I am a member but seldom ghet to attend due to home situation, however my boy side enjoys dating accomplished special aldies, perhaps we could get acquainted. Merry Christmas !! David [Jean Marie]

shirley1

12-16-2007, 06:57 PM

yes i live in birmingham england and i've found out theres one just 2 miles from where i live - they meet up every 2 weeks and regulary arrange trips to bars restaurants clubs ect - i've seen their photo galery on the net and it looks like !with others i havnt done it yet but i imagine you would very quickly come to realise how good you look by peoples reactions towards you - i want to meet a girl for a relationship but want her to know who i am what i do right from the start this to me is the best way of going about it - i think they would guess you might be a cd if you are wearing womans clothing when they meet you ! what the hell i'm going to give it a go anyway nothing to loose !

Cristi

12-16-2007, 07:16 PM

There is one group about 45 minutes drive away from me. I tried to contact them via their published email address a few times but never heard back. Now I wouldn't go there anyway, since the wife of a new friend is an official at the church where they have their meetings. I'd hate to go to a meeting dressed and run into her!

There is a listing for another group in a town about a half hour away... but it appears to be defunct. The email address bounces and there have been no meeting dates posted on their website for over a year. :(

So here I am...lost and alone :(

SANDRA MICHELLE

12-17-2007, 11:38 AM

Chicago land has several, all open with no qualifications other than being respectful.
Here are some links

http://www.chi-triess.org/

http://www.islandgirlstg.com/

http://www.chicagogender.com/

shirley1

12-17-2007, 05:49 PM

i live in birmingham england and the one i am planning on going to isnt far from where i live - i dont know if it will be friendly towards me or not but i have emailed one of the persons that help run it and they have emailed me back with advise and have recommemded i go along there is even photos of some of the members socialising there they look like they are enjoying themselves

i did once go to a private meeting about 5 years ago and most were friendly but the first time i went i didnt dress i wanted to see the venue first and they some wernt too friendly then maybe they thought i was just going to observe in fact i remember someone saying to me "we can spot a fraud when we see one" but next time i went dressed well got changed when i got there it was really good its a sociable thing as much as anything else and youve all got soething in common so its easy to start a conversion - i didnt go there for long though i got worried where is was going - 5 years on i dont feel as confused about it anymore or guilty - but i think its a good thing to have somewhere to go to meet likeminded people and have the choice whether you just go to the meeting get changed and changed back at the end of the nite or decide to go out with others in public you have the choice how often you want to go and how far you want to take it

Nicki B

12-17-2007, 06:30 PM

shirley1

12-17-2007, 07:00 PM

It's the Outskirts Christmas party tonight - did you make it, and did you have a good time? :winking:

I promise, they do know how to enjoy themselves... :happy:

no wish i had in a way but planning on going to the next one jan 7th its always a bit duanting going somewhere for the first time so thought maybe the xmas do wasnt the best time to go for the first time but looking forward to going i think it will be better than the last place i went to which was a house in the black country it was ok but didnt seem like the sort of place youd go for a normal nite out - this on the other hand is a proper bar venue i would imagine more people there - yeh i'm looking forward to it now !

Jilmac

12-17-2007, 07:12 PM

Dear S. M. In Milwaukee we have The Gemini Gender Group and they meet at the local LGBT community center. The group here is very accepting and always willing to take in new members. Try to see if there is an LGBT center in your area. If not i'm sure there is one somewhere in your state. Perhaps they could steer you to a support group. Don't forget, we are the T in LGBT.
:thumbsup: Jill

Nicki B

12-17-2007, 07:13 PM

no wish i had in a way but planning on going to the next one jan 7th its always a bit duanting going somewhere for the first time so thought maybe the xmas do wasnt the best time to go for the first time but looking forward to going i think it will be better than the last place i went to which was a house in the black country it was ok but didnt seem like the sort of place youd go for a normal nite out - this on the other hand is a proper bar venue i would imagine more people there - yeh i'm looking forward to it now !

Previous OS Xmas parties have been about 70-80 people, including a few family members - but I think they were taking over the whole pub tonight, so there may have a lot more. I'm sure the party will have moved on elsewhere to a club after 11pm. If my hip wasn't broken, I'd have been there. :sad:

Shame you didn't go - it would have been a good night to hide in the crowd? :)

shirley1

12-17-2007, 07:37 PM

Previous OS Xmas parties have been about 70-80 people, including a few family members - but I think they were taking over the whole pub tonight, so there may have a lot more. I'm sure the party will have moved on elsewhere to a club after 11pm. If my hip wasn't broken, I'd have been there. :sad:

Shame you didn't go - it would have been a good night to hide in the crowd? :)

it sounds good - but as i havnt planned going out dressed from where i live yet not sure i'd have done the club after - want to go there a few times first then consider the going on to clubs restaurants ect - it will do doubt be qieter in the new year but that may suit me the first time but i am definately aiming to go out from there eventually with others i know they arrange trips to other places like manchester nearly went to the do in walsall in october but again dont know anyone or what to expect - next year who knows !