Have you been to a crossdress meeting or party?

[Dianne S]

but how do most the groups run? like meet and greet and confessions?

The one I go to (Gender Mosaic in Ottawa, Canada) has a monthly pot-luck. You show up, bring a food item, and just socialize. Sometimes they'll have speakers on various topics, and there's usually about 20-30 minutes of official business (announcements and the like.) But mostly it's just to eat together and talk.

They also organize a monthly restaurant outing. This is to help people feel comfortable going out in the "real world". They pick from a pool of 20-30 restaurants that have been vetted as T-friendly and we just go out, eat dinner and have fun.

[laceydoolittle2013]

This sounds awesome, I read in I want to say my husband betty about there group getting together at the dress barn after normal hours. Does everyone's groups do these events?

[Gigi9]

I think Tri-ess is a great group and have attended several meetings and a party! Great time was had by all! I recommend it highly.
Gigi

[Cheryl T]

So it seems like most of you girls enjoy your time at the groups, but how do most the groups run? like meet and greet and confessions? I applogize now if im asking so many questions it just seems scary to think about going out and other people knowing about your secret. Even know my wife is supportive it still even awkward to dress in front of her and talk about stuff.

Meet and greet ... kinda. True confessions ... not at all.
Our Tri-Ess group is very relaxed. Of course you'll get the usual where you from? how long you been dressing? and such, but we're not into prying into your background. What you tell is up to you and your comfort level.
Everyone is nervous the first time they meet others. It's something we all dream about from day one. We never want to think that we are alone in this, that we are the sole person in the world who does this. That's much too lonely a concept. But remember, we are all there for the same reason. We are all there because we have this desire to dress and express our feminine side. No one will be there to criticize your style, or why you waited so long. We're all there because we want to be around others that feel as we do. We want that instant camaraderie and feeling of acceptance. We want to finally know what it's like to not be alone.


Sure dressing in front of your wife is strange at first. It's awkward to say the least. She's always thought of you as the "man" and now you're seen as another woman. You don't want her to see you in a bad light. If she accepts this part of you then you've moved past that point. She sees you, not the clothes so much. It gets better with time. This is another part of accepting yourself and knowing you can be yourself in all your forms with her.
Wives are very welcome at Tri-Ess meetings and my chapter has a number of them (mine included).
Through this group I gained the confidence to take my first steps out dressed. I have made lots of new friends and none of them judge me in the least.
Take a chance and try a group setting. No one is forcing you to stay or to come back a second time.

[Adriana Moretti]

just go already LOL.....There are cd events all over the country...i am heading to one this weekend! yay!! You will have fun!

[BillieAnneJean]

Lacey,
I am the facilitator for The Grand Rapids Crossdresser Social Group "Grand Illusions". Our group regularly has new girls attend who have never been OUT enfemme before attending our IN meeting. We have two meetings a month specifically for this reason. We have an OUTing for those who are experienced and an IN enfemme meeting for those who can not go OUT, for those who do not want to go OUT, and for those who are new to this wonderful thing we call crossdressing. For the newbies, the IN meeting is a safe first step. Their first time enfemme and not at home is in a safe place with others who will accept them, help them, and protect them. Occasionally a new girl will be overcome with emotion at finally finding needed acceptance. Those instances require compassion, maybe a hug, reassurance, understanding, and encouragement. Often I will meet with these newbies and take them OUT in public for their fist foray. Having an experienced girl accompany them reduces the anxiety and provides protection and guidance.

Our group also has a monthly OUTing when the experienced girls go to public places and mingle with the general population. This is the next step for the newbies, once they are comfortable with this concept and are ready for it. We frequently have girls go through this part of the process with us.

Crossdressing is a fun and harmless way for guys to escape the demands of society. To escape the rigid rules of manhood. To be a little bit goofy and/or feminine. I enjoy crossdressing and have no guilt or regrets whatsoever. But the greatest kick is helping someone come to grips, find peace, find acceptance. And taking a newbie through the process to where she wants to go is like helping a child ride a bicycle. When you see them finally get it, and the joy and amazement on their face, it makes it all worth while.

So find a support group. seek out that person who is willing to give of herself. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. No need to struggle. It is so much more enjoyable, so much faster, to do what you want, get to where you want to go, with a good guide. If it wasn't for these kind of groups and this forum, what would we have?

Check us out at crossdressersmichigan.com

SUCH FUN!!!!!!
Billie

[Tina G]

I live in central nebraska and haven't found any support groups as of yet though i have heard they have beauty contests twice a year here in town somewhere which i have to look into.

[BeckyW]

There's one in Cleveland (Alpha-Omega), if that's not too far.

[Sometimes Steffi]

Lacey, if you're in the Denver area, I would encourage you to join our Meetup group (link in my signature) and come to our meeting. If not, I encourage you to seek out a similar group whereever you are. I believe you'll get a lot out of it.

- Amy

Been there, done that last time I had a business trip to Denver. Great fun. About 25 girls met at a restaurant, and then we had an after hours shopping spree at Maurice's

You will meet a very diverse bunch. All ages, heights, sizes, styles & backgrounds. It is very good to get out to meet others. Many many stories to share. There are places to go to after meetings, if one desires. There will also be other Tri-Ess events offered throughout the year. Enjoy Lacey

I'm in several local groups, and we have Girl's Nights out, typically at a local restaurant ot bar, but sometimes a a private residence. When I first started going out, it would typically be 5 to 10 girls. Now it's typically over 30. And I just got back from Keystone where there were about 400 girls. I want out to Carrabba's, the Casino, a Mexican Restaurant and a Disco bar.

This sounds awesome, I read in I want to say my husband betty about there group getting together at the dress barn after normal hours. Does everyone's groups do these events?

I haven't been out en mass to a DB locally. But I did arrange for a few girls to meet at a wig store.

[Allison2006]

I haven't been to any meetings like this yet, but hope to in the future...

[Tracii G]

You should go.

[Sallee]

GO GO GO You will have a great time and meet the nicest people. If in doubt go drab the first time but go.

[Tasha'sLaboratory]

Nope, I think they have some kind of annual meetup in Eureka Springs, AR I would love to go if they have it again this year.

[laceydoolittle2013]

Do you guys know if they still do those CD/TV cruises?

[Michelle_NY]

Yesterday was the first time I ever went to an event totally dressed. I met up with a bunch of other girls at a place here in NYcalled Femme Fever. It was the best to be amongst sisters like myself who dress and just sit and be a lady. I am def looking foward to the next time. Michelle

[mmdallas]

I have yet to dress in public but I feel like this would be the easiest way for me to do so in order to build confidence and not be too nervous about it. I'll keep my eye open for events in Texas.

[Femdenise]

I would love to take a vacation cruise and it would be ideal if there would be vendors selling items we need and makeup artists doing make overs. Also have free programs and discussion covering hormones and medical issues. Just us and people who like/love us.

[mechamoose]

I have been to a CD event, and dressed to the 9's. I had a BLAST!

[Amy Pond]

For a long time I was basically the same closet CD person, and just treading water but not furthering my experiences. We moved to SW Michigan recently and I did some web searches and came across the Grand Rapids Crossdresser Social Group "Grand Illusions". (See the post from BillieAnneJean in this thread). After considering what Billie has posted here and on the crossdressersmichigan.com website, I decided to try it out and attend an IN Meeting enfemme. Previously, I have only ventured out on dark nights, in quiet neighborhoods. So this was quite a change in my comfort zone. However, I just had to go and see and experience this beyond the normal borders I had set for myself.

I was glad I did go to the IN meeting and meet the other ladies. It was actually very disarming, and relaxing. All my fears went away, and I was able to be dressed, and carry on a normal conversation with others in the same zone as I was. What an experience! No longer did I feel like I had to stay hidden. In fact, after the IN meeting the group has, I was able to go to the next stage and actually go OUT enfemme, and that involved going to a restaurant in all dressed up! WOW. I have done this a few times now, and it has gotten much easier for me to go out with the gals and have fun without all the internalized fear.

So for me, it worked out well. Hopefully you can find a similar support group as well.

[Ressie]

Hi Amy^. It's gonna be a while before I can go to another IN or out meeting. Did you go out with Billie?

[Maureen]

I went to one meeting at the Gender Identity Center in Colorado about 20 years ago. I went in drab because I did not have any clothes or wig at the time and I was looking for help with dealing with my gender issues. It horrified me. There were two very creepy individuals at the meeting that unnerved and repulsed me. I saw why we are often the butt of jokes and derision. I never went back.
I realize this is a one time anecdotal situation, but it turned me off to the idea of ever attending any sort of group meeting with our community again.

[BillieAnneJean]

Check out DRAB to FABulous at crossdressersmichigan.com
This is going to be SUCH FUN!!!!!!
Billie

[Athena_]

I have never been to a Crossdress Meeting or Party. I just checked out the Event that BillieAnneJean mentioned and the event looks really fun and interesting. Someday.....I may want to venture out and interact with others.

[Amy Pond]

Hi Ressie, sorry to hear it will be a while before we meet again. I went to the last OUT meeting and then went to the club afterward. Quite the show

I am sure we can chat via this site even if not together!

All the best. Amy

[stacey.eyes]

Lacey, this kind of meeting was my ticket to get out a short couple of years ago, and it made all the difference. I am in the Washington, DC, area, and thakfully we have several active groups here, with the whole spectrum from casual CDs to transitioning girls. It was such a liberating experience and I have met so many delightful ladies. Some of the groups are formal meetings, but most have been casual social occasions where everyone can chat and compare notes to the extent they are comfortable. It has been a hugely accepting and welcoming exprience to me. I found that many of us have the same fears about disclosure, but once we interact those fears subside.