I don't intend this thread to be about the numbers question, that's been asked so many times before. The point is we don't know the exact figure of closeted people under the TG umbrella , as most of us know we often spend years thinking we're an isolated weirdo until we take the first step of looking and finding help forums, but what percentage actually do that we'll never truly know, but it must be the tip of an iceberg .
Members of the social group I attend don't wear labels around our necks saying if we're CD or TS, there's no discrimination we all chat and treat each other with mutual respect. So how do we educate other people that we are all different and not silly men wearing their wife's clothes for some inexplicable reason.
I applaud PaulaQ for her bravery on appearing in the media, but the problem is the media isn't always sympathetic, they prefer sensationalism rather than true reality on most occasions.
So how do we put the message across ? I was going to ask the question of how many times you've seen a helpline or hand out leaflets in you local doctor's surgery or in other pubic places or maybe on your local church notice board ? That open availability would certain help closeted people and their wives, partners or even parents to realise it's not such a terrible problem and help is freely available. Seeing social groups appear in most towns would be a great step forward, meeting your neighbour or maybe your doctor, solicitor or the binman , if it ever happened the numbers coming out might be very interesting.
I will add that a leaflet from a doctor's waiting area or hospital one, may give the impression that it's an illness that may have a cure. Also and sadly some church denominations can be very introverted and bigoted about the TG community and insight local fear and apprehension. I recall reading some terrible stories when I first joined the forum about the problem , I'm not sure if the situation has improved or the forum removes all mention now of religion, but I'm not that naive to think that problem has totally gone away , certainly members bring it up quite often in the US.
Making the point about who we are, yes the public needs to see the TG situation more open and integrated into the community, it's sad to see us having heated debates within the forum about acceptance among ourselves , some have very hard times with the situation whether they're TS or not, we really should support each other in that respect.
The only area I struggle to deal with is the F-M TG community which I understand is on the increase, it just feels incomprehensible , logically being wired differently can happen to anyone, it's something I will have to come to terms with, as yet I haven't met one so it will be a new experience when I do.