MTF groups in Philadelphia

[Joanna Dark]

I was wondering if anybody goes (or has gone) to groups in Philly. I kinda wanna go but I am naturally quite shy and it's amazing I have any friends at all. After I know someone, I blabber on like crazy but at first I am bone-crushingly shy and demure. I've only ever met one other MTF and he had detransitioned and was only interested in sex. But I am finding myself wanting to meet more people and this seems like a good idea. I have that some of the groups here are more geared to CDs and that's fine and all but I am not a CD and I'm on HRT and I barely pass as a guy and I'm in some in-between state.

Plus I heard that MTFs actively transitioning are not  welcome in some CD groups, at least in Baltimore. Not sure if that's the case in Philly but it would be weird anyway since while we're similar but I obviously have a different end goal in mind so I would rather meet some cool 20-something/30-something MTFs. (Age isn't set in stone but obviously I'd have more in common with someone in their 20s or 30s or even 40s). But I am openminded so I don't want to be an ageist.

It would just be awesome to not transition alone and have someone to shop with and stuff and get coffee with and just walk around. I thought about trying to meet a guy since in the last two weeks they seem to like like staring at me so much, but I don't know cause I haven't had laser yet and I don't think I pass face-to-face because of that though I doubt anyone can tell. Like I said I'm shy. So if anyone could give me any advice on groups in Philly or just groups in general and what your experience has been and how welcome you feel, I would be very appreciative. Thanks so much!

[Sammy]

I think You might be better with the LGB people than CD in this. I know sometimes LG (to lesser extent B) can by very hypocrites but You never know until You meet the person. At the same time You could be pretty safe with gay men, especially effeminate ones. As for female shopping, chatting and other girly things - what about an open-minded lesbian as a friend?

[suzifrommd]

I've really been helped by the support group I go to (in Baltimore). There's no way I'd even have considered transitioning without meeting all the women there who are doing it successfully. I think that's probably a good place to get started. I'm sure there are support groups in Philly. I haven't been there but I hear there is a big Trans community.

Are you going to the Philly Trans Health conference in June? Sounds like a good place to make connections.

[Joanna Dark]

@Sammy: That's a good idea. The one thing is I am not sure how I feel about people knowing I'm trans. In fact all things being equal, I'd rather not be known as trans but that has no bearing on the LGB community.

@Suzi: I'm not sure if I am going to the Trans Health Conference. I should go. I kinda wanna go. But will I go? Not sure. I don't like large crowds, especially by myself. This is where meeting other trans women comes in.

[JennX]

http://mazzonicenter.org/

Click "Programs" header. They seem to have various different support groups.

[Ltl89]

Hey Joanna,

Please do yourself a favor and go to a  support group.  I can't tell you how nice it is to see and interact with others in the same boat.  One of my best friends is a mtf transwoman and it has been a huge relief to have her as a friend and a supporter.  I didn't meet her at a support group, but having her as a friend has made me feel much more comfortable with myself.  Personally, I used to be terrified of going to a group and still get shy about it.   Like you I am very shy and avoid group gatherings. However, everyone has been so open and accepting to me so far. Plus, I have been going with friends in order to break me out of my shell. At the meetings, you get people from all different walks of life.  I have been in a group with teenagers and people that are much older.  It really is interesting to share similar experiences with a group of diverse people.  The only down side for me has been that I don't know many girls in my own age group other than my friend.  It seems like people are either younger or older than me.  I agree that it is easier to have girlfriends who are closer to your own age.   

I would go to one specifically for trans people.  Honestly, these groups are open and accepting.  No one is there to judge or out you. It's a place to open up and be yourself.  Please go to one!  You will have fun!  It's like a miniature version of susan's in real life.  Also, you should really take advantage of the Philly Conference.  It sounds like a great place to meet new friends.  I'm jealous that they couldn't have done it here in NY, so count yourself lucky.

P.S. If you ever find yourself in NY, you know one transwoman that would love to go shopping  

[Joanna Dark]

@JennX: Thanks! I found one on Thursdays!

@Learningtolive: It does seem like it would be really great to meet other trans women. For a good deal of my life until I was 18 and I went on the internet when my family belatedly bought a computer, the whole idea of transitioning was an abstract concept. But now, armed with the knowledge that there are tens of thousands of people like me, I obviously should take advantage of it. I think it would make transitioning much easier.

Yeah I should def go to the trans conference and not be such a shrinking violet that is scared of her own shadow.