Went to my first transgender group last night...

[Veronica M]

Well the title says it all. Have to say even though I was a bit older then most the folks there I had a wonderful time. The group was well organized and each week they attempt to cover a certain topic. Over all I had a blast and was received very well I think. The great thing is I made some new friends that I can relate to, not to mention learned a few things in the process also. I have to admit I was a little nervous at first but after about five or ten minutes I felt right at home. Anyway, just thought I'd share...

hugs

[Eva Marie]

Hey that's awesome Veronica! It's good that you are getting out and making friends 

[JulieBlair]

Isn't hanging with people who get it a gas!  In May there will be trans celebration in Port Angeles WA.  They even let old girls like me come and celebrate. Kind of spendy, but you can test out your new smile.

http://espritconf.com/

Julie

[stephaniec]

that's great

[Veronica M]

Thanks everyone... Yes it was fun for sure. Hopefully I can find some friends that can help we a little with makeup and what not... That is a practice thing and I need plenty of it... LOL... Next week it a social group so I hope to meet more people there. Doing the pot luck thing... Might have to show off my cooking skills a little. 

[Veronica M]

Isn't hanging with people who get it a gas!  In May there will be trans celebration in Port Angeles WA.  They even let old girls like me come and celebrate. Kind of spendy, but you can test out your new smile.

http://espritconf.com/

Julie

I would absolutely adore going to a convention such as that... Probably not this year, but perhaps next... Money is a little tight right now.

[ErinWDK]

It's great that you have made new friends.  It also really helps to meet people who are in the same boat.

I went to my first event a couple weeks ago and it really changed how I look at things.  Now I will (on a really limited basis) go out as Erin and interact with a few people.  My therapist says I "pass" and it is hard to read what that may mean (I am my own worst critic) so I take it as her being just really sweet about it.

But, go for it!  All of this takes practice, and it comes hard for us more "seasoned" transitioners.


Erin

[JulieBlair]

Erin,
Once you let go of trying to be perfect, and trying to fool anyone, your authentic self will shine through and whether you pass or are even acknowledged becomes much less important.  As a "seasoned" person, I am much less likely to have anyone care, much less object to how I present myself as the kids.  I don't have to impress them, and I don't need their approval as much.  I just love the freedom that finally being me, without a persona, without a screen provides.  It is addicting.

Veronica,
They have scholarships.  And I'll have my airstream if you need a place to crash.  And no I'm not trying to pick you up.
Julie

[Christine Eryn]

That sounds great!  The only GLBT groups I've attended are coming out groups. I did get confused for a FtM by a few people, which was kind of cool to be honest. Actually, I went to a few trans groups a few years back, but they really didn't do anything for me.

[Veronica M]

Veronica,
They have scholarships.  And I'll have my airstream if you need a place to crash.  And no I'm not trying to pick you up.
Julie

Ha ha... The thought didn't even cross my mind sweetie... LOL... But I think I am going to wait till next years when I have lost a little more weight. Right now I have ape in a dress syndrome going on... LOL... Beside's I don't have a thing to wear either. For an event such as that I would want the proper cloths for sure... Let see? How many suit cases do I own??? Hmmmm?

That said, keep me in mind for next year for sure... Sounds like we could have a blast!!!

Hugs

[shiney]

Congratulations Veronica!

I'm going to my first meetup soon so its great to hear yours went so well

Hope the next one is even better

[Veronica M]

Congratulations Veronica!

I'm going to my first meetup soon so its great to hear yours went so well

Hope the next one is even better

Thank you shiney... I am looking forward to the next one as it is a pot luck type of social event, and this girl has got skills in the kitchen... (Among other things, Grin) I am looking to show off a little bit... Wish I was totally out, as I'd give Betty Crocker a run for her money... LOL

[shiney]

Hahaha

Well when you get there, i expect to see a cook book and your brands on shelves

What do you like to cook?

[Veronica M]

Hahaha

Well when you get there, i expect to see a cook book and your brands on shelves

What do you like to cook?

Ha ha... Well maybe a cookbook is in the future...  Let's see, some of my favorites are Italian dishes but those are off the table at the moment as I could throw my diet right out the window. I use a lot of garlic and red wine, and my cream sauce is to die for, especially with scallops and squid ink pasta. Side note: Some of the wine actually makes it into the dishes... 

I also make killer omelettes and my Mexican food while I am still perfecting it is pretty good, especially my enchiladas. And of course good o'l american food also. I was born in Iowa, so those Midwest roots come out.  Now french food still needs a little work, along with my baking skills, but I love hanging out in the kitchen and trying new things.

[shiney]

Wow you are making me hungry. You've got a good repertoire going there!

What exactly would midwest food be though?

[Veronica M]

Wow you are making me hungry. You've got a good repertoire going there!

What exactly would midwest food be though?

Thank you... As to the Midwest thing, just plain o'l meat and potatoes, a good beef or chicken stew and stuff like that.

[shiney]

Sounds hearty. Do you lot do a good mash over there?

[Veronica M]

Sounds hearty. Do you lot do a good mash over there?

I am at a loss as what you mean by "Mash"

[shiney]

Hahaha

Mash Potato!

it was the first potato dish that came to mind, and i love it lol

[JesseG]

Hi Veronica,
Congrats! It's a great experience to meet others. For me the main thing was just being in a roomful of people where my identity was normal. Talk about a weight off.

I have spoken with one other person that attended Esprit one year, and they swore by it. Again, not so much the classes that were provided, but the inclusive feel where you live amongst other trans people for a while. She said it felt like "trying on" her new life for a bit, where she was a woman and everyone accepted her as such. It sounded fantastic.