Where does a transitioning Aussie woman meet friends?

[roxie rudi]

I am starting my journey (will be seeing my endocrinologist in Feb) but I am heavily caught up in the VERY masculine role of a Sydney construction worker and I will doubtlessly find other transitioning girls/women of immense help to know. Of course relaxed and completely cool atmospheres are a must which I do realise, no probs. But the only understanding friends I have at the moment are my counsellers because my family has openly started to call me completely selfish since I came out. Fortunately however that while I am in my forties I am single and without kids and therefore my family only thus refers to my immediate family members. I am saving money for the various surgeries that I know I will need but I still NEED FRIENDS! I do not mean to offend with my reference to surgery, I am only referring to things that I have found horribly needed throughout my life but have been mistakenly born without.

[AnonyMs]

The gender center in Sydney has some kind of social scene. I'm not sure what since I stay away.

I assume you're seeing Dr Hayes, he's awesome.

[Ms Grace]

Welcome from another Sydney sider! Yes, check out The Gender Centre, they have some support groups and certain social things. They're located in Annandale on Parra Road. Their publication Polare might list a number of social activities.

[roxie rudi]

Thanks heaps girls! Yep, you picked me straight away! I'm seeing a counseller at the Gender Centre and I've made an appointment to see Dr Hayes! Well I guess I'd better pay more attention to Pollare and just get on with my transition eh? I hope to see you all face to face as/and/or when this becomes cool. Bye!

[AnonyMs]

Unfortunately its very unlikely you'll see me there. They also want people real names, and that really puts me off the place - its quite likely I'll never go again because of that. I'm also not out and a bit paranoid about running into anyone I know (which I realize is almost impossible). So the social side is out for me.

I've been a few times, but I find its not very useful. The therapist I saw, assuming he's still there after a couple of years, is really good, but its so underfunded that everything is very slow. They have lists of service providers but they are not allowed to tell you who's good or bad (the psychs in particular), so whats the point? Better to just ask here.

On the positive side, I spoke to a trans women who's quite active on the social side there and she really likes it. Perhaps you can report back and say how you find it?

[Delyth]

Hi,
I am in Sydney as well. Its early days for me as well. I am at the start of my journey. I am hoping to start counselling as soon as I can.
I rang a support line last week. It was the first time I had ever told anyone about my dysphoria. The person I spoke to was so understanding and gave me enough confidence to face up to the fact that I need to seek help. I then blurted things out at home.
Its early days, but its reassuring  to know I am not the only one in Sydney going through this.

[AnonyMs]

There's heaps of us here, and I'm sure even more who don't post on these forums.

The gender center is a good place to start, but here's really good as well.

[Jenny07]

Yes there are many Sydney siders here now soaked to meet.

I have never been there so can't comment.

[roxie rudi]

I have found the Gender Centre helpful regarding related medical matters (like getting my broken nose straightened using medicare for example) but I will ask my counseller info regarding making friends with other girls at similar journey stages to mine and hope for the best.

I did the same; after speaking to someone at the centre I blurted my true self out to my family, but it seems to have turned nasty. That is NOT because of the centre's counselling but rather because of my own desire to be honest to someone at home. In retrospect it seems like I was acting too rashly; that is without due consideration on MY behalf without talking to a counseller. 

[Catherine Sarah]

If any Sydneyites are interested in a fortnightly dinner at the Five Dock RSL, let me know and we'll kick off mid January if that suits. The Five Dock RSL is very friendly, safe and convenient. 

Speak to you as soon as I finish the BBQ.

Huggs
Catherine

[Cindy]

If any Sydneyites are interested in a fortnightly dinner at the Five Dock RSL, let me know and we'll kick off mid January if that suits. The Five Dock RSL is very friendly, safe and convenient. 

Speak to you as soon as I finish the BBQ.

Huggs
Catherine

There has even been an Adelaidian there, which on that occasion raised the IQ of NSW highly and lowered that of SA slightly

Speak to you as soon as I have washed the iguana.

[roxie rudi]

I will let all you gals know how I fare at the Gender Centre re. making friends as soon as I find out myself, however I have only recently started on a new construction project in the city and it is Christmas so I am, as they say, "flat out" at present so please forgive me if this takes a little while (maybe a month?).

By the way, despite what my my profile says I am not a "visitor" here, I know my gender is "F" and my age is 46. I don't yet know how to adjust my profile thingy yet! 

[roxie rudi]

If any Sydneyites are interested in a fortnightly dinner at the Five Dock RSL, let me know and we'll kick off mid January if that suits. The Five Dock RSL is very friendly, safe and convenient. 

Speak to you as soon as I finish the BBQ.

Huggs
Catherine

I would like to but be aware I am just taking my first steps on my journey and thus still present as VERY masculine. Additionally I live a long way from Five Dock but I can make it 'cos I imagine friends will prove priceless!