Any one else live in town or city with an extensive LGBT network

[stephaniec]

I'm finding a significant uplifting experience transitioning in an area with an extensive LGBT community. I live in a town that borders on Chicago . Chicago has and area that's called Boys Town . It's an area that caters to the LGBT community and a lot of the LGBT live and work in the area. I just stared using the clinic that caters to the community and I'm finding it so uplifting. I worked in the area a long time , but wasn.t transitioning. Now that I'm transitioning it's pretty cool to be a part of the community. I feel so comfortable walking around not worrying about " passing " or whatever. There are so many trans walking around you don't bat an eye. How's everyone's else's experience in their town.

[Deborah]

My town not only doesn't have an extensive LGBT network, it has absolutely no LGBT network at all.  With a population of 200K it's  not even a small town.  But there is nothing.


Sapere Aude

[Mariah]

Virtually no support here where I live as far as network goes. Hugs
Mariah

[DanielleA]

I live near Lismore NSW Australia. There is an LGBTQ community network over here called the "Tropical Fruits". They have a Facebook page and even have a tropical fruits festival during the year sometime. I often see one or two visable trans people when I go to Lismore for the day.

[Ms Grace]

Sydney is LGBTI central. I utilise some of that network but it is truly so large that even if I was trying harder I'd only scratch the surface. It's useful though, there's no doubt about it.

[autumn08]

Hi Stephanie,

I'm happy you're feeling uplifted.

This week I might visit the Center on Halsted for the first time, and it would be interesting to also go somewhere else to meet transgender people, while I'm in Boy's Town. I don't know where transgender people regularly go though, because I'm from the Polish middle class area of Chicago and I haven't started transitioning.

Do you have any recommendations?

[stephaniec]

There are Trans bars up and down Halsted and in the Boys town area. The LGBT center is attached to a Whole Foods and they share a place to sit and eat or wifi. A lot of people hang out there.

[cindianna_jones]

My town not only doesn't have an extensive LGBT network, it has absolutely no LGBT network at all.  With a population of 200K it's  not even a small town.  But there is nothing.


Sapere Aude

I'm in a "town" of 1700. There are probably not many more than that in the entire county since the town has incorporated nearly ALL of the county. It takes me one hour and five minutes to drive to the nearest stop light. I know there is a small group of twenty something lesbians here. But there is absolutely nada mas in my vicinity. Even in that town an hour away. My nearest options are about three hours away (with no traffic). When I purchased here, I had someone to share the beauty with. We both loved the outdoors and backpacking. But now I'm alone, struggling to make the mortgage payments. So... I live a peaceful life. Not much human contact. Online stuff to be sure. Lot's of outside walks and oh my but it is nice this time of year. The flowers are out in all their splendor and everything is Irish green.

[autumn08]

Thank you!

[big kim]

Blackpool has a large LGBT scene, mainly centred on bars & clubs. It can be rather cliquey so I'm not much of a fan.

[kiteless]

For some reason I guess I kind of assumed this forum was US-centric? I'm in Atlanta... We have queers of all stripes here.

[SonadoraXVX]

I live in Los Angeles, CA, South L.A., and well, its very different than Hollywood, West Hollywood, or even the downtown L.A. area. I miss a lot the areas mentioned above, and I live now in the South L.A. area. Its important to remember, if you live in a large town, to specifically focus on the lgbt areas, since some big towns can be backwards in some areas.

[Rachel]

Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA has the gayborhood. We have a lot of resources there. My primary care is at the Mazzoni Center and they treat a lot of trans. I used their legal services to help with my name change paperwork (no cost). I go to a group there and participate in their Trans health conference (the largest in the world). They also have a clothing and food bank. I go to the William Way LGBT community center where I see my therapist and there is another group that meets there. I go to a LGBT gym in the hood. There are a lot of LGBT bars and clubs and businesses there. I think some of the best affordable restaurants are in the hood. When I was going home after group Thursday 13th street was full of people eating outside and having fun.

I tend to participate in activity bases activities. There are several LGBT hiking, museum and bike riding meet-ups If you wish to participate. They are not hook-up activities but groups that are safe and have common interests.

I really like to go to New Hope, PA. they are very accepting and there is a very good atmosphere there but it is expensive. There are clubs there too.

I do not go to bars or clubs because I am a recovering alcoholic. I know if I go there I will start to bargain with myself and it will not end well.

[Tessa James]

We are fortunate to have a Lower Columbia Gender Alliance, The Lower Columbia Q center with peer support groups, a choir, and events every month that will include our first Pride festival in June.  We are highly visible and meet new people almost every week and this is in a County of 40,000 and a city, Astoria, of 10,000 people.  Portland OR is likewise very well served with support and advocacy groups and a climate of acceptance that is pervasive, growing and celebrated.

An extensive LGBTQ network is a lifeline for some, a family and community for others and a resource for those in need.   Serving our family, friends and allies is a gift we give ourselves.  Celebrate yourself !!