Would you attend a TG social event?

[Lady Sarah]

Having been victimized via the trans support group I attended when I lived in San Fran, I think I learned a lesson. I presently live where there is no such thing. I'm with transfused when it comes to living as tho I am a cis woman.

[Transfused]

Having been victimized via the trans support group I attended when I lived in San Fran, I think I learned a lesson. I presently live where there is no such thing. I'm with transfused when it comes to living as tho I am a cis woman.

Exactly Sarah,

I have a feeling that where two trans women are in the same room there are trouble.
I try to avoid other trans people as much as I can offline.

[Julia1996]

No, I wouldn't.

[RobynTx]

Probably no.  Since I've started transitioning I've noticed that I have become more of an introvert.  Plus I would only go if my wife would go and I don't know how she feels about those kind of things.  Besides where I live in Texas being transgender isn't the best option to display.  While I haven't had any issues thus far I tend to be very cautious.

[KathyLauren]

I have been to several trans social events, and enjoyed them.  Typically dinner at a restaurant, with 8-10 people, including some SOs.   The last one, we had about six trans women, one trans man, and three spouses.

I find that I am more outgoing since I started full-time.  Well, okay, "outgoing" may be the wrong word.  Less introverted would be more accurate.  I find myself longing for social interaction, and these events are a good excuse to get some.

Also, there are some people in that group who are not as far along as me, and some whose home situation doesn't allow them to express themselves.  Social events are a way of supporting them and providing an opportunity to present as their true selves.  For people who are uncomfortable in support groups, it lets them meet with other trans folks, helping them to normalize their situation.

And speaking of normalization, a table full of trans folks in a busy restaurant doesn't necessarily attract attention, but we are visible.  I think visibility is important, so that cis folks can see that we aren't freaks who hang out in the creepy parts of town.  They see that we are just normal folks out for a meal together, like anyone else.

[Devlyn]

I have been to several trans social events, and enjoyed them.  Typically dinner at a restaurant, with 8-10 people, including some SOs.   The last one, we had about six trans women, one trans man, and three spouses.

I find that I am more outgoing since I started full-time.  Well, okay, "outgoing" may be the wrong word.  Less introverted would be more accurate.  I find myself longing for social interaction, and these events are a good excuse to get some.

Also, there are some people in that group who are not as far along as me, and some whose home situation doesn't allow them to express themselves.  Social events are a way of supporting them and providing an opportunity to present as their true selves.  For people who are uncomfortable in support groups, it lets them meet with other trans folks, helping them to normalize their situation.

And speaking of normalization, a table full of trans folks in a busy restaurant doesn't necessarily attract attention, but we are visible.  I think visibility is important, so that cis folks can see that we aren't freaks who hang out in the creepy parts of town.  They see that we are just normal folks out for a meal together, like anyone else.

We had one of our dances the same time there was a big sports tournament in for the weekend. Everyone had a story about being in the elevator with the entire seventh grade girls hockey team, and one seven foot tall crossdresser in heels! 

I agree it's important to be seen. I am very upfront about my status.

Hugs, Devlyn

[Sarah_P]

There's two different support groups that meet at the Center for Inclusion in Kansas City. I've been to one of them several times, but not the other. I'd love to go to a purely social event, though. Probably not dancing. I've never danced & don't really have an urge to start. I haven't heard of any regular trans-only social events around there. There's a few drag bars, but I'm not much of a bar-goer, either.

[Dani]

I voted yes because since I am post-op, I feel a need to give back to the TG community. Others have helped me and now I really want to return the favor in a way that is beyond support groups.

I live in Miami area and we have several support groups but only one social group. We usually meet for dinner at a local TG friendly restaurant. Both men and women, cis and trans are welcome.

The conversations are one level above of what you hear at the local support groups. In support groups, we really like to stay on topic, but in a social setting, the conversations are free wheeling and any topic is fair game. It does not hurt that the alcohol consumed at dinner tends to loosen our tongues and liven up the discussions. Always a good time at these dinners.

[ainsley]

It's a no from me, Dog.

[DawnOday]

I would absolutely go. In fact some of the best days of the last 15 years were at Gender Odyssey and the Ingersoll Sno  Ball.  For so many years I thought I was somewhat of an anomaly but finding out I am not alone has brightened my outlook and now I look forward to meeting and helping others. It's like any other sector of society. There are angels and aholes. You still have to choose which ones you want as friends. Sharing a bond via being trans is not enough to declare friendship.

[Cassi]

I would absolutely go. In fact some of the best days of the last 15 years were at Gender Odyssey and the Ingersoll Sno  Ball.  For so many years I thought I was somewhat of an anomaly but finding out I am not alone has brightened my outlook and now I look forward to meeting and helping others. It's like any other sector of society. There are angels and aholes. You still have to choose which ones you want as friends. Sharing a bond via being trans is not enough to declare friendship.

Good points.  I recently set up my Cassi facebook and have tried to connect with a couple of groups.  Not really into the flamboyant types and am treading slowly.

[I Am Jess]

I went out Saturday night to the monthly T-Girl dance party at a club in Long Beach.  It was an Oscar's theme with a red carpet and photographs (which will be out later this month).  I got to see a lot of my friends in the community and had a great time.  I met a guy there who I really enjoyed talking with who is going to take me out.  It really was an amazing time.  It felt good to get dressed up and socialize with the people in my community.  This is what I wore:




This coming weekend is the annual TEA Show here in LA and I'm going to the pre-show party on Friday and the awards show on Sunday.  This event is the awards show for people in the transgender erotica industry.  Being in LA I have gotten to know a number of the performers in the industry and they are some amazing folks.  I am not into what they do but because I know them I go to show support for them and the industry that provides them with an opportunity to make money to be able to fund their transitions.  I went last year and it was amazing to see all of the incredibly beautiful ladies and men involved in the industry.  I think the only other place that has as many tall and beautiful women is the WNBA all-star game.....

[Cassi]

Was just checking out your Flick'r pictures - just amazing comrade sister

[Kylo]

I've socialized with trans people, but not expressly at an event for them. I can't see myself being at an event for any particular reason. But if I meet a trans person in everyday life, I have no good reason to be unsociable.

[V M]

There aren't any where I live that I know of but I would take it into consideration if there was one

[sarah1972]

In 2 years I have been to two social events: Our local school districts "Pride" group is primarily trans focused and they have a summer picnic. First time I met another trans person!!

Second time I was invited to a trans Christmas party which had been  co-organized by a local church which has many offerings for transgender (group sessions, spouse groups etc.) and TGEA (Transgender Education Association).

Both have been pretty nice events. The Christmas party had me star struck since Danica Roem and Gavin Grim gave a speech :-)

Have not really been since but mainly I got too busy.

I wonder if there would be interest for meetings of Susan's members :-)

[I Am Jess]

This weekend is the Transgender Erotica Awards Show. Friday night was the pre-show party in Hollywood, Saturday was a non-nude dance show starring some of the major players in the trans erotica world and Sunday is the industry's awards show. I've gone to the first two events and will be at the awards show tonight. There are some incredibly beautiful people that attend this event. While it makes me so sad that some of our brothers and sisters in the community have to rely on this industry to survive, I think it's important to attend and show support to them. I had a number of very interesting conversations with some of the people and have had an amazing time. Our community is made up of such a diverse range of individuals and I have learned so much from being involved in meeting them in these social events.

This weekend is also the Keystone Conference in Pennsylvania. I know there are a lot of trans people attending this event and are having an amazing time. Getting out and socializing with others in the community can be a very rewarding and educational experience. It has been for me.

[Mendi]

I only attend to TG and LGBT social events. I don´t feel safe of going anywhere else, which doesn´t have Rainbow friendly people also.

Would love to go to restaurants, dances etc. to which cisgender people go, but I don´t know why I would like to hurt myself like that.

Perhaps in next life...

(And no, haven´t come across any sex parties yet)

[Miharu Barbie]

Hello,

There was a time, in the mid 90's, when I went to a lot of support group meetings in and around the Los Angeles area.  I was pretty involved in low level political organizing in those days (a thankless task.) 

Since I moved to Portland, Oregon in 2000, I have been to almost no trans group meetings, neither support nor social.  I do miss having trans friends.  For many years I looked for trans friends in the Portland area.  (Obviously I looked in all the wrong places.)  I gave up the search around 2005.

I have a lot of friends, mostly competitive pool players and musicians.  As far as I know, there are no trans people among them.  I suppose my inability to connect in real life with other trans people is a large part of the reason that I've continued to return to Susan's Place year after year.  I don't often contribute to conversations, but keeping up to date on what you all are doing, and occasionally piping in, helps me feel that I'm not all alone in the world.

I've never heard of these sex parties either.  I guess I'm just not among the cool kids.  Some things never change.

Hugs,
Miharu