Community Conversation => Support groups => Topic started by: mechakitty on August 01, 2011, 12:34:51 AM Return to Full Version
Title: Ventura/Los Angeles County support groups?
Post by: mechakitty on August 01, 2011, 12:34:51 AM
Post by: mechakitty on August 01, 2011, 12:34:51 AM
I live in the Ventura County area of California, and the Ventura County Rainbow Alliance, the LGBT non-profit org in the county pretty much went bankrupt and ceased to exist. I'm looking for possible alternative transgender support groups to attend if my current support group fades away due to lack of a parent organization propping it up (which is kind of what's happening).
The only ones I can find online seem to be pretty uber-official and cost money. It's kind of sad when support groups have to charge exorbitant fees, when really, all we need is like-minded people in the same room discussing our issues. The VCRA had free support groups like this for years.
Anyway, just an aimless, wandering MTF here looking for a support group. Any ideas?
The only ones I can find online seem to be pretty uber-official and cost money. It's kind of sad when support groups have to charge exorbitant fees, when really, all we need is like-minded people in the same room discussing our issues. The VCRA had free support groups like this for years.
Anyway, just an aimless, wandering MTF here looking for a support group. Any ideas?
Title: Re: Ventura/Los Angeles County support groups?
Post by: tekla on August 01, 2011, 06:06:01 AM
Post by: tekla on August 01, 2011, 06:06:01 AM
The VCRA had free support groups like this for years.
the Ventura County Rainbow Alliance, the LGBT non-profit org in the county pretty much went bankrupt
Coincidence or what?
the Ventura County Rainbow Alliance, the LGBT non-profit org in the county pretty much went bankrupt
Coincidence or what?
Title: Re: Ventura/Los Angeles County support groups?
Post by: mechakitty on August 01, 2011, 10:54:04 AM
Post by: mechakitty on August 01, 2011, 10:54:04 AM
The support groups were run by facilitators on a volunteer basis, and the space was rented by grants from the state (as far as I know). This is just a product of the severe budget cuts we've had to endure here in California. It's really sad.
There is nothing inherently wrong with a free support group model; in fact, charging exorbitant fees for a freaking support group is almost immoral, favoring people with lots of cash to blow as opposed to favoring people who need the most help (usually people who are broke). The only issue was having a safe place to chat, and through the non-profit org they could rent a room in an office building. Right now, they're trying to keep things afloat and having it at other places, but attendance has dwindled horrifically.
I feel like ->-bleeped-<- that I came in on this great support system way too late, near the end of its life. It's kind of disillusioning. I mean, I'm not disillusioned with my transition, that's just groovy; I just wish I had more of an IRL support system. I guess there's always this website, and my therapist (who doesn't know that much really about trans-issues).
There is nothing inherently wrong with a free support group model; in fact, charging exorbitant fees for a freaking support group is almost immoral, favoring people with lots of cash to blow as opposed to favoring people who need the most help (usually people who are broke). The only issue was having a safe place to chat, and through the non-profit org they could rent a room in an office building. Right now, they're trying to keep things afloat and having it at other places, but attendance has dwindled horrifically.
I feel like ->-bleeped-<- that I came in on this great support system way too late, near the end of its life. It's kind of disillusioning. I mean, I'm not disillusioned with my transition, that's just groovy; I just wish I had more of an IRL support system. I guess there's always this website, and my therapist (who doesn't know that much really about trans-issues).
Title: Re: Ventura/Los Angeles County support groups?
Post by: tekla on August 01, 2011, 11:27:42 AM
Post by: tekla on August 01, 2011, 11:27:42 AM
The one I was associated with tended to run the support functions off the money they made doing social things, as the need for offering social stuff went away, so too did the money to support the support groups.
Title: Re: Ventura/Los Angeles County support groups?
Post by: latingrl on August 04, 2011, 08:31:41 PM
Post by: latingrl on August 04, 2011, 08:31:41 PM
I know of a few groups, LA Gender Center, or Gender Wellness Center of Los Angeles are the two closest to Ventura, they meet in the Hollywood area.
Title: Re: Ventura/Los Angeles County support groups?
Post by: gantz on August 27, 2011, 10:16:07 PM
Post by: gantz on August 27, 2011, 10:16:07 PM
ive been looking for the same thing really but i cant find any online - info on any around here.
the la gender center site seems to be down.
if you get any info please share
hey maybe you can start your own support group. i mean, cant find any then make your own right haha. well sorry im a bit silly today just a bit on the edge i guess
me im usually in the pasadena are or lakewood
the la gender center site seems to be down.
if you get any info please share
hey maybe you can start your own support group. i mean, cant find any then make your own right haha. well sorry im a bit silly today just a bit on the edge i guess
me im usually in the pasadena are or lakewood
Title: Re: Ventura/Los Angeles County support groups?
Post by: Jasper1408 on December 09, 2011, 11:53:06 PM
Post by: Jasper1408 on December 09, 2011, 11:53:06 PM
Check out this site: http://www.lagendercenter.com/ (http://www.lagendercenter.com/)
It's the LA Gender Center. They've got links for just about everything. It's pretty amazing.
It's the LA Gender Center. They've got links for just about everything. It's pretty amazing.
Title: Re: Ventura/Los Angeles County support groups? HELP IS HERE!
Post by: wildflowers4mommy on February 02, 2012, 01:55:42 PM
Post by: wildflowers4mommy on February 02, 2012, 01:55:42 PM
MechaKitty and others from Ventura County. I have done a lot of research on resources in this area, particularly the Conejo Valley. I'm looking to spearhead and converge some groups that are suffering because of low attendance; people just don't know they're out there! I have a few resources I can provide you with. Please email me and I will give you my cell in a personal message. Love to all!!!
Title: Re: Ventura/Los Angeles County support groups? HELP IS HERE!
Post by: Jamie D on February 03, 2012, 03:54:31 AM
Post by: Jamie D on February 03, 2012, 03:54:31 AM
Quote from: wildflowers4mommy on February 02, 2012, 01:55:42 PM
MechaKitty and others from Ventura County. I have done a lot of research on resources in this area, particularly the Conejo Valley. I'm looking to spearhead and converge some groups that are suffering because of low attendance; people just don't know they're out there! I have a few resources I can provide you with. Please email me and I will give you my cell in a personal message. Love to all!!!
Thank you