Trans Support Groups, Part 1: Support Group Basics
July 14, 2011 by Matt Kailey
http://tranifesto.com/2011/07/14/trans-support-groups-part-1-support-group-basics/ (http://tranifesto.com/2011/07/14/trans-support-groups-part-1-support-group-basics/)
I have so much to say about support groups (I know you're not surprised) that I am presenting a three-part series on the topic. Today's post, Part 1, will deal with Support Group Basics – things every trans support group should have. Part 2, which will be up Monday, will be for group facilitators (but everyone should read it). Part 3, next Thursday, will be for group attendees and will be, in part, a response to a new Ask Matt question.
I want to be clear that I am not the final word on support groups, but I did run a support group for trans men for almost six years. Did I make mistakes? Plenty. Did I learn from the experience? You bet. But I'm sure I didn't learn everything there is to know – that's what the comments section is for.
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Transgender Support Groups, Part 2: For the Facilitator
July 18, 2011 by Matt Kailey
http://tranifesto.com/2011/07/18/transgender-support-groups-part-2-for-the-facilitator/ (http://tranifesto.com/2011/07/18/transgender-support-groups-part-2-for-the-facilitator/)
So ya wanna run a support group? Facilitating a trans support group can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. It's also a lot of work – that's right, I said work.
While it might sound both fun and prestigious to be a support group facilitator, if it doesn't take at least a little bit out of you every time you do it, you might not be doing it right. But by the same token, if it doesn't give at least a little bit back – and usually far more – you might not be doing it right, either.