RAWR!
So this coming Saturday, I'm going to my first meeting with a local transgender group. I'm nervous and excited and relieved all at the same time.
The main thing I'm nervous about is trying to explain 'androgyne'. Tina, the one who interviewed me over the phone, had clearly never heard of it and has pretty much labeled me ftm...don't really know how I'm going to get around that, but I guess I'll cross that road when I come to it. I kept mentioning susans, hoping that perhaps she would get curious and come here to check it out, but I don't think I quite got through. The interview questions she had were mainly for mtf's...so I know it was hard for her to relate them to me. She kept asking me if I cross dress, but I don't really understand...I do on an academic level, but I was nervous...it's hard to cross dress if you aren't male/female. I was having a hard time explaining that...and that I do sometimes wear skirts and cute frilly clothes. I honestly don't care that much about my clothes. If I had my way, I'd wear jeans/t-shirts all the time, but I can't at work and I WOULD like to date, so it's just better to wear (somewhat) cute clothes.
I just hope they don't decide that I'm not transgendered and kick me out. I'm nervous...
We androgynes are in a tricky spot, aren't we?
I'm not MtF, that's certain. But, what's also certain is that I don't feel completely "at home" in this bio-male body. Becoming MtF would be just as limiting, to me, as staying bio-male.
So, where do we fit in the TG scheme of things?
Quote from: Shades O'Grey on October 12, 2008, 02:50:23 PM
So, where do we fit in the TG scheme of things?
in the attic like an embarrassing wife.
Posted on: October 12, 2008, 03:09:47 pm
I've never tried to go to a TG meeting, bet it's interesting...
Agent Jaimey, we want a full report. Well I do.
I want to find out how you interact with them, whether they 'get' you and what the post meeting drinking session was like.
Also.... I reckon you should go in your most cloying, sweetest and girliest outfit. Just for a giggle.
(i remember once seeing a photo of you, you were kinda cute.)
Best of luck at the meeting Jaimey!
Quote from: Pica Pica on October 12, 2008, 03:19:16 PM
Quote from: Shades O'Grey on October 12, 2008, 02:50:23 PM
So, where do we fit in the TG scheme of things?
in the attic like an embarrassing wife.
Or locked up in the dungeon like frankenstein or Cinderella :P
Z
With all the Rawring going on I thought Annwyn had made an appearance (anyone notive her blog has gone? I miss it, maybe I am just not seeing it??)
I have more of a meow than and RAWR :embarrassed:
I've been meaning to go to a TG meeting too but never quite get it organised. It always ends up falling on my Roleplaying game night and I am definitly not missing that.
i think it's great you're actually getting involved in the community as an andro. wish more andros would go to the ones around here.
Quote from: Shades O'Grey on October 12, 2008, 02:50:23 PM
We androgynes are in a tricky spot, aren't we?
I'm not MtF, that's certain. But, what's also certain is that I don't feel completely "at home" in this bio-male body. Becoming MtF would be just as limiting, to me, as staying bio-male.
So, where do we fit in the TG scheme of things?
That's a good question...I felt bad for Tina because she didn't have a clue...I don't mind answering questions, but I'm no good when I'm bombarded with them. I need time to think before I answer. The best thing I can think of to do is explain that I want to be neutral, not male and that I don't understand gender...'non binary' might be a good term to introduce to them if they don't know it. We'll have to see...she was really nice though. *fingers crossed*
Quote from: Pica Pica on October 12, 2008, 03:19:16 PM
Agent Jaimey, we want a full report. Well I do.
I want to find out how you interact with them, whether they 'get' you and what the post meeting drinking session was like.
Also.... I reckon you should go in your most cloying, sweetest and girliest outfit. Just for a giggle.
I will give a detailed report, Agent Pica! :police: I was actually thinking about what I should wear and I was honestly considering not wearing makeup...and then I realized how silly I was being. They all wear makeup, so I can too!!!! (there's only 1 ftm in the whole group, the rest are all mtf and there are pics on the website) If I tried to wear my girliest outfit, I'd have to wear these new SHMEXY heels I bought (on CLEARANCE!) this weekend and I'd probably break my ankle. :D I wonder if I'd get a giggle or an invitation to leave...
Quote(i remember once seeing a photo of you, you were kinda cute.)
Why, thank you, my dear. :icon_redface: (somehow I think I'm not very good at feigning modesty...;D)
@Z: Thank you! ...dungeons are awesome!
@Nicky: There's nothing wrong with a meow! I'm just a whacko. My RAWR looks like this :icon_weee:.
Quote from: Nero on October 13, 2008, 05:45:21 PM
i think it's great you're actually getting involved in the community as an andro. wish more andros would go to the ones around here.
I understand why people don't want to get involved...I've been putting it off for months. They aren't very good at replying to emails, so if you really want to get involved, you have to call their pager...talking on the phone to someone I've never met before is nervewracking...it would be so much easier if there were androgyne groups. :)
some weird reason i never even considered talking to real actual there type people.
Quote from: Pica Pica on October 13, 2008, 06:11:36 PM
some weird reason i never even considered talking to real actual there type people.
Personally, I'm hoping for extensive transgendered charades... :P I do imagine there will be talking. :laugh:
I'd go with Non Binary and toss in the gender variant too.
There are pockets of people who are not yet familiar or accepting with the Non Binary types.
I'm sure everything will be fine, however, you should know that transgendered people are a sneaky underhanded bunch. They will pick your pocket while offering you a kiss. They will also swipe your underwear while you are wearing it. I suggest you ask Sarah if you can borrow her knife.
I also heard that transgender people have an agenda, or is it a transagenda? In any case, watch yer back. Don't sign anything without an attorney's advice.
Quote from: Rebis on October 13, 2008, 07:06:41 PM
I'd go with Non Binary and toss in the gender variant too.
There are pockets of people who are not yet familiar or accepting with the Non Binary types.
I'm sure everything will be fine, however, you should know that transgendered people are a sneaky underhanded bunch. They will pick your pocket while offering you a kiss. They will also swipe your underwear while you are wearing it. I suggest you ask Sarah if you can borrow her knife.
I also heard that transgender people have an agenda, or is it a transagenda? In any case, watch yer back. Don't sign anything without an attorney's advice.
No worries, I'm naturally aloof and distrusting. (is that really something to brag about?) Hopefully, I can get the point across. I suppose if talking doesn't work, I can just beat into them :icon_bat:.
QuoteThey will also swipe your underwear while you are wearing it.
...somehow, that's a trick I'd like to see...
Quote from: Jaimey on October 13, 2008, 07:14:52 PM
QuoteThey will also swipe your underwear while you are wearing it.
...somehow, that's a trick I'd like to see...
In a skirt, simple take a sharp craft knife....
Would like to know how you went I've been going to a trans suport group for a little while mostly m2f a few f2m most think I'm M2f very few understand, in trying to fit I use my fem name although I don't fit I do try to explain that my need to tranition to show both M & F is as real as there need to go all the way
I'll do my best to get on here Saturday night for an update, but it might be Sunday as I am lazy. :D
I'm interested in hearing how this goes too. I've thought about going to a support group, but not right now. After I move out, maybe. Hope it goes well for you.
Well, tonight was my first meeting with the local transgender group here in Louisville and I am happy I went. It was a small gathering, 20 or so people, if I had to guess and I was the only trans person there that wasn't born male, so that was pretty interesting. There were people younger than me and people who most definitely get the AARP discount, so it was a really diverse group, age wise. It started with everyone introducing themselves and then we had a guest speaker.
Our guest speaker was Dawn Wilson, whom I used to wait on and talk to at length when I worked at Borders! She spoke to us about getting involved with the fairness campaign (www.fairness.org (http://www.fairness.org)) in Kentucky to get a state law passed for transgender rights since we have a governor who WILL sign it!! So at some point, I'll be getting involved with them licking envelopes or something to get the word out. She went over some of the things she has gone through (getting fired and then blacklisted by employers in Louisville) and how a law can change those things. She went over some of the problems with getting a law passed (all the speakers that state congressmen deal with are from Louisville/Lexington/Cincinatti area and not their districts, etc.).
I was REALLY nervous when I first got there. I was the youngest person when I first got there and I was the only non mtf person there as well. Also, I got there early and everyone who was there were regulars, so it was a little intimidating at first. But once the meeting started, I relaxed a lot and I enjoyed myself and learned quite a bit (somebody doesn't keep up with current events very well...).
Also, Dawn knows about us androgynes!!! I introduced myself as a male identified androgyne and she shook her head like she knew what I was talking about, I got really excited. So I talked to her afterword (mostly about anime and then we moved on :D) and asked her if she knew about androgynes and she did! She said that it took her a little bit to understand it, but she eventually did. She also told me about an anime that deals with it called 'Simoun'...people have to pick there gender and some can't...well, that's a bad summary, but that's the gist. It also turns out that she used to live in the house I live in now (random) and she lives pretty close now. So I'm sure I'll see her around and I'm looking forward to getting more involved.
So I know that's a crappy update, but it was my first meeting! There was a lot of information to take in. I do recommend getting involved if you can. Just being around people who understand and who call me "Jaimey"...that made me happy. Although there was a person there named "Jessica" and it took me a few times to realize they weren't talking to me. heh. I'm pretty psyched right now, so it's hard for me to calm down and write. :laugh:
So there it is. I hope you all aren't disappointed by my inability to write about real life. I could write stories all day long, ask me to write a personal narrative and it might be the worst thing you've ever read. heh.
Wow!
It sounds like you found someone worth stalking.
I'll be looking forward to the police report.
:laugh: :laugh:
Sounds like a nice group, if it got you psyched and incoherent, that does sound like a good thing.
You missed the most important point though - did they serve tea and biscuits afterwards, and if so - what is the Louisville transgender group biscuit of choice?
Quote from: Pica Pica on October 20, 2008, 05:12:54 PM
Sounds like a nice group, if it got you psyched and incoherent, that does sound like a good thing.
You missed the most important point though - did they serve tea and biscuits afterwards, and if so - what is the Louisville transgender group biscuit of choice?
No tea and
cookies, but there was chili and cake, so I suppose that counts. :D And the cake was chocolate.
Quote from: Rebis on October 20, 2008, 04:09:40 PM
Wow!
It sounds like you found someone worth stalking.
I'll be looking forward to the police report.
:laugh: :laugh:
Eh? :icon_suspicious:
Quote from: Jaimey on October 20, 2008, 06:42:57 PM
No tea and cookies, but there was chili and cake, so I suppose that counts. :D And the cake was chocolate.
Can't be all bad if there is chocolate ;D
Z
Wow over in Kentucky eh? My SO lives there, in Richmond. Not sure how close Louisville is to Richmond, but I think it'd be great to attend a meeting even for just one go.
Not sure if there are any groups like that around where I live in Virginia though, but I think it might help me a lot of I went to one and met other TG folks.
I think it might help me a lot of I went to one and met other TG folks.
Not only will it help, it will change your life.
Quote from: tekla on October 22, 2008, 07:21:09 PM
I think it might help me a lot of I went to one and met other TG folks.
Not only will it help, it will change your life.
Most likely. I don't know of anyone around where I live that is TG. I just know I need to do something as I don't have the money yet for a therapist and it's either that or go to some kind of support group.
Quote from: Phate on October 22, 2008, 07:20:12 PM
Wow over in Kentucky eh? My SO lives there, in Richmond. Not sure how close Louisville is to Richmond, but I think it'd be great to attend a meeting even for just one go.
Not sure if there are any groups like that around where I live in Virginia though, but I think it might help me a lot of I went to one and met other TG folks.
Richmond, huh? It's not really close, but it's not that far either...I don't think. A couple hours maybe? I think it's closer to Lexington, which is an hour away. Well, if you ever happen to be in KY and you want to come (we can bring people), it's the third Saturday of every month. :) I found my group in a newspaper. You can also search online. Just being around other trans people lifted a weight off. I highly recommend it.
Quote from: Jaimey on October 23, 2008, 05:01:51 PM
Just being around other trans people lifted a weight off.
That's because they picked your pockets and totally robbed you as I warned you they would.
I have to go now and collect my share of the loot.
Quote from: Rebis on October 25, 2008, 01:39:04 PM
Quote from: Jaimey on October 23, 2008, 05:01:51 PM
Just being around other trans people lifted a weight off.
That's because they picked your pockets and totally robbed you as I warned you they would.
I have to go now and collect my share of the loot.
Does that mean you aren't going to pick my pockets yourself? :'(
Sure, I'll be picking your pockets myself. Sometimes I need to have others do the work because I have a whole lot of pockets to pick. I'm like santa claus, but in reverse.
Quote from: Rebis on October 26, 2008, 10:29:52 PM
Sure, I'll be picking your pockets myself. Sometimes I need to have others do the work because I have a whole lot of pockets to pick. I'm like santa claus, but in reverse.
Rebis Hood and hir Merry Bandalso, those tunics and tights that they wear are nicely androgynous :laugh:
Z
can I wear the tunic without the tights?
Quote from: Rebis on October 26, 2008, 10:50:41 PM
can I wear the tunic without the tights?
As long as you remember to cross your legs when you sit down ;)
Z
I never sit. I prance instead. It's like keeping my motor running.
Quote from: Rebis on October 26, 2008, 11:05:26 PM
I never sit. I prance instead. It's like keeping my motor running.
Well then, tights or leggings not necessary. Although I think you might want to don them come winter time. Or perhaps a hot mug of grog will do :laugh:
Z
Sorry, a hot mug of grog won't help very long -- and afterwards you'll be left with a tunic soaked in cold grog. Nice woollen tights are much better.
Nfr
I have been lurking for a while and I have come to the conclusion that, you are all totally insane! ;D
This is great, because I can so totally identify with you all!
I go to a TG support group, and it is great and there are two of us androgyne types there. Our facilitator is so in touch and pro andro. Sorry folks this is in South Africa, so a bit out of the way, but if you are coming to visit you are welcome to join in! :)
Quote from: Rebis on October 26, 2008, 10:50:41 PM
can I wear the tunic without the tights?
That would be HAWT! :icon_eyebrow: Especially with the prancing...
Quote from: Barbara/Brandon on October 27, 2008, 02:47:50 PM
I have been lurking for a while and I have come to the conclusion that, you are all totally insane! ;D
This is great, because I can so totally identify with you all!
:D We do our best! Welcome! :icon_wave-nerd:
I live in South Africa on the Thames....
Quote from: Barbara/Brandon on October 27, 2008, 02:47:50 PM
I have been lurking for a while and I have come to the conclusion that, you are all totally insane! ;D
This is great, because I can so totally identify with you all!
I go to a TG support group, and it is great and there are two of us androgyne types there. Our facilitator is so in touch and pro andro. Sorry folks this is in South Africa, so a bit out of the way, but if you are coming to visit you are welcome to join in! :)
Hi,
If we knew you were lurking, we would have baked a cake.
I didn't realize the tights could be wool. I'm the only human on earth & Jupiter who like the feel of wool. Gimme those tights!
I used to have to wear wool tights for a few plays I was in...desperately sweaty in the groinal area (especially under stage lights) and they bunch up and make you look like you have elephant skin legs....not much fun really.