My local clinic a few blocks walk from me had their first transgender support meeting. It was exceedingly nerve wracking as I am both shy and tend to say really dumb things, all while cussing and swearing foully. I think it went well though, we were all very quiet and not many people seemed too sure of what to say or do, so that made me even more nervous.  It kind of felt like we were breaking some kind of stalemate even though a good deal of us probably only just met.  Very weird but overall good. Just nice to actually meet a good deal of transfolk and know they were close by.  Quite a few people were totally happy with a neutral or non gender identity which makes me happy.  I vascillate between male and neuter as they can seem equally comfortable at times...

Support groups can really help.  Keep attending and see how it evolves.

Rachel

I go to group each week. I made several friends there and there are so many opportunities.

Therapy groups. The first stage is fear. The second stage is shyness. The third stage is diarrhea of the mouth. The final stage is been there, done that and I have. 

I didn't say anything for a month the first time I attended a support group meeting. When I felt comfortable I did speak. I met some great people in the process. Seeing so many different expressions and gender identities was a tremendous uplift in my life.

That's awesome I too just had my first group meeting and was super nervous going in cause inrl I am shy as heck, usually I am being a hermit in my room playing call of duty or GTA so I understand the feeling. Mine was really quiet as well which didn't help the shakes that I suddenly decided to get at the door but I warmed up after a while.

There's a group that meets once a month in the closest city to me. I haven't figured out a way logistically to make it work yet. I want to go but I have to arrange a babysitter and explain to my wife where I'm going.

I wish I could find a trans group near me. I really wanted to go out as a woman, but I'm still not confident enough. I was hoping go out with some trans group to build my confidence.

Welcome to Susan's Place iMarcella. If you haven't tried it, a LGBT center may be able to help locate a group. If you are near a big city, it is possible there is a therapy group run by a therapist. Susan's helps a lot but meeting people in person is also a big help. I hope you can locate a therapy group in your area.


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That does seem the right thing to do. What really make me feel hesistant is that if I go out as the real me I won't be able to handle the number of questioning eyes around me.

By coming here and reading posts like this get me excited for whenever I end up eventually seeing a gender therapist as well as going to some support groups in the near future. Anything that can help you become more comfortable with you are as a person that is awesome and Congrats!

Good on ya' Aazhie!  It takes courage to get started.    I am excited after having found a support group not far from where I work outside of Boston.  Now to rearrange my schedule so that I can attend.   Aazhie, I would love to hear about how the group works out for you.

Quote from: iMarcella on October 08, 2015, 09:02:00 PM
That does seem the right thing to do. What really make me feel hesistant is that if I go out as the real me I won't be able to handle the number of questioning eyes around me.

There is alway the first time and having been there, opening that door the first time took two tries. After a few times it became much easer to walk out that door.