Here's my dilemma:  My wife and I separated about 3 months ago and I moved to a new town where I know no one.  My wife and I have been married for over 30 years, things remain very friendly, and I see her and my adult children as often as I can.  However, being retired, I have a lot of time on my hands and I get lonely for human contact.  I especially  would like to have someone around I could discuss TG issues/concerns with who would truly understand.  I've been on some TG chatroom sites, but there has to be a better way to meet "normal" people who live reasonably close by.  And some of the people I've meet on these chat sites don't seem like I would be comfortable having them over.  I also know most TG individuals, myself included, try to fly under the radar and not attract undo attention.  So how do you meet anyone?  I'm not really looking for love or hook-ups, just someone to talk to, maybe have lunch with, someone who knows what it's like being TG.  I've been on HRT for a year, had electrolysis, and FFS.  These are not things your average, run of the mill, person in central Illinois knows what is like or is interested in them.  I had a TG friend in Champaign, IL who did my electrolysis, but she died of cancer 3 months ago.  I miss her.  Are there any secret websites or phone apps that anyone has had success with?  Or is there a listing on Susan's Place that would give a description of members, where they are from, and if they are looking for friends.  If not, here's the first.

I'm sorry about your divorce and about your friend, I know how lonely that can feel.
I've met a lot of TG people at trans support group meetings and even more when I got more involved in organizing events with the local trans organization. Of course there are people at these meetings who I wouldn't invite to my home but I've met a lot of nice people over the years.
I'm not sure if there are any such meetings in your area but I guess someone here at Susan's can shed some light on the matter, there are people here from all over the world and I saw a few threads where people discussed meeting in real life as well.
Sadly I live a few thousand miles away, otherwise I would be glad to meet you.

I have no TG friends in the small town that I live.  Unless they are living in "deep" stealth my friends in town do not know of any other TG men or women in our little town.

Back before I came out and relocated here a couple years ago I knew of only 2 TG  MTF ... they were  acquaintances... not super good friends but we were on a friendly basis so we could exchange thoughts and ideas.

The good news is that I have a lot of very good and supportive friends here on the Forums.

Basically in life your get out of something what you put into it.
I am very involved here... these forums are my haven....  I love it here.

Danielle

Don't get me wrong, I think Susan's Place is a great place to exchange ideas, get information, and even laugh occasionally.  But having someone nearby to talk one on one with, or to do something with, would be nice too.  I'm not very hopeful I'll find what I'm looking for and usually I'm okay with that, but today just kind of pushed me over the edge.  Just thought someone might have an idea or two I wasn't aware of.

You can do an internet search for support groups in your area. I have gained a few very close friends in that manner. After coming out we switched from our old church to a progressive evangelistic church (50 miles away) that is extremely inclusive and has a significant percentage of folks in the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Many of those have become my friends. Finding LGBTQ community organizations, even if you have to drive a bit to get to them, is a good source of relationships. This is particularly true if you choose to volunteer in their programs. And as Danielle suggests, Susan's is a great place to gain friends and family.

Good Luck,
Tia Anne

Next question.......Why is my picture sideways?

Quote from: Breeze 57 on January 30, 2019, 03:59:55 PM
Next question.......Why is my picture sideways?

More than likely you uploaded it from an iPhone photo without deleting the EXIF metadata.

Quote from: Breeze 57 on January 30, 2019, 02:39:49 PM
Here's my dilemma:  My wife and I separated about 3 months ago and I moved to a new town where I know no one.  My wife and I have been married for over 30 years, things remain very friendly, and I see her and my adult children as often as I can.  However, being retired, I have a lot of time on my hands and I get lonely for human contact.  I especially  would like to have someone around I could discuss TG issues/concerns with who would truly understand.  I've been on some TG chatroom sites, but there has to be a better way to meet "normal" people who live reasonably close by.  And some of the people I've meet on these chat sites don't seem like I would be comfortable having them over.  I also know most TG individuals, myself included, try to fly under the radar and not attract undo attention.  So how do you meet anyone?  I'm not really looking for love or hook-ups, just someone to talk to, maybe have lunch with, someone who knows what it's like being TG.  I've been on HRT for a year, had electrolysis, and FFS.  These are not things your average, run of the mill, person in central Illinois knows what is like or is interested in them.  I had a TG friend in Champaign, IL who did my electrolysis, but she died of cancer 3 months ago.  I miss her.  Are there any secret websites or phone apps that anyone has had success with?  Or is there a listing on Susan's Place that would give a description of members, where they are from, and if they are looking for friends.  If not, here's the first.

Bella was a rock star!  I just found out last month she passed away.  I thought her cancer went into remission.  I guess it can always come back.

I've live around were you are located.

Google pflag Peoria, Bloomington, Normal, Champlain, Springfield.

Also google Metro Trans Umbrella group out of St. Louis and send them a email.  They should have resource info for that area.

Sign up for facebook and search for Transgender your area.  Go to the groups section and pages after your search.  Find out the groups, meet people, and quit facebook.  Facebook is a really bad company.

Also reach out to the lgbtq groups in your area.  Google lgbt for every city in your area.

I know Peoria has a decent lgbt and transgender population.

I moved to Iowa in my past and found a group in the Quad Cities and met people there when I was new to the area.  I had to drive a hour as my city was very small.  I did eventually meet people in my city after meeting people in the QC area.  Our community is pretty small and well connected.

I'm really sorry about the loss of your friend.  I hope you find some friends in your area. 

Quote from: Breeze 57 on January 30, 2019, 03:59:55 PM
Next question.......Why is my picture sideways?

Are you laying down?

I agree with Danielle. I think given time and effort on a place such as this, you can meet people in real life. You have to put yourself out there a little. I have met at least 7 people in person from being on this site. Three are within driving distance. I have also benefited by finding friends in the UK, in Norway, in Oregon, Alaska, Florida, Australia, Nova Scotia, Colorado,  etc,. Let your personality show and be friendly and before you know it, you might have a crazy person drive clear across the country to visit you in your hospital bed, like I had happen. Of course she had threatened to 'track me down' but she was just kidding. I think! ( @Laurie  ) Weren't you?

Seriously though, sorry for the loss of your friend. I lost a wonderful friend in July and it really hurts.

It's not like being there but Skype is a good way to communicate with somebody else. You can do full video with it and a reasonable internet connection is sufficient. It will run on a computer or smart phone and is available free of charge. I make heavy usage of it and have had long discussions with two people at distances of of 1000 miles or more. With a computer you only need the internet connection, speakers or a headset and a video camera which can be purchased for a little over $100. If you have a laptop that has a built in camera all you need to do is download the software and you're ready to go.

I searched that too. It's a matter of using the right terms. lgbt is one of them. I live in a small city and there is no community there. But bigger cities have some. Skype and the internet are good, for a ton of reasons that physical meeting are not, but personaly I've some needs and feelings, I'm eager sometimes to feel people like me around, having this physical presence, the eyes, the warm especially from people that understand and had hard times and know my feelings. Good luck finding what you seek.

There is a local trans group where I am at.

I know this has been said a couple times now and I have to agree... search for a local support group. It might not be in the town you are currently living in but there is more than likely one close enough to visit.

Most big state colleges have lgbt++ organizations and clubs.  Many welcome people from the community as they can often function as a local support group.

Perhaps you can check for one at U of I in Champaign Urbana, as you mentioned that you are in Central Illinois.

Good luck!

Chrissy

I love susans place but have yet been able to get to know anyone personnaly due to a busy life but I have one trans friend and I are going to the Keystone Conference in march she said that it is amazing. I am so excited and hope to meet others and hopefully some from here. I live in Kentucky and it is really hard to meet others like myself so I know what you mean. hugs to you. 

Quote from: Breeze 57 on January 30, 2019, 02:39:49 PM. . . not things your average, run of the mill, person in central Illinois knows what is like or is interested in them.  I had a TG friend in Champaign, IL

         Well hello central Illinois! As a small child my great g-ma Hoag lived in Champaign remember her house being directly across from a public pool . . .  While my dad was born there the rest of his family wound up in Davenport Iowa. No easy way to get together with a like-aged/minded person here unless living near each other. Remember "Wendy" saying how hesitant she was to meet me and I since came to know her wife and kids very well.

          The problem I see with other transgender acquaintances is the wide range of preoccupations and motivations that may or may not be shared with our own experiences. I mean aside from the obvious we're just people after all!

Good Luck from Georgia! If helpful will add ya to my "buddy" list!