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Support Group...work update


Chrissy

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I went to a TG support group at the LGBT Center here in Manhattan last night.  They meet the first Wednesday of each month (there are 2 groups, 1 for transwomen and 1 for transmen).

I'm hoping that the way it went last night is not typical of the group.  We (actually "they," I was pretty quiet) spent the entire 90 minutes talking about Caitlyn Jenner.  I'm hoping it's just because it was such a big story, and that the group isn't just a current events discussion group.  I was really hoping for an actual "support" group after all.  I'll definitely go again next month, and in the meantime there was 1 person there who I already knew (from the Thursday night Stonewall group), so I might get together with her sometime and can find out more about the group (she's been going for about a year).

On another front - I'm meeting today with the Dean and Associate Dean of the school where I work, they wanted to meet to talk about how they can help with my transition.  I obviously have nothing to compare to, but I feel really great about the support that I've been getting here!  It almost makes me feel bad that I was looking for a new job :rolleyes:.

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I feel bad that the support group you went to wasn't what you thought it might be. I really know that feeling, and the disappointment! But I would keep going for at least two - three more times to get a real feel for the atmosphere. It really isn't often that someone famous shocks the world with their new (to the world) look and name.

It's great to hear that your work is being supportive. I didn't know you were looking for another job, but I hope you don't have to anymore!

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Hi Christie, 

Is that the only TG support group / meeting place in New York? Are there any Trans freindly bars / restaurants where Trans people go to? I ask because here in Birmingham we have something called Outskirts which is a group where people across the Trans spectrum meet every 1st and 3rd Monday evening per month, at a bar called the Equater Bar in Hurst Street. It' sort of starts 7:30 ish and continues through to late (sort of after 23:00 ish). Theres usually 20 to 30 of us who meet and talk and help newcomers who are mostly fresh out of the closet, or cross dressers who want to transition and want advice. I'd be amazed if B'ham UK is the only place where this happens, please let me know if there isn't a place like this in New York somewhere. Ask your friend.

Going to Outskirts helped me so much to get where I am now with my transition, in fact I'm pretty sure I couldn't have done it at all without going there.......

Glad that all is going well at work for you.

Eve

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The description of the group does make it clear that it's a support group, so I do think this was probably an exception.  They still could have limited that part of the discussion, there was a lot of repetition.

My job search was mostly based on money, but that's gotten a little better recently thanks to a mortgage refinancing.  (Of course electrolysis is taking up most of that saving)

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You know come to think of it after reading Brigsby's comment (which must have been posted whilst I was typing), the first time I went to Outskirts I came away dissapointed, and yes, after the 3rd visit I went every Monday it was on it was great !.................

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Eve,

There is a group that meets every Thursday night at the Stonewall Bar.  It's for trans people, cross-dressers, etc. It's a great group, but it is purely social so there isn't much deep discussion.

xoxo

Christie

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Suggest that a person attend a support group about six times before deciding if it is right for them.  Making a decision based on one visit is not fair to them (for what you may be able to bring to the group) or for you (for what you may get out of it).  Every person and group have their 'off' days.  It takes a while to see the big picture . . . 

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I agree with Monica, go at least five or six time to make an informed decision whether the group is worth attending or not. I would had been surprised if the Jenner topic did not come up.

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