Jan 20: We told the 1st person in our "real" (non-trans) world that I was transgendered
First, it was exactly one year ago (Saturday January 06, 2007) that my wife Sunshine and I attended our first (trans)gender support group meeting, the Triangle Transsexual Support (TTS) support group meeting in Chapel Hill, N.C.!
Second, this afternoon was my my first bone fide (real) outing as "Victoria!" My wife Sunshine and I, accompanied by Charlotte Gender Alliance (CGA) members Pamela, Roberta, Tammie A. and Tommie L. dined at Hartigan's Irish Pub & Restaurant (Charlotte, N.C.), prior to that evening's very interesting CGA support group meeting, which included ~13 or so attendees, including two new "first-timers," and lots of wide-ranging discussions!
CGA is a relatively new transsexual / transgender support group, co-founded ~mid-2007 by Pamela and Jennifer R., that provides a much-needed addition to the transgendered community in and around the "Queen City!"
Although I have been going out to the TG support groups, and even the TransCarolina Christmas Party (Greensboro, Dec. 15, 2007) "en femme" as Victoria (including hotel passageways, sidewalks, etc.), this was my first actual, public outing! Although I do *not* pass (yet ;-) - nor do I try - I am comfortable with myself as I am at any particular stage, knowing that this - like all other things - will evolve over time. :-)
This was also our second CGA meeting - the first being Dec. 2007; although it is quite a distance from Durham (~2 to 2-1/2 hours, depending on traffic; ~120 miles each way), and we returned home that evening, we wanted to go to show our continuing support for this group, but also to meet (in person) Angela Brightfeather, also attended this meeting.
Lately I've been actively promoting transgender rights-related issues, including launching the TransAdvocates e-mail discussion group. I've also been corresponding with Angela, the State Director of "It's Time - North Carolina! (ITNC: a regional transgender advocacy group) regarding ENDA, HRC, and many other transgender rights issues. So, this was the perfect opportunity to get to meet her! As expected, I found her most definitely to be an impassioned 'kindred spirit!"
All-in-all, this was a *wonderful* day / evening, well worth the trip! :-)
The group will be meeting at an off-campus location that is both safe and comfortable with ample and easy parking. Attached to this email is an official flyer with more information about these sessions."
This training is sure to be offered again (regularly?) - I *highly* encourage anyone who is serious about presenting themselves in a more feminine manner (body language, communication, voice), to attend. Please note that a strong committment is expected (no skipped sessions except for very good reasons), as this training also serves as a teaching practicum (training; experience) for the Voice & Communication students, and materials presented / taught / practiced at each session build upon those from previous sessions. Some small amount of "homework" (exercises; observations; etc.) are assigned each week.
It pains me to say this, but it's true that a few bad apples do spoil the barrel, while those are in a position to curb this behaviour choose instead to let it continue, for no obvious benefit. Accordingly, i have been evaluating the extent to which I wish to be involved. Despite my disappointment, I intend to continue to advocate, in my own way (e.g. TransAdvocates; Through A Glass, Darkly; ...). :-)
Unfortunately, the reason is that her neice passed away (metastatic colorectal cancer), so we are traveling back to Nova Scotia in a few days, for the funeral ... ;-(