Topic Discussion begins at 7:30 - 9:00pm Topic: Family Matters Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, cousins, chosen kin…family, by any other name.  What happens to family relationships when a person comes out as transgender or gender non-conforming?  What is it that family members want to know?  What are they concerned about?  What do trans people worry about when it comes to their family members, and what do they wish their family members knew?  July's social support meeting will explore these questions and more.  Family members and loved ones are always welcome at FORGE events, but at this meeting we strongly encourage and welcome family members to attend -- with or without their trans loved one(s).  Come join us in a safe and yet revealing discussion of the relationship between transgender people and their family members.   Open rap is from 6:00 - 7:15pm Open rap is the time to connect connection with fellow Trans+ and […]

Topic Discussion begins at 7:30 - 9:00pm Topic: Second Life and beyond Description: Guest presenter Raine will lead August’s meeting focused on the transgender resources and social interactions in virtual worlds, primarily Second Life.  Second Life is a online virtual world in which a highly diverse global population can interact in real time from almost any computer with a solid internet connection. Of primary importance to our community are the resources, both informational and social, that are easily accessible to transgender people regardless of their real world location. The ability to communicate with people “like ourselves” can be vital support in any stage of transition. The tools of the virtual world also allow transgender and gender non-conforming individuals to present to the virtual world exactly as they feel they are meant to be seen.  This platform allows individuals the opportunity to gain confidence in a potentially new gender role, or to try on multiple different […]

September's meeting topic: Addiction and Obsession Many people struggle with addiction (alcohol, drugs, cutting, food, sex, TV +) and/or obsession (body image, facebook, negative thoughts, gender presentation, opinions of others, +).  This meeting will look at small and large ways addiction/obsession may impact our own lives, as well as the lives of our loved ones and friends.  We may take a step farther and discuss how addiction/obsession influence our community.   Open rap is from 6:00 - 7:15pm Open rap is the time to connect connection with fellow Trans+ and SOFFA individuals. This gently facilitated time is especially devoted to exploring the issues you bring in – sharing your experiences and stories, asking questions, seeking referrals, gathering resources. We’ll assure this hour+ will stay focused on your needs, and the discussion you generate.

October social support meeting: Topic: On Hold: Between Decision and Action At times all of us have had to wait for something we really, really wanted.  Some of us are still waiting!  This often happens with regard to gender-related changes, but there are many other things that can be put “on-hold.” For some, the "hold" is due to finances. For others, it may be about prioritizing family or career. Others still may find that fear or medical conditions stand in their way. We’ll talk about the reasons people end up on hold, but we’ll focus mostly on what to do about it:  creative ways to jump over actual or perceived hurdles AND ways to handle your emotions when there really isn’t anything you can do about being “on hold.”   Open rap is from 6:00 - 7:15pm Open rap is the time to connect connection with fellow Trans+ and SOFFA individuals. This gently facilitated time […]