Support Group Visits

Before we went over to the UK, as part of the planning – I searched the net for various support groups in the greater London area.  Then I drew up a standard letter, explaining that we were going to visit London, gave the time frame and said that we were interested to know if their group was having a meeting during the dates we planned to be in the UK.  The ones who replied was my obvious choice of destination! 

I’m going to discuss briefly the three support groups we visited, and the way they are unique and different from each other.

Another name – Hosted by MCC North London

Although this support group is hosted by and in the building where the Church also worships, it is not only restricted to Church members, but rather an outreach-service of the congregation.  This group is attended by people who find themselves at any space along the gender continuum, partners, and interested allies.  Any members of the Church are also welcome. They meet every second week on a Thursday evening 20:00. 

T Boys

T Boys is a group that meets once a month, on every third Saturday evening at an upper room of a night club in Sheffield.  As the name indicates, it is for the guys, and every now and then, partners are also welcome.  Most of the time they have a specific topic of discussion.  Everyone then reads up, researches and bring all relevant info on the chosen topic with them.  The evening we attended,  the topic was chest surgery.  All members then had a chance to say which doctor they went to, they brought pieces of information, eg. contact details, informational leaflets and whatever they found applicable.  Everyone also (if comfortable with doing so) showed their operation results, and different surgery methods and scars were also discussed. Bedside manners of the surgeons were also important along with after care service.  Their whole experience with regards to NHS (National Health Service) was shared.  For the ones who chose the Private route, costs were compared.

T Time monthly

This was also a very interesting meeting, in Edinburgh, Scotland.  A drop-in afternoon, on a Saturday, held once a month by LGBT health, an organisation as the name indicates for the whole community.  What make this one special, and gives it a very warm and welcoming feel, is the fact that the “top structure” staff of the organisation were really hands-on.  It started at one in the afternoon, until five and for the entire time, all the counselors and staff were present for the Trans folk and their partners who came and went as they wished.  The aim in doing this is to allow everyone to feel most welcome.  They emphasize the fact that for many people this monthly gathering is their only safe space to socialize.  It felt like visiting with  someone in their home.  The whole venue was set-up in a home-style with coffee, tea, biscuits and snacks available.  People could move around, from the main lounge area, to a side room and also to the garden.  In other words throughout the whole afternoon, you could have a relaxing chat with each and everyone, be it a counselor, a staff member, anyone of their volunteer workers or transfolk, as well as their SOFFA’s.    By the end of the afternoon, it felt as if you had been at a home of a friend amongst other friends for the day.