Online Trans support group?
 

I'm curious if others would be interested in setting an evening aside each week for a support group for us, whether MTF or FTM? (kinda like an online support group) Part of me is thinking that this might be beneficial, especially for those that don't have support groups in their own area (town too small or whatever).

If this is of interest to you, let me know here or via PM the following:

- Yes/No
- text chat/voice chat
- password protected and limited entry/open to anyone to join (I'm thinking password protected for privacy sake)

I think this is a great idea and I would love to be involved! I am struggling to get into a local group for support (with my being so shy and having social anxiety it is hard), that any type of support group whether online or in person seems like a great idea to me!

I personally would feel more comfortable with a text chat rather then a voice chat.

As far as whether it is password protected or not, I am good either way.

Yes

Voice...I'm too often times read in a different way than intended

limited, but I don't understand who the 'anyone' would be (it really depends who the 'anyone' is...I don't want cisfolks involved)


Dylan

Dylan: what about male-ID'd butches?



To those reading: so far I've heard from 3 other FTMs (2 for regular chat and one for voice). Just bumping this to see if others are interested.

Also, is there a time/day that would work best for people?

Male ID'd butches would be included?

I would expect they would be included.


I Wonder Why So Many Chatters, And Not So Many Voicers,
Dylan

Could be a preference thing. I like both options but personally find written chat easier in situations of cross talk. We could rotate between both forms if we get a full split.


And for reference for those that might be concerned about costs, Skype is a nice ***FREE*** option that I was thinking we could use for the conference (voice) portion if need be. Just need a headset or good speaker/mic combo.

Yes, great idea. I'm looking for a local group in town but not finding much here.

Rufus

Hi!!!
 

I am totally up for this, whether it is voice chat/txt chat. I work evenings so if I have off I will def do it. As for privacy...I like the idea of having a password because some things I talk about might be really personal and I do not want everyone knowing about it. So yea, let me know what happens. :)

*bump* Just in case anyone didn't see this who wants to join in.

Do you have a preference to online or voice chat?

It can. I've done it. ;)

Ok. So final question: What date/time (give timezone) would work best?

I think it may be best to start using a room in our chat for now as it may be easier for some. What I'd like to do, eventually, is rotate each week between online chat and voice conference call (using Skype's conferencing feature).

And for those unaware, Skype (you can find it here: http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/home/ ) is a free online method of calling other people using either just voice (think telephone but with headphones and mic) and/or video (if you have a webcam and your internet speed/computer is fast enough)

Sure, I'm in.

chat preferred. voice optional.

I see no reason why not but I'll leave that for the group of those who have replied.

I'm totally cool with male ID'd.

In regards to time. If its weekday, any time from 6:30pm and on. If its a weekend, any time from 1pm on. I am in the PST.

Ok. So I've been thinking about this and what I'd like to do -- to start off -- is schedule two meetings a week to start off with. This will help those that cannot attend one (due to timezones) perhaps be able to attend others. So I offer these as options:

Mondays: 9pm EDT (this means 8pm CDT/7pm MDT/6pm PDT)
Saturdays: 10pm EDT (this means 9pm CDT/8pm MDT/7pm PDT)

I choose the Saturday because there are a couple of Aussie guys who contacted me and this would work out to 10am Sunday their time. :)

Later, I'd like to offer a voice-conference option once a month. This requires a bit of coordination and further instructions on how to use something like Skype (free online phone options).

Also, a few rules (if you have others to add please add them to this thread). I'm including the ones that were common when I participated in the NYC Gender Identity Projects support groups. I found them to be effective as guidelines:

1. What is said the in the support group, stays in the support group.
2. Speak from the "I/me".
3. Step up, step back (if you've talked a lot, step back to let others speak; if you haven't said alot, step up and speak)
4. Before changing a topic ask first.
5. Remember that not all discussions require feedback. Sometimes people just want to rant. Ask first if someone wants feedback about something. And if you are talking, indicate if it's a rant or want feedback
6. Try to be on time. Coming in late can disrupt if someone is talking about something.

Add others as you feel would help. If you have questions/concerns, do not hesitate to contact me or post them here. If you have topics for discussion, please forward them to me and I'll add them to my "magic bag" (if we run out of discussions, I'll yank one out and start a discussion on that :cheesy: )

ETA: PM me for the password. This will only be sent to FTMs/male-identified butches. This will not be sent to SOFFAs/Allies.

Oops! Knew I forgot something:

First meeting will be this Saturday, June 5.

The meeting will be using the Masculine-ID support room in the BFP chat area (join the chat and you'll see the room).

You'll be asked a password to enter.

Have you selected a time when this will occur, Linus?

Does this help?

Ack! Sorry everyone. I'm doing an onsite (at customer site) training this week and my head has effectively turned to mush.

So I apologize for not being in the chatroom.

Next support meeting will be this Saturday June 12th at 10pm EDT and the one after will Monday June 14th at 9pm EDT. I'm off next week so I should be less brain drained.

Bump for tonight: Saturdays: 10pm EDT (this means 9pm CDT/8pm MDT/7pm PDT)

Ugh I missed it again :( I keep forgetting!

T D, I asked for dates. No one responded. So I picked two dates of the week that would be good, one Monday and the other Saturday.

If others would prefer a different date, I'm open to it.

i'm just reading this, maybe sunday evenings would be better before the workweek starts.

Linus - I wanted to let you know I really appreciate the support group you have started.

I had a really good time talking to all of you last night. I hope the group gets bigger.

I do have one suggestion. I do not type fast, so I would like for us to somehow communicate live. Is there a way we can do this?

Any night is good for me, just let me know if you change the date and time. I will definitely be there.

Rufus

I am looking into it. The reality is that to get a decent conference call option will potentially cost money. I'm trying to find a cheaper option. The challenge with conference call options is the risk of overtalking one another and that may result in additional frustrations.

Either way, I am looking into that option as well. I haven't really had a chance in the last 4 weeks due to work but since this week is an off week I should be able to focus on this a bit more.

Bump for tonight: Mondays: 9pm EDT (this means 8pm CDT/7pm MDT/6pm PDT)

And the next one will be this Sunday (to see if more will come out on Sunday): Sunday: 8pm EDT (this means 7pm CDT/6pm MDT/5pm PDT)

I'll also suggest that instead of Monday next week, perhaps Tues/Wed mid-week may be a good 2nd date/time?

I was totally planning on being there tonight, but my work ran late and then I had to run errands when I got home. I am gonna try and be at the next one!

Gah! I missed it again!

Just a suggestion ... maybe someone could be in charge of reminding those that are interested .... either a phone call or email or something.

I'm fortunate to have enough real time support and am generally busy at the times posted so am not participating myself, but thougth I'd throw out that suggestion.