Louisiana Trans Advocates hosts a monthly statewide social-support group for transgender men and women and significant others, families, friends, and allies (SOFFAs).
*Who's invited?*
Everyone! Anyone who identifies anywhere on the transgender spectrum, including, but not limited to, male to female (MTF), female to male (FTM), crossdressers, and gender variant and genderqueer people, as well as all SOFFAs are welcome. Feel free to invite your friends, but please, be thoughtful in inviting people as these are closed and private discussions.
*Why should you come?*
Because it will be awesome! No, seriously. It's a great way to meet other trans-identifying people and get support from others who deal with similar issues in day-to-day life. It is helpful to have people at all stages in their personal process lending support and giving advice to each other.
The group generally splits into smaller groups for the second hour. The split is based on identity groups (trans-feminine, trans-masculine, and SOFFA) or on topics of discussion, and everyone goes where they feel most comfortable.
After the event, everyone usually goes out for dinner or drinks!
Support Group Policies and Guidelines
Please understand this is a social support group, and it is not as a therapy group. The goal of this group is to provide emotional, psychological, and moral support for the membership. Each of us is encouraged to participate to the extent we feel comfortable, whatever that may be.
1. We open this group to all people as follows: those who self identify as transgender or gender variant (regardless of where they fall on the feminine to masculine scale, or where they are in the transition process), significant others, family, friends, and allies of trans and gender variant people. All are welcome to participate.
2. What is said in the group is to be considered private and confidential, and is not to be repeated or discussed in any form, at any other time or place. This is to be strictly enforced.
3. We each must share the responsibility for making this group work.
4. We shall strive to accept people, just as they are, and always avoid being judgmental.
5. We will provide everyone an opportunity to share.
6. We all shall have the right to speak, and the right to remain silent.
7. We will give supportive attention to the person who is speaking, and avoid side conversations.
8. We will all have the right to ask questions in a polite manner, and also the right to refuse to answer, in a polite manner.
9. Abusive language, personal attacks and unsuitable behaviors are not allowed. This is to be strictly enforced.
Note: As stated, our goal is to support each and every person. However, this particular group may not meet your specific expectations or needs in the short run, or even after an extended time. We suggest that before deciding this group is not suitable for your needs, you try attending at least two or more meetings.
These policies and guidelines are to be agreed to at the next social support meeting by the attending body and read at the beginning of each meeting by the designated moderator.
Please understand this is a social support group, and it is not as a therapy group. The goal of this group is to provide emotional, psychological, and moral support for the membership. Each of us is encouraged to participate to the extent we feel comfortable, whatever that may be.
1. We open this group to all people as follows: those who self identify as transgender or gender variant (regardless of where they fall on the feminine to masculine scale, or where they are in the transition process), significant others, family, friends, and allies of trans and gender variant people. All are welcome to participate.
2. What is said in the group is to be considered private and confidential, and is not to be repeated or discussed in any form, at any other time or place. This is to be strictly enforced.
3. We each must share the responsibility for making this group work.
4. We shall strive to accept people, just as they are, and always avoid being judgmental.
5. We will provide everyone an opportunity to share.
6. We all shall have the right to speak, and the right to remain silent.
7. We will give supportive attention to the person who is speaking, and avoid side conversations.
8. We will all have the right to ask questions in a polite manner, and also the right to refuse to answer, in a polite manner.
9. Abusive language, personal attacks and unsuitable behaviors are not allowed. This is to be strictly enforced.
Note: As stated, our goal is to support each and every person. However, this particular group may not meet your specific expectations or needs in the short run, or even after an extended time. We suggest that before deciding this group is not suitable for your needs, you try attending at least two or more meetings.
These policies and guidelines are to be agreed to at the next social support meeting by the attending body and read at the beginning of each meeting by the designated moderator.
