[jannet.duff]

So recently I did another search for local transgender support groups.  Things were looking rather bleak as the same information was popping up.  Then I noticed that the old center had closed and they relocated, but it was still the same information with the busted phone number that didn't work.  I decided to give it another try, and sadly nothing.  A couple of weeks later I was searching again, and now there was a new website listed on social media.  So of course I quickly checked it out, and it was for the new center, and there was a BRAND NEW phone number!!!!  I was super excited, but it was short lived.  If someone were to answer, it would mean that I would be one step closer to coming out to my wife.  Besides, the information still looked like it was geared towards youths and family.  

Every few days I kept checking the site out, and debated whether to call or not, and I always chickened out.  One of the days I noticed something I hadn't noticed before, they had two sections posted, Family TG Support, and TG Support.  Could it be???  Could they possibly have a separate support group???  I let it slide a few days, but my curiosity got the better of me.  I called, it rang, and nothing, I tried calling with my actual mobile phone, and same response.  sighs  Seems like it was the same thing, but at least now it rang and I was prompted with a voicemail where as before the old number was an error.

Uhhh, I was so frustrated, I finally had the courage to call, and nothing.  Perhaps this just wasn't meant to be.  On their site, they had a contact us via eMail, so I decided to give that a go.  I sent them the following email:

Hello,

I have been looking for Transgender Support information in My City for a while now.  Previously the support group seemed Youth oriented and I was never able to reach anyone through the phone for confirmation.  I tried calling the new number listed on this website, but unfortunately no one answered.

I noticed on the webpage there are two support listings, Transgender, and Transgender Family.  Is there a difference between the two?  Is there a specific age group?  I ask because I am 39 years old and would feel very out of place if it was all youth oriented.

Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.  I can be reached during the day at ###-###-####

Sincerely,

Sofia

I sent that Thursday evening, and all Friday I kept checking but no emails.  I wasn't feeling well, so I went to bed early last night.  Today, I totally forgot about it, and hadn't checked my email till the afternoon.  When I checked I was surprised that I had a response, and they had responded the evening before!!!  Oh my gosh I was so excited!!!  I could hardly contain myself to open up that email.  Here was their response:

Hi. Thanks for contacting us. This is Name of Person, the President of the Boardof Directors.  I co-facilitate the family transgender group. The purprose of that group is to offer support to family members of transfolk...so the parents guardians, siblings etc.  

We are in the process of organizing a group for mature trans folk (over 30). It will probably be twice a month. Another Person will initiate as the facilitator.  Starting date hasnot been set. Most likely day for meeting will be sat or sunday afternoon.

I will let you know,when the first mtg is scheduled.

I couldn't believe what I had just read!!!  I was beside myself in joy, and happiness!  I was completely ecstatic, words cannot fully express the whirlwind of emotions I was going through.  Now granted nothing was currently set, but, wheels were in motion.  That also meant that I should probably get my wheels in motion as well.  I don't know, perhaps I am making a bigger deal of their being a support group than is warranted for, perhaps I shouldn't tell me wife yet, I don't know.  I think she'd understand me so much more if I told her, but I also feel like she will hate and be disgusted with me.  Just the feeling I get when I've vetted the conversations in the past.    

I'm still excited at the prospect.  I guess time will tell how things turn out.    

Oh crips ... Hon, sometimes I'm not sure how much your partner knows or doesn't know. I suspect we tell them enough to let them know something is going on, but not enough to freak them out.
As your already in HRT ( I would suspect your wife knows by now ? ) then a support group to meet like wise transgender people is not too much of a stretch.