Dinner Group

[Sally Stone]

For 8 years now, I have been a member of a trans social group that gets together once a month for dinner.  The group has been around a lot longer than I have been a member and it began as a way for anyone just coming out to experience public life in a friendly setting surrounded by supporting acquaintances.  The size of the group has steadily declined over the years and those of us who remain, often discuss why this has happened.  Perhaps, we could do a better job getting the word out.  Maybe our declining numbers stem from the fact that people don't know we exist.  Of course, there is also the thought that groups like ours are not so relevant any longer.  Now that being trans is more widely accepted, people just don't need the support or the comfort of a trans group like ours.  Honestly though, I still suspect there are a lot of trans people out there that would find our group the perfect way to transition from the closet to more social existence.  

 

Our group hails from western New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania, so most of our get togethers center around the Bucks County area of PA and a little ways east into New Jersey.  We meet once a month, usually the third Saturday.  If any of you think you might be interested in joining us, please reach to me.  We'd love to have you join us.  

[VickySGV]

I am clear on the other side of the country from Pennsylvania, but here in the Los Angeles area we had a group like that that I was part of for a goodly number of years.  It was a lot of fun and valuable in my early coming out years.  That group fell apart for several reasons including the fact that many of the members were older Cross Dressers who simply could no longer go out for health reasons, and the most friendly space large enough for it changed hands when the celebrity owner could no longer manage the place and new management merely tolerated us as opposed to welcoming us.  The younger people found their welcoming places several miles to the south west over in West Hollywood (WEHO)  CA, where the scene was more active and toward their culture.  A story of changing times I am afraid.

[Carolyn Marie]

I'm glad you have such a group to offer friendship and support, Sally.  It sounds like fun.  Perhaps you or someone in your group is skilled at social media and you all can promote yourselves, but that has its downside, too.  We all have to be careful on social media these days so as not to attract the wrong sort.

 

Trans Pulse has seen its ups and downs, too, and I think you touched on some good reasons, including that younger folks have many other options, in person and online.  But there will always be a need for places like this, and for your group, as well.

 

Carolyn marie

[Sally Stone]

Tonight was our dinner group's annual Christmas dinner.  This get together is always special but tonight was particularly notable because we had a newcomer.  I met Rhonda here on this site and when I mentioned our group, she expressed an interest in joining us.  It was so awesome getting to meet a friend from this blog in person.  Rhonda, it was so nice to finally meet you in person.  You are so sweet, and you fit right into our little troop.  Hopefully, you'll be a regular.  

[stveee]

On 11/12/2021 at 7:02 AM, Sally Stone said:

 Of course, there is also the thought that groups like ours are not so relevant any longer.  Now that being trans is more widely accepted, people just don't need the support or the comfort of a trans group like ours.  Honestly though, I still suspect there are a lot of trans people out there that would find our group the perfect way to transition from the closet to more social existence.  

 

 

Now we have web meetings, which goes for work setting or medical- but as far as intimacy and even group therapy, the in person experience really can't be replaced.

Things go in cycles. Keep it going. I'd like to make a road trip this summer! 

[MirandaB]

7 hours ago, Sally Stone said:

Tonight was our dinner group's annual Christmas dinner.  This get together is always special but tonight was particularly notable because we had a newcomer.  I met Rhonda here on this site and when I mentioned our group, she expressed an interest in joining us.  It was so awesome getting to meet a friend from this blog in person.  Rhonda, it was so nice to finally meet you in person.  You are so sweet, and you fit right into our little troop.  Hopefully, you'll be a regular.  

Oh, I posted something vague about this in another thread, guess I shoulda checked here first. Thanks for the invite and hope to be a semi-regular at least!

[Amber76]

I'm in Jenkintown and would love to know more please! I've been looking for real world friends. @Sally Stone please DM me details or your email address