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First I found BC/TS.
I found stories that were well written, not all about sex, realistic and within a community who actually cared for others, not just about their own voices.
After a while I plucked up the courage and stopped lurking, though the next step was just as hard as I tried posting a story. Thank god no one shot it down in flames as I think we all are terrified and exceptionally fragile at that first post.
Having caught the writing bug I soon gained some dear friends here. Friends who supported me and encouraged me until at last I plucked up the next bit of courage to actually see a doctor. That started another cascade of activity with counselling and starting speech therapy.
Then the next big decision - I decided to see if I could really handle this. I signed up for Southern Comfort in Atlanta next month. Flight booked, Hotel booked, Conference booked.
Somewhere anonymous and safe where no on knows me I thought. It will be a gentle first toe in the water of real life I thought.
Yeah right!
As WPATH is going on at the same time in Atlanta, my doctor and counsellor are going. Nancy is giving a presentation and a further delegation from the UK (GIRES) are attending. So much for low key and discreet on my part!
Therefore if anyone else from BC/TS are attending and would like to meet let's discuss it here to see if something can be arranged unofficially. :)
Persephone
Comments
Have Fun,
Have fun and good luck,me personally I hate atlanta the traffic is horrible enough down here in middle georgia and atlanta traffic is even worse. Just becareful if ya have to pass through a rough lookin area don't make eye contact,keep your windows up and doors locked as parts of atlanta are really rough. I know cause my mom told me about how when she and a couple other teachers from her school went to a braves game 2 years ago they where waiting to get into the parking lot and she just happened to look out the window an these 3 black guys dressed like thugs an gangsta's where givin her the evil eye. One even did the I'm watching you thing to her.
Southern Comfort - It's a small world
Wish that I could, but can't.
May Your Light Forever Shine
May Your Light Forever Shine
Have fun!
I was at Trans-Health in Philly - at the beginning of June. Ran into one person I knew through FB... A trans activist.
My Daughter ran into the spouse of a F2M Methodist minister (who remained in his pulpit - with his bishop's support - when he transitioned...) Small world. I attend a Methodist church, and my former and current pastor are supportive of my forthcoming transition.
A few weeks ago - I discovered that another member of the LGBT Advocacy group board within my company is also M2F, and was at the same conference... It's possible our paths even crossed without us noticing. LOL One never knows who one will run into at a conference.
From what I hear, the conference I attended is much smaller and more focused than Southern Comfort. It was still well worth my time. I'm sure you'll find SC worth your time.
Have fun,
Anne
I attended The Conference in 2009
Along with Grover, Gwen, Ariel, and Holly Happy Hart. We all had a wonderful time and learned a lot. I met people from every conceivable walk of life and spent hours outside at the main entrance which we dubbed "The Nicotine Lounge" because that's where the smokers met.
I didn't attend any of the seminars or special events although many did. The meals were..... adequate, and the Hotel food was..... expensive. There is a Mall very near the hotel with a great food court. Everyone in the Atlanta community that I met, was very friendly and accomodating, probably because the conference brings in a LOT of money. I HIGHLY recommend a Restaurant, also near the hotel, called Brio's Tuscan Grill. Great food, great service, and I thought not expensive.
The venders area is fun for shopping and makeovers, and the hotel staff were very good with all of us as well.
Personally, I think I got more from just meeting and talking with the folks outside at the Nicotine Lounge than I could have gotten at the seminars, but I know that Holly, Ariel, and Gwen attended some of the seminars and got good information.
It was, for me, the experience of a lifetime and I'm so glad you're getting the chance to experience it. Just be prepared for the immensity of over a thousand T-types... from TVs and CDs to TS's, and everything in between. If you get the chance, and have the extra money, DO get a makeover in the Vender's area.
The Hotel runs a shuttle service that can take you pretty much anywhere within a few miles of the Hotel, and there is no cost for it. I always tipped the drivers though. If you look through my blogs, you'll find several from the time I spent there.
Grover and I spent the whole week there, and got better acquainted with one another, with Holly coming in a few days later, and Gwen a little after that. Ariel lives very near Atlanta and she came in several times. Even Scotty showed up. For me, a whole week of experiencing NO bigotry or separatism... no worries about how to be dressed... and learning. I was in the minority, since I am TS, while many more were TV or CD, but there were no class distinctions.. everyone was equal there.
I don't know you, but I was unprepared for the emotional aspect of the whole experience. I made friends there with literally dozens of girls and guys. When we finally left, the Sunday after the conference ended, I cried all the way to my car, and most of the way back to Columbia S. Carolina, where I dropped Grover off. So if you're emotional, expect tears when you leave.
Have a WONDERFUL time hon. Oh, shopping at Target was a lot of fun as well. That's in that Mall I spoke about earlier.
Safe trip to you and happy landings.
Catherine Linda Michel
As a T-woman, I do have a Y chromosome... it's just in cursive, pink script.
Yes it was!
Southern Comfort 2009 was a wonderful experience. As much as I would love to go again, it's just not in the cards. I as someone who'd never dressed in public before found it a friendly accepting environment. It was perhaps overwhelming as well, but my big sisters Cathy, Gwen, Holly, and of course Ariel helped me pass the speed bump. The only nay in the whole trip was Atlanta's traffic. It's definitely is a big city and you tell that from the road conditions. Us, small to middling city drivers can find Atlanta a real pain. I would advise anyone driving to survey the area as best you can from road maps and Goggle maps before hand. A little preparation can make things easier.
Hugs
Grover
Been there a number of times
... though like Nancy I am a bit post-trans to get much out of such a venue any more. Especially the seminars. I would say only maybe one or two caught my eye. The fun part is to meet people. I do go to one event regularly but it is more or less just to be with friends. My main problem at this time is that I just started a new job and leave time is a bit scarce. I would dearly love to get together with some folks here just to thank them in person for some spectacular work. For the amount of money to just get there plus incidentals for just Friday and Saturday would be easily 600 USD and that is even with my air fare paid for with airline miles.
Kim