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View Full Version : What do you think: AIS IS support group bay area


jaynez31
02-21-04, 09:54 PM
I got tired about finding AIS(or IS) support group here in Bay area(San Francisco). I am from Japan and tried to find the support group around bay area. Well, I went to Sacramento, Berkeley, Contra Costa county's GLBT centers where I attended Transgenders and Third gender support/discussion groups. I felt kind of alianated due to subtle differences or slight diferent experiences. Because I was slight depressed when I went the meeting, but when I attended the TS meeting, I felt distance and alianated from majority of the attendance. Some of the comments or remark was like "so you were born with...?" Because I was depressed, maybe, so, I sensed that "you are not belong here".

About 2 years ago, I attended TS support group in the "A" county. When I went there, after I opend the door led to the meeting room, then, everyone looked at me and someone said "Ahhh, this is transgender meeting. What can I do for you?"

Last night, I went to the same meeting. 2 years ago, there were about 15 people there. In the contrast, last night was only 3 people when I got there. I introduced my self and checked in. Well, one post-op trans women left the meeting room after she finished her check-in right after I entered the meeting room within 5 miniuts. Only 3 people left were cross dresser and one was "has not decided yet self expressed trans gender folk" and myself. The moderator was CD and very friendly who asked me to go to "TGSF" meeting. I do not feel I want to go the TGSF meeting. Maybe.

Anyway, I could not find any IS or AIS support group weekly basis or longer several GLBT centers (which includes the famous San Francisco LGBT center). Why there are no IS support meetings?

Last 2 years, I numbed/suppressed my feelings and put my issues in the closet. Ohh, well, I have a decent job and some wonderful co-workers(some are not), but I never talk about my secret. Indeed, If I tell them, probably, employer (department of defense) will terminate employment.

Ohh well I recently joined Emi's group "Intersex Awareness Day" and I would like to activete about my life.

What would you people think if I speak to the director of the Berkeley's "Pacific Center for Human Growth" to form/start a weekly support group.

Several yeas ago, when I read a "hermaphrodite with attitude" online. I deeply felt strongly related with one of the story, "a lady holding flower". She was from North east and graduated from Arizona State, then got job in Alaska and was on the ship where she got problem with alcohol and etc. Her expriences, anguish, fear, and problems which I feel myself and storngly relate with.

sincerely,


jayne(jaynie)

Peter
02-21-04, 11:20 PM
Hi jaynez31,

Thanks for writing about your attempts to find an intersex support group in California. This last January, I contacted the ISNA about intersex support groups, but did not find any promising leads.

I think that your idea of contacting the Pacific Center in Berkeley with a proposal for a support group is a good one. I have had the same idea in the past. I live in the East Bay, and would like to attend such a group if one was formed. I would be glad to join you in working to establish an intersex support group at the Pacific Center, or other community center. I personally favor a group that would meet once a month, because I believe that you will find that people lead busy lives.

Please keep us posted on any progress in setting up a group. If you want my assistance, please send me a "PM" or private message through the "PM" button at the bottom of this message. I am hesitant to post too much personal contact information.

Peter

Betsy
02-24-04, 01:21 AM
Hi Jayne,

Welcome to Bodies.

Have you tried contacting the USA AISSG folks?
AISSG USA
PO Box 2148
Duncan, OK 73534-2148
email: aissgusa AT hotmail.com

Betsy