On Trans Support Groups

Therapists have occasionally questioned my lack of participation in trans support groups, and it's true - I've steadfastly avoided such groups all along. My explanation is straightforward: that I'm not really in need of this sort of support, and that the only connection I would feel with the members of such a group as opposed to any other people is, well, transition. My unspoken reason for avoiding such groups is that it struck me early on when I tried to contact one (not knowing where to turn to when beginning my transition) how insular, internally insecure, and well... stuck-in-a-rut they can be.

I've stopped participating in that group I previously wrote about.

The hypocrisy and self-congratulating was getting to me, as it comes at the expense of those who don't pass well, don't identify neatly with "male" or "female", are in mid-transition, and a whole lot of others. I mean, when you want to expound upon not having a victim mentality, please don't then go into a speech about your transition hardships. When you want to declare that trans folk should fight for anti-discrimination, please don't turn your back on trans activism or marginalise those who don't pass well. And when you want to talk of having moved on after transition and finally living the life that was denied you, don't hang about in a tranny forum continually announcing how wonderful and miraculous your own transition has been.

One is left with a feeling of confusion, but also more cynically so, a feeling of affirmation that trans support groups are less about any actual support and more about having a place for birds of a feather to preen and strut, such that they can put themselves above others who are less fortunate or less privileged and declare just how much trannier they are than thou.

*sighs*

If I ever get like that, someone please shoot me.