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We are an discussion group for Trans* people to discuss gender-related topics. We meet in downtown Olympia one evening a week -- Contact us for the time and place. This group is currently open to people 18 or older who identify as some flavor of Trans* or who are questioning their gender identity.

* "Trans" is being used here as an umbrella term for anyone whose self-defined gender identity or expression differs from the gender they were assigned at birth. Some identities which we include under this umbrella are:

androgyne, androgynous, bigender, birl, boigirl, boigrrl, boygirl, boygrrl, cross-dresser, cross-gender, differently-gendered, drag king, drag queen, drag queer, epicene, F2M, FT?, FTF, FTM, FTX, gender anarchist, gender bender, gender blender, gender dysphoric, gender euphoric, gender fluid, gender gifted, gender neutral, gender outlaw, gender transcender, gender variant, genderbent, genderfree, genderfucker, genderless, genderqueer, girlboi, girlboy, ITF, ITM, intergender, intersex, M2F, MT?, MTF, MTM, MTX, mixed-gendered, neutrois, no-gender, no-ho, no-op, non-op, omnigender, other-gendered, pangender, polygender, post-op, pre-op, queergendered, tranny, trannyboi, trannyboy, trannydyke, trannyfag, trannygirl, trannygrrl, trannyqueer, trans, transboi, transboy, transdyke, transexual, transfag, transfeminine, transgender, transgirl, transgrrl, transguy, transman, transmasculine, transperson, transqueer, transsexual, transvestite, transwoman, tranz, two-spirit, ungendered

More...

GROUND RULES:

1. Respect. Call group participants by the names and pronouns they prefer. Have respect for each person, their self-defined identities, their right to participate in the group, their level of outness, their personal boundaries, etc.

2. Confidentiality. Who participates in the group and what they say there is private. If you discuss the topics discussed in group outside of group, do so in general terms; do not disclose anyone's personal information. Please note that we currently meet in a public place where we may be overheard.

3. Come to group clean and sober. No alcohol, drugs, weapons, or contraband.

4. Arrive promptly. 15 minutes after start time is the cut-off time for joining. Inform the group at the beginning if you have to leave early.

5. Interrupting is discouraged.

6. Step Up / Step Back. If you tend to talk a lot, step back and let others speak; if you tend to be quiet, try to step up and add your thoughts to the discussion.

7. Leave your "baggage" (social conflicts, relationships, distractions, etc.) at the door; we are meeting to discuss a topic.

8. Use "I" Statements.

9. If someone says something that offends, speak up, but give them the benefit of the doubt that the offense was not intentional.

10. Respect the space we meet in.

11. Pay attention to your physical and personal needs and practice self-care. We have a short break about half-way through each meeting.

12. No malicious gossip. Use your judgment about bringing up other people's names and personal information during the discussion.

13. Respect the role of the facilitators. The facilitators keep the group on schedule and on topic, and remind the group of these ground rules as necessary.

14. Be 18 or over.

(These ground rules were created by the regular long-term members of the discussion group, and are open to change.)

GROUP FORMAT:

15 mins: Introductions / Check-in (Names, preferred pronouns and any context of when and how to use them, and personal check-ins.)

45 mins: Discussion of topic.

5-10 mins: Break.

40-45 mins: Discussion of topic, and/or optional time for feedback on individual issues related to gender.

10 mins: Selection of topic for the next week.

Online and in real life, we want to meet fellow Trans people in and around Thurston County, to participate in this group. Allies are also welcome to befriend us online!