Support Meetings
DCATS virtual support meetings take place once a month and are facilitated by a DCATS member. We strive for our meetings to be safe spaces. We respect the identity and personal background of all present. Meetings are open to those that are transmasculine only (assigned female at birth but identify as something else) or those that are questioning. Though most folks attending are from the DMV area, the group is open to folks outside the region as well.
While meetings begin with a topic, the discussion is open and participation is not required. You can check the calendar to view the topic for a particular meeting. Meetings do not have a minimum age criteria, but some meeting topics may not be appropriate for those under 16 years old.
Time & Location
The support group meets on the second Sunday of every month from 5 to 7 PM (check calendar to confirm). Meeting times and locations may change for special events but will be posted well in advance.
To attend, go to the calendar/Eventbrite and RSVP. You will then be sent a registration link for Zoom. Register for the meeting via Zoom using the email associated with your Zoom account. Once you register via Zoom, Zoom will send you the meeting link to use at the start time. To summarize, we only use Eventbrite as a way to get you the Zoom registration page.
With such a wide membership base, our monthly discussion and support topics
span an equally broad range.
Our ongoing and fluctuating list of topics often includes:
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Questioning Gender Identity: The process of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
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Hormones: Living with testosterone and without testosterone. Medical, social, and psychological implications of testosterone.
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Coming Out and Coping: A safe place to talk about fears about coming out (or not
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to come out) and explore options. How have other people done it? How did people react to various approaches and outcomes?
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Trans in the Workplace: Employment issues and options.
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Surgery: For those pre- and post- op. Sharing choices, experiences, challenges, surprises, aftercare, and feelings.
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Life "After" Transition: Long-term transition issues, such as managing your past, healthcare, longevity, and integrating the past and present.
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Spirituality: Religion, beliefs, and gender identity.
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Dating and Sexuality: Discussions that include any and all sexualities.
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Living in the Gray: Gender fluidity and identifying as genderqueer.
Topics
Accessibility
All meetings will have ASL interpretation by default. No need to ask, but you're welcome to anyways.