Chapter 1: A Disappointing First Experience

My anticipation was high as I prepared to join my inaugural online Zoom support group for transgender individuals. I envisioned connecting with people who shared similar experiences.

However, once I entered the meeting, my excitement quickly dissipated. The participants were all teenagers, and the atmosphere felt more like an anime costume party than a support group. Hair in vibrant shades of blue, red, and green was the norm, and the discussions revolved around online role-playing games.

"CHECK PLEASE!" I thought, mimicking a waiter gesture as I realized I was in the wrong place.

Feeling completely out of sync, I decided to leave the meeting. There were no adults in sight, and I sensed that my departure was welcomed. What a letdown! This experience highlighted my need to seek out a support group tailored for older transgender individuals. While this group was designated for ages 18 and up, it was clear that I needed something different.

Upon entering the virtual meeting, I couldn’t help but exclaim, "It’s all kids!" I can only imagine how that comment was received. The next group on my list is one specifically for older LGBTQIA+ members.

Yet, I can't help but worry: if I log into that meeting and it resembles a nursing home, I might just lose it. But that’s part of the journey, I suppose. I’m on a quest to find the ideal Zoom space—one that isn’t exclusively for the young or the elderly, but strikes the perfect balance. Perhaps it’s akin to "Goldilocks and the Three Queers."

That Zoom meeting left me feeling ancient and out of place. I had hoped this journey would be straightforward, but what is easy these days? There's a saying that if something is not challenging, it might not be worth pursuing.

I’m determined to give the online support group for aging LGBTQIA+ individuals another shot. The post I read indicated they "meet virtually" every Sunday at 3 PM, but the wording was a bit ambiguous. Technology can be tricky for the older generation, after all.

I plan to email them today to gather more information. Fingers crossed!

In this video titled "Coercion & Abuse in the Gender ID Community | with GNC-Centric," the discussion revolves around the challenges faced by individuals in the gender identity community, providing insights that may resonate with my own experiences.

Chapter 2: Seeking the Right Community

The video "The Wounds That Won't Heal | Detransitioner Chloe Cole | EP 319" addresses the complex narratives surrounding gender transitions and the emotional impact they can have, echoing the importance of finding the right support system.