Ashley:
It’s always great to have new members join us and I hope that you take full advantage of the wealth of experience that the members here possess.
Finding community is always an important thing for trans folks as it is very easy to feel isolated, regardless of our actual circumstances. Fortunately the eastern part of the country is fairly dense in terms of population, so that will increase your chances of finding community.
When you do your online searches, cast a broad net to include more metropolitan areas that may be a bit further from you. During the pandemic, LGBT centers started doing social and support groups online. Some, including our center in Palm Springs, have continued the practice. My once a week women’s chat group has call ins from Seattle, Las Vegas, Nebraska and the LA area, as well as local folks. The ones from outside of the area have a second home here, vacation here with some frequency, considering relocating here after retirement, come for Pride weekend here in November, etc. Basically they want to maintain contact with the women’s community here. So, the group continues as an online entity. You may find organizations near you with the same mindset.
You may search our Member Directory to look for other members in your area. Click on Social in the menu and then Member Directory.
There are some books that I would suggest:
Brynn Tannehill:
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Trans (But Were Afraid to Ask)
Stephanie Battaglino:
Reflections From Both Sides of the Glass Ceiling: Finding My True Self in Corporate America
I’ve read both of these and they contain a wealth of information. Tannehill discusses various aspects of the trans community, the origins, strategies and politics of the anti-transgender movement, the weak science behind the views of the anti-transgender movement, etc.
Battaglino discusses her convoluted path to eventually understanding her gender identity, transitioning in place at New York Life and her subsequent activism work. This book may have particular value for you as it appears that you may be headed towards transitioning in place.
