Greetings! The DC Trans Ladies’ Meetup group is alive and well, and we would like to introduce you to the new management team. Most of you know one or more of us. Lead Organizer is Michelle Boyle. Co-Organizers, in alphabetical order, are Suzanne Freed, Monica Miller, and Elizabeth Taylor.
First, we want to recognize the accomplishments of past leadership. This team has assumed direction of the Group following the retirement of Christine McLean, our Founder, who has been the Lead Organizer of the Group from its inception. We thank Christine for her considerable efforts in managing the Group for nearly seven years. She has done so much for the community and we are indebted to her!
Second, we want to talk about the future of Group activities. We are excited to announce our plans to take the Group’s marquee event, the Soiree, to new upscale locations and with new, more sophisticated or playful themes. Much of what you like about the Soiree will continue, but there will also be fresh, new elements that make it feel just a tad different every time out. Stay tuned for postings of our soon-to-be-announced upcoming Soirees and special events.
Third, we need to reaffirm our commitment to the principle of inclusion and rededicate ourselves to the philosophy of interaction—both within the community and externally with the mainstream.
Inclusion means being an umbrella group, catering to trans-women who dress only occasionally, to those who live full-time 24×7, and all of those in-between. Having more experienced trans-women and allies actively engaged in the community provides invaluable expertise and resources to those who are interested in improving their presentation and getting out in the world more often. This group is about not just socializing and having fun (although it is a primary goal)—but also enhancing the emotional health of this diverse community and affording opportunities for networking.
This leads to the theme of interaction. Interaction means going everywhere and sometimes leaving our usual comfort zones. We grow through stretching our boundaries—bit by bit. The Soiree will always be a place to enjoy camaraderie with, and draw support from, one’s peers. But it should also be a place to grow and not a place to stagnate. We are recommitting the Soiree to involve more mingling with mainstream society and not roping ourselves off. We are also recommitting to scheduling more small-group excursions to public venues that encourage members to step into new spaces and experiences such as new-to-us restaurants, shops, bars, clubs, and more.
Finally, our Group has an expanding membership—and that is a Good Thing. As a result, expect to see familiar faces at our events – but also be primed to meet fresh faces, visit new places, and build memories based on new experiences. Join now!
We are recharged and embracing an exciting future. We are the Same Community—Just Better.
Your Organizers,
Michelle, Monica, Suzanne, and Beth
