TransGender Education Association
About TGEA
We have done presentations for community organizations such as hotlines, psychiatric organizations, educational institutions, and police associations. TGEA is a non-profit corporation that seeks to serve the needs and interests of all the people in the gender community, those affected by our community and those who serve our community. Our membership varies between 60 and 80 depending on the year and the season. We also have many guests who, for whatever reason, choose not to join as dues-paying members.
Our primary goal is to provide a safe place for cross-dressers, transsexuals, and SOFFAs to meet and talk with other people who are seeking a better understanding of what being transgender means for their lives. Our other goals are just as important: we reach out to our closeted transgender sisters and brothers. We let them know that they are not alone and we are here to help and support them. Finally, we try to educate the public and professionals that deal with the transgender community. Many have misconceptions about cross-dressers, and transsexuals. This last goal includes support for movements to protect our rights as individuals.
For security purposes, we have Standards of Behavior that every member and guest must abide by. They are the nationally accepted manners within the gender community.
Click here for The TGEA Member Standards of Behavior
We have facilities available for changing or transforming yourself at the meeting. If you're uncomfortable or need help with make-up, or with styling your hair or wig, let us know and we'll try to arrange for someone to help you.
HISTORY:
Our group was established in 1982 as an attempt to bring together the varied segments of the gender community into a nurturing and supportive network of individuals. The group was very small back then, but managed to grow and develop through the dedication and hard work of each member. In 1987, we became an educational association, founded in the desire to support our current membership as well as reach out to other transgender people and the community at large. In 1999, we became Incorporated.
PURPOSE:
The Transgender Education Association (TGEA) was established as an attempt to bring together the varied segments of the gender community into a nurturing and supportive network of individuals. Now, as we enter our 25th year, our other goals are just as important: to provide a supportive environment and day-to-day assistance for transgender individuals and their significant others, friends, family and allies (SOFFAs), helping them overcome their sense of isolation and providing educational and social opportunities.
SECURITY:
We understand the need for security. Many of our members are adamant that their identities be protected. None of the information you provide us will be given to anyone. The membership list is privileged information and a very, very limited number of people have access to it. We do not act as a contact service. We will not forward mail nor provide names to others. We will never provide any portion of our mailing list to any other group or business.
MEETINGS:
We are a relatively informal club. We normally hold our meeting the first Saturday of the month. The meetings consist of a meal, a short business meeting followed by a program and socializing. Occasionally, we have a second or special meeting in a month. This may be a shopping trip, play, movie, etc. The special meeting is not normally in a protected environment -- we mix with the public.
DRESS CODE:
If this is the first contact that you have had with other transgender people, we understand that it can be exciting, and scary at the same time. We want to make it easy on you. Our dress code is simple, you can come dressed as a man or woman - it is your choice. We do believe that you will have more fun and get more out of the meeting if you come cross-dressed.
COST:
TGEA is a non-profit organization, but we have operating expenses. The Pinnacle (our publication), outreach, and meeting costs are our major expenses. Membership dues are $40-50 per year. These funds allow us to conduct outreach, publish the Pinnacle, and bring in national guest speakers once or twice a year. The meeting fees are just enough to cover the food and facilities. Meeting fees are $10 for members and their guests and $20 for non-members.
For More Information or to schedule an interview
contact a member of the Board of Directors at:
TGEA
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Or use our Contacts page!
Images and content © TGEA
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