"Expressing Our Nature" or EON (as it is most frequently referred to) is a Central New York based transgender Support Group. The organization has been in existence for over twenty years and it has under gone its own evolution with many new faces over that span of time. Still, the one purpose of support, friendship, advocacy and growth for transgender individuals, their family and friends has remained constant over the years. Despite this fact, many people in the area still may not know much about us. With that in mind, I thought we might share with you some of the questions that we are routinely asked(and our answers)in the hope of giving you a little insight as to who we are and what we do. Most of the question examples used here are from emails we receive and others are from face to face exchanges or letters. We also tried to use a variety of questions for informational purposes and maybe, just a pinch of entertainment as well. Names were eliminated for privacy. If you still would like to know more about EON after reading through the Q&A, our contact and web site information will be provided at the end of this article. Enjoy.

Question: I crossdress and feel a real affinity with the opposite gender. I would love to get out and talk to other people like me but I'm too ashamed or afraid of the ridicule I would be subjected to in public. What can you do for someone like me?
Answer: First, there's nothing wrong with expressing your gender identity even if it doesn't happen to coincide with your genetics. The problem is not so much the issue of you dressing in the gender you're most comfortable with, but more how we've been taught to think by modern civilization. Rigid social ideas associated with gender have caused many problems for gender variant individuals (not to mention for society in as a whole) not "fitting in" with the current norm of what is regarded as acceptable. A support group can help you with getting the skills and confidence needed to get out and meet people and do the things that you'd like to do. The members of EON are very accepting and nonjudgmental. Our main goal is to provide a friendly and safe social platform where you can be yourself.

Question: I really believe that I'm a transsexual and I would like to begin my transition. Where do I start? With hormones? A name change ?
Answer: Probably the best place to start is with a therapist versed in trangender issues. Not only can they answer your questions and point you in the right direction but they can also provide you with the documents needed to get started with the necessary medical professionals. Transition is a long path and you'll save yourself time in the end (and be safer) if you get the correct information and do things in order. Contact us if you're looking for a therapist. We may be able to help you.

Question: My Company or Organization would like our staff to become more culturally aware of, and educated about the transgender community. Is there a way your group can help us?
Answer: Yes. There are qualified people in EON who lecture or can speak to your group in most settings. They can answer any questions that you may have and help you create guidelines for you program.

Question: While I am not myself transgendered, I am attracted to transgender women. Can I join your group in hopes of meeting that special girl?
Answer: Eon is a very open and non-exclusive group but we can't recommend that you attend meetings if you are solely an "admirer" and have no "TG" issues yourself. This is mainly to protect our members who may object or feel ill at ease at this prospect. EON is not a matchmaker nor is it a dating service. There are plenty of opportunities to socialize with our members and friends outside of meetings as we make regular, group outings to local "friendly" clubs and restaurants. One good way to meet and talk with transgender people is to attend some of the local GLBT and Pride events that are going on here in town. There are local GLBT groups that have a regular calendar of events and scheduled outings. Some of these groups do have a "TG" population. Also, the club scene is a good way to socialize. There are clubs in Syracuse that are "TG" friendly .

Question: I'm considering the idea of taking hormones. I know I can buy them over the Internet. What works best and what dosages should I start with ?
Answer: We STRONGLY recommend that you seek a doctor's care if you're considering hormone therapy. Self-medicating can be dangerous even if you know what you are doing. The risk of serious illness or irreversible damage to your body is never something one should take lightly. The safest approach to hormone therapy is through the guidance of a endocrinologist or qualified medical professional. Dosages are very important and regular blood monitoring essential.

Question: My family dislikes my crossdressing. Often, I do it only when I'm alone or away from home. This is becoming very frustrating for me because I'm feeling the need to dress in the other gender more and more. As a matter of fact, I'm beginning to feel I might be a transsexual and need to live full- time in the other gender. I am scared of what this may do to my relationship with my family. Can you give me some advice?
Answer: Family problems and difficulties are no strangers to transgender people. There is no easy solution. The first question you need to answer is; "What is it I need to do to be happy?" Some of us know early on that a permanent gender change is definitely what they need to do. Others may not be so sure or may be content with a part-time arrangement and try to balance a male/female existence. In any case, you will have to do a lot of soul searching because ultimately, it is only you that can decide what is best to address your own needs and the needs of your loved ones. It is very beneficial to talk with your peers, people that have walked (or who are walking)this same road. This can give you a better sense of who you are and where you are. EON meetings are informal and take place in a friendly and private setting. You can talk with members about what's on your mind or just listen if you want. We can even talk privately. Counseling can be important here as well. A therapist familiar with "TG" issues will be a great asset in times of uncertainty especially, if you're feeling depressed or emotionally over whelmed by your situation. We can provide you with the names of qualified therapists if you don't have one.

Question: I've always been heterosexual(male) but over the years I have been exploring my transgender nature. It seems that I want to spend more and more time as a woman. This worries me because I fear that if I continue on this path I may start being attracted to men. Does this ever happen ?
Answer:: Gender expression has little or nothing to do with sexual orientation. It's like the old saying: "Sex is what's between your legs and Gender is what's between your ears." Regardless of what clothes and cosmetics you may be wearing. You are still that same person inside. You are still you! We would hardly expect that to change. We can't however say that a healthy exposure to alternative cultures wouldn't open your mind a bit. All in all, it's a pretty safe bet that your sexual preferences will remain as they are and pursuing your trans nature won't turn you into a bisexual werewolf at the next full moon. You may have to ask yourself however, Did I have any latent gay or bisexual tendencies to start with? Relax and be honest with yourself.

Question: I have a twenty five year old transgenered son (female to male)
who has been seeing a therapist and has just started hormone therapy through a doctor in our area. We will be moving to central New York before the end of the year. How can he find the medical professionals he needs near our new location ?
Answer: There's a good chance that we can give you the names of "TG" friendly doctors and therapists in practice near the area where you're moving. In the cases where some of the doctors have waiting lists or are not accepting new patients we can network with other groups around the state (Rochester, Albany, Binghampton, etc,)to find medical professionals in the next nearest city to you.

Question: I'm finally ready to get started expressing my real gender but I don't know anything about make up, hair, clothing and everything else involved in creating a new look. How do I get started ?
Answer: There are books; " Art and Illusion" by Joanne Roberts, "Making faces" by Kevyn Aucoin to name two and some web sites;
http://www.beautive.com/?gclid=CLOQu-_OgY4CFReQGgodyxmQLA
http://beauty.about.com/
that can help you get started with make up and hair. You can attend one of the make up clinics that we can provide for people who are just starting out. You don't have to attend meetings "en femme" especially, if it's your first one. It's perfectly acceptable to arrived dressed as a male if you're unsure of your attire and cosmetic skills.

If you're looking for more information about EON or transgender after reading this brief discussion, you can visit our web site at: eonsyr.net . While you are there, you can check out our online informational pamphlet, read papers and articles written about EON and its members, join our listserv, see photos and hear what some new members have to say. If you have questions or would like to contact us, you can send us an email at: eonsyr@yahoo.com. Or you can call us at 315 725 1658 I would like to thank the other members of EON who help compile this artlce.

Faye B.