Nottingham Chams Take 2

On the 23rd July 2009 I visited Nottingham Chameleons for the first time. Today, 2 years and 5 days later, I visited for the second time. Thinking back to that day just over 2 years ago, it's a clear marker to how far I've come. I was only 'out' to family and going full-time was still a year away. In fact then, the idea that I might one day be living as a female was just that, an idea. It is truly amazing how far I've come in what is a relatively short space of time.

The great thing about Chams is that it's very easy to get to by car. It's just three M1 junctions down from where I live. For that reason I arrived a bit earlier than I thought I would. There were one or two there when I got there and I was quickly made to feel very welcome. The one thing I'd been slightly worried about was that I'd be the only one transitioning. These groups are great for those within the trans community who are only part-time dressers and I didn't want to gate crash something that wasn't meant for me. I was pleasently suprised when I got talking to a girl who was there with her wife. She was a couple of months behind me at Notts GIC and it was great to chat and compare experiences. It was also great to chat to Lynn again who had made me feel so welcome a couple of years ago. I ended up having a good chinwag with a girl called Sophie. The night ended at just after 11 and I was soon driving back down the M1.

On my home 2 years ago I had a bit of a first when I called for petrol. It had been my first time in a non TG area as Emma. Tonight I called into the same petrol station and pondered my journey. I've often compared the TG journey to a motorway. You can stay on to the end or you can take the first exit you come to. If you need a break then you can call into services until you're ready to rejoin the TG highway. I guess that for the past year I've been in services. I needed that break away from the scene, needed to refuel and take stock. I'm glad that I've rejoined the TG community though, a community that I'm proud to be part of.

The big question is will I go back to Chams? Yes I think so. I really enjoyed myself and met some really interesting people. I needed the time out and it has done me good. The thing that these groups provide is the knowledge that you aren't alone. Different people get different things out of them. Being full-time I'm not going to get the novelty of getting out dressed or of being treated like 'one of the girls'. What I am going to get is the opportunity to get to know people and make friends. I am already looking forward to the next Chams meet in a couple of weeks :-)