How do I find a trans support group?
They exist in more places than search results suggest. Where to look, and what a first meeting is like.
Support groups for trans people are often run by volunteers, move between venues and advertise very little, so searching for them can make it look as if there are none near you. There are usually more than the first page of results shows.
Where to look
LGBTQ+ community centres are the most reliable starting point. Even when a centre does not run a trans group itself, the people there usually know who does.
University and college LGBTQ+ societies often run groups open to people beyond their students, or can point you to one.
Some clinics and sexual health services host peer groups or keep a list of local ones. You do not need to be their patient to ask.
Online communities for your city or region, on forums, subreddits and Discord servers, are often where meetups are announced first.
Online groups
If there is nothing near you, or going in person is not safe for you right now, an online group is a real alternative rather than a lesser one. Many meet by video on a regular schedule. Check who runs a group and whether it has clear rules before sharing anything personal.
What a first meeting is like
Most groups start with a round of names and pronouns, and nobody has to say more than they want to. You can come just to listen. It is normal to feel nervous, and normal to try a group two or three times before deciding whether it suits you.
How to tell if a group is right for you
A good group has someone responsible for keeping it safe, a clear rule about confidentiality, and room for people at different points. If a group pressures you to make decisions, to transition in a particular way or to share more than you want, it is fine to leave and try another.
Some groups are specific: for trans women, trans men, non-binary people, parents or partners. A general group is a good place to ask about the specific ones.
If you are in crisis
A support group is not an emergency service. If you are thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a crisis line in your country straight away.