Have you been trying to figure community out? Where do you fit in? How do you meet like-minded friends? What can you do if you are excluded by social organizations, support groups or even clinical gender programs?

Numerous times over the years I have heard transgender men and women state that there is no such thing as a transgender community. I also hear people frequently debate and promote stereotypes about other gender-diverse individuals.

Authors are routinely asked by aspiring writers how to better their craft, and invariably they are encouraged to write passionately about what they know. But, I believe it is also reasonable to do so with balance and perspective. This advice can be extended to anyone who wants to better understand gender issues.

What is important about history? For transgender persons there are two things; a understanding of what has occurred and affects our lives today, and a respect for others' efforts as each of us strives to move forward.

Transgender men and women, as well as others who support or admire us, frequently find etiquette a challenging prospect. Etiquette or good manners is often hard to find today in a society where instant gratification and hurried personal contact tend to be the rule.

In the past I have received requests that I interview progressive persons who are careproviders or leaders within the transgender community. As an gender specializing counselor I find interviewing exciting.

Recently I overheard a FTM community leader state that he disliked attending MTF-oriented conventions because of the sexual harassment. I listened closely as I had heard similar complains from some of my FTM clients in the past.

What is it about people's differences that make it difficult for crossdressers, transsexuals and even gays to understand each other? I put some thought into this question and laughed. Why?

Recently, on behalf of a client, while looking for a safe place for a crossdresser to meet others, I was told by a transgender social organization that crossdressers hadn't come to their support for a number of years so they probably wouldn't feel comfortable. After all, the volunteer said, everyone is now transgender, right?

Occasionally I receive requests from new transgender community members who have been invited to speak before an academic audience, health service setting or before the larger local community. And, often as first-time speakers, these individuals are uncertain how to present themselves and transgender issues.

Transsexuals, transgenderists, crossdressers and others, collectively known as "transgender individuals" may at some point in their lives find themselves at a unique crossroads, requiring different types of social, psychological and medical services. Subsequently, while many explore individual counseling or psychotherapy to learn about gender issues and receive support for their needs, they may also seek out additional assistance through support groups.

Not long ago, I received an interesting request from a reader interested in starting a transgender support group. She said that she appreciated the Support Groups resource article. It contained valuable start-up and group maintenance information. However, she also said that many people come to support groups seeking reliable information, and asked if I could provide her with a list of "frequent professional suggestions."

There has been an interesting development in the transgender community in recent years, specifically of persons who do not identify with the social and clinical definitions which apply to individuals with gender identity issues. Traditionally, those who comprise what is frequently referred to as the "transgender community" include transsexuals and crossdressers.