BGB Mission Statement
     The Bluegrass Belles have simple goals and rules. Primarily, we are an open support, sorority, and fun group for transgendered people. We use the term "transgendered" very broadly to include MtF or FtM crossdressers, transgenderists, transvestites, "drag queens", and pre or post-operative transsexuals. We also welcome the significant others, friends, and families of transgendered people. We meet in Louisville, KY. on the third Saturday of each month, and
we encourage transgendered people from all parts of Kentucky and Southern Indiana to join us, including members of other groups who may be visiting our area. Our meetings allow time to socialize, then have an agenda that may feature fashion tips, political issues of TG interest, deportment, demostrations, and support issues.
      After the meeting, we always go to transgender-friendly restaurants and clubs for further
socializing and fun. We also have special events from time to time, visit other area TG groups (we have members that are members of other groups as well), take shopping trips, participate in political lobbying for TG issues, perform charity work, attend local events, go to national TG conventions, and write a monthly newsletter that all members are encouraged to contribute to.

It's very simple, really: we provide a support network of members belonging to all parts of the TG spectrum, from weekend crossdresser to full-time transsexual, so no matter what is troubling you, someone in our group will be able to help you with it and steer you to needed resources. Sorority develops when a group of people sharing a common gift meet and become friends. Fun is
what we're about, and who doesn't need that. Being ashamed of your transgenderism doesn't work, and having fun with it is the way to build your pride and self esteem.

     Every group has some rules and statements of what they are and are not, for the safety of all involved. Here's ours:
 

1. The Belles are NOT A DATING/SEXUAL ENCOUNTER Group.

2. The Belles do not welcome bigots. We expect our members to be tolerant of all people regardless of race, creed, age, national origin, religious affiliation, or sexual preference.
Any violation of this will result in suspension and/or expulsion.

3. We encourage members to "dress" for meetings and provide a place at the meeting site to change. Those who are not comfortable "dressing" are very much still welcome to attend. We do ask that members dress in a manner suitable for public meetings and outings.

4. Alcohol and drug use are not allowed at Belles meetings.

5. We ask that Belles comport themselves in public in such a way as to not bring notoriety or public ridicule upon the group.

6. Security: We require that Belles respect each other's need for privacy. Before contacting another Belle, make contact at a meeting first and find out how they would want to be addressed, how and when to call, what name to put on a mailing, whether an EMail address is secure, etc. To deliberately "out" another Belle will cause expulsion. Remember, everyone has to decide for themselves how far "out" they should be, and every Belle must respect that decision. The board members are the only ones who will have members' contact information; they will not release it to people outside the group, and will be careful to follow your contact instructions to the letter.

7. There are annual dues collected to defray the cost of producing a newsletter, conducting outreach, maintaining voicemail numbers and postal boxes, the meeting place, and other group activities. We will not turn away members who are genuinely unable to pay for reasons not their fault. We will also collect a reasonable meeting fee.


That's all, folks. Simple enough?