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?