YOU ARE VALID

OUR MESSAGE
Tri-County Gender Benders is a trans-centered support group focused on providing a community for those on the trans spectrum in the tri-county upstate area of South Carolina.Transgender people face discrimination, higher rates of violence, and higher rates of suicide than other groups in the United States.Our group consists of members whom are Transgender & Transgender Allies. We help one another cope with a society that is learning.We foster our community through regular monthly meetings each month.

• About Us
• Facebook
• FAQ
• Peer Support
• Contact Us
• Email
• Resources

WHO WE ARE

We are a support group founded on the need to help those in the transgender community through the struggles that may arise from transition.Our group consists of members of the transgender spectrum. With allies, brothers and sisters, we help one another find ways to deal with a society that is learning to grow.With growing support from our own government there is still backlash that attempts to undermine the equality that we strive for. It is in these moments that we pull together and show our own love, educate ourselves and others, and press forward in this civil rights movement.
WHY WE ARE HERE TO HELP

With suicide rates significantly higher than any group in the United States, transgender people potentially face discrimination in society, children facing it in schools and higher rates of violence towards transgender people and especially our transgender sisters of color.We welcome all who need that ear to listen, that shoulder to lean on, that hug to embrace who you are. We see you, you are valid, you are loved, we are here for you if you need us.

HOW OFTEN DOES THE SUPPORT MEETINGS HAPPEN?

We have a monthly meeting usually the first Wednesday of every month from 7pm-8pm via an online meeting from our private discord. For more information on when they take place please contact us at our Facebook page or by email on our contact page. Our meetings are done in confidentiality with the member as to protect their privacy and the privacy of others. We are space for helping one another live their best life on their journey.

DO YOU HAVE GROUPS ONLINE FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND RESOURCES?

We have a private Discord server for open communication between all means of support across the state of South Carolina and local events.

DO YOU HELP THOSE WHO ARE NOT YET TRANSITIONED?

We do, message us via our Facebook page or on our Contact Us page. If you're not out or transitioned, because of home life, work or even the fear of family disconnect. We are here to listen and support you. We will even refer you to local resources/therapists in your area if you have not been able to locate one. If we feel you need more direct support we will get you info on meeting with us at our support groups but will always respond to those in need.

DO YOU HAVE A HOTLINE?

We don't but our friends at Trans Lifeline do and are available to listen to you 24/7. You will speak to a trans-person on the other end who will understand your issues and will help you through them. You can contact them at 877-565-8860. It gets better.

DO YOU HELP WITH "PASSING" OR "STEALTH"?

"Passing" is an unfortunate stigma a lot of transgender people live with. We're not here to help with blending in or going shopping, we would rather you be you. But, we also acknowledge the safety this can bring in certain environments here in the south. We can assist you in right direction for the resources that may help you on your journey, some of us can assist you in voice feminization resources but remember we will always accept you for you.

DO YOU HAVE GROUPS ONLINE FOR CONTINUED SUPPORT AND RESOURCES?

We have a private Discord server for open communication between all means of support across the state of South Carolina and local events.

WHO ARE ALL THE PEOPLE IN THESE PHOTOS?

These are stock photos of trans people across the spectrum. The Gender Spectrum Collection is a stock photo library featuring images of trans and non-binary models that go beyond the clichés. This collection aims to help media better represent members of these communities as people not necessarily defined by their gender identities—people with careers, relationships, talents, passions, and home lives.
All of the photos in the Gender Spectrum Collection were taken by Zackary Drucker.
The painted transgender flag background was created by talented artist Garyck Arntzen

IT DOES GET BETTER

It gets better for all of you. We do not discriminate against any race, gender, age, or religion. We welcome all those who want to move forward with their life, or need help getting to that point. We want to be there for you, you're not alone in this even if it feels like it can be. It bares repeating, it does get better.

For hotlines check out our Resources page.

SUPPORT MEETING SERVICES

We hold a monthly support group meeting to share our stories with each other. Due to COVID we currently hold these meetings remote online. Meet other fellow transgender people during our support meetings regardless of age, race, or religion. We discuss our triumphs and our failures or ask questions about your transition or next steps in transition. We have resources that may provide help for you in this local tri-county area.We also provide continued support and resources on our private Discord server and Facebook group. You must attend a meeting to be invited to either one.We all help one another to see that it always gets better on this journey.You are worth being your true authentic self.You are seen, heard and loved.Contact us for more info on joining one of our monthly meetings.

For more information or to join our private discord support server, feel free to message us below: