History
Crossroads Chapter, Inc is the continuation of the organization founded by Grace Bacon on December 28, 1977 in Flint, Michigan. Originally, it was created to serve the transvestite and transsexual communities in and around the Great Lakes Area. We have expanded the group to include all aspects of transgender people: M2F; F2M; genderqueer; androgynous; and many others. We work with significant others, family, friends, and allies (SOFFA).
Guidelines
Crossroads is a non-profit social organization, located in the Detroit area. We meet on second Saturday or every month at Affirmations Community Center, (290 West Nine Mile Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220) for friendship and education for and about the transgendered person and the community. (Click here for map and address.) This community encompasses a broad spectrum of lifestyles, behaviors and presentations. We welcome all people who identify as transgender: from crossdressers through post-operative transsexuals (MTF & FTM), as well as their significant others, family, friends, and allies (SOFFA).
Understanding the various degrees of transgendered people (and their associated lifestyles) is critical to the ongoing betterment of our community. Respect of each person's life choices is an integral part of that understanding.
Understanding the various degrees of transgendered people (and their associated lifestyles) is critical to the ongoing betterment of our community. Respect of each person's life choices is an integral part of that understanding.
What we offer:
· A safe meeting place for members of the transgendered community, and their significant others.
· Emotional comfort to the shy, lonely, new or hesitant member of our family.
· Education to the public about transgendered lifestyles as a lifestyle that we choose to live, which doesn't threaten or harm others.
· Education for medical and mental health professionals who come in contact with the transgendered community more and more each day.
· Access to a wide variety of information for members to help them find comfort, pleasure, and satisfaction in their chosen lifestyle.
· Professional referrals to other members in need of psychological or medical consultation.
· Retail service information for members that offer more discrete or convenient environments to shop than otherwise available.
A safe place to meet, dress, and talk is the foremost service that we offer. Meeting activities have included presentations by representatives from cosmetic and skin care lines, wig stylists, manicurists, photographic portrait sessions, as well as many other topics suggested by our members. Guest speakers typically include electrologists, psychologists, professors from the University of Michigan, cosmeticians, clothing vendors and consultants, wig and hair care specialists, legal consultants, and others of interest to the transgendered community.
We have clothing rummage sales, Halloween and Christmas parties, annual Anniversary banquets and summer picnics. Each June, Crossroads members attend events throughout the year; the one closest to us is: "Be All", held in the Chicago area. This event is one of the larger gatherings of the transgendered community in the country.
What we don't offer:
Crossroads is not a dating organization and is not a group designed to promote sexual encounters. We ask that no drinking of alcohol or smoking take place during meetings. (Smoking is allowed in designated areas, only.) Any rude or unruly behavior by members or guests will not be tolerated; those who violate our rules of behavior will be promptly asked to leave. Also any exploitative behavior that jeopardizes a member's security or sense of well-being is not allowed.
Crossroads is discrete and confidential:
For security reasons and the peace of mind of our members, any guests should be referred to one of our officers before attending a meeting. We do not release any phone numbers or addresses of members unless specific permission is given by that member. Being deep in the closet is not an excuse for not coming to a meeting. Crossroads is very well suited for the closeted person who cannot dress at home, or for those who prefer to not appear dressed in public. Currently we meet in a very nice building, and for the most part, we are quite alone. Some members feel more comfortable spending a little extra money for a room in which to dress, so a shared dressing room is often provided. Dressing is not required, but we hope that you will explore its joys, if that is your desire. Meetings generally begin at 6:30 pm and last approximately two hours. After the meeting, you are free to socialize and join the group at one of the local area restaurants for the evening.
Code of Ethical Behavior:
Members and attendees at all Crossroads functions must abide by our Code of Ethical Behavior at all times. The rules are simple:
- Respect for each person's dignity is of utmost importance! Each member's sexual identity and confidentiality must be protected.
- Behavior that is lewd, obscene, intoxicated, demanding, threatening, or embarrassing toward an individual is not acceptable.
- Any situation that tends to place the Crossroads group, or any individual member, in an unfavorable position will not be tolerated!
- The person(s) will be asked to leave the function. Additional sanctions could be taken later.
