Milwaukee support
FORGE offers many opportunities for people to connect, access support, learn more about transgender issues, find resources, and create friendships with others.
Monthly meetings
FORGE provides Milwaukee-based social support, education and resources for trans+ individuals and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies). Meetings provide a friendly, facilitated setting for people to network, share their personal experiences and stories, become more informed, and to gather resources.
Check out the 2011 schedule here
Who attends meetings?
FORGE support and information meetings are open to ALL people interested in trans+/SOFFA issues. We support and honor the plethora of ways there are to be trans and the wide variety of people who fall under the broad category of SOFFA. FORGE tries to offer a little something for everyone. Join us if you are new to gender issues and want a supportive place to explore. If you are well-versed in trans issues, we invite you to share your experiences and help elevate discussion to a more complex, philosophical level. Partners, allies, friends and professionals are always encouraged to attend on their own, or with a trans loved one (or client).
Meeting format / times
Monthly meetings have two sections. Feel free to come to just one or both.
6:00 – 7:10pm Open Discussion
Do you crave connection with fellow transfolks and SOFFAs? This gently facilitated time is especially devoted to exploring the issues you bring in – sharing your experiences and stories, asking questions, seeking referrals, gathering resources, connecting with others. All are welcome.
7:30 – 9:00pm – Topic discussion / presentation
Beginning at 7:30, each FORGE meeting focuses on one pre-determined topic. Sometimes there will be a panel presentation or a guest speaker, sometimes we’ll do small group exercises or watch trans-focused films, and sometimes we, as a group, will generate our own questions and answers. Each meeting begins with brief introductions and an ice-breaker question. We’ll end each night with a closing question. Everyone will have an opportunity to speak, listen, and be heard.
Where are meetings held?
Milwaukee’s LGBT Community Center
252 E. Highland Ave
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Other special events
In addition to monthly meetings, FORGE hosts other special events including speakers and films, as well as contributing to co-sponsoring events like films at the Milwaukee LGBT Film and Video Festival. We work in partnership with other Wisconsin organizations to both help increase trans+ visibility and to offer trans people safe and enjoyable activities.
More Information?
For more information about FORGE (meetings, past meetings, basic information, resources), please contact FORGE, PO Box 1272, Milwaukee, WI 53201. Phone: 414-559-2123. Email: info [at] forge-forward [dot] org.
