FAQs

Tennesee Vals: Frequently Asked Questions
Version 1.0

  • 1. Who can come to a Tennessee Vals meeting?
  • Our meetings are reserve for those who consider themselves transgender, anyone who is in a relationship with a transgendered person (family, spouse, therapist or friend) and anyone who provides service to the transgendered community (doctors, therapists, vendors, etc.)

  • 2. The website doesn't specify where you meet. Exactly where do you meet?
  • For security purposes, we do not publicly cite where we meet on the website. If you are interested in attending a meeting, email, write or contact the Tennessee Vals and tell us about yourself (why you want to come). Someone will get back with you soon afterward and will pass along directions to the meeting place.

  • 3. I called the phone number and all I got was a voice message. What's up with that?
  • The Tennessee Vals have a voice mailbox to receive phone calls. Leave your name, phone number and appropriate calling times and instructions and someone will call you back.

  • 4. I want to receive information, but I'm afraid someone will pick up my mail or intercept a phone call. What can I do?
  • We understand your needs for privacy and will work with you as best we can. We can email you all the information you need, if you would rather not receive mail by post or a phone call.

  • 5. Do you give out your mailing list?
  • No, we keep our mailing list private and only Vals Board Members are allowed to see the list.

  • 6. When do you meet?
  • We always meet on the second Saturday of each month at 7pm unless otherwise specified in the meeting schedule (listed in the monthly newsletter and online). We will occasionally have extra group outings during the month. Check the newsletter for announcements of these outings.

  • 7. Do you ever cancel meetings?
  • The Tennessee Vals do cancel meetings in winter months if weather conditions are very bad.

  • 8. How much is membership?
  • Yearly membership is $25 for singles and $35 for couples. A membership will get you a monthly newsletter mailed to you and a discount on door fees at the meeting. Door fees per meeting are $5 per member, $7 per member couple. Door fees are $10 per meeting for non-members and $5 for non-member couples. Your first Vals meeting is always free. A newsletter subscription only is $10 per year.

  • 9. Can I change clothes at the meeting site?
  • Yes, we have two locking bathrooms that are suitable to change clothes and do makeup or whatever else you need to dress.

  • 10. Do you provide storage service for my clothes?
  • No.

  • 11. What happens at a meeting?
  • Generally, meetings are social gatherings up until around 8pm. Some members chose to have a discussion circle separate from the meeting space where they can talk about living full time as a transgendered person. Around 8pm, the general meeting is called to order, announcements are made about news and upcoming events of interest to the transgendered community. Then the meeting program begins and goes an hour or so. Afterwards it is a Vals tradition to go out to enjoy conversation at a local nightclub.

  • 12. What sort of people are in the group?
  • The Tennessee Vals membership is comprised of a diverse group of people from many backgrounds, ethnicities and careers. We have members from the entire gender spectrum, from crossdressers to post-operative transsexuals, and all sexual orientations. We have provided support for female-to-male transgenders.

  • 13. Are all your members homosexuals?
  • The Tennessee Vals have members of all sexual orientations. Gender identity is a separate thing from sexual orientation.

  • 14. What if I don't want people to know who I am?
  • You can use an alias at the meetings, a femme or male name and reveal as much or as little about yourself as you feel comfortable. If someone asks you a question you don't want to answer, just say something like "I'm sorry, but I'm not comfortable telling you that about myself."

  • 15. I would like to meet and talk to someone one-on-one before I go to a meeting. Do you do this?
  • The Tennessee Vals do not have a developed program to meet new people one-on-one. If you feel that you need to meet someone to discuss transgender issues before you come to a meeting, call, write or email us and ask if anyone is available for a one-on-one meeting. In general, Vals members prefer to meet new people in public spaces for their own safety.

  • 16. I'm transgendered and I'm coming to Nashville soon for a visit and would like to meet someone from your group just for socializing. Do you do this?
  • Call, write or email and ask if anyone is available. Give plenty of notice before you come and perhaps someone will be able to meet with you.

  • 17. Where can I find a therapists or medical doctor that understands transgender issues?
  • The Vals maintain a list of Nashville medical professionals that should be able to help you. Call, email or write the Vals to get this list. Our resource listing for other Tennessee cities is not as comprehensive.

  • 18. Where can I shop for clothes or shop while I'm crossdressed?
  • In general, anywhere you please. Our money is green, not pink. Treat sales staff with respect and you will be just fine. Some places will even make special arrangements if you want to try on clothes. Any of the major retail areas in Nashville are fine places to shop.

  • 19. Where can I get a makeover or find transformation services in Nashville?
  • We're not going to endorse places to get makeovers or transformation services on this web site. If you are interested in such services, call, write or email requesting the information and we will pass it along.

  • 20. What are some transgender friendly nightclubs to go to in Nashville?
  • The Vals list all gay/lesbian/bi/trans friendly nightclubs on the Resources web page, http://www.transgender.org/tg/tvals/resource.htm.

  • 21. Is Nashville a safe place to go out dressed?
  • Yes, in general most of the Vals have been all over Nashville, to many different places and have never had a serious problem. The best thing you can ask yourself is "Do reasonable, adults gather here?" If the answer is yes, then the place is probably safe.

  • 22. What about the police?
  • Metro Police have had some training, conducted by the Vals themselves, about transgender issues. If you should encounter the police, don't try to deceive them. Instead, tell them exactly who you are and tell them your transgendered.

  • 23. I'm interesting in dating a transperson. Can you help me?
  • Tennessee Vals is not intended to be a dating service. If you're interested in a relationship with a transgendered person, try the local nightclub scene or the personal ads.

  • 24. I don't live in Nashville. Is there a support group in my area?
  • The Tennessee Vals maintain a list of local support groups in the southeastern United States at http://www.transgender.org/tg/tvals/others.htm. For a listing of support groups nationwide and worldwide, go to the IFGE homepage at http://www.ifge.org

  • 26. Paper or plastic?
  • Definitely plastic.