A space for trans femmes, cross-dressers, queers and allies, Social Butterflies hosts a welcoming monthly meet-up at DTs.
Organiser of Social Butterflies, Francine, shares with us how the group was formed, creating a welcoming space to be you.
Social Butterflies connected on a Discord server in 2020 and met up in person at DTs at the start of 2022.
“Meet-ups like this used to happen there often, so it was the perfect space for us to have catch-ups.”
“It’s accessible and safe.” Francine shared.
“When the world was reopening, I wanted that event back, so I made it happen myself and inadvertently became a community leader.”
That wasn’t something Francine expected to happen.
“I just wanted the event, and no one else was doing it.”
“I’m still going through my gender journey myself, but I know how to make things happen.”
“It was never the plan, I guess it came from caring for the community.”
“I’ve been through the same problems these girls have been through, and I want to not only see them grow but experience the joy that comes with that.”
“It’s a life and experience many thought they never would achieve.
“This event quite literally changed my life.” One of the attendees shared with us.
“I not only met some wonderful people and made new friends but found my true self as well.”
For cross-dressers in and out of the closet
“I left with a feeling of belonging and can’t help thinking it will be significant in my life.” an attendee told us.
“Every single event without fail we get one girl on her very first night out which is very special.” Francine said.
“The group has grown so big we pretty much dominated the bar on our night.”
“Your pride flips when you enter because you go from being scared to not only being welcomed but in the majority.”
“Being in a room with people who’ve experienced a similar thing means you don’t have to explain yourself or how you feel.”
“We’ve all been there, and that’s comforting.”
“It’s also a space for anyone along their gender journey, you don’t have to do it alone.”
“We have a lot of partners and friends that come to our events as well.”
“I talk about girls and femmes a lot, but it’s also a welcoming space for those who are trans-masc.”
“Social Butterflies is still a space for them, even though I may not have the expertise to help them on their journey.”
The biggest social night for the group is in October, with a Halloween spin that takes dressing up to a whole new level.
Want to check out Social Butterflies? Just look for the Blahaj at the bar.
The next Social Butterflies event at DTs is on September 20th.
Follow DTs social media for when the events are happening.
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