Meet the online community giving trans people from all walks of life a supportive, inclusive place to express themselves
(Stock photograph via Pexels)
Transgender Heaven founder Vanessa Law explains how she’s built a community for trans people embarking on the “ultimate journey of self-discovery”.
There is an old saying: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
For many members of the transgender community, their journey begins with an almost overpowering call to express themselves through clothing.
This allure often brings with it feelings of confusion (why am I like this?), shame (what is wrong with me?) and isolation (I must keep this hidden, no-one can know).
It is the most difficult to reach out to another when the need for a friend is greatest.
As the founder of Transgender Heaven, I have been blessed to know many in the transgender community who have set out on the ultimate journey of self-discovery.
Those who have set out to discover and live as their authentic self on a journey every bit as epic as those of Marco Polo or James Cook, one that can only find the fullness in completion together with fellow travellers on the path.
For more than 12 years Transgender Heaven has sought to provide a safe, welcoming and supportive place for everyone in the transgender community.
Transgender Heaven gives you a place to ask questions and a supportive community to explore your identity.
It offers a chatroom, forums, private groups and social network. As your confidence grows you can also share photos, write an article about your first time out and celebrate your experiences together with a community of friends.
I’ve heard from so many who have cultivated the courage to take their first trip outside dressed as their authentic self because of the friends they have made online. And from many more who may never venture outside dressed, but enjoy perfecting their look with their online friends from the privacy of their own home.
For those considering their transition, Transgender Heaven also provides an opportunity to discuss topics such as going full-time, hormone replacement therapy and experiences such as finding a job or coming out to family.
Wherever you are on your path I honour you for having the awareness to listen to the still, small voice inside and the courage to take those first steps of exploration.
If you feel alone today, please know that there are many just waiting for you to reach out, waiting to welcome you into a wider community of friends at Transgender Heaven.
A community that understands your confusion, and heartache, your joy and exhilaration.
Together we can go far.
