I’ve decided that the old “Couch Surfing” web page doesn’t really warrant a page of it’s own with the corresponding privelige of being listed in the main navigation, so I’ve removed it and replaced it with this post – but I still believe couch surfing is very relevant to the transgender community.
But what is couch surfing? Well, briefly, it’s a world-wide online/offline community of people prepared to offer a free bed for the night(s) to other members of the couch surfing community.
And here’s how it’s relevant to the transgender community. Once you’re in a position to go out attending trans-related events such as nightclubs, Sparkle, or any other event, this often entails finding accommodation for the night, or several nights if you’re really lucky.
Hotels and even guest houses can be a costly addition to the overall expense. Also, there’s a question mark over whether the hotel or guest house will be as welcoming as you would hope.
So what if there were another option? Enter the couch surfing community. In a nutshell, people join this community at www.couchsurfing.com and join various interest groups. The idea is that people will be happier putting someone up if their interests coincide.
Now I got to thinking this would be a fantastic opportunity for our community to help each other. Start a group (which I have, transgendered) so that we know we’re dealing with others sympathetic to our situations.
I recognise that for some of us, indeed the majority perhaps, it won’t be possible to offer a “couch” but there will be those who can, and it’s my hope that those in the community who are in a position to do so will sign up along with those of us who can’t.
Of course, those that can’t provide a couch will outnumber those that can, and certain hotspots like London, Manchester and Milton Keynes may prove very popular, but hey that’s life!
Now, the couch surfing community are well aware of the possible dangers of sexual harrassment, and therefore there are procedures in place for reporting such offenders, so I suggest anyone thinking of joining recognises that this community will not tolerate such behaviour. Sorry, but it needed to be said.
I think this is a great opportunity for the transgender community to help each other, so get along, sign up and join the transgendered group. See you there.