Couch Surfing
Bit of a strange title for a web page on a site dealing with transgender issues, however, believe it or not it’s very relevant. But what is couchsurfing. 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 if you’re really lucky.
Hotels and even guest houses can be a costly addition to the overall expenses. 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… if only for the avoidance of doubt.
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.