C.A.T.S. is an open support group for all members of the transgendered community in the coastal area of South Carolina.

We do not discriminate based on gender identity, race, religion or sexual preference.

Our basic objectives are:

• To help our brothers and sisters to recognize and derive strength from the common bond that we share as gender gifted people
• To provide social, educational, emotional, and functional support for all members of the transgendered community, including partners, families, and friends.
• To help others understand and express their gender identities, and to advance the rights of transgendered people
• To promote the greater acceptance of members of the gendered community by society as a whole.

WHO WE ARE

We are a nonprofit group open to genetic males and females who identify themselves as crossdressers, transsexuals or transgenderists, whether gay or straight, bisexual or asexual, their spouses, significant others, and friends.

We offer a safe, confidential atmosphere for the transgendered, their loved ones and friends.

We encourage the attendance of professionals in all fields, or any person who may want to learn about the transgendered individual, our community, lifestyle, challenges, and goals.

MEETINGS

Meetings are normally held the second Saturday of each month, at 9:00 PM. The meetings last for about 1 1/2to 2 hours.

We usually meet at a nearby restaurant for supper before the meetings, and afterwards adjourn to a local T-friendly club.

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CONDUCT

Our meetings and activities are open to all who have an concern with gender issues.

We enjoy the support of persons who are crossdressers, transsexuals, spouses, friends, and family members of transgendered people, and people who offer services for transgendered people.

We are proud to be an open group, welcoming all regardless of whether they are MtoF or FtoM; gay, straight, or bi; married or single. Members and attendees are required to always respect the lifestyles and confidentiality of other members.

Members are always encouraged to bring their spouses or significant others to our meetings, as we also offer support to them and appreciate their contributions.

Our meetings are not opportunities for sexist behavior, sexual advances, disorderly conduct, or substance abuse.

DRESS CODE

Members and guests at our meetings may dress in any manner appropriate to either their chosen or their birth gender.

There is never any pressure to dress in any particular way, other than observing appropriate limits of decorum, and you are welcome no matter what mode you adopt.

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SECURITY

The confidentiality and security of our members is guarded and respected at all times.

Mere curiosity seekers are not welcome at our meetings. Guests are treated with the same respect as members. Spouses or significant others of members do not need prior approval to attend.

• Members are strongly encouraged to follow these simple guidelines:
• We always use names associated with our chosen gender.
• We refrain from asking about a person's occupation or work place, unless such information is offered. We do this to minimize the risk of disseminating information that could be damaging if given to the wrong people.
• We do not take photographs of persons unless they have been asked and given their specific assent.
• We do not give out any member's name, address, telephone number or any other contact information without specific and express permission. Any of the officers may act as an intermediary for communications between members when the urgency of the situation merits such action.

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BECOMING A MEMBER

A prospective member or person wishing to attend a meeting will first be interviewed in person or by email or telephone by one of our founders, Teri Foxx.

The purpose of the "interview" is to ensure that the applicant is not merely a curiosity seeker or some one from the media. This is to protect the security of all the members and guests.

Any and all personal information entrusted to the group is held in strictest confidence. Our membership list is PRIVATE and SECURE.

Listing of members' names and/or email addresses in our newsletters or on our websites is strictly optional.

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FEES

C.A.T.S. is a non-profit organization, and members support the group financially by means of their donations. There are no dues or other recurring fees associated with group membership. However, donations of time, energy, skills, and a helping hand will not be refused.

There normally are not any 'meeting fees'. The meetings are open to all members and guests without any charge. Soft drinks are available, with a donation encouraged.

Any other contributions to the 'kitty' to help defray costs of operation, such as the cost of our websites, mailing costs, etc., will be gratefully received.

If a meeting is to include a light supper, advance notice will be given in the e-newsletter and a minimal per person charge may be collected at the door.

CONFIDENCE

Joining our community can be scary, and that's perfectly normal. Many of us have already been through that first crucial step. You have nothing to fear or be ashamed of, and you have everything to gain by joining this group.

We offer a place where you can relax and enjoy the company of friends. And, when life's burdens get too heavy for you to carry by yourself, a place where we can all share each others troubles and triumphs.

Through this group, we can all help each other in our transgendered journey.