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When our chapter was founded in 1999, we decided that wives and S/O's at Rho Tau have all rights and privileges of membership in the chapter. They must go through the same screening process as their cross-dressing spouse, and they also must be a member of Rho Tau.

Rho Tau wives and S/O's have a voice in chapter business, as well as helping to shape the programs. One wife is a member of the Executive Board and another is Assistant Secretary. When the question came up concerning how to handle support for wives and S/O's, our wives and S/Os decided they did not want or need a separate formal support group. Because too often such groups develop into gripe sessions and end up driving away more wives and S/O's than are helped. In some chapters, the wives support group has actually developed into a separate chapter-like group, with the original chapter losing the support of the wives and S/O's. For these reasons, we decided that it would be better for us to be available for each other, either in person, by telephone or by email.

Over subsequent months, we have found that we have much more than a wives support group. We have person to person support where wives/SOs not only interact with wives/SOs, but wives/SOs help CDs, especially those with non-supportive wives. And CDs are able to help wives by providing insights into the problems with which they have dealt.

At every meeting, we have time to visit both before and after meetings. Anyone may request a personal chat with another member. This chat can be at the regular meeting or a date and time are set to get together later, perhaps at coffee or lunch. We have two contact persons, a wife and a CD who maintain a list of chapter wives, S/Os and CDs who are willing to talk over problems or concerns with other members on a one to one basis. This help is available for both for the wives of cross-dressers and the cross dressers. In other words, we are there to support each other.

When someone has a problem or concern, they can talk with either contact person, who will listen to her/his problem, offer advice and/or refer her/him to another chapter member who has either had a similar problem or is more their contemporary. As part of the process, we always encourage every one who asks for help to also discuss their problems and concerns with their marital partner.

No one is ever truly alone unless they choose to be. We have a very caring and loving chapter, and for the most part we enjoy each other's company. Our concern and care for each other is truly wonderful. Wives/SOs not only support each other, but we also provide support for CDs. Similarly, CDs provide support for each other and for wives/SOs. Any chapter member may ask for advice or help from any other member, and to the best of each individual's ability, it is given.