Aosoc.org support for crossdressers and their families
ALPHA OMEGA SOCIETY
A non-profit support group for heterosexual crossdressers, their spouses and families in northeastern Ohio.
What is a crossdresser?
A crossdresser is a biological male or female who has the yearning to dress and appear as a member of the opposite gender. Most crossdressers are male, though female crossdressers do exist. Many crossdressers are heterosexual and are otherwise normal, productive members of our society. Most crossdressers experience their first urge to wear the clothing of the opposite sex at a very early age. Throughout their lives, crossdressers often go through "purges" where they destroy their feminine (or, in the case of female crossdressers, masculine) attire in the hope that their need to dress will disappear. It does not, however, and the urge soon returns. In a similar vein, male crossdressers often hope that marriage will end their urge. If there are cases were this is true we are unaware of them.
There is no known cure for crossdressing. Along with purges we've seen ebbs and flow in the desire to crossdress reported. The only productive treatment is the development within the crossdresser of a sense of understanding and acceptance of their situation. What each person understands is going to be unique to themselves, and the actions they take based on their understanding and acceptance should be suited to their own circumstances and not governed by someone else's experience or arbitrary rules.
Why do I do this?
Crossdressing is not a mental illness! According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM IV, crossdressing is considered pathological only if associated with 1) Distress, 2) Disability - occupational or otherwise, 3) Dare deviling - high risk behavior leading to physical injury, loss of job, family disruption, imprisonment, etc. While for some, crossdressing is compulsive, for the majority, it is not! Beyond that, unfortunately, there are no clear answers. Various theories have been put forth ranging from social "imprinting" to genetics.
As the world of science advances perhaps, someday, there will be an answer. Today, though, there is none.
Who is the Alpha Omega Society?
Alpha Omega is a support organization for heterosexual crossdressers, their families and friends. We hope we can enable them to feel better about themselves, and the people around them. This is done by giving our members a chance to come together and interact in a secure setting or, if meeting attendance is not possible, by publishing a newsletter which gives the news-of and views-of fellow crossdressers, spouses and other interested persons.
Alpha Omega has around 25 members, of which about 12 regularly attend meetings. Ages range from young to senior citizen. All types of occupations; blue collar, white collar and professional, are represented. The majority of members are married. While Alpha Omega has as yet to take in its first female crossdresser, there are a number of wives/girlfriends of male crossdressers who are members and who regularly attend meeting.
Alpha Omega meets on the second Saturday of each month. The meeting consist of a social period followed by dinner. There is a brief business meeting after dinner, generally followed by a speaker or program whenever possible. A nominal meeting fee (Members $12, or $20 for a couple, non-members $18 for an individual or $30 for a couple) is charged to all who attend to cover the cost of the meeting hall, refreshments, etc. Rooms for changing are available at no additional charge.
The voice of Alpha Omega, "La Femme Silhouette" newsletter, is published on a monthly basis. Copies are sent each month to our members, other crossdressers' groups nationwide and to select professional who deal with our subculture.
What about confidentiality?
No matter how bad we are at keeping other secrets, the fact that we are crossdressers is often kept from even the most intimate of relationships; wives, parents, children, brothers and sisters. We fear the misunderstanding that such a revelation might bring; loss of affection, being labeled as "Gay," loss of employment, being considered mentally ill, etc. The members of Alpha Omega understand the fear you might be feeling because each and every one of us has felt it too.
Because of this, security is paramount at Alpha Omega. Membership information is kept by the Secretary/Treasurer alone and only the Chair of the Board and Director of Membership have additional access. Each of these officers must have been an active member of Alpha Omega for a minimum of one year before they were eligible for office - plenty of time for the rest of the members to assure themselves that the candidates were dedicated to the group and maintaining its security. The only way information on you will be given out to another member is if you give it.
If you have told, or have considered telling, your wife or girlfriend of your crossdressing, know that there are knowledgeable wives and girlfriends of members who are willing to help her come to terms with the situation.
How do I join?
Membership dues are $36 Single and $48 couple (after being held constant for 10 years) If you attend more than six meetings per year it's cheaper to join. The membership dues are less than the old TriEss/AlphaOmega combined dues. In addition to reduced meeting fees members are entitled to to a year's subscription to the newsletter, meeting attendance, committee and voting rights. Hard-copy newsletter only subscriptions are $15/year.
Anyone interested in attending a meeting, be they a prospective member, with/girlfriend or guest of a member must go through an interview conducted by members of the membership committee. The process is relatively painless, but must be done for the security of those who already attend meeting.
Dos and Don'ts
DO expect to find yourself among a group of people who will do everything they can to assist you in feeling better about yourself as a crossdresser
DON'T expect to find a "swingers club" or other sexually oriented group
DO expect to learn how to make yourself more passable as a member of the opposite gender.
DON'T expect to find an organization where alcohol or drug abuse will be tolerated.
DO expect to find a place where, if she is willing, your spouse/significant other can come for support and assistance from other wives/girlfriends.
DO expect to be treated as a lady/gentleman at all times
DON'T consider joining if you cannot be a lady/gentleman at all items
DO expect that, as time passes, you will be asked to make whatever contribution to the group you are capable of, be it a committee membership, writing for the newsletter, serving as an officer of just giving individual attention to another member who is not as comfortable with her situation as you are with yours.
Lastly, DO expect to find that Alpha Omega will help to bring peace of mind to your existence as a crossdresser.
Who do I contact?
When contacting us please be sure to include the following to assist us in getting you the information that you need.
Your femme name. Your approx location - nearest pop. center or region of state. Your marital status and wife's attitude toward crossdressing. Any special needs you would like to see fulfilled.
Contact Information:
Alpha Omega Society
P.O.Box 2053
Sheffield Lake, OH 44054-0053
Copyright 2007 by the Alpha Omega Society
