Clinical and Sociological Info

This page contains information about support groups and resources for transgender/cross-dressers, their spouses and families.

The 2000 Census

How Many Identify as Transgender in the U.S.?

U.S. Population in 2000	276,059,000
US Male Population	134,979,000
US Female Population	141,080,000
TOTAL Estimated Number of Transgender Persons in US	13,687,818*

The 2000 Census Breakdown:

Over 13.1 million, out of the 13.68 million transgender are not pursuing a full-time expression of their gender-divergence. A full 8.7 million of these are men, and 4.4 million are women. The numbers could even be higher in that many individuals still remain unidentified or closeted. According to the 2000 census, there are over 400,000 people (male and femlae) who are living full-time as the gender opposite their declared birth gender. This number is by most accountings closer now to 750,000.

The US Population is up over 300 million in 2008. It is reasonable to assume the number of transgender in the U.S. is over 15 million now. This would put Light in the Closet’s potential focus group at 9.5 million males.

*The figure of 13.68 million has been produced by Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and confirmed by various groups including the American Medical Association (AMA). This figure attempts to include all individuals falling under the general category of transgender. An estimated 95% of these are closeted cross-dressers. (see 2000 census) Due to the social, religious and even, at times, medical ignorance concerning gender identity, these estimates are difficult to verify. However, even the most conservative accounting would show gender identity is a concern to a large amount of people in the US. There is a concerted effort being made by various groups to include questions about gender identity in future census polls.

With more information being made available about gender identity issues and cross dressing, there are finally some support systems being formed for families, especially for those who are out of their closets. However, it is still difficult to find good solid support systems for the spouses of those who are still closeted.

TRI ESS*

Support Group for Heterosexual Cross-dressers and Their Partners

The main support group in the United States for heterosexual cross-dressers, their partners, the spouses of married cross-dressers and their families is Tri Ess. There are many chapters nationwide that offer educational and social support. They believe that those with both a strong female and male side are blessed with an additional facet to their personalities. They believe that through acceptance and exploration they can broaden the entire personality, which can be very fulfilling. They dress in emulation, rather than in mockery, of femininity. The Tri-Ess philosophy can be expressed in the acronym FIBER:

F – Full personality expression in both its masculine and its feminine aspects. We do not wish to destroy our masculinity, but to soften its harsher aspects, and be all we can be.

I – Integration of masculinity and femininity to create a happier whole person.

B – Balance between masculinity and femininity.

E – Education of cross-dressers and their families toward self-acceptance; education of society toward accepting cross dressing people.

R – Relationship-building in the context of cross dressing.

To find out more, contact:   http://www.tri-ess.org/whatis.html

Transsexual Spousal Support*

The ministry Light in the Closet is focused mainly on those who are non-op transgender (those who are not pursuing sexual reassignment SRS). The “non-op” group of transgender is by far the largest and the needs of their family members are distinctly different from those who are pursuing SRS and/or a lifestyle that fully reflects the “other” gender. For those who are dealing with this radical life change may we suggest contacting the following group. This group is not distinctly Christian, but the resources appear to be sound.

For information about transsexual people and family issues, contact
  http://tsroadmap.com/family

Advocates for Trans Equality (was National Center for Transgender Equality)

Advancing equality through advocacy, collaboration and empowerment.

NCTE was founded in 2003 by transgender activists who saw the urgent need for a consistent voice in Washington DC for transgender people. Leveraging decades of experience on the frontlines of power, we shift government and society towards a future where we are no less than equal. A4TE was founded in 2024 as the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF), two long-time champions for the trans community, merged together as one organization. A4TE builds on their successes to boldly imagine a world where trans people live our lives joyfully and without barriers. They are a good resource for information and association.

Visit their website at:   www.transequality.org

GLAAD Religion and Values Program*

Changing hearts and minds

As more and more faith traditions take steps to embrace and support LGBT people, GLAAD is working to ensure that mainstream media outlets reflect this progress and show the growing acceptance of LGBT people and issues in many faith communities. The Religion, Faith & Values team works with denominational groups and faith leaders to help elevate their voices in the mainstream media, and works with both mainstream and faith based media outlets to ensure that the stories of inclusive faith leaders and communities appear in the media.

Visit their website at:   www.glaad.org/programs/faith

Human Rights Campaign (HRC)*

HRC Religion and Faith Program

Their mission is to change the conversation about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and faith. Because of the pioneering efforts of brave religious people speaking out for equality, a new movement for change is emerging that embraces a culture of welcome, compassion, and hospitality. These are values at the heart of all our faith traditions.

Visit their website at: https://www.hrc.org/resources/religion-faith

HRC Transgender Program

Transgender people face unique challenges such as widespread discrimination, hate, violence, the complex process of getting appropriate identity documents, finding culturally competent healthcare providers, and family issues. This makes them some of the most vulnerable members of American society. These challenges affect thousands of people and their families, representing all ages, classes and ethnic groups, who together are an integral part of America. Log onto their website to learn more.

Visit their website at: https://www.hrc.org/resources/transgender

Gender Spectrum Education and Training*

Providing education, resources and training to help create a gender sensitive and supportive environment.

Gender Spectrum Education and Training is committed to creating a more supportive world for people of all genders. We do this by increasing awareness and understanding of the normal range of gender variations found in everyone.

Whether you are familiar with gender variance or are just starting to learn about gender identity and expression, Gender Spectrum Education and Training can help you create a more gender sensitive and supportive environment for all people, including gender variant and transgender youth. We will assist you in understanding gender in all its complexities and variations, at any stage of life.

For more information please see:   www.genderspectrum.org/

Transfaith*

Contains a List of Transgender Christian-based Web Sites and Resources.

While the church was looking the other way, gender issues became much more complex. The simple arguments based in Deuteronomy don’t begin to touch the reality of what transgender individuals deal with. Many of the links listed on TransFaith address the real issues of gender identity and offer real solutions.

For more information please see: https://www.transfaith.info

Crossdresser’s Heaven / Christian Crossdresser

There are a lot of sites on the internet that deal with cross dressing. Some of these are rather “out there” and have more to do with the entertainment aspect or fetish behavior. Light in the Closet does not, on this website address this sort of exploration. Most corss-dressers are very much in the closet, but some are “way out” of the closet. For many the act of cross dressing is a neccessary one if only for therapy alone. The exporation of cross dressing can be in a dignified, Christian context. For those who feel this exploration is necessary, there are some groups and resources available to them. Following is a link to a resource website. Crossdresser Heaven/Christian Crossdresser

There are many support groups across the nation. If you would like to locate one near you please email Light in the Closet.