MORF was started in 2005 by a small group of trans guys who wanted to organise a space to meet and talk about the issues that were important to them. Today it has grown into a successful peer support group and continues to help trans guys in the North West.

The group is run by a committee of volunteers and most of them have started out as members. Below are quotes from some of the committee about how they got involved.

“I started coming to MORF in 2008 after moving back home from University. It took me ages to pluck up the courage to go, but I really wanted to find other guys who were like me who I could talk to and make friends with. I started volunteering on the committee in 2009 and so far I have been the secretary, communications officer, vice chair and now chair person and I have also taken on the responsibility of the binder scheme. I have helped to organise and run events such as the annual residential and Lights Camera (Trans) Action! and even though it’s a lot of hard work I really enjoy it and have learnt loads of new skills through being involved.” 

“When I first came to MORF in 2009 I was really nervous and wasn’t sure what to expect. I didn’t really speak to anyone because I was so shy. After I went to my first meeting I didn’t return for a year due to being so nervous. I’m really glad I made myself go back because I’ve made lots of new friends and it feels good to be in a space where I can be myself and not be judged. When I heard that MORF were looking for new committee members, I thought ‘Why not?’ so in 2010 I became a committee member. I’ve learnt lots of new skills such how to put together a workshop, how to run events such as the film night and one of the biggest achievements for me is speaking in front of a large group of people. I hope other FtM and genderqueer guys get as much out of MORF as I have.” 

“I started coming to MORF in 2008, before I came out as trans to my family and friends. Being older than most other guys in the group, and very late to beginning to transition, I was worried that I wouldn’t fit in, but everyone was so friendly, it didn’t take long for me to settle in and I have made some good friends in the group. I finally started the process of transition in 2010 (at the ripe old age of 43), and I really don’t think I could have done that without the help, advice and support I’ve gained from coming to meetings and getting to know other transguys. Last year I was persuaded to become a committee member, which I did because I feel like I’ve gained so much from the group, now I want to put something back into it to repay what I’ve gained. Because of my professional experience in accountancy I’ve taken on the role of club treasurer, but being a committee member isn’t just about one role, we all get to try our hand at all sorts of things.” 

“I first attended MORF in June 2010. It had taken a while to pluck up the courage to take that first step. At 28 and only just embarking on my transition, I was worried that I’d be the only one there who was “early” in transition. I was low in confidence and avoided social situations, especially ones which were unfamiliar. 
The guys at MORF were great and despite my anxieties, I realised I wasn’t so different to the guys there! It was somewhere I felt “normal” and the only place that I was accepted without having to explain who I was. I really can’t express how important that was for me. 
I’m so much more confident now. Some of that is down to being around the guys at MORF, from their support and friendship and seeing them succeed in their own endeavours. I became a committee member in 2011 as I wanted to help out. I feel really lucky to have such an amazing community and I want it to continue!”

Committee Responsibilities

 

Pre Meeting

  • Agenda items sent to secretary via email or facebook group etc..
  • Everyone add items to the list including jobs done/to be done.
  • Print of completed agenda and bring to the meeting.
  • Decide who is chairing the meeting and taking minutes.

 

Meeting

  • Existing jobs- how is everyone doing?
  • Everyone goes through points of agenda.
  • Chair facilitates and time keeps etc..
  • Secretary takes minutes during.
  • Decision on whoever is going to do the announcements at next months meeting.

 

Post Meeting

  • Secretary minutes typed up within a week then put on the facebook group/sent via email.
  • Committee to be take responsibility for their own jobs and to make sure they are done.
  • On completion to inform the group that they are finished.
  • If a committee member feels for whatever reason they are unable to complete tasks then they must let the rest of the group know as soon as possible.”