Phi Epsilon Mu, Central Florida Chapter of Tri Ess

FAQ Sheet

Q. What is Phi Epsilon Mu?

A. Phi Epsilon Mu is the Central Florida Chapter of Tri Ess, The Society for the Second Self, a national support and social group for heterosexual cross dressers.

Q. What are the meetings like?

A. The group is based in Winter Park/Orlando and meets in Kissimmee near Disney World. This is a location central to most members because it is handy to major transportation routes like the Florida Turnpike, I-4, etc. Meetings are the first Saturday of each month except when the group agrees to change the meeting. There is a private entrance to the meeting place from the parking lot without passing through the lobby for those who are shy. Meetings are from 4:30 PM until about 11:00 PM. Members and guests are expected to dress in tasteful attire and conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Dressing en femme is always optional. Most members arrive dressed, but there are facilities for those who wish to dress at the meeting. There is absolutely no problem for those who wish to arrive dressed. You can usually find parking just outside our meeting area, and while the hotel is often very full of tourists, we have never had any problem. Annual dues are $30 single and $45 a couple. There is a meeting fee of $10 per person. Wives and partners are welcome and are encouraged to attend. There is a charge for wives or partners of only $5.00 per meeting. We regularly have wives and partners in attendance and they go out of their way to make others feel welcome. Since Florida has many seasonal visitors, attendance dips in the summer and increases during winter months. The meeting fee covers the cost of the hotel, soft drinks, snacks, and other items. Each member is asked to bring a side dish (salad, chips and dip, dessert, vegetable, etc.). Each month a volunteer brings the main course. The member bringing the main course is reimbursed for their costs. There is plenty of food for all. Alcohol is not encouraged, and those driving home or going out en femme after the meeting are reminded to limit their intake. We socialize and enjoy each other's company, have a pot-luck dinner, and hold a group meeting where we often discuss various topics. This is often a high point of our evening with much interesting discussion. Afterward, we normally break into two groups with the cross dressers meeting in one room and the wives and partners meeting in another. Support is available during these sessions or privately with more experienced members. Occasionally, we have a speaker (therapist, national gender personality) or vendor (wig, make-up, etc.). And the chapter library is usually available. Some members linger to the end while others leave for local clubs or attractions. We draw members regularly from all over Florida. In fact, members drive in from as far away as the Keys, Palm Beach, Venice, and Jacksonville. Many stay over in area motels and get together for breakfast (some en femme and others en drab) the next morning. Meetings are always tasteful and friendly.

Q. Does the group hold other activities?

A. Yes. On the Friday evening before a meeting, a group of members get together at an area restaurant for dinner. This is a totally public restaurant  where those wishing to mingle with the real world can do so. The gender friendly management welcomes us and we have a great time. Some members use the opportunity for outreach to explain who we are to interested lounge patrons. The group has other events throughout the year including a non-cross dressing meeting with spouses and partners. Many meetings have dressing themes such as red, white and blue colors for July, Christmas colors for December, etc. A monthly newsletter is sent to all members, either by email or snail mail.

Please contact desireehelene1@yahoo.com for more information

Q. You said that you are a group of heterosexual cross dressers. I'm not sure if I'm hetero, homo or bi, TV, TG, TS, CD, etc. Am I welcome?

A. By all means. One of our goals is to help you find yourself. Tri Ess can best serve its membership if it defines itself first. Many wives feel more comfortable coming if they are assured that their spouse is not going to a gay event. Some are offended by this policy but it is a fact that this is a real concern of wives, and our group needs to serve wives of transgendered people as well as the transgendered members. Clearly, as long as everyone who attends our meetings understands that our group is non-sexual and that this is not a place for sexual activity of any type, everyone is welcome.

Q. What about privacy and personal security?

A. We need some minimal information about you to join our group. But this information is held in total privacy. Our mailing list is totally private and is never sold or loaned. Before anyone is told exactly where meetings are held, someone from our group will conduct an interview in person or by phone to be sure that you are truly part of the gender community. This keeps out trouble makers or those who might violate our privacy. After that initial contact, you can use your femme name and femme address in all future correspondence and meetings. Most members have a P.O. Box to receive our newsletter which is sent in a plain envelope each month. Membership in Tri Ess National is also necessary. Believe me, we have all been where you are, and we are all concerned about privacy and security. You will have to agree to protect ours, too.

Q. How do I join?

A. To obtain more information about Phi Epsilon Mu :

Write to us at:

Phi Epsilon Mu

P.O. Box 410712

Melbourne Fl 32941 0712

Or Email us  Outreach@crossdressflorida.com

After an interview you will be given the option of joining the group. If you do, you will be sent a new member introduction package that includes a map of how to find the meetings, etc.

Q. I'm not a Florida resident. Can I visit your chapter meeting when I come to Florida?

A. Yes. Visiting sisters are always welcome. Please call us and introduce yourself for details.

Q. Tell me more.

A. Our group is not a secret society that meets in shame. We avoid an "in your face" situation because Central Florida is conservative, and we recognize that our meeting location is near Disney World, not to mention how sensitive newly emerging sisters are. Going to your first cross dressing meeting is likely to be something you have approached very cautiously. Our meetings are very discreet and painless for new sisters. We avoid any activities that might be misunderstood. We have a lot of fun helping each other and our families to understand and cope.

This is the official FAQ sheet of Phi Epsilon Mu's Outreach Committee and may be freely cross-posted and reproduced.