Group Rules of Trans SHG Linz

Last updated: December 30, 2025

All members are first and foremost responsible for themselves. A self-help group consists of peers and cannot replace a therapist or doctor.

Confidentiality within the group — Everything discussed in the group stays in the group and must be treated confidentially!
Responsibility for yourself — There is usually a brief introduction round at the start of each meeting. Each member takes responsibility for themselves and is mindful to only share as much as they want to. Just wanting to listen is also perfectly fine.
Mutual consideration and respect — We treat every group member with respect and consideration. Racism, misogyny, ableism, homophobia, transphobia, or similar discriminatory views have no place in the group — even when they are not directed at other participants!

Try to keep your contributions and statements about yourself and avoid speaking too much for others — even though that may not always be easy, especially with ADHD. Everyone experiences ADHD differently and not everyone has the same challenges or strengths. Dismissing or belittling others' experiences and struggles is disrespectful and must be avoided.

Disagreements can arise in any group. The sooner they are talked about, the sooner a potential conflict can be resolved.
Transmedicalism not welcome — Transmedicalism, as well as trans people who openly advocate it, are not welcome in our group.¹ If you share these views, you should keep them to yourself or stay away from group meetings altogether.
No official diagnosis necessary — Simply suspecting that you are trans is sufficient reason to attend the group. It is not a prerequisite to have an official diagnosis or to have already seen a psychologist or psychiatrist. For some, exchanging with the group also helps them finally take the step to get an official diagnosis, while others conclude through engagement with peers that they may not be trans after all.

Relatives, friends, and acquaintances of those affected are also welcome at any time — whether as a companion or on their own, to better understand the topic of trans identity.²
Maintain speaking discipline — It is fine and encouraged to supplement what has been said or to offer help and advice. When doing so, only one person speaks at a time. Side conversations or constant interruptions (especially when they don't relate to the current topic) can significantly disrupt the group discussion. Please save such conversations and topics for the break or for after the meeting!

Unless it's an open discussion round, a single contribution should be limited to about 4–5 minutes; otherwise, especially during well-attended meetings, there won't be enough speaking time left for everyone else.
Consideration for other participants — Concentration difficulties or feeling overwhelmed should be brought up in the group as soon as possible. It's perfectly fine to leave the group room at any time to calm down or collect yourself if you feel overwhelmed.
Stay home if you're sick — If you have typical illness symptoms such as aching limbs, severe sore throat, fever, or similar, you must refrain from attending the self-help group! No one wants to get unnecessarily infected at a group meeting only to then miss work or personal commitments. In ambiguous cases, such as a heavy cough or constant sneezing without other symptoms, you are asked to wear an FFP2 mask throughout the group meeting!
Not a place for dating — This group is not here for looking for a relationship or sexual experiences. Any sexual or romantic advances are therefore to be refrained from! This applies to both trans and cis people!
Sobriety — Participation in our meetings is only permitted in a sober state, i.e. not while intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs!³
Clean up dishes — Please never leave dishes just sitting in the group rooms or put them in the sink. After group meetings, all glasses and dishes from the kitchen are to be placed in the dishwasher!
Break — We usually take an approximately 10-minute break after one hour, at around 7:00 PM. This helps to clear your head, let things sink in, and air out the group rooms so the air quality doesn't suffer too much.
Social get-together at the restaurant — After most meetings, we go out to eat and drink together at the Hofkneipe. Our Group Rules also apply during the social get-together at the pub, with the exception of rule 10 and where applicable!
Violations of the Group Rules — In the event of a violation of the rules, a warning will be issued depending on the severity. In case of non-compliance, the group leadership reserves the right to exclude participants from the group — temporarily or permanently.

¹ The term "transmedicalism" refers to reactionary views that claim a person is only truly trans if they pursue gender-affirming measures (hormone therapy, surgeries, etc.).

² Since the available time at meetings is limited, participants who clearly identify as cisgender should let others in the group speak first. The primary purpose of the group is peer-to-peer support and exchange among trans or possibly trans people, not educating cis people.

³ This explicitly does not refer to medically prescribed medications such as Ritalin, Elvanse, Xanax, antidepressants, or similar, even if these can affect attention or the ability to drive.