The idea for Trans Lakes was first conceived in 2006, but we founded in 2009. Initially, a resource centre offered us the use of their venue one night a month for transgender gatherings. We have social and support nights in Barrow and Ulverston. For some trans females, preferences such as make up and clothing are often hidden from their partners, for fear of ridicule or rejection, and sometimes just plain indifference. In other cases, partners may feel fine about their partner's feminine attire at home, but not in public. Trans Lakes however welcomes the partners of trans people to our events, so that partners can themselves take that step into understanding the trans world in a real world setting. Trans males are underrepresented in our community, and the numbers of trans males using our service remains small. Please note that we accept all trans* identities here at Trans Lakes - male, female, non-binary/genderqueer, agender, transvestite and questioning. And whilst we are primarily aimed at trans people themselves, friends, family and trans allies are all warmly welcome at our events also.