Setting boundaries on your behaviors

During the transition process, you will probably experience new kinds of relationships with deeper honesty and greater intimacy. You will also be facing pain from the past and present. These can make you extremely vulnerable to dangerous behaviors. Because the sexualized emotional longings are so intense, or because a behavioral pattern of sexual abuse has become deeply entrenched, very powerful sexual addictions can overpower you. Furthermore, your life can be endangered by escape addictions, depression, or suicidal thoughts.

It is essential that you set definite boundaries for yourself and others as you participate in conferences, firesides, and group meetings. The following are policies for all Evergreen-sponsored events.

• No sexual relations with other participants. Absolutely none. Sexual activity among group participants destroys the effectiveness of the group and jeopardizes the progress of the participants.
• Maintain the confidentiality of fellow participants. Click here for more information on confidentiality. Be a support to other participants. Do not be judgmental or critical of others' situations. Remember that they, like you, are struggling through difficult circumstances.
• Share your feelings and experiences with participants but avoid sharing graphic details about sexual activities. Also avoid disclosing locations where sex, pornography, or "cruising" are available.
• Be wise in your activities with other participants outside of group meetings. Don't plan or take part in activities with other participants that cause you to be sexually vulnerable or arouse homosexual feelings. Behave at all times with other participants as if they were heterosexual friends. Don't spend excessive time with other participants, and work to develop relationships with others of your own gender who are heterosexual.

Read more about setting boundaries on your behaviors.