C.R.O.S.S. Night OUT!
Christian Mays reflects on how the first session of CROSS. A program for masc and male identifying LGBTQ+ folks to share their experiences and build community.
The first season of CROSS was truly one of the best community groups I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of. To see so many trans and cis men with different life experiences sharing a space and forming a sense of brotherhood was amazing.
From the first CROSS in Jan 2026
CROSS Participants shaing experiences, Feb 2026
CROSS participants sharing space for one another, Feb 2026
CROSS gave a space for trans men at various stages of their transition to feel safe to discuss their experiences with transitioning, dating, platonic relationships, and navigating life. Having cis men in the group made it feel as if barriers were being broken by giving everyone the opportunity to understand perspectives they aren’t used to hearing. A few of the members, including myself, began this season extremely quiet, but after a few sessions, everyone felt comfortable enough to fully be themselves.
CROSS night OUT on Beale, June 2026
Each session had its own designated topic, but it’s almost as if the conversations led themselves. Everyone had so much to share, so there was never a quiet or dull moment. Many members felt the same way as I did and shared that CROSS was also the best male support group that they had ever been to.
Instead of having the last meeting at the OUTMemphis Community Center, we had a guys’ night out where we went to the cigar lounge Havana Mix and walked around on Beale Street. It was the perfect end to the season. By changing up the routine setting, it gave the group a different energy and felt more like a regular group of friends rather than the more structured group we’re used to. We had planned to only be out there for two hours, but two turned into five because no one was ready to leave. Spaces like that are so rare these days, so being able to be a part of creating one where trans and cis men can learn from each other and build connections means everything to me. I’m excited to get the next season started in a few weeks!
This blog post was written by
Christian Mays, he/him
Programs & Engagement Manager
Join Christian and the CROSS crew in September for our second session of 2026!
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