Ingersoll Gender Center — Counselor in Seattle, WA

Back in the late 90s and mid-2000s, Ingersoll was largely run by Dr. Anne Lawrence, who was the rare transwoman who insists that being trans is just the pursuit of a sexual fetish. She would host weekly sessions where she would lecture those who attended about this belief. It was still the only place in town you could get some resources, and we kept going, even when other attendees followed us home. More and more people objected to her nonsense, and eventually the Center moved and distanced itself from Lawrence due to the poor optics. But its operations didn't actually change. It remains a place that promotes trans fetishism. If you're a happy little chaser looking for a trans object to take advantage of, this is the place for you. If anybody complains about you, the Center will tell them it's their own fault somehow.

I decided to give a 3-star review because I have no idea - I've never had any contact with Ingersoll. I understand they had a pretty significant shakeup during the pandemic and lost a lot of services. I started trying to get a hold of them 2 years ago to speak to someone about making a pretty significant (at least by my standards) donation. Granted, I'm not consistent but I keep trying about once every 3-4 months. The message machine is always full and emails aren't responded to. It's a shame. The community might be willing to put it back on its feet but we can't if there's no way to contact them.

My therapist and I have emailed and called for a few months to get connected to the community, but they haven’t answered a call and the voicemail is full. Yet they have sent me two emails asking for donations. Not sure if a scam?

I was bullied for my gender expression and ethnic background by people who worked here. They have since been fired but it was after years of them treating people like this, and even though some of those people are gone, the problems still remain. This place used to be amazing, and THE place to go. I’ve wasted a lot of my time trying to contact them for help when I’ve desperately needed it. They say they offer certain services, but when I’ve inquired they’ve never responded. I’ve heard from a lot of people that they haven’t heard back either. I’m sick of feeling like I don’t deserve help or support anywhere from anyone, not even my own community. I wouldn’t recommend this place to an enemy.

Very welcoming and accepting community, especially back when I was still deep in panic and questioning my identity. I've since then sorted things out, and I appreciate how much having this space to talk about and listen to people's experiences helped.

I had a really good experience accessing Ingersoll’s programs/services. I recently moved to the Seattle area and discovered Ingersoll through a friend that lives in the area. Their trans support group was very helpful and helped provide community. It is a supportive space. Their other services are also very helpful. They have a job board as well. Their services are virtual because of the pandemic. I really recommend them if you want support.

The weekly group feels like an abusive relationship.

Ingersoll has been a life, mind and spirit saver for me. I have been gone 6 1/2 years but I'm back and looking forward to attending meetings again! Thanks, Ingersoll!!!! Update: I went to a meeting again and discovered a new format to the meetings depending on the week of the month. I seems interesting so I will have to see how it works and report back.