March 22nd - 26th, 2023

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2023 Workshops & Seminars - TransMasculine

A Body-Affirming Approach to Health & Happiness: Putting the Fun Back in Fritos

3:30 PM on Fri, Mar 24 in Penn Harris B

Tracy
Hess
(Biography)

The $73 Billion Diet Industry and the $808 Billion Health Care Industry would lead you to believe that the most successful pathway to health and happiness is through weight loss. But what if that hasn’t worked for you? And what about the damage dieting causes? Even when prescribed by a physician, dieting has serious physical and emotional side effects like weight cycling, preoccupation with food and body, disordered eating behaviors, decreased self-esteem, and depression. As a former chronic dieter, Health Coach and Intuitive Eating Counselor, Tracy Hess, helps her clients break free of diets and achieve greater physical, mental, and emotional health AND experience more pleasure in their relationship with food by embracing a non-restrictive Intuitive Eating approach. Learn how to drop the guilt and judgment of diets and enjoy eating again, all while achieving your health and wellness goals in this liberating seminar.

Interest Tags: Aging, Family/Friends, Gender Affirming, Military/Veterans, Non-Binary, Professional Education, Spouses/Signification Others, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Wellness, Youth

A Journey of Authenticity: A Transman Reflects on 38 Years

2:00 PM on Sat, Mar 25 in Harrisburger A

Mr. Martin
Russo
(Biography)

This workshop deals with my experiences as a transman from the beginning of my journey in 1985 up to the present day. From the beginning with trying to understand my gender dysphoria before there was even a name for it, trying to seek out help and services where there was literally nothing available, and the factors involved in trying to make a momentous life altering decision when I had no one to talk to about it. I will explain the process of trying to talk to friends and family members about who I was and who I wanted to be when there was only derogatory language assigned to the process of being "transsexual". I share in detail my journey through the decades of employment challenges, social and physical changes, emotional relationships and finally arriving at a state of nirvana where there is self-acceptance, self-love and most of all - authenticity. I use my life experiences and the unique skill set that I have to educate people about the transgender experience. I provide instruction to local school boards in the Northeastern Pennsylvania area on how best to integrate transgender students into public school classrooms and curricula.

Interest Tags: Experience Sharing/Discussion, Gender Affirming, Image & Presentation, Non-Binary, Professional Education, Surgery, TransMasculine

AFAB - Top Surgery Show and Tell Pool Party

3:30 PM on Fri, Mar 24 in Metropolitan A

Mr. Mason
Luke
(Biography)

Tesla
Taliaferro
(Biography)

Friday 3:30 pm Workshop Slot, modified start time 4 pm. Join Tesla and Mason at the Hilton Pool for an informal discussion and show and tell on Top Surgery. We will share our experiences, scars, and stories with you about the process, recovery, and post-op care. Post Op folks who wish to share their experiences with the group are encouraged to show up in swim attire as well. Everyone is welcome to swim with us even if you don't wish to share.

Anti-Trans Legislation – What Is It Really All About and How Do We Combat It?

2:00 PM on Fri, Mar 24 in Penn Harris A

Mx. Corinne
Goodwin
(Biography)

Over the past several years hundreds of bills have been introduced in state, county, and local legislatures that are specifically targeting transgender individuals with discriminatory actions that threatened the ability of gender-expansive people to thrive. In this workshop you will get the deeper story of why a small group of legislators and political operatives are pushing these bills. We will then dive into a discussion regarding tactics that have been successfully used to combat these bills and how you can get involved.

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Gender Affirming, Legal, Non-Binary, Safety, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Workplace, Youth

Ask a Spouse/SO

2:00 PM on Sat, Mar 25 in Metropolitan B

Mrs. Karen
Lehman
(Biography)

Ms. Susan
Bienvenu
(Biography)

Ms. Kate.
Weber
(Biography)

Mrs. Peg
Fram
(Biography)

This panel of spouses/significant others (SO's) provides an opportunity for transgender individuals to ask questions regarding relationships, feelings, and emotions. The panel can also act as a sounding board for conversations that a transgender person may want to have with their spouse/significant other. The SO's on this panel have asked their transgender spouses to not be in the room to provide an open and honest forum. This workshop may be able to offer perspective and insight on how your journey affects the ones you love.

Below the Belt: How to Plan for Surgery

9:00 AM on Sat, Mar 25 in Metropolitan A

Mr. Cris
Avery
(Biography)

This will be a workshop discussing different genital surgery options available. How to make the best decision for YOUR body and needs. Partners welcome only if with significant other.

Interest Tags: Experience Sharing/Discussion, Gender Affirming, Image & Presentation, Professional Education, Surgery, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Wellness

Below the Belt: Lower Surgery Real Talk

9:00 AM on Fri, Mar 24 in Penn Harris B

Mr. Cris
Avery
(Biography)

This will be a discussion of people who have started or completed genital surgeries and their experiences. Participants who feel comfortable will share their bodies live and some will send me respectful slides in advance for me to share on screen. This presentation is for AFAB Men, trans men and Trans masculine individuals who have had or want to learn more about lower surgeries or share their experience.

Beyond a Deepening Voice, a Discussion of Transmasculine Transition Needs

10:30 AM on Fri, Mar 24 in Penn Harris B
*This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Credit

Rebecca
Cox-Davenport
(Biography)

The transition of transmasculine people means many physical and emotional changes ahead as they start hormone therapy. The purpose of this presentation is to cover the physical transition that comes with hormone therapy like when to expect a deepening voice and facial hair growth, but more importantly, this presentation will review the other topics that impact a person transitioning on the masculine spectrum. Topics like navigating sex drive, sexual health and HIV prevention, health maintenance including cancer screening and cardiac health, and other topics such as hair loss will be explored.

Interest Tags: TransMasculine

Beyond the Binary, Presenting Surgical Options in Chest Surgery

10:30 AM on Sat, Mar 25 in Penn Harris A

Dr. Alexander
Facque
(Biography)

A wide array of options exist for individuals desiring chest surgery and many can be performed in a way that doesn’t involve complete tissue removal. There are options that range in the amount of tissue that can be removed, or left behind, and in what configuration or shape the chest has once the procedure is completed. Furthermore, the presence or absence of a nipple areolar complex can often be added to these procedures. All these options have the benefit of helping people receive access to individualized care but can be confusing and make it challenging to understand what options exist. This presentation will serve to help explain the surgical techniques that are available for chest surgery beyond those that are intended to completely remove all chest tissue and what the expected outcomes, and pros and cons that come with these procedures are.

Interest Tags: TransMasculine

Brows and Brow Sculpting

3:30 PM on Fri, Mar 24 in Lochiel

Selena
Rios
(Biography)

Learn how to draw on a new brow with Selena. learn to draw, sculpt and create the brow that fits your face.

Interest Tags: Aging, Family/Friends, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Youth

Celebrating Trans Joy!

10:30 AM on Thu, Mar 23 in Penn Harris B

Mx. Corinne
Goodwin
(Biography)

Trans joy is about claiming one’s identity and celebrating it - and that is one of the best things about attending a conference like Keystone. When we are in and surrounded by Community it is easy to feel joyful. But what about when we leave? This interactive workshop will explore the concept of "Trans Joy" including how we can celebrate our transness 365 days a year, what that means for ourselves/others and how it can impact our community's future. Come, celebrate, and share your stories!

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Experience Sharing/Discussion, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, Relationships, Socializing, Spouses/Signification Others, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Wellness, Youth

Consent, Boundaries, and Gender Dysphoria

2:00 PM on Thu, Mar 23 in Lochiel
*This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Credit

Stephanie
Davis
(Biography)

One in two transgender individuals are sexually abused or assaulted at some point in their lives. Some reports estimate that transgender survivors may experience rates of sexual assault up to 66 percent (U.S. Justice Dept). The transgender community could benefit as much as, if not more than, any people group from comprehensive sexual assault/domestic violence education. The problem is that these programs are not widely known and that most are not trans-inclusive. As a Prevention & Outreach Advocate myself, working in a dual SA/DV services agency in York, PA, I can attest to the ways in which popular curricula have adapted to be gender-inclusive in terms of what configuration partnerships take on (same-sex and heterosexual partnerships are often found in each set of scenarios/case-studies). As a transgender woman though, I can also attest to the ways that trans identities and trans problems are erased from these same curricula. Unfortunately, this contributes to a societal unspoken rule on trans silence: find yourself in the language and cultural norms of cissexism or don't participate at all.

Gender dysphoria, while not a universal trans experience, is an overwhelmingly common one. This workshop asks, "How do we teach consent differently if we take into account the unique sexualities of transgender people (BDSM, for example, is more common in our community than among the general public) and the bodily experience of gender dysphoria. We will learn the FRIES (Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic, Specific) and Safe, Sane, and Consensual models and explore how to apply, adapt, or change these to better serve our transgender siblings' specific needs.

Boundaries and consent are intrinsically tied. We learn what a boundary is and ways in which people set them, self-care for when a (non-sexual) boundary gets crossed, and common obstacles to setting boundaries (fear of abandonment, shame, embarrassment, etc.). Partners will be encouraged to support their partners learning to set boundaries. Conversation starters such as, "What does it look like when you get dysphoric" will go a long way toward understanding this change in the body, mind, and spirit as a kind of boundary. This is critically important if the dysphoria sufferer is unable to speak, due to disability, a physical impediment such as a gag, or a psychological dissociation/flashback.

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Experience Sharing/Discussion, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, Professional Education, Relationships, Spouses/Signification Others, TransFeminine, TransMasculine

Diet Despair – The Uplifting Support Group for Anyone Struggling with Weight & Body Dissatisfaction

10:30 AM on Sat, Mar 25 in Lochiel

Tracy
Hess
(Biography)

Come prepared for a wave of compassion, love and support with this opportunity to share and learn real information about your health including effective tools to rediscover the joy of eating and a happier and healthier approach to loving your body. If you are worried about gaining weight from hormones, the stress of surgery and trauma of lifestyle change with transition, this is the group discussion for you led by former chronic dieter and Intuitive Eating Counselor Tracy Hess.

Drumming Circle - Unlock Inner Peace and Spark Personal Joy Through Sound & Play

2:00 PM on Fri, Mar 24 in William Penn

Sarah Paz
Hyde
(Biography)

Ready to find your inner voice and move to the beat of your own drum? Join handpan musician and the founder of Super Bloom Women’s Handpan Retreat for an interactive and immersive drum circle, play lab, laughter (yoga) and more. Sarah believes that there are musical (creative) seeds in all of us. In cultivating curiosity and imagination these seeds grow, and eventually thrive, if we let them bloom in abundance. This directly ripples into other facets of life. In this Play Lab Workshop, we will explore new beginnings through sound exploration, with the handpan as our guide. The process of discovery doesn’t have to end just because we "become adults"! Channel your inner self, unlock the key to your next personal evolution and share a memorable experience you won’t discover at any other conference. This is an event like no other and you may be surprised the joy that fills your heart and the peace that radiates through your body. No instrumental or musical experience necessary – all are welcome. Recommended to bring water and if you prefer, dress comfortably as you will have an option to sit in a chair or on the floor while holding the instruments.

Interest Tags: Aging, Experience Sharing/Discussion, Family/Friends, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, Relationships, Safety, Socializing, Spirituality/Religion, Spouses/Signification Others, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Voice, Wellness, Youth

Effectively Navigating Neurodiversity and Disability with Queer clients. A Guide for Helping Professionals

10:30 AM on Fri, Mar 24 in Harrisburger A
*This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Credit

Mary
Braasch
(Biography)

Carmen
McKinney
(Biography)

Recent studies have found that up to 70% of Autistic individuals identify as LGBTQ, or “non-heterosexual”. People who do not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth are also 3 to 6 times more likely to identify as Autistic or neurodivergent (2021, pridecentervt.org) With the new statistics that are coming out surrounding queerness and neurodivergence, professionals working with the LGBTQ community are very likely to encounter individuals with needs that the provider may not be familiar with. This workshop will not only touch on awareness, but also acceptance of LGBTQ neurodivergent people and people with disabilities. We will discuss concepts of able-bodied privilege, and ways that helping professionals can improve their practice to better support neurodivergent clients.

Interest Tags: Non-Binary, Professional Education, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Wellness

Exploring Voice Masculinization

10:30 AM on Sat, Mar 25 in Metropolitan A
*This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Credit

Mr. Arin
Ayala
(Biography)

Dylan
Tobias
(Biography)

This workshop is geared toward transgender and/or non-binary individuals who are interested in exploring voice masculinization. This session will discuss the distinct components of the voice, the effects of adjusting those components, and how we can adapt each one to create new sounds and achieve your ideal, authentic voice. Breath support, pitch, intonation, resonance, and articulation will be addressed. If time permits, participants may have an opportunity to experiment with their own voices through guided tasks. Workshop will be led by voice-specialized, transgender speech-language pathologist, Arin Ayala, and his graduate extern, Dylan Tobias.

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, TransMasculine, Voice

Finding Your Voice As a Transgender Writer

3:30 PM on Thu, Mar 23 in Harrisburger A

Stephanie
Moga
(Biography)

Increasingly, transgender viewpoints, and transgender ideology, have been drowned out in the cacophony of hateful rhetoric that comes at us on a daily basis. The transgender community must raise its voice against these existential threats: every voice matters, and every ally matters. Your unique viewpoint is important to share. As an experienced professional writer, I want to share the tips, tricks, and insights I have gained over the last two years and discuss:

Why you should be writing - Why is it important to talk about our lives in our voice
Finding your voice - Writing and editing as skills
What Sells? - What are readers looking for? What grabs them?
Where is your market - resources - who wants to hear from the transgender?

I write enthusiastic, positive messages about transgender lives and the community. I believe that I can inspire others to take the pen and show how our lives are both unique and very ordinary. And in doing so, we can increase acceptance across all of society.

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Experience Sharing/Discussion, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, Professional Education, TransFeminine, TransMasculine

From Consideration to Recovery – How to Plan Ahead for the Practical Aspects of Gender Confirming Surgeries

2:00 PM on Thu, Mar 23 in Bridgeport

Ms. Maggie
New
(Biography)

Dr. Judith
Samkoff
(Biography)

Ms. Stacie
New
(Biography)

Dozens of questions arise when planning any Gender Confirming Surgery. Many aspects are very personal, but there are common pragmatic considerations. What questions should I ask my doctor? What support will I need during recovery? For how long? Often you have no one with experience to guide you on the practical aspects of surgery. Google, YouTube, and your surgeon are all helpful resources, but none are very organized or give a comprehensive roadmap on what to expect and how to prepare yourself. Our workshop will look at preparing a step-by-step ‘Cope-Ahead Plan’ to ease the process and ensure your success. From questions to ask the surgeon to shopping lists for recovery, we will try to nail down everything you need to know and expect.

Interest Tags: Experience Sharing/Discussion, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, Spouses/Signification Others, Surgery, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, Wellness

Gender Affirming Care for Youth

3:30 PM on Sat, Mar 25 in United States
*This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Credit

Amy
Keisling
(Biography)

Ms. Amy
Harlacher
(Biography)

With the deluge of conflicting and confusing information available, it's hard for families of trans and gender-diverse youth to know where to turn. This workshop is designed to give families an overview of what gender affirming care looks like, how to access care, and how to best support youth and young adults in being their happiest and healthiest selves.

Interest Tags: Family/Friends, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, Professional Education, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Youth

GNC (Afab/Amab) Erasure within Medical/HIV Research

9:00 AM on Fri, Mar 24 in Penn Harris A
*This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Credit

Mx. Trinitee
Wilson
(Biography)

AJ
Scruggs
(Biography)

When dissecting the current data as it relates HIV/AIDS acquisition and care for T/GNC persons it can be found that there has been an increase in HIV Transmission amongst Trans-Masculine folks over the last few years. Our presentation will be directed towards breaking down current data and the need for better data collection processes for the Trans community holistically. Trans Non-binary and Gender Non-Conforming folx are oftentimes completely erased from the data and research or grouped into other identities based on their "assigned sex at birth." Medical and HIV specific data is often broken down within the binary. With the recent addition of more trans-inclusive data, we have been able to identify additional priority populations that are at risk.

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color

Hair Today, Hair Tomorrow

9:00 AM on Thu, Mar 23 in Penn Harris B

Ms. Shauna
Daube
(Biography)

Offering knowledge on the nature of hair and hair loss. Helping others understand the wide variety of techniques, products and services available. Whether you are interested in working with the hair you have, keeping your own hair and adding to it, using your own hair as a base for more voluminous hair or completely covering your hair to have a whole new look. Teaching that hair issues occur with every type of person no matter how they arrived to life. And that almost any look can be achieved with proper products and techniques.

Hairway to Heaven

10:30 AM on Sat, Mar 25 in Leland

Bryanna
Forsythe
(Biography)

Lindsay
Ensor
(Biography)

Join us for an in-depth workshop about wigs and hair extensions, and gain knowledge about proper application, care, and styling techniques so you can feel like the best version of yourself.

#proudally #saferspace #hairhasnogender

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Family/Friends, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Wellness, Youth

Hello World! Taking Those First Steps Out and Maximizing Your Experience at Keystone

10:00 AM on Wed, Mar 22 in Harrisburger

Ms. Coleen
O'Donnell
(Biography)

Ms. Jenny
Jensen
(Biography)

Ms. Sharon
Rose
(Biography)

Are you ready to take your first trip to a salon, shopping and dining out as your authentic self? Members of the Vanity Club, the Debutante Team and the Helping Hand Program will share their trade secrets to feeling comfortable and confident when heading out into the world as your authentic self. These volunteers will also be your guides for all your afternoon activities as you venture out to shop, dine and have your nails done at the salon!

Interest Tags: Experience Sharing/Discussion, Non-Binary, Safety, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color

Immersive Sound Meditation with the Handpan

3:30 PM on Thu, Mar 23 in William Penn

Sarah Paz
Hyde
(Biography)

Transition occurs on many levels and we are all collectively transitioning now from winter into spring, from the chaos of the outside world into inner peace. Join us for a break from the hustle and bustle of the conference with this relaxing immersive sound meditation which will be infused by the melodic, shamanic qualities of the handpan and frame drum. Interwoven with vocalizations, and an assortment of instruments inspired by the natural world – the 4 elements of Air, Wind, Water & Fire – we will oscillate between the stillness of silence and movement of sound to more deeply integrate elemental balance within. Please arrive comfortably. There will be chairs available for a seated experience, and floor space for a more restful position laying down. Please bring a yoga mat, pillows or bolsters if you wish, and consider bringing water or tea for grounding afterward.

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Aging, Experience Sharing/Discussion, Family/Friends, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, Professional Education, Relationships, Socializing, Spirituality/Religion, Spouses/Signification Others, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Voice, Wellness, Workplace, Youth

It's NOT Not Natural – The Biology of Sex and Gender

2:00 PM on Fri, Mar 24 in Leland
*This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Credit

Dr. Brenda
Vulpes
(Biography)

The title makes reference to the frequent assertion that being transgender is not natural. Statements such as, “it goes against the laws of nature”, reflect a lack of understanding of sexual expression in the natural world. This raises the question, what do sex and gender really mean from a scientific perspective? This workshop will explore how the sexes differ, how they are similar, and how sexual expression and gender identity are more naturally viewed as a broad range of forms and behaviors. We will examine mechanisms of sex determination and development, including the roles of chromosomes, genes, hormones, and the environment. The extreme diversity of sexual expression in nature provides the basis for understanding, just what is natural?

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, Professional Education, TransFeminine, TransMasculine

Legally Changing Your Name in Pennsylvania

10:30 AM on Sat, Mar 25 in Governor

Mx. Corinne
Goodwin
(Biography)

Completing a legal name change can feel intimidating. It can also be expensive! The good news is that it doesn’t have to be either of those things. Eastern PA Trans Equity Project has helped hundreds of Pennsylvania residents complete their legal name change and we want to help you too! Join us as we demystify the legal name change process and provide the guidance you need to complete your legal name change without having to incur the expense of an attorney.

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Legal, Non-Binary, Safety, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Wellness, Workplace, Youth

Manifesting Body Euphoria through Movement

10:30 AM on Sat, Mar 25 in Bridgeport

Mx. Jules
Grace
(Biography)

Jules X. Grace is a trans non-binary, gender expansive dancer with over ten years of experience in solo and partner dance styles. Through these ten years, dance and movement practices have been some of the main portals to gender euphoria for them. As they learned how to free their body from expected movement types and roles, they found that this same movement gave them new ideas about freeing themselves from oppressive expectations and roles of sexuality and gender. This workshop will be an exploration in solo and partner movement with dance stylings from ecstatic dance, fusion dance, vogue, contemporary and contact improv. We will dive into practicing movement solo and in partnerships as both a lead and a follow. Come along on a journey of music and movement as you are invited to find your own portals to gender euphoria. Comfortable clothing is suggested but not required.

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Aging, Experience Sharing/Discussion, Family/Friends, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, Socializing, Spirituality/Religion, Spouses/Signification Others, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Wellness, Youth

Masculine-Gender Affirmation Surgical Procedures

2:00 PM on Sat, Mar 25 in Penn Harris B
*This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Credit

Dr. Sven
Gunther
(Biography)

This is an overview of masculinizing surgical procedures. This lecture also focuses on the how to prepare for consultations, questions you should ask, how to prepare for surgery, healing from surgery and beyond. After this lecture, you will better understand the process of surgery and what to expect.

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, Surgery, TransMasculine

Packing, Peeing and Prosthetics for Trans-Masculine Folks (age 18+ only)

3:30 PM on Sat, Mar 25 in Metropolitan A

Mr. Mason
Luke
(Biography)

Have you ever bought something in helps that it would relieve dysphoria? Many folks do, but unfortunately many times the items aren't what we expected, or they don't work as advertised. Why throw away good money with bad products? As a product tester and reviewer, Mason has tried hundreds of products including binders, packers, prosthetics, and other adult items. He will speak about many of the products currently on the market. You will leave with an understanding of all the variables to picking an item that's right for you! He will also bring sample items that you can optionally touch and compare for a more hands on experience.

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, TransMasculine, Wellness

Personal Safety and Defense En Femme

9:00 AM on Sat, Mar 25 in Leland

Miss Michelle
Blond
(Biography)

Avoid becoming a victim of violent crime and live your life in peace. Much needed information will be shared on best practices and most effective tools for personal defense, threat identification and avoidance, legalities of self-defense, the various mindsets surrounding violent crime, use of force and probable outcomes and how to engage with Law Enforcement Officers. You will leave this class feeling better prepared to identify, counteract, and avoid dangerous situations and understand how to protect yourself within the bounds of the law.

Interest Tags: Military/Veterans, Non-Binary, Safety, Socializing, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Workplace, Youth

Preventing HIV: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

9:00 AM on Fri, Mar 24 in Governor
*This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Credit

Dr. Scott
McCracken
(Biography)

Natalie
Crouse
(Biography)

HIV has disproportionately affected LGBTQ+ populations since it's discovery nearly 50 years ago. Though many suffered greatly from HIV, and the disease AIDS, the treatment of HIV has dramatically evolved since then, thanks in large part to LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Learning objectives:

-describe methods of HIV transmissionz
-discuss goals of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
-discuss appropriate antiretroviral therapies (medications) for PrEP
-summarize services offered and referral process for the Caring Together Program and HIV Care

Interest Tags: TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Youth

Primer on Name Change: Planning for the Current Legal Process in Your State

2:00 PM on Fri, Mar 24 in United States

Ms. Lauren
Stein
(Biography)

This seminar will introduce the general legal requirements for the formal name change process in your state. It will review the petition requirements, what additional steps may be required, whether advertising is required or avoidable, and what to expect at the hearing. Lastly, it will discuss what you need to do to update your legal documents to your new name including social security, passports, and driver’s licenses.

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Legal, Non-Binary, Safety, TransFeminine, TransMasculine

Professionally Styled

2:00 PM on Fri, Mar 24 in Harrisburger A

Travis
McMaster
(Biography)

Polish your professional self to energize and deliver your best within your career. We will discuss owning your style and presenting confidently in a professional environment; blending your interests into your style to fit with your company’s parameters; and the importance of coming prepared to deliver your skills and company research. Spoiler alert, it’s not all about the clothes. Whether you’re freshly entering the workforce or looking for some clarity on your personal image as professional, come listen and learn, and be ready to participate.

Interest Tags: Experience Sharing/Discussion, Image & Presentation, Non-Binary, Professional Education, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, Workplace

Relationship Priorities: Using Communication and Compassion to Work Through Transition

9:00 AM on Thu, Mar 23 in Leland
*This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Credit

Ms. Susan
Bienvenu
(Biography)

Mrs. Karen
Lehman
(Biography)

Ms. Jennifer
Lehman
(Biography)

Discussions often focus on the needs of the transitioning transgender individual, somewhat exclusive to the needs of the relationship with a partner. This seminar will turn the focus to the relationship between the transgender person and their spouse or significant other. Transition is a very difficult time for a couple, and frequently leads to the loss of the relationship. Your presenter does not believe that this has to be the inevitable outcome and hopes to offer her experience with her late spouse Jude, and that of friends and acquaintances who have gone through transition of a partner, in the hope that others can find these experiences useful. Aspects discussed includes "couples' transition" and skills in languaging and negotiation, managing expectations and maintaining open lines of communication. These approaches are proven techniques in couples counseling and helped tremendously during Jude's transition. Please come join us for discussions and a few exercises that can help bring a new understanding to the power of language and negotiation.

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Professional Education, Relationships, Spouses/Signification Others, TransFeminine, TransMasculine

Shades of You

2:00 PM on Sat, Mar 25 in Leland

Tina
Siders
(Biography)

Lindsay
Ensor
(Biography)

Want to know what colors look best with your skin tone? What kind of haircut accentuates your face shape? Ever wondered what the best haircare products are for your hair? Learn how to play up your best attributes with hairstylist Tina Siders from Rise Hair Studio in Harrisburg, PA.

#proudally #saferspace #hairhasnogender

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Image & Presentation, Non-Binary, Socializing, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color, Wellness, Youth

Telling Your Story: The How, When, Why, Who and What of Telling Your Gender Journey Story

10:30 AM on Thu, Mar 23 in Harrisburger B

Kathy
Klein
(Biography)

Rav. Levi
Alter
(Biography)

Rev. Monica
Cross
(Biography)

Stories are powerful things. They can challenge and inspire us. They also help us to connect to each other. By sharing your gender journey story, your challenges, hopes, dreams, and joys you can make important connections. If the story is well thought out and communicated, it can provide compelling context into who you are and an understanding of the “why” behind your gender journey. In this presentation, you will hear video-taped accounts of gender-journey stories from Rabbi Levi Alter and Rev. Monica Joy Cross and what happened as a result of their sharing. Attendees will have an opportunity to frame and share their gender story in a small group. As a minister to the transgender community for over 20 years, I have seen how coming out as trans and attempting to maintain relationships can be difficult to navigate. Although support for those who identify as transgender is gaining advocates, many in business and mainstream faith communities are just ignorant of transgender issues, and therefore unsupportive. Telling our stories can help to change that.

The workshop includes: 1. Workshop outline that covers the how, when, why, who and what of sharing your gender story. This tool will help you understand your motives, who you need to share to and the best timing on when to share your gender journey. 2. There will be a worksheet available for partners and advocates which will cover, “How to support a loved-one’s, partner’s or friend’s gender journey.” 3. Identify potential problem areas with business, family, friends and spiritual community relationships as you share your gender journey. 4. Learn how to connect with others by partnering with them and supporting their stories. 5. Understand the difference between what we want to communicate, what we actually communicate, and how it is received. 6. Age-specific information and how to present it when sharing your story.

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Experience Sharing/Discussion, Family/Friends, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, Relationships, Socializing, Spirituality/Religion, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color

Trans* and Trauma

3:30 PM on Thu, Mar 23 in United States
*This workshop qualifies for Continuing Education Credit

Lisa
Fritz
(Biography)

Carrie
McWilliams
(Biography)

The presentation will address the multiple traumas encountered by trans* individuals throughout their lifetime. This will include microaggressions, traumas related to daily encounters and brain/body incongruence, and trauma related to systems in which the individuals live. The presentation will, also, address the larger traumas encountered in the forms of transphobia, abuse, and discrimination. Our political climate has altered increasingly since 2016, effecting the trans* community from childhood through adulthood, as well as and the families and professions who support them. Where progress had been achieved, a return to historical phobias and more extensive political oversite now exists due to false facts presented by our political leaders and religious extremists. The current trends, their current impacts, and potential long-term consequences will be addressed in shared examples of client reports in sessions. In addition, statistics and facts established in the previous research conducted by institutions such as the University of Washington related to daily traumas experienced prior to this political change will be shared.

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Family/Friends, Gender Affirming, Legal, Non-Binary, Spouses/Signification Others, TransFeminine, TransMasculine, TransPeople of Color

Where Do You Fit Under the Transgender Umbrella?

3:30 PM on Fri, Mar 24 in Bridgeport

Ms. Lisa
Smith
(Biography)

Not sure where you fit, let's talk about it. The transgender community is a beautiful bouquet of labels and identities. How do you know where you belong, and which is the right path for you? Do you align with the idea of being binary but struggle with enjoying the duality of being male and female? Do you connect less with being binary and feel more gender fluid or non-binary? Are you living a dual gender life voluntarily or because you feel you can't or shouldn't transition? In this open group discussion, led by S. Lisa Smith, all attendees are welcome to contribute their feelings and questions with the group in their journey of self-discovery. The only valid definition is the one you create!!!

Interest Tags: Experience Sharing/Discussion, Gender Affirming, Non-Binary, TransFeminine, TransMasculine

Yes! You Can Become an LGBTQ+ Advocate

9:00 AM on Sat, Mar 25 in Governor

Mx. Corinne
Goodwin
(Biography)

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Lazy or ambitious? Out and loud or stealth? Queer or a queer ally? No matter how you describe yourself, there are many ways that you can take action to become a better advocate for LGBTQ+ people. In this interactive workshop we will explore what an advocate is and the actions big and small that you can take to make a difference!