This workshop addresses transgender history from a variety of perspectives starting with the vocabulary we use to describe and distinguish the transgender community. A discussion of the legal landscape over time provides a backdrop for the changing response of transgendered persons to institutional repression. The historical record covered includes the Biblical references to cross-dressing, the Middle Ages, Puritanism, the Civil War, the era of cross-dressing balls, the Pansy Era, the riots at Cooper Donuts and Compton Cafeteria, the sit-in at Deweys and then the response to the police raid at Stonewall. Substantial attention is paid to the difficulties the transgender community encountered gaining acceptance from the LGB portions of the rainbow, including the exclusion of transgendered persons from ENDA and the impact of Janice Raymond's writings and the exclusion that ensued at West Coast music venues and the Michigan Musicfest, and that continues today. Hypotheses are offered for how these impasses were and are being overcome. How the historical record differs across cultures and for people of color is addressed from a number of perspectives. A substantial discussion is anticipated over the role of physicians in the emergence of transgendered persons, including the pivotal role of Johns Hopkins and how the void was filled when Hopkins withdrew. The emergence of trans-specific advocacy organizations and scientific advances in gender identity (beginning with Herschfeld) will be discussed as time allows.

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Legal, Professional Education, Spirituality/Religion, Surgery, TransPeople of Color

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

Workshop dedicated to educating patients and healthcare professionals on the most recent advances in facial feminization surgery. The audience will have an opportunity to understand the different techniques used in facial feminization surgery and preoperative surgical planning. The audience will have a better understanding on the journey patients must endure and how-to best guide patients and family thru the road of recovery.

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Surgery

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.

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

This is an overview of feminizing 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

Dr. Thomas reveals how vocal cords function using video recordings of male, female and surgically altered vocal cords. Pitch and resonance are affected by the anatomy as well as how the anatomy is used. Surgical modification of the voice, especially Feminization Laryngoplasty (FemLar), one type of vocal cord (laryngeal) surgery is designed to obtain a feminine sounding voice and correct complications from Tracheal Shave procedures. Several other types of procedures target the frequency or pitch of the resting speaking voice to various degrees. CricoThryoid Approximation (CTA), vocal cord webbing, laser vocal cord thinning and pharyngeal narrowing procedures will be discussed and compared to each other. Not only successful interventions are covered, but complications, durability, incomplete outcomes are discussed. Options for correcting complications of any laryngeal procedures are discussed. If you have experienced a voice change after a Tracheal Shave procedure, he will discuss the correction of this problem. At the conclusion of this lecture, the listener should better understand the concepts that can help in decision-making about the roles of voice therapy as well as when, if and what type of surgeries to consider.

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Surgery, TransFeminine, Voice

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

Strategies for negotiating the maze of insurance blockades between you and the insurance company approving your hair removal.

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Experience Sharing/Discussion, Gender Affirming, Image & Presentation, Socializing, Surgery, TransFeminine, TransPeople of Color, Wellness, Youth

Have you ever heard the word "intersex" before and wondered what it meant? About 2% of the population is intersex, and many of these individuals go through life never knowing it. The two presenters at this workshop, both intersex people, will discuss aspects of living and working in the intersex community. You'll get the intersex 101 and history of key issues for the community, learn important ways you can show up for intersex community members, and hear personal narratives of intersex experiences.

Interest Tags: Advocacy, Experience Sharing/Discussion, Family/Friends, Image & Presentation, Non-Binary, Relationships, Spouses/Signification Others, Surgery, Youth

The audience will learn and understand the key steps in avoiding complications after feminizing genital surgery. The target audience will understand how to manage complications after vaginoplasty, future directions and the road to recovery for patients and family members.

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Surgery

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

There are medical issues that you may need to be aware of when going through transition / HRT. Medical teams are not always aware of them, so you may need to be your own advocate, as they can affect the effectiveness of your treatments. I will share my experiences with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Hypo-Thyroidism, Reverse Ossification, and others and how they have affected my medical transition experience over time.

Interest Tags: Experience Sharing/Discussion, Gender Affirming, Professional Education, Surgery, Wellness

Living a normal life being happy and my true self as a woman, but God had other plans for me.

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

Gender-affirming Surgeries are physical changes to the face and body with the primary purpose of improving one’s mental health and emotional well-being. That’s a lot to absorb. It can also be challenging to be an informed consumer in this surgical marketplace. There are so many questions: Who’s the right surgeon for me? Who will I look like after surgery? What is recovery like? With any gender-affirming surgery, most patients will heal twice. As the face and body physically heal, the authentic self will be revealed. As the True Self shines, it’s emotional healing time! Transitioning is a long road for many. It is important to support each other along the way: in every and in all possible ways. Juliana discusses the TEAMS Program at The Spiegel Center and shares openly about her transition and her connection with the trans community.

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Surgery, Wellness

Considering surgery to change your appearance to more closely align with your feminine gender identity? This workshop will explore the physical characteristics that are typically associated with gender and surgical options available to address them. The workshop will include researching and selecting a surgeon, available surgical procedures, the importance of aftercare and potential risks. The workshop will include before and after photo's and x-rays of the presenters journey.

Interest Tags: Gender Affirming, Image & Presentation, Surgery, TransFeminine