Add an eventSessions at Gender Odyssey on Saturday 4th August
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- Day: Aug 04
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Celebrating Femininity: Claiming Our Space
Most of the time it seems like trans women are simply tolerated — or become the exclusionary exception — in women’s communities and spaces. Trans women frequently have been asked to hold their tongue, to not take up space as if to compensate for previous years of perceived “male privilege.” In a world where masculinity is seen as both the pinnacle to strive for and also the expression of the oppressor, trans women are in a Catch-22 where their expression of either masculinity or femininity is suspect. There are rarely, if ever, spaces where trans women are not only accepted, but are encouraged and rewarded for being strong, empowered women – for being our diverse and beautiful selves. Trans women do take up space, trans women do have something to say, and our voices are worthy of celebration. This workshop is for trans women to collaborate with each other, discuss ways we can honor our diverse selves, and find ways to support each other within our various communities.
Note: We welcome our non-trans women allies as supportive listeners to this session focusing on trans women’s experience and voices.
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It’s Just a Phase (Genderqueer Track)
When it comes to gender non-conforming people, we often hear “It’s just a phase.” Old assumptions insist that gender transitions move seamlessly from “point A” to “point B”. Genderfluid identities are dismissed as being temporary placeholders while we look for our “real” identities. Lately, the rediscovery of androgyny in popular culture has opened the door to accusations that gender-benders are just trying to be hip. Either way, we’re not taken seriously! The truth is, genderqueer, by whatever name we call it, is a legitimate and meaningful personal identity. In this workshop, we’ll explore the multifaceted nature of gender and how our expressions of gender can change – even from day to day. How do you name, construct and express your genderqueering? Let’s find out!
Note: Open to those who are genderqueer or gender nonconforming in identity or appearance.
Facilitated group discussion
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Science, Gender Identity, and Legitimacy
The relationship between scientific research, medicine, culture, and gender identity is complex. Many look to science to validate a non-conforming gender identity or non-heterosexual orientation. Why give science the power to legitimize who you know yourself to be? In this workshop, we will examine recent research on gender identity, its assumptions and limitations, how results are interpreted and how this information is used and abused. We will end with a discussion of new approaches, new interpretations, and a presentation of new data, some of which was collected at Gender Odyssey in previous years.
Presented by Dr. Rachel Levin
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Transgender Education Distinctions: Youth vs Adult
When we advocate for a trans person or educate a group about trans issues, it’s important to consider all the factors for the individuals involved. Many times we consider race and class and what sort of group it is, but sometimes we don’t consider the specific distinctions in age. What is appropriate and correct for an adult trans person, will not be the same for a younger trans person. This workshop investigates many of the distinctions between what works in gender education for young vs adult populations.
Presented by Kim Pearson, Lisa C. Gilinger
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Ups & Downs of Phalloplasty
For many transsexual men, the decision to pursue phalloplasty or metoidioplasty is often imfluenced by negative messages from both community and media. Inhibiting an open dialogue, this messaging can lead many transmen to assume that there are no viable genital reconstruction options. Going beyond the aesthetic and functional aspects of the surgery, we will be discussing the emotional, mental and physiological reactions and responses associated with undergoing such a life changing process.
Presented by Zander Keig, Trystan Cotten
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Why Informed Consent Matters
Have you experienced that the choices about your own body are at the mercy of your doctor or therapist? Trans people are often at a loss of power or support to make medical decisions about their bodies, beholden to mental health and medical providers as gatekeepers to when and how to access hormones and surgery. The Informed Consent model takes the power out of the hands of medical professionals and redistributes it, keeping at the core the personal needs and desires of the transgender patient. Come discuss what Informed Consent is and how to use policy to shift the power of self-actualizing into the hands of trans people and out of the hands of medical providers.
Presented by Canelli, Calvin Burnap
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Chest Reconstruction for FTMs
Surgeons and patients going forward with chest reconstruction have several diverse and complicated considerations. There are many procedures, many different bodies, and several different surgeries. Dr. Michael Brownstein will discuss the alternatives, their limitations, and possible complications, as well as recovery considerations in this workshop. Come with questions and concerns for the doctor. There will be ample time for discussion.
Presented by Dr. Michael L. Brownstein
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Exercise Your Rights
Major advances have been made on the local, state and federal levels with regard to non-discrimination protections, access to IDs, health care, parenting rights, and other important issues important to the transgender community. Join attorneys who will provide an overview of what rights exist and strategies for how trans people and their allies can take the law into their own hands.
Presented by Dru Levasseur, Kristina Wertz, Lisa Mottet
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Fluidity of Gender (POC Track)
Are you a person of color whose gender identity falls outside the binary? Are you genderqueer, two-spirit or in some other way gender non-conforming? What sort of challenges do you encounter when your gender and your race or ethnicity intersect. Do you find support or resistance from your friends? Your family? Your community(ies)? Join us for a revealing discussion where we can share our victories and trials related to navigating our cultural, racial and gender identities.
Facilitated group discussion
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FUTURE OF TRANS YOUTH CARE – Keynote
In 2011, the Institute of Medicine outlined a tremendous gap in the state of research for LGBTQ individuals and especially research related to transgender populations. The lack of evidence-based trials with respect to transgender youth leads to skepticism and hesitancy on the part of medical providers to offer appropriate and timely care. This workshop focuses on the strides that have been made in the area of research, preliminary results from Dr. Olson’s research at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, and the recommendations for moving transgender care forward through evidence-based, rigorous scientific trials.
Note: Open to both conferences!Presented by Dr. Johanna Olson
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Grief, Loss & Transformation (Partners Track)
When our partner moves towards being their authentic self, many of us celebrate their transformation. However, sometimes our desire to be supportive can result in repressing our own emotions. We may feel guilty for not always being the compassionate partner we “should” be. Our own feelings of grief and loss may be hard to articulate. We may have trouble finding the support and understanding we need. In this closed, partners-only session, we’ll be able to make room for some of that grief, let some go, and find ways to support one another.
Note: This is open only for non-trans partners of people who are physically or socially transitioning, have transitioned, or are considering transition. You do not need to currently be in a relationship to attend.
Facilitated group discussion
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How to Dress the Part on a Budget
Clothing is seen as an extension of personality and sophistication, whether it is flamboyance with color and texture or a more conservative look. There are a few ways a gentleman can show his personality without sacrificing his debonair style…or his wallet. With some great shopping tips you can look great for less. Is your clothing budget tiny? Need suggestions on how to dress in a way that de-emphasizes feminine body structure? Learn where to buy clothes for the out-of-the average-size guys who are taller, larger, and shorter. There are solutions!
Presented by Jack Alcantara, Lyle Blake
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You’re Doing What?!
What do you say when your daughter says she’s really your son, or your sister says she’s really your brother? Or any other mind-bending “switch” for that matter? For many of us, understanding gender identity and our loved one’s decision to transition is uncharted territory. The “whys” we have in our heads can be scary and overwhelming. We sometimes make desperate attempts to understand the complexities of their new gender identity. In this workshop, we will share our feelings, listen to each other’s experiences, and ask questions in a comfortable, confidential environment. As we grapple with our feelings regarding our transgender family member, we are free to share feelings, concerns, and experiences regarding the “transition” that are necessary to help us come to terms with our family member’s choices regarding gender identity.
Note: This is a closed, facilitated discussion for non-trans family and friends who would like help and support in a confidential environment.
Presented by Brenda Bowers, Jeri Starrett
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Against the Ropes
Violence is a daily reality in our communities, where racism, sexism, classism, queer phobia and trans phobia manifest as bashings, sexual assault, partner abuse, and police brutality. Inspired by the skills and techniques of boxing, this workshop means to deconstruct the violence associated with boxing while emphasizing reconnecting with our bodies in a positive way. As our bodily experiences are often marginalized and victimized, this workshop seeks to teach participants offensive skills while escaping a victim blaming rhetoric that tells survivors not to fight back.
Presented by janaya khan, naty tremblay
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Current Perspectives: MTF & FTM Gender Reassignment Surgery
As times change, so do the procedures and options for transgender surgeries. Dr. Marci Bowers will discuss the current techniques for gender reassignment surgery. For trans women, Dr. Bowers offers information on one-stage vaginoplasty procedure, tracheal shaves and labiaplasty. For trans men, Dr. Bowers will present the current dilemmas in hysterectomies, metoidoplasty as well as ring metoidioplasty.
Presented by Dr. Marci Bowers
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Cutting Edge Issues in Trans Rights
At the forefront of transgender activism are many topics. Here are just a few: access to appropriate identity documents, health care, continued employment and job programs, navigating sex segregated facilities, respectful treatment in jails and prisons. Hear from national advocates about what local, state, and national victories have been made, and about efforts that are underway throughout the country. Learn how you can take up these issues in your area, building on the success of others. Participants will leave with action items to bring trans rights into focus in their everyday lives.
Presented by Dru Levasseur, Kristina Wertz, Lisa Mottet
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No Apology Necessary: Celebrating Masculinity
Trans men are often perceived as having crossed a line once they are fully recognized as male. Many of us living as male for several years experience unjustifiable targeting for being the embodiment of patriarchal culture. This shows up in accusations of misogyny, in demands that we become the model man, apologize for our masculinity, or deny any claim to manhood at all. How do we come to terms with our own maleness in light of feminist messages that men are the enemy? What happens when we seek to empower ourselves as whole human beings and are judged as trading oppression for privilege? How easy is it, really, to be a man in this culture? Having overcome many hurdles to live authentic lives, often at great personal expense, how do we deal with being criticized and objectified yet again?
Note: Open only to trans men who are fully recognized as male.
Facilitated by Zander Keig, Lukas Walther
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Queer Tango: An Introduction
In our increasingly virtual world, we make many virtual connections yet we still need touch. Tango is connection through touch. The dance is communicated tactilely. This interactive workshop will introduce you to the wonderful world of close-embrace tango. It will get everyone up and dancing. You’ll have the opportunity to hug and move with each other in a welcoming, playful, and respectful environment. Curious about queering tango? Interested in the healing touch available through tango? Come tango!
Presented by Lyle Blake, Carol Ann Aldrich, Max Kepler, Davis Reed
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Race-Gender Balancing Act
A gender transition can result in new experiences of privilege – both lost and gained – but that experience may be no where near the same for trans people of color as it is for white trans people. Has your relationship to race transitioned along with your gender? What was expected and what has taken you by surprise? How does acquiring male privilege balance with the losses that come with living as trans? Or, have you transitioned to female and discovered a far less friendly world? More friendly? Come share your experience and hear the stories of others as we explore the inextricable relationship between our gender and skin color.
Note: Open to all.
Facilitated group discussion
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Transgender Safe Space Training
Many LGBT safe space trainings have neither the focus nor the experience to present trans issues for safety and inclusion. This workshop will provide tools that allies need to deconstruct this pattern, as well as provide support that trans people need in these spaces. Our aim is to ensure that the diversity within the trans community is supported. These tools range from familiarization with terminology, options for pronoun use, and sensitive-situations practice. Whether new to transgender topics or mildly seasoned, there is time for allies to discuss, discover, and improve skills. Transgender advocates (both trans and cis allies) are welcome to attend.
Presented by Chris Burns
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What’s Up With Intersex?
Within pop culture, the media, and gender studies, both transgenderism and intersex have become the cause celebre. Despite this new found interest, many people have little understanding or have misconstrued ideas about transgenderism and intersex, sometimes confusing one for the other. This session will briefly discuss the history of the intersex movement and help participants better understand the needs of intersexed people. We will spend some time deepening the understanding of the institutional similarities and differences between transgender and intersex people.
Presented by Jane Goto
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Get it On: Sex and Intimacy for Partners (Partners Track)
Have you been with your partner through transition and noticed shifts in your sexual connection or chemistry? Want to have great sex with your trans partner but feel awkward when the lights go out? How do you choose words to describe your sex and body parts? Does the equipment you use for sex and play take on different meaning if your partner has transitioned? Do you wonder how to sustain sexual intimacy in the face of obstacles such as trauma and body shame? Share your own experiences and questions in this confidential workshop.
Note: Open only to non-trans-identified partners.
Facilitated group discussion
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Hormones 101
This workshop will offer basic information about hormone replacement therapy in the transitioning process. I don’t like shots…is there another method? Are there different side effects with the different delivery methods? How much will it cost? Why does my friend inject every seven days but my boyfriend injects every 14 days? These questions and more answered.
Presented by Dr. Carolyn Fuller
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How Do You Measure Up? (POC Track)
This workshop is designed for transmen of color to share their experiences and discuss the sexual stereotypes on our journey through manhood. We will discuss our personal perception of self and how it affects our self-esteem, comfort with our bodies, and sexual intimacy. How do we measure up to cisgender men? We will discuss topics including sex, intimacy, dating and more. Learn and share tips on presenting and projecting the image that best represents who you are.
Note: Open only to transmen of color.
Facilitated group discussion
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How to Rock Being Trans* & Fabulous at University (Young Adult Track)
Pissed off not having a place to pee? Ticked off you can’t get your trans*-related surgery covered by your insurance? Peeved that your professor doesn’t ask your pronoun or preferred name? Dorms are a downer because you can’t room with your BFF? Come join us for a presentation and discussion about how to affect policy change on your campus. We will use the University of Washington as a framework for this discussion and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and share information about their campuses.
Note: Open only to trans-identified young adults.Presented by Jen Self, EG Sekins
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Hung Jury: Testimonies of Genital Surgery by Transsexual Men
This workshop presents information from the new anthology Hung Jury. This long-awaited collection of stories shares the personal experiences of FTMs who have undergone various forms of genital surgery over the past six decades. This panel will talk about our motivations for writing the book and discuss how it debunks many myths and misinformation about genital surgery. We will read excerpts of contributor testimonies about trials/triumphs and show photographs of penises resulting from various kinds of surgeries. We will talk about current surgical options and the most recent medical advancements. Please come with questions as they share the powerful stories from this anthology.
Presented by Zander Keig, Trystan Cotten
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Size and Gender: Town Meeting
Our culture is still unkind to fat people and fat people are often reduced to just that: fat. If we have (or have had) fat bodies, we know that many view our size simply as manifestation of a weak will or a supposed “moral failing,” allowing us to be publicly humiliated and dehumanized in society and our media culture. How does this impact how we date, love, and live? Has your body changed as a result of a gender transition and, if so, how do you feel about it now? What different societal messages have you encountered? In what ways do factors such as our age, skin color, or class complicate our relationship to our size? Join us for a town meeting on the intersections of size and gender.
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Stepping Up: Caring for Our Partners and Allies During Transition
There is much discussion on how to best support someone through a gender transition and often very little discussion addressing the ways we can support and nurture our partners and other loved ones while we transition. A gender transition can be overwhelming and liberating, but the resulting tunnel-vision can be extremely difficult on those around us. In this workshop, we will discuss ways of giving back to our partners, families, and friends so that we may be pro-active in preserving our relationships through these challenging times. We will also identify some of the common (or not so common) experiences of our allies, as it pertains to transition. Finally, through small group discussions, we will learn ways to nurture the people around us as we change. This workshop is open to all.
Facilitated group discussion
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Surgical Refinement for the Transfeminine Face
The face is an important physical cue in one’s gender presentation. While hormones can soften facial features to a certain extent, there are surgical options available to enhance a feminine presentation. Taking advantage of a patient’s facial assets allows them to retain a sense of self while femininity is enhanced. Dr. Beck understands that each individual has different aesthetic desires and is able to work with patients to develop a personalized individual surgical plan that fits their lifestyle.
Presented by Dr. Joel Beck