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Programs

Wednesday 10:00 AM
Lady Ellen's Charm School
Pre-Shopping Consultation with Lady Ellen   »Prior to the trip to the Mall, enjoy a free consultation with Lady Ellen. She will tell you the truth about what you should fix or change before going out in public and will measure you if you aren't sure of your clothing sizes.
Lady Ellen
Wednesday 11:00 AM
Lady Ellen's Charm School
Lady Ellen's Pre-Shopping Pep Rally   »Learn the hottest trends in fashion for Spring 2012! Discover the shopping rules that will help you look awesome in your new clothes and how to find pain free shoes. Also get tips about shopping en femme.
Lady Ellen
Wednesday 12:00 PM
Lady Ellen's Charm School
Shopping and Lunch at Crossgates Mall   »An afternoon shopping trip and luncheon at the Crossgates Mall, the region's premier shopping destination, featuring stores such as DSW, Bakers, Payless, Famous Footwear, Macy's, Express, Victoria's Secret, Lane Bryant, New York and Co., Express, H&M, Fredericks of Hollywood, The Limited and many, many more! It's going to be a great day and we'll have some seasoned mall-goers on hand to help you out and offer a bit of guidance.
Conference Staff
Wednesday 5:30 PM
Pride Center Reception   »Wednesday evening the conference kicks off with a welcome-to-Albany reception and barbecue at the Pride Center of the Capital Region (formerly the Capital District Gay and Lesbian Community Council) from 5:30-8:30 PM. Please join us for good food, good company and a tour of the oldest continuously operating LGBT Community Center in the country. The Center is at 332 Hudson Avenue in the historic Center Square neighborhood, with many friendly bars, restaurants, and shops nearby.
Pride Center of the Capital Region
Thursday 2:00 PM
Lady Ellen's Charm School
Make-up Basics and Problem Solving Techniques   »You will learn all the make-up basics as Lady Ellen demonstrates how to create a natural look for every day and a more dramatic look with a smokey eye for evenings. Learn which foundation color is best for you and which eye shadow best compliments your eye color. Techniques that can be challenging to beginners such as applying eye liner, mascara and false eyelashes will be taught. Techniques specifically used for CDs & TGs such as beard cover and lip enhancement will also be demonstrated. Even if you have been doing your own makeup for many years you can learn something new at this workshop.
Lady Ellen
Facial Feminization Surgery: Maximizing Results   »Dr. Spiegel will review the goals and methods of facial feminization surgery. Post-operative photos will be shown. There will be a discussion of what procedures are available, how to maximize results, risks, and how new technologies and advances have allowed for improving structural changes to bone. Since 2004 Dr. Spiegel has performed well over 500 FFS procedures! Dr. Spiegel is happy to answer any questions and will be providing time for personal discussions for any interested guests. Contact us at 617-566-3223.
Jeffrey Spiegel, MD
Can I be true to myself without losing my primary relationship?   »This interactive workshop is for transgender individuals who want to keep and strengthen their committed relationships as they negotiate transition or opportunities for expression of their inner gender. We will examine the key elements of self exploration and self-acceptance, making fair claims, respectful dialogue, and negotiation skills. Participants will be invited to share their particular relational dilemmas.
Maureen Osborne, PhD
Strangers Like Me | Transgender Culture   »This lecture will discuss the importance of understanding the difference between cis and trans cultures. Using the Disney film Tarzan, we will be talking about the links between depression in the trans community and the need to fit into traditions and lingo that don't include us.
Jason Robert Ballard
Thursday 3:30 PM
Thoughts On Running A TG Support Group   »Jan and Kristine will discuss various aspects of running a TG Support Group... What's worked and what hasn't? How might the group handle crisis and how can it be contained gracefully.
Jan Brown
Kristine James
Transgender Day at the NYS Fair - a resource to educate to educate the public and lobby for GENDA   »The LGBT Booth at the NYS Fair educates, advocates and raises awareness on issues concerning the LGBT community. Transgender Day networks local organizations and provides educational materials and resources. It is a prime opportunity to talk to the public at large and provide basic information on the transgender community. We reach out to every local transgender organization in the state for resource materials, as well as state and national organizations, with special emphasis on legislative issues and the special needs of transgender youth in schools and family settings.
Bonnie Strunk
Speaking in a More Feminine Manner   »Voice is perhaps the most difficult trait to master when a masculine person want to present as a woman. There are many techniques available that can assist those who would like to speak in a more feminine manner. This session will demonstrate some of these and provide opportunity to try them out.
Alison Laing
High Quality Gender Reassignment Surgery at Affordable Prices @ Satori World Medical   »Satori World Medical's Global Transgender Program offers individuals access to a high quality network of US and international hospitals and highly trained gender reassignment surgeons, at significant cost savings of up to 30-50% on surgical procedures. Satori provides all travel and related services to make this transition as stress free as possible. Satori has contracted with the top gender reassignment surgeons around the world, such as Dr. Preecha in Bangkok, Thailand and Dr. Brassard in Montreal, Canada. In the United States we work with Dr. Beck, feminization plastic surgeon, in San Mateo, California.
Kevin Poling
Friday 9:30 AM
The Male Brain and Transgender Behavior   »The brains of human males and females have been shown to have many differences, but whether such differences play a part in transsexuality remains unclear. There is good reason to suspect structures in the hypothalamus may participate in the formation of gender identity. Does this line of research have any implications for understanding cross dressers?
Richard Docter, PhD
Thinking of Transition? Who do you include? A conversation about disclosure across generations   »Transition does not happen in a vacuum. There is constant tension between the transitioning person's privacy, emotional and physical safety and the necessity of others to be informed. There are the pitfalls and joys of bringing others along in their own transition. The presenter will offer an overview of some of these issues, then open the discussion in a structured way so that participants can share and learn and bring more possibilities to the transition process.
Moonhawk River Stone
Are Homones Right for You?   »This workshop is for anyone considering hormone treatment for gender dysphoria. We will review the process recommended in the WPATH Standards Of Care regarding assessment for hormone readiness. We will discuss how to choose and work with a health care provider who prescribes hormones. I will outline protocols for hormone use and what effects people can expect with hormone therapy over time, both for MtF and FtM patients. We will also cover the risks and contraindications to hormone therapy and why it is important to be monitored by a competent clinician. We'll talk about how to proceed if you don't have a qualified provider near your home. You should leave this talk with a clear understanding of the Standards of Care for Hormone Therapy and how to make this therapeutic intervention work for you.
Carolyn Wolf-Gould, MD
The Self Made Men and Their Families   »This event is aimed toward families, friends and significant others of Trans* people. How to come out as a transgender family, and come to accept the transition of someone we love. As transgender people we have known for, sometimes, our entire life, this lecture is designed to help those closest to us as well as learn how to talk about what it means to be trans, from cis to cis.
Jason Robert Ballard
Friday 11:00 AM
MTF Top and Bottom Surgery: How It's Done at The Philadelphia Center for Transgender Surgery   »Multiple options for breast augmentation will be discussed and demonstrated including choice of incisions, shape and size of implant, saline versus silicone, placement of implants above or below the muscle, etc. Dr. Leis will also discuss his technique of one-stage vaginoplasty utilizing the penile inversion technique, neo-clitoris construction, and scrotal skin graft to increase vaginal depth. Multiple recent cases will be demonstrated to show the natural results obtained with these techniques.
Dr. Sherman Leis
Ch Ch Ch Changes! Living with a Transgender Partner   »For non-transgender partners only. This workshop will introduce useful principles of communication and negotiation in a relationship with a trans partner. It will focus on the needs and experiences of the non-trans partner in the relationship. The workshop will be interactive and confidential.
Maureen Osborne, PhD
Family Through a Gender Transition   »Despite our varied experience in our families--both of origin and of choice-- it is the presenter's opinion that family ties are precious to us. Maintaining families across a gender transition is often an incredible challenge and journey for all involved, particularly for children of transgender adults. This workshop will focus on the methods the presenter has successfully used in his private practice over the past twenty plus years to transition families (and the relationships within the family) along with the transperson.
Moonhawk River Stone
Honoring the Past, Anticipating the Future   »This photographic presentation offers a view of transgender leaders and the issues faced by gender variant people, from 1978 to the present. It is a concise history presented from my personal viewpoint. The presentation will be less formal than this sounds: you are encouraged to participate!
Mariette Pathy Allen
Friday 12:30 PM
focus on youth
Keynote: Gender Expression and Diversity in Children and Youth   »Arlene Lev -- social worker, family therapist and author -- will discuss the social emergence of gender nonconforming children and transgender youth. This talk will highlight the developmental needs of children and their families, and the reaction of media, education institutions and the psychological professions. Ari will discuss how shifting social norms impacts our cultural understanding of gender, and how this impacts transgender communities. She will also discuss how the needs of children and youth are addressed in the newly released WPATH Standards of Care.
Ari Lev
Friday 2:00 PM
Facial Feminization Surgery   »Dr Ousterhout will present his philosophy regarding facial feminization based on the anatomical bony differences between the male and female skulls. There will be discussions also about soft tissue surgery such as facelifts, breast augmentation, etc. Photographic results of pre and postoperative surgical patients will be shown. Dr Ousterhout will also be available after the presentation for private consultations.
Dr Douglas Ousterhout
Lady Ellen's Charm School
Ladylike Deportment   »No one is born a lady, it is something that is cultivated over time. In this workshop you will learn what your mother should have taught you if you were raised as a girl. Following these lady rules will cause you to appear more feminine and beautiful. Topics include beauty tips, manners, gracefulness, and being gracious.
Lady Ellen
Messages from the wives of cross dressers   »The number one concern of the wives of cross dressers has been shown in a variety of research reports to be a fear of social rejection. Additionally, these wives and SOs are also concerned about a variety of other topics, some of which are seldom voiced openly. Some cross dressers may gain insight into relationship issues by listening to the messages of these wives.
Maureen Osborne, PhD
Richard Docter, PhD
Being Trans and Aging: A Workshop For Trans Elders And Their Allies   »This workshop will be an interactive discussion among participants and the facilitator on both the practical and mundane issues related to aging and the emotional, psychosocial, spiritual issues related to aging. Discussion will touch upon the unique challenges faced by those who came out and/or transitioned years ago, and for those who have come out and/or transitioned during their senior years. The goal is to assist those participants in valuing and honoring the aging process and to embrace the aging process proactively and effectively.
Moonhawk River Stone
focus on youth
Supporting Gender Nonconforming Children and Youth   »This workshop is for parents, therapists, educators and others who work with gender nonconforming children and youth. A panel of experts will explore diverse gender expression in children, and the distinctions between gender nonconformity and gender dysphoria. We will examine issues like early social transitions, educating school personnel, finding psychological and social supports for family, and exploring medical transitions for adolescents. Presenters include: Arlene Lev,LCSW, Acey Mercer, MSW, and Carolyn Wolf-Gould, MD.
Ari Lev
Carolyn Wolf-Gould, MD
Friday 3:30 PM
FFS: Options and Results   »Utilizing power point, Dr. Leis will demonstrate and explain classic prototypes of masculine and feminine facial features. He will discuss a variety of options for feminizing facial features and demonstrate that in the majority of cases, excellent results can be obtained without extensive, expensive, and high risk cranio-facial surgery. Several cases are shown demonstrating excellent natural results from selective and customized facial feminization procedures.
Dr. Sherman Leis
Betwixt and Between: Self-Identification in the Transgender Community   »Recently we have come a long way in understanding the causes of crossdressing and transsexualism. Rather less understood are the patterns and stages of cross-gender identification. The model proposed by Harry Benjamin suggests six stages and more recent researchers even more. How do TGs identify themselves, and is their stage of identity constant or does it vary from their original self-description? Using data gathered from conference attendees, and other TG groups, we will explore these various stages, with attention to shifts of the individual over time. The session will involve substantial participation and dialogue.
Richard Schott, PhD
Going back to school during or after transition (my personal experience and what you can do)   »If you are thinking about going back to school to pursue your dream career or are in school and thinking about transitioning or you have already transitioned, this session is for you. I will talk about some of the things that you can find in school that could make your life and transition process easier. Most schools today have counseling services that are free to students, and pride alliance groups that you can join. Also, school can provide a way to educate others about trans issues, and you can get to meet new people of different age groups and backgrounds. I will use my own personal experience and some research in this presentation.
Paola Jazmin Gonzalez
Moving Beyond Gender Identity Disorder (GID): Creating A New Paradigm For Transgender Health Care   »Gender Identity Disorder is viewed both as a necessary diagnosis and an as a source of stigma for transgender people. This presentation will review the history of the GID, discuss the pathologizing of gender variance and offer a new paradigm for providing the full compliment of health care services to transgender people regardless how one self-identifies. It will also provide an update on the DSM-V process regarding GID.
Moonhawk River Stone
Saturday 9:30 AM
Get Real! Surgical Information for Trans Women (Interactive Lecture)   »Not your average surgery pitch. A frank discussion about preparing for and recovering from gender confirmation surgeries--no matter who the surgeon. This talk will cover choosing a surgeon, pre-operative advice, realistic post-operative expectations, pitfalls, and sexual response. Dr. McGinn will also discuss the offerings of Papillon Center and results. Most useful for: Trans females considering surgery
Christine McGinn
Exploring Voice and Communication: The Dynamic Human Instrument   »In this workshop, two experienced clinicians and presenters, Lezli Whitehouse and Jack Pickering, will help audience members explore voice and communication using fun, hands-on exercises that involve movement, resonance, language, and speech. Communication characteristics that distinguish men and women will be discussed, and verbal and non-verbal skills that influence the perception of gender will be shared. Audience members will practice some of these skills in order to enhance their communication and voice.
Jack Pickering
Lezli Whitehouse
Transgender History in a Nutshell!   »Did you know transsexual and transgendered people have been around since the dawn of man? That tribal peoples on six continents have established transgender roles? That we have traditionally been healers, educators, counselors, and entertainers, respected for who we are? Did you know that Western history is rich with examples of transgendered men and women? That kings and queens and pharaohs have been transgendered? That hundreds of women lived as Men in Holland in the Middle Ages? That hundreds of male soldiers in the Civil War were actually women? Did you know surgical sex reassignments were being done as early as the 1920s? That a wealthy FTM transsexual named Reed Erickson financed much of the early work on transsexualism?
Dallas Denny
focus on youth
Unraveling research on transgender youth   »There has long been convincing evidence that young children may experience intense transgender feelings and demand to live in a transgender role. However, long-term follow up studies of these children yield confusing and contradictory results. Some researchers have reported that a high percentage of youthful transgender children later abandon these inclinations, while others have reported that none do so. Who is right?
Richard Docter, PhD
Saturday 11:00 AM
Lady Ellen's Charm School
Feminine Posture and Graceful Movement   »You will learn the differences between males and females in the way they stand, walk and gesture. You will learn how to change your center of gravity, walk on stairs, keep your heels from being ruined on grass or gravel, enter and exit a vehicle without flashing your panties and much more. Lady Ellen has tips about shoes, heel height and shoe styles as well. Just because you don’t fall when walking in heels doesn’t mean you look feminine or graceful while doing it.
Lady Ellen
Post-Op Depression Following Gender Confirming Surgery   »Many postoperative trans women and some trans men experience some degree of mood fluctuation following gender confirmation surgery. The severity can range from mild to severe. This talk discusses the science behind the symptoms and why certain interventions work better than others. We will discuss strategies of assessing depressive risk and targeting preventive therapies to improve overall outcomes. Most useful for: Providers, as the talk is a bit scientific, but also would be a good education for patients.
Christine McGinn
Negotiating the Paper Trail: Managing Your Identity on Documents   »Transsexuals in transition face considerable legal hurdles with regard to their identity on paper. They must make legal changes to their names and sex designation on all sorts of documents: birth certificates, driver's licenses, military and school records, wills and deeds, social security and IRS, professional organizations, churches, and more. Come learn how to negotiate the paperwork minefield, and come to share your experiences!
Dallas Denny
Gender Identity Reflection: Bridging research with actual experience of transgender persons   »In order to bridge the gap between researchers and transgender experiences research objectives and results need to be more accessible, with an open line of communication. This workshop provides an opportunity for transgender persons to become true participants in the research process. Discussion will focus on Andrew's research on thoughts related to gender identity. Attendees will be invited to dialogue about their experience and feelings of being researched and what researchers could do to improve this process. This program offers a unique way to change the perception of transgender persons by researchers and psychologists.
Andrew Bauerband
Saturday 12:30 PM
Keynote: What's New in the WPATH Standards of Care - Version 7?   »This talk will introduce the audience to the recently released World Professional Association for Transgender Health's Standards of Care - Version 7. There will be ample opportunity to discuss the new Standards and for the audience to give feedback.
Eli Coleman
Saturday 2:00 PM
Masculinization of the Face in the FTM   »Your desires for being recognized without a question as a male can be assisted by looking more masculine. Perhaps you would like to appear masculine without the need for a mustache or beard. I will be presenting my experience in improving the facial masculine appearance in over 80 males. Pre and postoperative results will be shown. Dr Ousterhout will be available for private consultations
Dr Douglas Ousterhout
Get Real! Post Operative Orgasm (Interactive Lecture)   »Orgasm is something that can be elusive during and after transition. This talk is a frank discussion about quoted orgasm rates verses the continuum of sexual performance through the transition process. We will explore the factors involved in maximizing sexual response during transition and discuss expectations of surgery and hormonal therapy. This talk is for the trans masculine and the trans feminine, but will have an emphasis on the transitioning trans woman. Most useful for: Trans female considering surgery. Transmen and genderqueer may also find interesting
Christine McGinn
Feedback Tools for Voice   »Getting feedback on your voice is essential for improving it. Luckily, in the age of smart phones and social media, there are more and more gadgets and channels through which to see, hear, record, and communicate about voice. In this workshop, you will get a professional opinion about what good feedback tools are out there -- ranging from simple to technologically-advanced -- including smart phone apps, pitch pipes, computer software programs, etc. You will also practice voice exercises that focus on developing your own listening-feeling skills for giving yourself and others useful feedback. Participants do not need to be tech-savvy. Applies to both voice feminization and voice masculinization. Handouts provided.
Christie Block, SLP
We Will Be Free: Legal Developments on the Path to Transgender Equal Rights   »In this interactive seminar, Michael will discuss legal strategies for moving a transgender equal rights agenda forward. From employment discrimination to educational and health care access, the legal landscape is shifting. We've made progress over the past years, but there is much more to be done. How can we use the law as a tool to ensure that we will one day be free?
Michael Silverman
Transitioning as a Couple In Faith   »We will share our story of how a closeted transsexual met and married a Presbyterian Pastor, how they served together overseas in a fundamentalist country and then came out as a couple, and how Mary was able to proceed with her transition while they remained in their partnership and active in their faith community. We will share issues regarding married couples in the process of transitioning, as well as our experience within the faith community. There will be open discussion on how we have made it work and how faith and relationships affect the transitioning process.
Betsy McCormick and Mary Almy
Saturday 3:30 PM
Psychological and Mental Transformation: From Masks to Genuine Identity   »This workshop focuses on the psychological and emotional aspects of MtF transformation, rather than on appearance or any physical changes, in an attempt to go beyond the feminine “illusion” to a more authentic feminine identity. Topics in this workshop will include: (1) the role of "masks" in creating, broadening and sustaining TG identity, (2) gender-based psychological and emotional differences, (3) the cultivation of a more developed feminine identity through everyday experiences and lastly (4) the construction of the linkage between your female and male identities to gain greater authenticity, self-acceptance and self-understanding.
Kyla Joy James
Get Real! Surgical Information for Trans Men (Interative Lecture)   »Not your average surgery pitch. A frank discussion about preparing for and recovering from gender confirmation surgeries--no matter who the surgeon. This talk will cover choosing a surgeon, pre-operative advice, realistic post-operative expectations, pitfalls, and sexual response. Topics include urethral extension, metoidioplasty, phalloplasty, testicular implants, scrotoplasty, chest surgery, body contouring, and coordinating hysterectomy with other surgeries. Dr. McGinn will also discuss the offerings of Papillon Center and results. Most useful: Trans Male considering surgery
Christine McGinn
focus on youth
Trans Youth Panel: In our Own Words   »This panel will highlight the experiences of transgender youth. A number of local youth will tell their stories and experiences. A film will be shown.
Ari Lev
Gender Identity in Children - struggling for identity in today's society   »A brief overview of what it means to be a gender dysphoric child, with a look at the obstacles these children face in their struggles to gain acceptance by society in the face of bullying and rejection. A copy of the presentation outline will be provided along with a resource list and hand-outs for friends, advocates, and parents.
Reverend Sarah Carpenter
Saturday 4:30 PM
Complimetary Wine Reception hosted by the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund   »Come meet and talk with TLDEF's Chief Counsel and Executive Director, Michael Silverman on Saturday afternoon in the Hospitality Suite, Room 1515.
TLDEF
 
Program List · Presenter Biographies
Program Details: Thursday · Friday · Saturday