IFGE 2008
Workshops
Saturday WORKSHOPS
Saturday 9:15 AM
Relationship Maintenance and Identity in M2F-Natal Female Couples
This presentation discusses the activities used to maintain relationships, and the identity changes that occur in M2F-NF couples following the disclosure of transsexualism and during M2F transition. Re-creating and re-achieving equilibrium and stability within a relationship is a dynamic process that requires that the partners pursue a "joint transition," engaging in pro-relationship activities interactively, as well as individually.
Masculine Spectrum Identity, Alliances, and Feminism
This roundtable addresses identity, relational, and political concerns of masculine-spectrum people to further unity among transmen, masculine genderqueers, butches, and the lesbian community and to apply feminism as a social justice tool for LGBT people. Randell assesses consequences of overlapping histories. Weinberg shows connections between butches and transmen and addresses identity in relation to attraction. Pomerleau discusses how feminism's focus on multiple identities and revision of gender norms furthers creating non-misogynous masculinities and social justice for LGBT people.
Permanent Hair Removal
I have a Power Point production describing electrolysis and all modalities of hair removal. This program will be presented in both English and Spanish.
Feminization of the Masculine Face
Workshop starts with the basic medical procedures and structures of the cranium. Dr Ousterhout discusses what his feminization procedures can do for a client so that they may obtain the results that are desired. Pre and postoperative photographs are shown.
Hay Más Que Lencería
En este conferencia habláramos de las tendencias de travestidos pensar solo de los aspectos de mujeres que están considerado divertido. Es interesante que muchas aspectos que nos gusta son los mismos que las feministas no las gusta. Investigáramos la significación de lencería, tacones grandes, y la cantidad de carne viva que esta expuesto. También, en este conferencia comparamos la realidad de mujeres contra la fantasia de los travestido.
Surgical Options for FTM's and new ideas regarding hysterectomy and vaginectomy
I will discuss surgical options for FtM transgenders. Why do surgery? Other options and different approaches to surgery.
Speech/Voice Modification for Transitioning Individuals
A discussion and hands on practice of the differences in male/female and masculine/feminine communication patterns, including, voice, speech, language and gesture.
"Which Way to Nirvana? Avoid Speed Bumps on Gender Flecked Road" (for couples) 9:15 AM-12 PM
Opportunities to explore issues and situations in committed relationships which not only challenge, but also enrich the journey of transgendered couples. Honest and personal discussions in a confidential and supportive group setting. Join us with your knowledge, wisdom, sensitivity and experience.
Moving Beyond Gender Identity Disorder (GID): Creating A New Paradigm For Transgender
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.
Saturday 10:00 AM
Town Hall Meeting: How did Tucson get to be such an accepting Community? 10 AM - 12 PM
IFGE is pleased to present an open forum concerning awareness and inclusion of the Transgender community in public policy. The city of Tucson and the State of Arizona have been leaders in developing and implementing policies that foster equal rights for all. This special event is open to the general public without any registration costs.
Tucson has a reputation as one of the most trans-friendly cities in the country, both in policy and mind-set. But how did it happen? A forum of Southern Arizona community and civic leaders and elected officials will examine how Tucson became a community that accepts its gender-variant citizens. After a guided panel discussion, the floor will be open to questions and comments from the audience. There are sure to be lessons learned we can all take back to our own home towns.

Moderator: Amanda Simpson (2004 Democratic Nominee for the Arizona House of Representatives and former Tucson Commissioner on GLBT Issues)
Panelists: Raul Grijalva (US Congressman and former Pima County Supervisor), George Miller (former Mayor of Tucson), Peter Likens, PhD (former President, University of Arizona), Nina Trasoff (Tucson City Council), Amelia Craig Cramer (Chief Deputy Pima County Attorney and founding Co-Chair, Tucson Commission on GLBT Issues), John-Peter Wilhite (Tucson Commission on GLBT Issues), Stephen Russell, PhD (Board of Directors, Community Foundation for Southern Arizona LGBT&S Alliance Fund and former Commissioner, Tucson Commission on GLBT Issues), Kevin Maxey, MD (co-founder, Southern Arizona Gender Alliance)
Saturday 10:45 AM
How one year in Hollywood changed the life of Christine Jorgensen
In 1947 a confused and depressed 21 year old George Jorgensen moved to Hollywood in search of a job as a studio photographer; no job was offered. However, he did a restructure of his gender identity through a series of do-it-yourself group psychotherapy sessions. He came to see medical care as essential to his goal of becoming a woman. He then began a five year journey to become Christine Jorgensen
No Skirt, No Heels, No Service?: Addressing FTM Participation & Inclusion In The Transgender Movement
If FTM numbers roughly equal those of MTF transpeople, then "where are the guys?", as the familiar question goes. A candid discussion of topics including but not limited to FTM invisibility, where does "passing" figure into the imbalance, gender roles & power dynamics, early socialization, barriers to transmen participation, and the responsibility of FTM transmen to "step up and stand up". Open to everyone. Bring your truth serum and a sense of humour.
MTF Genital Reconstruction Surgery and Ancillary Procedures
Dr. Meltzer will discuss his background and current surgical techniques for GRS surgery and ancillary procedures. He will discuss vaginoplasty, labiaplasty, breast augmentation, facial feminization and body contouring. He will show a PowerPoint presentation of pre and post operative photos. He will leave time at the end of the presentation for questions and answers.
Building a Transgender Care Network: Strategies for Creating Community Change
Medical and mental health providers and their staff are often not equipped with the knowledge to appropriately care for transgender women and men. We have developed several methods for enhancing the knowledge of community providers, medical students and educators, and have created a mental health advocacy project. All of our strategies recognize the importance of relationships and community networking. In this session, we will discuss our training methods, and provide ideas for partnerships within your own communities, which can lead to more health care options and improved outcomes.
Say it Loud!: I'm Fat, Trans and Proud
Fatphobia is one of the last socially acceptable prejudices and is also a common problem in the trans community. This workshop will examine the intersection of transgenderism and fatness. We will discuss body image, Health At Every Size (HAES), and the importance of embracing size and gender diversity. Trans and fat bodies are commonly targeted as "abnormal" and "unhealthy" by our enemies. Activists can unite in a shared struggle for bodily autonomy and pride. This workshop will provide tools for trans folks, people of size and our allies to promote positive change. Whose body is it, anyway?
Transgender and Gender Diverse Community Needs Assessment in Southern Arizona
The Health and Social Service Needs Assessment for Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals is a project supported and commissioned by the Southern Arizona Gender Alliance (SAGA), a program of Wingspan LGBT Community Center. Planning and data collection took place over a twelve month period, from January to December 2006, and involved the creation of a community advisory committee and research team. The panel will address key findings from the needs assessment, programmatic and policy implementation, and implications for future community based research projects in Southern Arizona.
We Belong: Transgender youth - the challenges we face and how we stay strong.
This interactive workshop will consist of a panel of transgender, gender variant, and genderqueer youth sharing their stories and experiences. Each of the panelists (we expect additional panelists from the Eon Youth Center) will discuss the challenges, support systems, and cultures relevant to being a young transgender person in the current political and social environment. Come join us in creating inter-generational dialogue and exchange. (Panel moderator: Courtney Jones)
Saturday 2:00 PM
One-Stage GRS for the MtF - Current Perspective
Dr. Bowers will discuss new directions and dimensions in GRS surgical options: innovations and alternatives in surgical care. She will discuss the one-stage procedure that she performs, as well as show examples of recent outcomes. She will also review other surgeries that she performs such as Breast Augmentation and Tracheal Shave.
The Dance of Love: Honoring the Bliss and the Blahs (for significant others) 2-5 PM
Strong women who willingly participate with their partners in their mutual transgender journey have much to say. Whether you knew and supported at the beginning and/or have actively journeyed together for many years, your wisdom and perspective is precious. It's time to talk unedited, unfiltered and collectively about Facts, Fantasies and Fables...from the voices of FFABS: Fabulous Females at Birth !!!!
Transgender Sex Workers in the US: Oppression, Agency and Resistance
Sex work continues to be a controversial and stigmatized topic in US society. Many trans people work in the sex industry due to employment prejudice. Others find empowerment in their work. This presentation and discussion will give an overview of trans participation in prostitution and the adult film industry. Despite US culture's virulent transphobia, the thriving trans sex industry speaks to our nation's ambivalent fascination with trans bodies and sexual practices. Central to this discussion will be questions of agency, sexual diversity, gender oppression, sex worker rights and politics.
FTM Genital Reconstruction Surgery and Ancillary Procedures
Dr. Meltzer will discuss his background and current surgical techniques for GRS surgery and ancillary procedures. He will discuss lower and upper surgery options, including but not limited to metoidioplasty, urethral lengthening, hysterectomy, oophorectomy, urethral lengthening, pedicle flap, chest surgery, and body contouring. He works with a team including a urologist and an OB/Gyn. He will also discuss the pros and cons of alternative procedures that he does not perform.
Transgender Political Activism at the State Level
A discussion of state level issues, concerns and strategies facing transgender activists.
Queering the Lens:The History of Photography in Transgendered Art
This presentation explores the history of transgendered art and artists (especially transmen) and the role that photography has played in that art. This presentation discusses issues of masculinity, body, and representation and how those issues are expressed both in art and actions.
Ending Bigenderism
The world is broken into two distinct genders. At birth we are almost all assigned to one or the other, with those un-assignable creating great disturbance. The gender slots, intended to mirror one to one our sex designation, determine a great deal about our lives. Along with culture, race, and class our life choices, career path, sexual preferences, clothing styles, speech patterns, and a myriad of other options are intended to be limited and determined. Nonetheless, a great many of us defy these limitations and refuse the bigender classification system.
Late-Blooming Flowers: Coming to Womanhood after 55
In this program we'll look at the special challenges facing those of us who transition late in life. For instance, is it still safe for us to take hormones? Is it still worthwhile to have surgeries, and which ones specifically? Can we ever get our hair to grow back; and will we ever finish our electrolysis? What about changing our voices? And above all, how can we unlearn so many decades of conditioning we may have internalized while trying to pass as men? While this program is mainly focused on transwomen, any transmen who have transitioned late in life are most welcome to attend.
Transgender Youth and Health: A Research Overview
Transgender youth are often a hidden minority within the LGBT community, as well as in the social science and medical literature. This panel discussion will include research and clinical updates on:
  • Current social, behavioral, and medical research trends in transgender youth and health
  • Clinical update on transgender youth medicine and clinical care
  • The needs of transgender youth in community-based organizations
  • The role of schools and families in promoting (or detracting from) the health and well-being of transgender youth
    • Sexual Identity Development in the FTM: A Qualitative Study
    This session will be an overview of the results of a study examining sexual identity development in the FTM community. Eleven FTMs were interviewed during a national FTM conference. Questions examined the individual's sexual identity pre- and post-transition. Each interviewee shared of the sometimes difficult discernment process as their gender identity and sexual identity often seemed at odds in their life.
    Saturday 3:30 PM
    Surgical Options for FTM's: Hysterectomy, Metoidioplasty and Beyond
    Dr. Bowers will describe her current techniques for FTM surgery and discuss some of the current surgical dilemmas for FTM's
    Environmental Hormones and Gender
    Scientific evidence uncovered over the last decade is increasingly pointing towards endocrine disrupting chemicals as a source of greatly increased variation in sexual and gender developmental outcomes in many species including humans. My goal with this seminar is to present a wide array of evidence demonstrating that these chemicals 1) have already had an effect on animals and humans, 2) are ubiquitous in many products, 3) are generally untested at relevant levels, and 4) that the scope of any discussion related to the unfolding of sexuality and gender needs to consider these chemicals.
    Stealth No More! An Intersex Trans Girl Speaks Out!
    Punch on through. A spoken word journey through shame, secrecy and isolation. What it is like to do a "surgery first, transition later" approach to gender swap due to botched hypospadic surgeries. Two stealthy decades later, I am telling my story. Questions and answer dialog to follow.
    Moving Beyond the Gender Binary
    This workshop critiques the gender binary, based on the presenter's book Transgender Voices: Beyond women and men. An alternative model to the binary will be presented. This model is inclusive of Trans- Identified people and intersex individuals.
    Ways that Work to Build Your Group: Harness the Power of Community
    You will take a tool box of tips and techniques from this workshop that will enable you to harness the power of community. Put ways that work -- to start a group or take your organization to the next level -- to work for you.
    Invisible Darkness: Transmen of color in the Transgender Community
    This program explores what it means to be a person of color and the conflicts in community is creates. What does it mean to be Black and trans? How does one's ethnic community and culture affect their transition? How accepting are the Black and Hispanic communities of transgendered people? The program centers around my personal experiences and those of close friends who may or may not be present. The program also includes a small question and answer period.
    Identity Crisis - an open discussion about who we are
    Since the start of the transgender movement, identity labels have proliferated at an alarming rate. This interactive session will explore how those labels have evolved, how they impact us as a group, and the needs they fulfill. If you have ever wondered about who you are and what you could call yourself, or why those other people use the label they do, then this session will give you food for thought and - hopefully! - nourishment for the soul.
    Discover GRS Montreal: Is it time for you?
    GRS Montreal is known for pioneering and standardizing on the latest and most advanced GRS surgical technique: the One Step. This surgery focuses on minimizing OR time, provides faster and easier recovery, and eliminates the need for follow-up second surgery. Dr Brassard's presentation will address the advantages of the Montreal One-Step GRS surgery (a process that covers every detail of your surgical experience), innovations to post-surgical recovery using his new on-site convalescence care facility Asclepiade, and a first look at the surgery and hospital facility. Receive your own DVD about the GRS Montreal experience, "Metamorphosis, A Beautiful Change."
    Ying and Yang: Finding Balance in your T-Ness, Transphobia: The Enemy Within
    A key concept in finding fulfillment in life is balance. Finding it is difficult. Keeping it seems almost impossible. How can you prevent your "T-ness" from becoming an all-consuming poison pill in your life? In your relationships? In your career? Here are some healthy thoughts and strategies to consider.

    Transphobia. What is it? What can you do about it? How can you recognize it both in others and yourself? It is an issue many of us face every day, in society as well as in our own community and in ourselves-appearing in the guise of self-loathing and misplaced anger. This interesting and informative topic will provide a thought-provoking perspective.
     
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    Workshop Details: Thursday · Friday · Saturday