TransFaith In Color Summit 2010

I was invited to speak at this event in Los Angeles but due to my previous commitment with my 30 year high school reunion weekend, couldn't be with my African descended transpeeps for it.

It was the inaugural TransFaith In Color Summit, and I'm just beginning to get reports that it was an informative and interesting event.

It promises to only get bigger and better as they continue to organize it and the word of mouth from attendees filters to the target audience that this summit is geared to attract. 

The next Trans Faith in Color Summit is scheduled for July 2011 in North Carolina, and hopefully I'll be in attendance for it.

Where's The 'T' In Media Panel Tonight

“Where's the "T" In Media?: Exploring the (Mis)representation) of Transsexual, Transgender and Intersex People In the Media" is a panel discussion presented by Columbia Queer Alliance (CQA), Media Advocates Giving National Equality to Transsexual & Transgender People (MAGNET), Quam 2010 and GendeRevolution. After the panel discussion there will be a Q & A from the audience

Panelists:
· Ashley Love - an organizer w/ MAGNET -Media Advocates Giving National Equality to Transsexual  & Transgender People
· Noah Lewis - Staff Attorney at Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund
· Deb Sprague -Writer-Producer: Premiere Radio Network

When: Wednesday October 13, 2010 @ 7pm EDT

In honor of Gender Rights Week, this discussion will focus on the depictions of transsexual, transgender and intersex images in the media. With an abundance of trans images in the last 5 years, are these images affirming trans people, or dehumanizing them? Noted trans leaders and college students offer the facts, and their opinions.

More info: MAGNET's website: http://www.themagnetsource.blogspot.com/
Columbia Queer Alliance's website: http://www.cqanyc.com/

 DIRECTIONS:
(1) Take the 1 train to the 116th St stop.
(2) Cross to the west side of Broadway Avenue, opposite the entrance to Columbia University's main campus.
(3) Walk north until you reach a set of open gates on your left. Barnard Hall will be inside the gates, immediately to your left

Upcoming Philly TDOR Panel Discussion

I was invited to be part of the panel for last year's inaugural discussion, but regretfully couldn't attend due to a TDOR scheduling commitment elsewhere.

A gentle reminder that if you want me speaking at your TDOR events, better move fast because speaking slots are filling up.

This year's panel discussion will take place on Thursday, November 18 from :00pm - 9:00pm EST. It will happen at Safeguards, 1700 Market Street, 18th Floor in Philadelphia, PA.

The theme for this year's discussion will be- Generation to Generation - Bridging the Gap Toward Transcendence - SPEAK ABOUT IT!

Premise and Topic:
Identity and the circular motion of change between generations. How to bridge the divide in our community toward growth beyond terms. In alignment with the famous quote by Audre Lorde: "There are no new ideas".

For additional information about this upcoming 2010 TDOR event you can contact Dionne Stallworth via e-mail at prismchild@yahoo.com

The Grand Marshal Speaks

As many of you TransGriot readers are aware of, at this moment I'm in Northampton, MA exercising my duties as the Grand Marshal for the Northampton Trans Pride March and Rally.

I'm not only honored to be following in Miss Major's and Gunnar Scott's footsteps as the previous Grand Marshals for this event, I'm getting the opportunity to see and hang out with my friends in the area, meet some new one and say what's up to my loyal New England TransGriot readers.

Best of all I get out of Houston for a few days.

I got to BDL a little after 5:30 PM EDT because of the headwinds we were battling on the flight up from the ATL. I did get to Ericka and Trystan's place in time to watch the kickoff of the Coogs successful C-USA home opener against UTEP.

Eat em' up!

If somebody shoots the video of the parade, I'll post it later.

Once again I want to thank my gracious Northampton Trans Pride hosts for the invitation and another opportunity to spend some time partaking of some Western Massachusetts hospitality.

Things have been kind of up and down personally for me lately, and this trip is just what I needed to turn my personal lemon situation into pink lemonade.

SCC 2010

In a few hours, the 20th anniversary edition on one of my fave trans conferences will begin down in the A-T-L. Or more precisely, the A-T-L 'burbs.

It's Southern Comfort Conference time once again, the largest trans themed conference in the United States and possibly the world.

It's happening from today through September 12, but unfortunately due to a previous commitment in Northampton, I won't be there. I was invited by Autumn and Pam to be part of their Friday 'New Media In Colorful Diversity' panel discussion, but unfortunately will be traveling that day. Ironically my Delta flight has me changing planes that weekend in Atlanta.

Well, there's next year. If SCC wants me, maybe they could have the TransGriot speak at one of the dinners or luncheons, hint hint.

Speaking of the seminars, it's one of the things I've always loved about SCC. They have strived to make them informative and give you a lot of seminar track choices. They also include opportunities to do off site activities that have included visiting Atlanta institutions such as the World of Coca-Cola and CNN headquarters.

Frankly, I'd like to see them add trips to the King Center and the Carter Presidential Center in town as well. Perhaps those of you contemplating being on the 2011 SCC planning committee can suggest that.

My first SCC was in 1999 and it was a memorable one. I met Dawn, Marisa Richmond and much of the legendary trans leadership at the time and returned in 2000 since it was the site for one of our NTAC face to face board meetings.

The 2000 SCC happened to be the 10th anniversary event and the last one they held at the old hotel in the Buckhead area. It also had the then record POC attendance of 27 people.

My last SCC I attended was in 2004. Got old counting the African descended trans people in attendance on one hand, but I do have to point out since then they've been diligent about and managed to get SCC POC attendance into the double digit range.

So congratulations SCC on making it to 20 years. Here's hoping that the conference continues to grow and prosper and get more diverse.

The Houston Trans History Lesson Event

In order for you to understand your present and set your course for the future, you have to know your past.

That's why I'm at the TG Center in Montrose along with other interested parties listening to a trans history lesson from our 'godmother', Phyllis Frye.

This event is going to last until 5 PM, so I'll tell y'all about how it transpired when I get back home.

Upoming Trans Strategy Conference

TransGriot Note: Arianna and the folks at GIEC sent me the note about this upcoming invitation only trans event.

This is a dynamic and engaging conference for prioritizing and planning an effective strategy of vigorous ground activism/advocacy/action, to include:

*Education of the general public and institutions, especially of areas where Trans people are rarely heard of or considered, utilizing in depth heart to heart discourse, common ground engagement and positive bridge building.

*Blunting stigmatization of Trans people, as well as ending the gross misappropriation, silencing and "invisibling" of Trans people by some elements of the LGB and Cisgender sectors in society.

*Building a Trans Activism machine that can act independently, with any ally support as an added "bonus", not total dependency.

*Finally challenging Transphobic institutions, initiating supported litigation when called for.

*Launching a response and communications network for Trans people based on existing successful models and creativity.

*Officially launching Counter - Media platforms and resources that can broadcast positive and empowering images of Trans people, thus challenging the negative media image(s) of Trans people;

- increasing and raising the volume of our voices.

*ENDA - and alternatives to this if necessary.

*Creative solutions for mitigating Anti - Trans violence.

*Significant ally organizations and others, such as the ACLU, Lambda Legal, Sylvia Rivera Law Center, TIP, Radical Women,GLAD, NLGTF, GLAAD, NOW, TFA, TransUnited, TransHaven, GASS, TransAngels, Gender Justice, contributive UK/European/Asian/Latin American/African entities, MAGNET and Board members of the Guardian Angels, are just some being invited to attend.

*There will also be opportunities for individuals or groups at the conference to make presentations - please let us know at least 2 weeks in advance, provide an abstract or outline of what you would like to present.

The cost of this conference is free, although donations to be used for trans people in need, would definitely be appreciated!

Location: Soka University of America, Aliso Viejo, CA (conference area TBA)
Date: Saturday September 4th - Sunday September 5th, 2010
Time: 10:30 AM on Saturday / 12:30 PM on Sunday

If any maps, directions are needed for the area, please don't hesitate to request them.

-An electric cart for those with disabilities is available with advance reservations specifying that the cart is needed.

-Breakout sessions can be flexibly scheduled throughout the conference.

-There will be a special motivational and success training presentation on Saturday (time TBA).

-We'll also host a live "2-way" online video feed at the conference, so that remote attendees will have a chance to significantly contribute - we'll be giving out secure pass words and log-on information beforehand.

Meals and catering
-Breakfast/Brunch and Dinner on campus subsidized by the GIEC, will be available during the conference. -The Bistro Cafe on the campus of Soka University serves fresh, very well prepared great all-you-can-eat buffet meals prepared by contract chefs.

-If there are any dietary needs (such as vegetarian, vegan or modified diet) please let us know ahead of the conference.

Detailed information for hotel and residential host lodging will be arranged and announced very soon.

Scholarships will be available for those needing financial assistance to attend this event (for travel, lodging and subsidized meals)

This conference will be invitation only and security will be provided

Contact:
Email: arikitty09@gmail.com
Phone: 714-227-0252

TransGriot Update: Questions are arising as to whether this is a legitimate conference. It's not on the Soka University website for scheduled September monthly events.

Moni's Headed Back To New England

Been sitting on this news for a little while.

Since it has been posted to the NETU Pride March website and we're a few weeks away from the event happening, I think it's time to share the news with my loyal TransGriot readers. I'm pleased to announce that Moni's headed back to New England for the 2010 New England Trans United Pride march and rally.

I was just one of the speakers at the inaugural event in 2008 in which Miss Major was the Grand Marshal.

This time I'm honored to be following in Miss Major's footsteps as the 2010 parade's Grand Marshal.

Last year's march in Northampton drew over 600 participants and the organizers hope to exceed that total this year.

The goal of the march and rally is to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the trans community in order to build support in the Massachusetts legislature for pending trans civil rights legislation.

One bill on the local community's radar is Massachusetts bill H1728/S1687, “An act Relative To Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes,”.

Thanks New England Trans United for the honor and looking forward to seeing you peeps in Northampton, MA and the surrounding area on Saturday, September 11.

Will be a blast to see and hang out with old friends, meet some new ones and say howdy to all my TransGriot readers in the area.

And please tell me y'all snagged the RV y'all had for the 2008 event.

MAGNET Media Panel Discussion Tomorrow In West Hollywood

We are a little more than 24 hours away from a panel discussion I definitely wish I could be in the room for to support my transpeeps.

MAGNET (Media Advocates Giving National Equality to Transsexual & Transgender People) is facilitating this discussion which is entitled:

Women Demanding Change Now:
The Dehumanization of Transsexual Women through the Gay Male Hollywood Lens

It will take place tomorrow, July 15th- from 7-9:30 PM PDT at Plummer Park Community Center, Room #6. The community center is located at 7377 Santa Monica Blvd.(Cross street is Martel) in West Hollywood, CA 90046.

MAGNET is an anti-defamation organization dedicated to educating the media about transsexual and transgender issues, as well as pushing for more authentic and positive portrayals of trans people in the media.

Once again, if you have an aversion to cameras the event will be filmed for those of us who couldn't be there and would like to see the discussion, so factor that into your decision to attend.

Some of the topics up for discussion are:

• Finding solutions to build authentic unity and trust within the LGBT community

• Mental/physical violence incited by messages in film and TV

• Gay males producing stigmatizing, over the top and unkind images of transsexual women

• Gay Inc. and some transgender activists co-opting the medical condition transsexualism

• Inaccurately depicting transsexual women as “drag queens”, “caricatures of femininity”

• Dangerous propaganda that mis-educates public and assaults transsexual women

There will be an opportunity for the audience to ask the panelists questions.

PANELISTS:

- Kiana Moore (transsexual woman, Hollywood producer- VH1,MTV, Bravo, Oxygen, Logo)
- Talia Bettcher, PhD (trans woman, Philosophy Professor, author)
- Cary Harrison (gay male, radio personality, award winning journalist.)
- Mannee McMurray (LGBT activist, writer, MAGNET volunteer)
- Hannah Howard (trans activist, Gender Justice LA board member)
- Matt Palazzolo (gay male, Equal Roots co-founder)
- Arianna Davis (transsexual & intersex woman, Gender ID Empowerment Coalition (GIEC) co-founder)
- Vanesa Camara (transsexual woman, activist for transsexual liberation & feminism)
- Libby Freeman ( queer woman, outspoken ally for trans people, GIEC & MAGNET organizer)

The panel discussion will be moderated by Ashley Love- (trans rights advocate, writer and an organizer with MAGNET)

It's still not too late for you to let MAGNET know your thoughts on this epidemic so we can include them in the planning and discussion.

FOR INFO and media inquiries, contact MAGNET Organizer:
Ashley Love - Email: magnet_right_now@yahoo.com.

President Obama's Remarks At 2010 LGBT Pride Reception

TransGriot Note: As usual, not feeling much pride about a reception that appears to have once again, shut out transwomen of color. Will need to peruse the guest list to determine how pissed off I should be about it, so consider the USS Monica in DEFCON 3 status until I confirm what I already suspect happened again.

Then I will unleash the rhetorical Tomahawks...

In the meantime, enjoy President Obama's remarks from another LGBT pride event that had a melanin free transgender contingent.

Iconic African-American Transperson In The House In Barcelona

I was a little bummed because I couldn't be at the historic international trans conference taking place through tomorrow in Barcelona, Spain.

The disappointment became more pronounced after I began seeing pics and reports on their Facebook pages and blogs from many of my international friends I correspond with at regular intervals such as Naomi from PinayTG and Sass Rogando Sasot.

I knew Dr. Kelley Winters was there, but I began to wonder if once again, a major historic trans event was happening, and we African American transpeeps had no one there to represent us.

Well, got sent a message by my friend Sharyn that one of our legendary trans women, Miss Major, is in Barcelona and representing us. She's been at the preconference events that started June 1 and I'm looking forward to hearing her take on what transpired in Spain.

I know our interests will be articulated well with Miss Major representing us.

2010 Philadelphia Trans Health Conference

I'm a little bummed out right now because many of my trans brothers and transisters are gathered in Philly for the annual Philadelphia Trans Health Conference taking place this weekend at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

One of the reasons I'm bummed is that the NBJC's Kylar Broadus is one of the keynote speakers for this year's event and have been wanting to meet this brother for some time.

Oh well, hopefully there will be another opportunity to do so.

The Philly THC tends to draw a nice sized crowd of African American transpeople thanks to it being held on the east coast.

As a matter of fact I did get some late communication form one of the organizers wanting me to attend. This person had heard about my Trans 101 presentations I do from an African American perspective and my speaking skills, but couldn't get it worked out in time for me to do so live and in person in Philadlphia.

Well, have a successful conference, and hope to see y'all next year.

Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit

The second annual Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit will be taking place on the Rice University campus July 20-21, 2010 in the Kyle Morrow Room of the Fondren Library. The Houston GLBT Community Center is a sponsor/partner for this summit.

Depending on how her schedule plays out, the TransGriot is about 90% certain she may make that her first local trans event she attends since moving back to the Lone Star State.

The Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit will primarily be focused on the struggle to gain transgender coverage in collegiate policies. One of the goals of the TTNS is to create a statewide supportive network of like minded individuals working to make Lone Star State campuses inclusive for all.

Only a small handful of colleges and universities have made this important acknowledgement of the fact that transgender students matriculating at Texas colleges exist. The University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, South Texas College of Law, Houston Community College System, and the University of Houston System.

Josephine Tittsworth, one of the TTNS organizers points out, "The need for change is very great in order to allow people the freedom of experiencing educational advancement to its fullest extent."

"Transgender faculty, staff, and students experience systemic discrimination in such simply tasks as an expedient and respectful name change on records, housing, facility access, and fair competition among colleagues and students. There is also a serious lack of education on transgender lives and issues on college campuses."

And the need for transgender education is needed at HBCU campuses as well.

TTNS participants will learn what works and what doesn't work in changing policy on college campuses to protect transgender faculty, staff, and students. You'll get the opportunity to make connections with people already doing this important work and learn from their successes and failures.

All Texas Colleges and Universities wishing to gain transgender rights in institution policies should attend this strategy sharing summit in Houston.

I'd like to see some representation from Texas based HBCU's such as Texas Southern and Prairie View A&M as well.

If you're considering coming down from other parts of the state and do so by bus, METRORail's Red Line runs in front of the Greyhound Station and past the Rice University campus, located at 6100 Main St.

Registration is free to all participants, and the Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit has a Facebook page that you can direct further questions you have to the event organizers. I'll also update this post with further contact info once I receive it.

Hope to see you at the upcoming TTNS Summit.

2010 Miss Tiffany's Universe Winner Crowned

Something else that transpired while I was in the process of moving to H-town was the 13th annual Miss Tiffany's Universe pageant in the resort city of Pattaya, Thailand, 150 km (90 miles) away from the chaotic political situation in Bangkok.

This year's winner of the nationally televised pageant was 19 year old university student Nalada Thamthanakorn. She walks away with the 100,000 baht ($3,100) cash prize and a Honda Jazz car.

The Miss Tiffany's Universe Pageant is the Thai transwomen only one that determines who represents the 'Land of Smiles' for the open to all international transwomen Miss International Queen Pageant later this year.

Assuming the political drama wracking the capital doesn't spread to the rest of the country, it's scheduled to be held at Tiffany's Cabaret Theater.

This year's competition theme was, 'I am what I am', which is applicable to transpeople around the globe. The hundreds of applicants were whittled down to the 28 lucky ladies that took part in the televised portion of the contest.

In addition to being the most prominent transgender pageant in the world, Miss Tiffany's Universe continues to get more educated girls competing every year.

Out of the 28 contestants, 75 percent of them were students pursuing bachelor's degrees in Thailand's prominent universities such as Mahidol University, Bangkok University and Khonkaen University. Their majors or professions varied from safety trainer for firefighting to film director.

If everything stays relatively calm in the Pattaya area, 2009 Miss International Queen winner Ai Haruna of Japan will be making another trip to Thailand to crown her successor.

The Thais are hoping that Nalada Thamthanakorn is the girl that will keep the title at home this year.

18th Houston Transgender Community Unity Banquet

There were a lot of events going on this weekend, and while I was attending a local GLBT Derby party, back in the home state the 18th annual Houston Transgender Community Unity Banquet was taking place at the Sheraton Brookhollow.

The last one I attended was in 2001 when I was up for a Dee McKellar Award as the Houston trans community's most outspoken transperson and lost to Katrina Rose.

It's all good, Kat. There's 2011.

Wanted to give the Unity Committee a quick shoutout for doing the hard work of planning and putting together the signature event for the Houston trans community.

Hopefully, I'll see y;all next year.

IFGE 2011 Conference In DC Area For Third Straight Year

The 2010 International Foundation For Gender Education 24th annual conference came to a successful conclusion last week in Alexandria, VA. After they catch their breath, the IFGE team will being the planning process for next year's event.

For those of you who wish to attend the 25th Annual IFGE Conference in 2011 or get a head start on planning your life around it, I can tell you the date and the city it will be held in.

It will be held in the Washington DC metro area for the third straight year and the dates for the 2011 Conference will be April 14 - 17, 2011.

IFGE is working on getting the same hotel, the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center hotel in Alexandria, VA to host it. As soon as I can get confirmation from Bree, Denise and the rest of the IFGE gang that the hotel is the same, I'll pass that info along to you.

In the meantime, watch the IFGE website and Facebook page for updates, info on submitting seminar proposals and any other breaking news on the 25th annual conference. The IFGE conference as always is open to our allies and people who wish to learn more about the lives of transpeople and our issues.

And one of the things I'll be interested in finding out is who makes up the Trinity Class of 2011.

IFGE 2010 Capital Conference Starts Today

It's too bad I'm not there, but the 2010 IFGE Capital Conference is kicking off today across the Potomac from our nation's capital in Alexandria, VA. and will run through the 25th.

This year's conference theme is Education For Action, and we in this community can always use that in the fight to have our constitutional rights respected and codified into federal law.

If you're in the Washington DC metro area, you may want to check out the IFGE Capital Conference. It will have some great presenters and our allies are always welcome.

If you're interested in attending some of the seminars or seeing my fave part of it, the Trinity Awards luncheon, it will take place at the Alexandria Hilton at Mark Center in Alexandria, VA.

Hmm, come to think of it, the last IFGE Conference I attended was in 2006. Will have to rectify that next year.

Amanda Gonzalez-Andujar Memorial Service and Candlelight Vigil Saturday

Amanda Gonzalez-Andujar is the latest transwoman we have lost to senseless anti-transgender violence. While her alleged killer has been captured, her family, friends and the trans community wait to see if justice will be done.

If you're in or near the New York metro area, on Saturday, April 24 a memorial service and candlelight vigil is being organized in her memory.

For those of you who knew Amanda or would just like to pay your respects, please join her friends, family and community members in this moment to remember her beautiful life.

The memorial service and vigil will take place from 2-5 PM EDT.

The memorial service will take place at the Metropolitan Community Church of New York (MCCNY) starting at 2 PM. The address is 446 W. 36th Street (between 9th & 10th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan).

You'll take the A,C,E trains to 34th St. Penn Station

The candlelight vigil will take place in front of Amanda's Glendale Queens home from 4-5 PM. The address is 69-30 62ND Street between Catalpa Street & Cypress Hills St. in Glendale, NY 11385.

For you peeps in there NY metro area, you'll take the M train to Fresh Pond Rd.

Remember, there but for the grace of God go all of us.

If you're able to do do, please consider attending and showing some love and support for our fallen sister and her friends and family.

Happy International Transgender Day Of Visibility

Today is the first celebration of what founder Rachel Crandall hopes will be an annual event, the International Transgender Day of Visibility.

One of the problems I've long complained about that has had serious repercussion with trans people's levels of acceptance in the African-American community and beyond is our lack of visibility.

Well, the International Day of Visibility wants to to change that.

Too many of us transition, then go into hiding because of the intolerance of society. We grapple with shame and guilt issues instead of being proud of who we are and having the courage to stand up and say 'I am a human being who happens to be transgender, and you will not disrespect me'

Maybe if for one day, we can get transpeople to stand up in large numbers where they don't feel alone, that will subsequently happen.

The International Transgender Day of Visibility seeks to make transpeople less of a mystery to cis folks, point out that transpeople are all around you in your daily lives and have played roles in shaping our culture and history.

This event is also an opportunity for the people who complain about the Transgender Day of Remembrance being 'too somber' to participate in an event that celebrates who we are. It's also another opportunity for our allies to stand in solidarity with us.

As the awareness of this March 31 day increases, it becomes better organized, gets more media attention and people have a year to plan events for TDOV 2011 there will probably be other things attached to the general framework of this day.

I can see future TDOV events with components such as panel discussions on our issues at various venues, trans specific coming out day ceremonies, trans themed pageants or teach ins about our history.

The possibilities and directions this day could take, especially when people put their unique cultural and international stamps on it are endless.

But I hope the overwhelming message that gets out on this day is that we exist, we're proud to be trans people, we are your sisters, brothers and family members.

I also pray that the other message resonating from this day is that as fellow human beings, we deserve to live our lives to the fullest and will not be deterred from doing so.

IFGE 2010 Capital Conference Rapidly Approaching

The 24th annual International Foundation for Gender Education conference is rapidly approaching.

It will take place from April 22 – 25 and is returning to the Alexandria Hilton at k Mark Center in Alexandria, VA

The winners of the 2010 IFGE Trinity Awards will be revealed, which is always of interest to me since I'm one of only three African-Americans who has won it.

The conference is open to the public and will be packed with informative seminars and presenters in addition to the Trinity Awards luncheon.

Here the link to the conference website for additional information about it, and we'll see if the TransGriot can add it to her events schedule.