This issue is not the typically one-topic-specific newsletter – at least not in the traditional way of highlighting the topic of the next FORGE meeting. This newsletter stems out of issues that were raised at the April 1, 2000 meeting. (See page 3 for more details.)

The April meeting’s topic is Spirituality. Many would question what spirituality has to do with transgenderism; but for many, the two subjects are often intertwined. Whether we are religious and/or spiritual, many of us have strong beliefs that construct our guiding principles. At times, some of us have felt that only our Higher Power/God/Goddess was hearing us when we struggled to find ourselves. Perhaps, for some of us, our faith held us together, offering guidance and strength to enable us to transition/be with our partners as they transitioned. Some of us found familiarity in Native American spiritual traditions and constructs such as the Berdache. For some of us, the way we interact with fellow parishioners at our churches or synagogues was significantly impacted as we discovered and explored our gendered selves. What role does gender play in "organized" religion? What happens when your religious "obligations" have shifted because of a gender shift? Do you become more observant, maybe because you finally can do what you've always felt you should be able to and were denied? Do you become less observant, maybe because there is no one to show you the "new" rituals, or because you no longer are sure how to fit in? Do you seek a new way to worship/celebrate the Spirit? For some of us, we reached a higher plane through out gender journey, connecting us on a deeper level with our Inner Spirit.

Come to the next FORGE meeting to discuss these topics and many more.

Time: 2:00 – ? (*Followed by Pool Party)

Where: Michael’s Condo
Milwaukee, WI (Email for directions)