The American Boyz to Hold Fourth Annual True Spirit Conference

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 8, 1999 - The American Boyz are pleased to announce the Fourth Annual True Spirit Conferece to be held at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, Alexandria, Virginia, on February 18-20, 2000.This three-day conference focuses on the social, physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational health of all gender variant people on the FTM spectrum and their significant others, friends, families, and allies.

Workshops and panel presentations to be held during this fourth annual event address such topics as:  health and wellness issues, relationships, special needs populations (including youth, elders, people of color, and individuals who have physical challenges), legal, political, and employment
issues, and spirituality.

"True Spirit offers many unique opportunities for participants that address a variety of the real life needs and concerns of people of transgender experience," says Trey Maurer, True Spirit 2000 media coordinator.  One of those unique opportunities is making health screening available on site including blood pressure checks, breast exams, and other health maintenance services.  "Getting routine health checks can be an exceptional challenge for some trans people, " continued Maurer, "so we try to remove one of the barriers to access by bringing health care providers directly to the conference participants."

Other events scheduled for True Spirit 2000 are: authors readings and chat sessions, exhibit hall with information and merchandise, art show, and the American Boyz Award Ceremony.

Conference fees range from $40-$80.  Those registering before January 1, 2000 will enjoy a discounted registration fee of $60.    Children ages 14 years and younger accompanied by an adult will be admitted free.  Some work scholarship and housing assistance is available on a first come, first serve basis.  There are two options for registration:  download and complete the registration form from the internet at www.execpc.com/~dmmunson/tsc2k/application.htm
Or, request a conference flyer from The American Boyz/True Spirit 2000, 212A South Bridge Street, # 131, Elkton, MD, 21921.

True Spirit will, for the fourth year, provide a major opportunity for people of transgender experience, their friends, families, allies, and service providers to gather together for education, networking, and support.

Representatives of the press are invited to True Spirit 2000 but MUST pre-register as a press person, and sign and comply with all True Spirit press and camera regulations.  All registered press will receive a True Spirit 2000 press packet upon their arrival at the conference. 

Opportunities for corporate and organizational sponsorship are still available. 

The American Boyz  is an organization for female to male gender variant people (FTMs) of any orientation,  including but not limited to tomboys, butches, f2ms, transmen, drag kings, masculine females, crossdressers, intersexuals, and those who support us, including our Significant Others, Friends, Famliies, and Allies (SOFFAs).  The American Boyz, Inc., 212A South Bridge Street, # 131, Elkton, MD, 21921; FAX: 410-620-2024; URL:http://www.amboyz.org; Email: amboyz@iximd.com