Programming

Prospective Workshop Titles and descriptions - All programming subject to change.  For more information about workshops, please contact Michael Munson at tgwarrior@execpc.com.  

2000 Final List of Workshops


Health and Wellness

"Not Like Me" -- Sexworkers and Street Kids in the Transgender Community 
This workshop will address the experience of those of us who are or were involved in sex work, and those who were or are homeless, transient, run-aways, etc. The two experiences are frequently linked, and trans people who come from these lives have their unique perspectives on class and gender. This workshop will look at some of the apparent incongruencies, such as being a high femme stripper by night and a butch trannyboy by day, and also will address the needs and concerns of street kids and sexworkers as far as safety, survival, and respect. Participants are asked to come ready to share their own perspectives, as this is not a lecture but a discussion. Everyone is welcome. This will be a respectful and non-judgmental space.

Chest Surgery Overview I: with Michael Brownstein 
This overview with Michael Brownstein, MD, popular San Francisco-based plastic surgeon who has worked for a long time with the FTM community. Brownstein will present a slide show and discuss different kinds of chest reconstruction surgery options.

Chest Surgery Overview II: With Dr. Jim Reardon 
With Dr. Jim Reardon, New York City-based surgeon who specializes in chest reconstruction surgery for FTMs. He will present a slide show and discuss different kinds of chest reconstruction surgery options.

Domestic Violence 
Our identities as well as our bodies and minds are wounded by all forms of violence. We, as a gender variant community, are often targets of violence. This workshop will discuss how sexual violence specifically impacts the TG community. How does being a survivor of assault affect our loved ones? How does it affect our transition process? What do Rape Crisis Centers and domestic violence counselors need to know about us? This will be a safe and supportive space for those to share personal experiences .

Gynecologic Health 
Most everyone wants a healthy body. Even if we can't always have healthy bodies, most people work hard to avoid illness or poor health. All too often butch and transpeople choose to ignore their gynecologic health because of wanting to maintain a masculine presence in the world - or don't want to acknowledge parts of their body that are associated with being "female". This workshop will discuss both the importance of routine preventive Gyn healthcare, non-routine gyn medical issues, as well as how to work with your provider(s) to make the medical experience less traumatic.

HBSOC: Basics/Overview 
Jude Patton (the first transgendered person to be elected to the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association) and Hawk Stone (a therapist and FTM), will objectively review the history of the Benjamin Standards of Care. A general overview of some of the foundations for the SOC, as well as the evolution of the guidelines will be covered. Jude will also point out how the guidelines specifically impact FTMs and the professionals we work with. The focus will be on history and "facts", not a discussion of the pros or cons of the SOC.

HBSOC: Providers Caucus 
An opportunity for providers to discuss the pros and cons of HBSOC. Providers will have the opportunity to network with other providers and determine possibly better ways to work with (or without) the SOC.

How to be Helpful: Training for Support Service Providers 
This workshop will explore clinical issues in working therapeutically with trans-masculine-identified people and their family and significant others. Anyone interested in this topic is encouraged to participate. Depending upon the needs of our group, topics covered may include: Basic groundwork for clinical practice with TG/TS individuals; Etiology and theoretical approaches; Family and partner issues; Case presentations/Personal experiences; and Ethical dilemmas and Trends in the field.

Intersexed Caucus 
A meeting, discussion, and mingling of energies for our community's many and varied medically intersexed members, and anyone else who is interested in giving support or getting educated about our unique needs and perspectives.

Living Long Term Caucus 
"Post transition" men will have the opportunity to discuss what it's like to live more of their lives as men, health issues of long term testosterone usage, relationships, and other issues.

Metaoidoioplasty 
Metaoidoioplasty: Presented by Michael Brownstein, MD, will describe this procedure for bottom surgery, including slides, a detailed discussion of how it is done, and what are reasonable expectations as well as risks.

Navigating the Land of Therapy 101 
How does one go about finding a gender therapist? Interviewing your potential therapist, discerning if it's a right fit: boundaries, goals, etc. How do the therapist and client work together as a team? What about the Standards of Care? What to do when your therapist is not a gender therapist (and how not to be their educator). How to best utilize the services of the therapist in working toward wholeness.

no-hos & lo-do-hos 
A panel designed for those who are exploring alternatives to physically transitioning using hormones or surgery and for those who have already decided that body alteration is not a path they wish to pursue. We will talk about how "transitioning" does not always mean physically changing our bodies, but also involves emotionally, socially & spiritually transitioning to becoming more at peace with our gender and bodies. Both maintaining a non-hormonally altered body, as well as pursuing/living on low doses of testosterone will be discussed.

Non-op Caucus 
A panel designed for those who are questioning their surgical options, and for those who have already decided that body alteration is not a path they wish to pursue.

Nutrition Caucus 
We talk so much about supplements and hormones (which we need to do, of course), but what do we do with what little money we have left when we want to eat for health?? Eating right helps keep our mind and body channels working in concert with each other, and places less stress on the body -- and it's really not expensive to do -- but if you don't kow what to get, and how to combine foods, what do you do???

Testosterone: The Shot Heard 'Round Our World 
An honest discussion of the important considerations, plans, expectations and possible problems with hormones - testosterone. Kate Thomas, PhD, RN, CS, FAACS, a sexologist, psychotherapist and former AmBoyz board member, will address overall health and well-being issues, recommended pre-testosterone health screenings and bloodwork, cardio-vascular concerns, gynecologic issues, and cholesterol levels, as well as hormonal regimens.

The FtM Jock's Body Maintenance Crash Course: Fitness and Nutrition for the Transmasculine 
Veteran TSC presenter and FtM jock Drey Fisher answers all your questions when it comes to fitness and nutrition: masculinizing your body through diet and exercise, testosterone and your health, improving sports performance, weight gain and loss, the truth behind supplements, fitness for couch potatoes, and more. A brief overview followed by a long question and answer session.

Top Surgery Show and Tell 
Just like it sounds. Guys talk about how they got to the place of having surgery, what procedure and surgeon they chose and why, recovery, adjustment and flat-chested life. SOFFA participation strongly encouraged.

Transitioning in a Tempest: Staying Sane and Sober 
Many people in the transgender community have or are using substances to cope with being "different". If you fall into this category, or aren't sure if you do or not, then maybe this is the workshop for you. Come and share with us your experience, strength and hope and how you stay sane with all the changes in your life.

Identities

32 Flavors and Then Some: The Many Masculinities of Our Lives 
An exploration of the various masculine archetypes and experiences that are reflected in FTM/butch lives (bad boy, gentleman, boy next door, daddy, daddy's boy, tranny fag, old school, nouveau, etc.), and a discussion about how certain kinds of masculinities are privileged over others within and outside queer cultures.

Aging Caucus 
Whether you're looking at transitioning now or have all that two decades behind you, the intersection of aging and trans issues brings up new concerns. Come talk to your peers and learn what support and advocacy resources we've found.

Building Community Across Labels (Caucus)  
Who are we? Individually, each of us can probably answer that a dozen (or more) ways. Unfortunately, those individual labels often seem to create as many barriers as they do understandings when we attempt to create a unified, supportive community. Come discuss ways our community can use and/or transcend our varied identities to build respect, understanding, and support.

Butch to FTM Chat: LIVE 
This is an opportunity for good dialog between FTM's and Butches. Much discussion has been done over the last year ONLINE, regarding several issues between FTM's and Butches. This is a chance to open up communication between FTM's and Butches face to face and continue previous online discussions, regarding feminism, queer history/herstory, the queer continuum, etc.

Canadian Caucus 
A space for Canadians to gather to discuss issues relating to transition, hormones, health care and medical procedures Canadian-Style. Come share your experiences and struggles with those who have been through it and those who are going through it.

Fat 101- A Revolution in the Making!  
Fat discrimination is a civil rights issue. Understanding and opposing it is a necessary part of any progressive politics. We will start with a mini-education about fat bias, but will move quickly into a group discussion about personal experiences and how fat and FTM/tranny/genderfuck/SO identities interact. Everyone of all sizes and identities is welcome to come and learn, but the emphasis is on the reality of fat bias and the experiences of the fat attendees, so we will not be covering body image issues of thin people.

Finding Voice in Shifting Space: A Writing Workshop  
Many of us have had our voices silenced, unable to write or speak of our experiences. There often has not been language to describe ourselves or our lives, or we have had to use language that does not truly describe who we are. This has been particularly true for trans people and for SOFFA's as we struggle to describe our experiences in the trans sphere. In a small, safe and confidential space, participants can explore finding their voices and giving name to their trans experiences. We will discuss what holds us back, use writing exercises, and share our work in an effort to begin to find our voices and name our experiences in writing. [NOTE: The workshop is limited to 15 participants, so come early. If there are enough people, and there is time, a second workshop may be scheduled.]

FTM 101: Things your Parents Never Told You 
An FTM 101 of concepts and options available for Transgender Men. Visual presentation including an honest, in-depth slideshow of top and bottom - good and bad - surgical results.

Having pride in being trans/Butch 
Most people with nontraditional gender expressions have been exposed to many negative messages about our genders which can lead to shame about our identities. This session will be a discussion of how transpeople have accessed their pride in their gender and reduced their internalized transphobia.

How to Survive Poverty: People with long term experience successfully coping with poverty 
What is (and isn't) poverty. Discuss strategies for survival, resources and dangers from Social Services, community resources, unemployment and self-esteem, overcoming society created shame about our backgrounds, spirituality as a survival technique, how to make gossip work for you, making yourself as welcome as you can be in a new community, and the ethics and etiquette that help smooth interaction with other people and institutions.

Masculine Mannerisms and Speech 
A study of societal expectations of "masculine/gender appropriate" behavior. This presentation will cover mannerisms, voice, and attitude.

Mentoring Masculinity: How We Learn What We Do 
Discussion with panel members who have been out and FTM / transman / butch-identified for different periods of time (i.e., are from different queer "generations") about how they learned masculinity and who their mentors were/are. Then we will open up for audience participation and discussion.

Negotiating Having Visably/Noticeably Trans Bodies 
Many of us have masculine appearances, but have characteristics that make others perceive us as being trans or socially incongruent with what people perceive to be masculine. This session will be a discussion of how folks deal with having breasts, "feminine" voices, facial features or other body configurations that can generate a red flag to members of society. We'll talk about how we deal with pressure to conform to gender stereotypes & the reactions that people have to our genders.

One Step Closer to the Edge: FTM, Transman, Butch and SOFFA Experiences Within Communities of Color 
A discussion about how masculinity and femininity are played out in communities of color, and how those communities' values and norms affect us as FTMs/transmen/butches and our SOFFAs.

Peer Support Group Techniques for FTMs 
You've gotten a bunch of FTMs together. Great. Now what? In this workshop, you'll learn some fundamental guidelines for facilitating productive FTM support groups. Topics will include emotional safety, cohesiveness, inclusiveness, group dynamics, goals, structure, and how to handle conflict. [This workshop will focus on FTM support groups, but all are welcome and information can be applied to support groups including and for SOFFAs too.]

People of color caucus 
FTMs of Color and SOFFAs discuss the intersection of transgenderism and race, grapple with accessibility issues, confront myths of transgenderism that don't apply to POC, give voice to POC experiences, and share resources for those who are trans and of color, including their SOFFAs.

Queer as Fuck 
This panel will be a discussion of the Intersection of Punk, Queer and Genderfuck territories. We plan to explore queer punk territory and its physical and emotional commitment to difference and gender non conformity, to change and direct action. A punk sense of calculated defiance has informed the panel's gender identities and our passion for those with defiant genders. Appearance is political, and through rough and extreme gendered appearances we claim the status of other and outsider as our very own. Punk has also meant confrontation, confronting ourselves and members of our own communities on a face to face, personal level, putting ourselves out there on a daily basis. We wish to take a look at punk's strengths and weaknesses as a very basic political commitment to grassroots organizing and doing-it-yourself, and how those strengths and weaknesses relate to creating our gendered identities and our political commitments.

Shades of Gray 
Gender discussions tend to be all black and white. Either you're male or you're female... or you were female and are transitioning to male or vice versa. But where does that leave those of us who walk somewhere that isn't one or the other, who walk in the gray places between and around the black and white? We'll discuss how we survive in a world that expects us to check only one box on the pre-printed forms.

Stayin' Freaky 
For many transmen prior to transition, maintaining a queer aesthetic is an important part of projecting a queer identity. Frequently, however, testosterone and passing will change how these queer cues are interpreted: flannel, work boots, and a crew cut may look severely queer on a woman/female bodied person, but on a man they simply look 'normal'. Many of us experience this shift as somewhat suffocating as we search for ways to reinvent and project a queer male aesthetic. This workshop is geared towards those who are interested in discussing and developing ways to continue to visually communicate that non-normative identification, including body modification, hair style, fashion, style, and nuance. Keep in mind 'queer' does not necessarily mean 'gay' - although it can - but may also refer to an entire host of sub-cultural identities. Open to all on the gender spectrum, including those who are pre-, post-, and non- or partially-transitioning, and SOFFAs.

Stone Butch Identity 
An exploration of what it means to be Stone Butch and how we came to identify that way. Direct discussion about our sexuality as Stone Butches (with ourselves and our partners), how we live in the world as highly non-traditionally gendered people, the challenges we face in accessing medical care, and many other issues.

Style and Clothing for the Self-Made Man 
If you find yourself perplexed by the myriad of clothing options for men today, this is the workshop for you! We'll talk about the various styles of clothes, what is appropriate for specific occasions and situations, and how to shop. Then we'll help each of you with specific pointers on your individual style - including hairstyle, facial hair , clothing that is flattering to you in color and cut, and accessories.

Talking about Our Bodies: Disability and Trans Identity (Caucus) 

In this caucus, disabled and Deaf trans people, our SOFFAs, and interested others will explore the intersections between disability--both visible and hidden--and trans identity. How do we, as disabled people and trans people, deal with the medical establishment, with issues of body image, with a culture that believes disabled people are child-like, asexual, and genderless? In what ways do mental illness, deafness, physical disablity, cognitive disability, chronic illness impact how we meet our needs as trans people? We will come together to support each other and share our experiences.

Legal/Political

Allies with Integrity: How Non-Trans Partners can be the Best Allies We Can Be (Caucus) 
What does it mean for non-trans folks to "support" our trans partner(s)? How do we confront transphobia in others without unsafely outing our partner(s) as trans? How do we look like straight allies, when we feel like dykes? How ARE we straight allies? How do we bring experience from other movements (feminist, people of color, fat liberationist, etc) to trans activism? Some partners talk about feeling like their entire life disappears in light of their partner(s)' transition, and this can build resentment. How do we deal with mixed feelings about our partner(s)' transition? How do we confront our own transphobia, and distinguish it from your everyday relationship crap?"

GLAAD roundtable about media images of the FTM community 
How gender is being covered, uncovered, miscovered, and not covered at all by the media. From movies like "Boys Don't Cry" to sitcoms, and from local gay newspapers to the New York Times, gender issues are getting more attention. In some cases, more fair and accurate representations, in others, the same sensationalism we've been accustomed to for decades. Join representatives of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) in an open discussion of how the media is covering trangender issues: how we are represented, misrepresented, and sometimes not represented at all in everything from family entertainment to news, and how this impacts both the growing public awareness as well as our personal lives.

How To Successfully Transition in Your Employment 
This workshop will take the participant through the entire process of transitioning on the job in a practical step by step model. The model Stone will present has been successfully used with his clients in a wide variety of settings and is flexible to any situation. Some of the areas covered include personal preparedness, support systems, human resource information, therapist participation, educating management and more. The participant will leave the workshop with the foundation to successfully transition on the job.

Making the IRS work for you! 
Want to learn how to write off your surgery and medical expenses related to being trans? Need to know how to change your name with the IRS? Join Wally Moyer, a tax accountant, to learn some of the legal tricks of letting the IRS work for you.

MediaPresence: Interview Strategy and Technique (GLAAD) 
Are you interested in telling the media your story? Do you already find yourself a frequent spokeperson in your community? Are media interviews something you would like to navigate better? This highly interactive session will provide the tools and skills to answer tough questions and prepare for different types of interviews. The training will be conducted by Cathy Renna, Director of Regional Media and Community Relations of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. GLAAD is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate, and inclusive representation of individuals and events in all media as a means of eliminating homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Our Role in the Revolution! How DO We End Oppression In Our Communities? 
What do you mean by a Revolution? We mean let's look at how we are ALL affected and ultimately hurt by oppression, through cultural, social, and institutional systems of power and control. Come join us in an interactive workshop looking at what we can actively do to end racism, classism, heterosexism, ableism and a variety of other oppressive systems. This is not an in-depth study but a beginning exploration on how we can deal with these issues not only in our daily lives but in the Trans communities as well.

The Politics of Passing: FTMs, Transmen, Butches, and Privilege 
Why some of us pass, either by choice or situation; why some of us make an effort to not pass; how we pass; and the consequences of passing, both in terms of accessing a certain kind of male privilege and in terms of being found out as FTMs, transmen, or butches. (May be a good place in which to talk about hate crimes against us and our allies, as well as a place to wrestle with the accusations leveled at us by our own communities that we are traitors to the feminist/queer rights movement by passing.)

Trans Feminism 
The concept of privilege is useful as a tool of critical analysis, even though transgendered people of both gender vectors (MTF/FTM) are sick of being blasted with accusations of possessing its male form by either retaining it (by MTFs) or selling-out to seek it (by FTMs). But the newer forms of privilege - birth privilege and passing privilege - are much more relevant to transgendered people, our lives and our place in human society. This seminar will explore these newer forms of privilege and their relationship to the older traditional forms of privilege (class, race and gender) and thus provide trans people of both gender vectors with a means of addressing the power imbalances we ourselves experience in an intolerant culture. We will discuss the privilege that even lesbian separatists themselves possess, thus preparing ourselves to meet the anti-transsexual assault on equal ground for the first time. The goal of the seminar is to give its participants a glimpse of the potential uses of transfeminism as a vehicle of their empowerment, as transgendered people, and as human beings.

Trans Rights 101 
A general overview of trans rights. Name changes and other document changes, the right to marry and work place issues. Insurance coverage issues as well.

Working to Eradicate Racial Privilege and the Rules of Racial Standing in the FTM Community: Critical Self-inspection as a Pathway to Equity 
None born American can assume a male identity untainted by white male standards. Having failed to organize against this standard, a predominantly white FTM and MTF leadership has become established in our organizations as the rule and not as the exception. The disturbing problem of non-white alienation is on the rise as more FTMs of color leave or never join us. We see this in FTM organizations run by people who have not yet learned to question the racial privilege packaged with their cultural sense of whiteness. Though FTMs of color may support our movement, given no alternative, they may never be supported by it as fully as they otherwise might be. Worse, white FTMs may never achieve a nonsupremacist practice of white masculinity. Panelists share their personal experiences with dealing with racism and invite participants to examine white racism in our organizations. This introspective discussion will suggest different thoughts and actions that, if taken up, will invest those who benefit from white racial privilege in the work of dismantling their racial privileges in our movement by distributing leadership proportionally and decision-making equitably. All are invited.

Working with Allied Organizations 
There are trans-specific political and service organizations, but much of the public education, advocacy, and organizational work that addresses trans issues is actually coming out of non-trans specific groups like the Family Pride Coalition, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, PFLAG, etc. This workshop will discuss who's doing what, how you can get involved, and what can be done to support and increase these efforts. Bring your flyers and other materials!

Relationships and SOFFA

Attracting your Ideal Soulmate 
A metaphysical/spiritual examination of attracting a soulmate. By using these ideas and theories you will attract your perfect mate. There is no reason for anyone to be alone.

Butch/Femme relationships 
A panel discussion among Butches and Femmes about how Butch and Femme identities and relationships are included with, complimented by and even contradict the trans movement.  What's the difference between "roles" and "identities"? Does Butch/Femme transcend the lesbian nation? Love, sex, friendship, rivalry, and alliances are all up for grabs!

Butch/FTM - Butch/Butch Relationships Caucus 
Exploration and discussion of the dynamics in Butch/FTM and Butch/Butch relationships. How they are similar and different? Are we attracted to one type of masculine person or many? Does this remain the same, or change with time?

Families in Transtion 
This workshop is geared for couples, partners and other family members who are living with the joys and struggles of gender transition. The workshop will be an opportunity for significant others to talk about living with the ups and downs of gender dysphoria, gender confusion, gender shifting, gender bending, gender transition, and gender transformations. Issues to discuss will include the impact of hormones, shifting sexual identity concerns, coming out to children, and, of course, sexuality. All are welcome to attend but this workshop will provide a safe space for SO's to focus on themselves.

Family Relationships: Coming Out and Coping 
Parents discuss their own gender variant children, their struggle to understand, school and neighborhood issues, finding the right kind of professional help and more. The focus will be on teens to early college age, but all youth and adult issues are also included. Panelists discuss coming out issues, helping families understand, warming up parents, siblings and extended families, too. Educating and dealing with family skeptics, what do they need to hear.

FEMME-TALK 
Where do we stand in the queer community, as SOFFA's and as self identified Femmes as our lovers/partners transition or change? Do our identities shift? Do you no longer consider yourself a lesbian? Do we have problems within the queer community? Where do we fit in? Have you experienced hostility, acceptance, tolerance, rudeness or even danger? What about invisibility as feminine beings? Do you have feelings of loss? Have you re-defined yourself? We Femmes have some separate issues than other SOFFAs. What are our special problems? Our fears? Our special joys? Our own Femme journey? How do we bring it all together, our self identies and our lovers/partners/husbands? This discussion panel is open to anyone attending True Spirit 2000 who identifies as a Femme.

I Wasn't Queer Then -- A workshop for FTMs and SOs with Heterosexual Pasts 
A workshop for transmen who didn't come out of queer culture, but who diligently tried to be "normal" women, not tomboys or butches. FTMs with heterosexual pasts possibly complete with marriages, kids, and high femme photos.

Mr. Mom and Other Trans/parents: Family, Law, and the PTA 
Parenting is a difficult enough calling without the complication of a parent's transition. Your relationship with your child may seem to contradict your own identity as an individual. You may feel invisible as a parent or as a transperson, depending on the context. Topics of discussion may include but are not limited to: discussing your trans status with your children; custody and adoption; blended families; your child's teachers, doctors, caregivers, peers, and family of origin; naming; revealing your status; and negotiating identities.

Parents of T's Caucus 
The Parents/Family caucus will provide a forum for both generations, trans and non-trans persons, to share what worked well or not so well regarding: coming out to parents, siblings, children and other extended family members; ways of helping non-trans persons understand the compelling need to cross traditional barriers; and ways of handling rejection with maximum dignity and minimum hurt.

PFLAG Reception 

Straight Talk: Heterosexual Transmen 
Heterosexual transmen supposedly make up the majority of those who transition FTM, yet we seldom get the opportunity to talk about OUR issues: How do we integrate into mainstream society? Do we need to relocate and "start over?" What do we tell potential girlfriends? Do we have to learn "the rules" of heterosexuality, or do we already know them? How do we discuss our childhoods/pasts with friends/coworkers who do not know we are transsexual? Do we tell the truth, tell "fill-in" lies, or stay quiet? How do we feel as fathers or potential fathers? What if anything do we tell our children? Who do we seek as friends: other transsexual men or heterosexual biomen?

Straight Women Caucus 
A Caucus for Straight Identified Women only.

The Interplay of Difference: Creating Heterosexual Imagery 
In this hands-on workhop, participants will be guided in the use of art materials to express their heterosexual side, and to explore their own individual experience of the range of heterosexual dynamics, expression, identity, sexuality, and social style. Discussion will follow. No art experience necessary.

Trans-Trans Intimacy & Sex 
Explore possibilities, openly discuss sexual intimacy, discover alternative ways of thinking about potential intimate partners. Address the issues of sex, love and relationships.

Transensual Femme Caucus 
Transsensual femmes identify as femmes, but our identities are intertwined with our attraction to, and our lives with, ftm's, transmen, butches, or the many varieties of gender difference in the ftm and butch communities. We will gather to meet each other and discuss a variety of topics related to being transsensual femmes - our partners, our sexuality, how we define ourselves, our place in the trans community, and our place in the world at large.

Transitioning Within a Long-Term Relationship (Caucus)  
Transitioning can be a difficult process for anyone undergoing it but for those in a long term relationship, the process can have its own set of issues. Partners who think they are lesbians realize they are in a relationship with a man; someone who was once heterosexual may end up in a relationship that, to an outsider, now appears homosexual. Even the most supportive partners may find themselves questioning their orientation, their own expectations, and desires. This workshop will provide an opportunity for those who have transitioned while in an LTR to describe what worked for them, what didn't, to share some ways to support the non-transitioning partner, and to discuss the issues both people may face. Audience participation and contributions are strongly encouraged.

Sexuality

Bi/Pan/Poly/Pomo 
So you don't feel you belong in the straight community, or gay, or queer? Discussing how bisexuality, pansexuality, polyamoury and/or pomosexuality can work to your advantage in creating happiness and finding a date!

Branding (after SM201) 
Mini-workshop on Branding, directly following SM201.

Breaking A Sweat: The Fine Art of Cruising and Flirting with Women 
Tips, techniques and general inspirations for meeting and mating with the ladies! Bring questions, scenarios, and fears to this fun, friendly, and interactive forum.

Cock Talk: A Discussion about Sex and the Erotic for FTMs, Transmen, and Butches 
Explicit discussions about sexuality and the erotic, from what we do and how we do it, to why we do what we do and how we negotiate with lovers, playmates, partners, and spouses.

Daddies (FTM, Butch and BioMale) and Their Grrlz, Boyz, and Admirers 
The Daddy role: Who chooses it? Why? What does it mean to someone to be a Daddy? And what does it mean to have a Daddy? Come meet Daddies, their grrlz and boyz, as well as those who admire them as we discuss these and other questions.

Gay FTM Relationships Caucus 
A panel to focus on being in and maintaining a relationship with gay non-trans men or with other gay and bi FTMs. While dating and cruising are important in finding that right man, this workshop will address issues of disclosure in dating, sexual issues (including safer sex), relationship issues, homophobia (both internal and external), visibility, and participation in the gay community.

Gay/Bi-oriented-ftm how-to-flirt-with-men 
Whether on the streets in Boyz town, the Castro (or your city's equivalent), or trying to pick up a cute stud in a local bar, cruising men has many unique nuances that are essential for a successful pick-up. Aspects of cruising in public venues and more private locations will be discussed, as well as a discussion about disclosure and negotiating for mutual satisfaction.

Piercing, pumping and Masculinizing Body Modification Caucus (After SM101) 
A discussion and possible demo on how pumping and piercing can accentuate our genitals to have a greater male appearance.

Playing with Fire: A Discussion about Sex and the Erotic for Lovers, Playmates, Partners, and Spouses of FTMs, Transmen, and Butches 
Explicit discussions about sexuality and the erotic, from what we do and how we do it, to why we do what we do and how we negotiate with lovers, playmates, partners, and spouses.

Safer Sex and Intimacy: Hot, Wet and Wild 
Safer sex doesn't have to be boring sex. Explore safer sex negotiation and communication around desire and sexual practices, with a trans-specific focus. Find ways of making your sex safer and hotter!

SM101 - Just the Basics Boyz 
The basics of Leather and SM sexuality will be covered in this workshop. What is (and what is not) SM? A frank discussion about various aspects of SM will include concepts of Safe, Sane and Consensual; safewords; negotiation; SM safety (physical and emotional); where to find toys (people and implements); and initiating satisfying kinky encounters. A brief show and tell may follow.

SM201: Advanced Training 
Beyond the basics. A workshop for players and SM enthusiasts already knowledgeable about basic leathersex and SM. A discussion of how gender and SM intermingle: gender-specific events, finding partners, tailoring SM activities to meet the specific needs of gender variant players, and interacting with the non-trans SM community. Discussion of 201+ SM practices including: singletail whipping, sensory deprivation, immobilizing bondage, edge play, piercing, cutting, branding, bloodsports, consensual-non-consensuality, and many other areas.

Spirituality

Between The Worlds: A Spiritual Journey 
Through the utilization of relaxation, visualization exercises, creative expression (artwork, movement, rhythm, journaling, meditation, etc.), and "shaman-esque" journeying, participants look within at the ways in which they and others categorize themselves and then are invited to transcend those labels and journey beyond the earthly/mundane into spirit-space.

Moving Beyond Fear...Embracing Life Lessons 
Through the utilization of relaxation, visualization exercises, creative expression (artwork, movement, rhythm, journaling, meditation, etc.), and "shaman-esque" journeying, participants look within at how they can move beyond fear and embrace life's lessons.

Religion and Trans intersect 
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?

Youth

Gender Questioning and Youth Identity, what makes gender such a hot topic for youth? An interface for youth and providers/adults. 
A provider/adult and youth discussion on what issues are important to youth, and how adults/providers can better support youth. This is not intended to directly support youth, but rather as an opportunity for dialogue between adults and youth.

Youth accessing medical care 
Accessing medical and mental health care is a challenge regardless of age. Being young, not having one's own insurance plan or financial resources, or even a car or transportation to medical appointments can make medical care nearly impossible for some youth. What options are available for youth? How can youth access quality medical care that is free or low charge? Issues of parental consent and access will be primary issues.

Youth Caucus 
A caucus by youth, for youth only. Please respect the rights of the youth to have a place to gather. If you identify as a youth, you are welcome. No age restrictions will be enforced. Please use your judgment and be respectful.

Friday, January 28, 2000

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