First Event 2013 has ended and this page does not refer to next year’s First Event 2014. We will post information for First Event 2014 as it becomes available.
If you would like to present a workshop, please submit a proposal form:
Click here to download the Workshop Proposal form (PDF)
Click here to download the Workshop Proposal form (MS Word)
Presenters with Apple Mac computers must provide their own video output to DB15 VGA cable.
2013 Workshops
This list is preliminary and subject to change. See our Daytime Program for Workshop Schedules by day, time and room. First Event does not provide CEU credits (Continuing Education Units).
Alphabetical by Presenter: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Counselors: Ellaborn, Eyler, Ferraiolo, Frost, Neumann Mascis, Ouellette, Stone, Ellaborn/Frost/Ouellette
Facial Surgeons: Beck, Johnson, Leis, Medalie, Meltzer, Ousterhout, Spiegel, Zukowski
Sexual Reasignment Surgeons: Leis, Meltzer, Rumer, Satori
Other Medical: Andy (ftm chest surgery), Clark (reproductive), Cotten (advice), Edwards (electrolysis), Gomez-Carrion (gyn), Johnson (chest surgery), Leonard (hair), Pang (reproductive), Prince (advice), Sallans (advice), Taub (top surgery), Webb (gyn)
Trans Youth: Clark, Carpenter-Vascik, Ferraiolo, Ellaborn/Frost/Ouellette, Maasch
Faith and Spiritual: Carpenter-Vascik, Gorfinkle, Holmes, Kaldera, Weekley
FTM Specific: Andy, Cotten, Gomez-Carrion, Johnson, Leis, Meltzer, Ousterhout, Rumer, Sallans, Shultz, Solange, Webb
Miscellaneous: Ackerman (relationships), Bershel (relationships), Kaldera (non-binary), Lapointe (law), Miller (law), Mink/Novak (after transition), Novak (non-binary), O’Regan (fem skills), Pinard (comics), Prada (shopping), Prince (web), Ryan (transwomen issues), Savoy (makeup), Schroeder (family), Shafir (voice), Tamar (corsetry)
From Smoochin’ To Sexin’: Navigate, Negotiate, Communicate
J.D. Ackerman and Rebecca Alvarez – ScrewSmart Sex Education
As partners and lovers of trans* and gender variant folks, we want to help create spaces and experiences that are safe, supportive and totally sexy. But let’s face it – when it comes to getting busy, navigation and negotiation can be tricky for just about anybody, no matter how they identify. ScrewSmart Sex Education is here to help! In a workshop specific to partners and allies, this trio of sex education professionals offers up a variety of tips and tools to help skillfully navigate the sometimes choppy waters of communication and sexual negotiation that can be specific to their trans* and gender variant lovers. Mixing interactive elements with the group’s own stories and insights, this workshop will help foster community among partners, as well as build that sexy confidence it takes for all of us to be having the best sex possible. Whether you have a special someone that you smooch on, looking to get laid this weekend, or are just curious to learn more – all are welcome. (Friday 10:00-11:20am Salon B. Adults Only. Attendance is limited to the first 40 people.)
ScrewSmart is a sex education collaborative formed to promote both individual and community sexual heath and satisfaction. Based in Philadelphia, it was founded in 2009 by Rebecca Alvarez, Kira Manser and J.D. Ackerman, three sex positive queer women who met while working towards human sexuality education masters. They came together with the goal of providing information and resources to a diverse adult audience. ScrewSmart aims to facilitate a collective community dialogue that supports sexual exploration and health. They do this by providing educational workshops, hosting sex positive community events, and advocating freedom of expression for sexual minorities. ScrewSmart works to build spaces where they can share our love for each other as friends and professionals while inspiring others to be engaged and informed sexual adventurers! Screw Smart Web Site, Screw Smart Facebook, Screw Smart Twitter
FTM Chest Surgery Show and Tell
This workshop will provide the opportunity for attendees who have not yet had chest surgery to view a variety of results and for attendees who have already had chest surgery to share their results and experiences with others. Participant presentations will be followed by the opportunity to ask questions. (Saturday 4:00-4:50pm Salon C. All FTM-identified persons, SOFFAs, and trans-friendly professionals are welcome to attend.)
Andy is a stealth, gay male-identified FTM who medically transitioned in the mid-1990s. He was on the organizing committee for the 1997 FTMI conference and has attended and presented at numerous trans conferences, including FTMI, True Spirit, Gender Odyssey, TCNE, and IFGE. He is also the author of the FTM Passing Tips web site (www.ftmpassingtips.com). He lives in New England with his husband and their cats.
A Decade of Surgical Refinement for the Transgender Woman and Man
Providing surgical services to transgender patients over the past decade has greatly influenced Dr. Beck’s vision of providing a pleasing appearance that coincides with their gender identity. Taking into account a patient’s unique set of assets, Dr. Beck has refined his idea of aesthetic outcomes. As his practice has treated hundreds of patients both nationally and internationally, his style has continued to incorporate his devotion toward complementing one’s own beauty. His realistic approach has grown to include many skill sets while balancing this with a patient’s transition status. This may or may not include a more aggressive approach utilizing such techniques as frontal setback surgery (for that person who possess significant forehead bossing), jaw contouring, and other surgical manipulations to feminize a patient’s face. This, blended with contouring of the body and breast surgery, provides his patients with the aesthetic appearance they have sought. He also provides chest surgery for the female to male transgender patient utilizing one’s own tissue to retain nipple sensation and natural appearance. Dr. Beck offers a variety of surgical options for the transgender patient. His seminar shares his philosophy of aesthetic surgery as well as a collection of before and after photographs with the attendees. Discussion will follow his presentation and he encourages all questions and comments. Dr. Beck’s Web Site (Saturday 2:30-3:50 Salon C)
Dating Men
Originally growing up and viewing men as ugly, I began finding them more attractive as I transitioned. I now consider myself bisexual with a physical preference for men but a spiritual preference for women. Transmen also find that their sexual preferences can change especially after going on testosterone. I will present my experiences in about fifteen minutes and they are surprisingly interesting and varied. I then want to open it up to a free-wheeling conversation so we can all learn from each other – our cautionary tales, our joys, fears and confusion as we hopefully journey forward. (Saturday 9:00-9:50am Salon D. This presentation is open to both transwomen and transmen.)
Dr. Bershel is a family physician in Somerville, MA. She transitioned from male to female in June 2006 and has many transgender patients in her practice. Dr. Bershel’s Web Site, Dr. Bershel’s Facebook Page
Support for Transgender Children and their Parents
Sarah Carpenter-Vascik
A presentation for parents, teachers and advocates of transgender children with emphasis on support for the child as they enter school as themselves and for the parents as they face the monumental changes in their lives as well as in their children. Information will be gathered look at the need to form a support group for parents of transgender and gender variant children, after the presentation. (Friday 1:00-2:20 Patriot)
Sarah Carpenter is a member of the trans community, a transgender advocate, a gender diversity trainer and has spoken at locations across the country, working to improve the lives of transgender individuals. Ms. Carpenter was ordained in 1996 and has a Bachelors Degree in Religion and Philosophy. She received a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies in 2000 and was awarded a Doctorate in New Testament Theology in 2006. Her book “Religion, Faith and the GLBT Community” will be published in the fall of 2012 and can be found here.
Sunday Worship Service
Sarah Carpenter-Vascik
A nondenominational worship service, open to all who wish to attend. Communion will be served. Service begins at 9:15 and will conclude before 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.
Reverend Sarah Carpenter was raised in a conservative Republican, Pre-Vatican II Catholic household and has known she was an M to F transsexual from age 5. It was only through counseling that she transitioned and began living as herself. Reverend Sarah Carpenter was ordained in 1996 with a Bachelors Degree in Religion and Philosophy. She received a Masters Degree in Biblical Studies in 2000 and was awarded a Doctorate in New Testament Theology in 2006.
Current Research in Reproductive Technologies – Potential Future Options for Trans People
Anderson Clark, PhD
In this workshop, we will look at the current research with regard to potential future fertility options for trans people with an emphasis on trans youth, as more trans people are coming out at younger ages. With pre-adolescent trans youth and their parents opting for puberty-blocking treatment regimens, we will consider the implications of these treatments for post-transition procreation in adulthood. This workshop is meant as a follower to Dr. Samuel Pang’s workshop Family-Building Options for Transgender People using Assisted Reproductive Technolgies.(Saturday 10:00-11:20am Salon D, second presentation)
Anderson Clark is a research scientist trained as a reproductive biologist with a focus in andrology. He has worked in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries in the Boston area for 14 years, conducting research in the areas of fertility and oncology and his presentation will be in combination with that of Dr. Pang.
Hung Jury: Testimonies of Genital Surgery by Transsexual Men
Trystan Cotten
This seminar will be on my new book on genital surgery, Hung Jury: Testimonies of Genial Surgery by Transsexual Men. I will read some excerpts from the book and talk about its focus, intention, and reasons for doing it. Autographed copies will be available for purchase. Book Information (Saturday 1:00-2:20 Salon C)
FTM Genital Surgery: An Overview of Surgical Techniques and Technologies
Trystan Cotten & David Weekley
David Weekley and Trystan Cotten represent two different historical eras of genital surgery. They will share their personal experiences of undergoing free-flap forearm and MLD phalloplasties. They will also talk about how surgical techniques have evolved and improved in the last five decades and the options that are currently available. (Friday 11:30am-12:50pm Constitution, FTM and Transmasculine Only)
Fundamentals of Electrolysis and Permanent Hair Removal / Pioneering Techniques in Post Operative TransVaginal Electrolysis
(1.) Fundamentals of Electrolysis and how it works, along with demonstration. (2.) Safety Consderations (when it comes to massive clearings, such as facial clearings)(3.) Physiological Aspects of Modern Electrolysis and Modalities will be covered along with terminology. (4.) Electrolysis Vs. Laser (5.) A brief educational presentation covering techniques used to help those who suffer from hair growth who have undergone SRS will be covered during this presentation, implementing techniques and instrumentation from gynecological procedures. (Friday 11:30am-12:50am Salon B)
Kristin is a Board Certified practicing electrologist from Golden, Colorado, with specialty training in pulsed techniques and five years of experience. Web Site
Coming out to Children, Spouses and Family as Transgender
Diane Ellaborn, Joanna Frost and Dianne Ouellette
What happens the “next day” after coming out to your loved ones as transgender? This participatory workshop will explore how to do planful successful telling, how to process initial and long-term reactions. Gender Specialist Diane Ellaborn, LICSW and her colleagues will present the developmental guidelines about how to tell the children of different ages in your life. Transgender individuals will present their successes and challenges. (Friday 11:30am-12:50am Salon D)
Diane Ellaborn, LICSW is a Gender Specialist with over 30 years experience. She is a NASW Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work, a member of WPATH, formerly the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIDGA), and a past elected Board of Director’s Member of IFGE. Her practice includes evaluation and working with transgender individuals of all ages and their families. As a licensed independent clinical social worker she has developed a broad list of resources and referral sources for medical, surgical, endocrinological and support services for her clients. She frequently educates workplaces, schools, hospitals and other institutions about transition. She has presented and provided trainings on gender conditions and treatment locally and internationally. Diane can be reached at Diane Ellaborn, LICSW at: 152 Edmands Road, Framingham Road, Framingham, MA 01701. (508) 788-5406 or at Ellaborn@aol.com
Joanna Frost, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Gender Specialist. After a successful career as an entrepreneur, she transitioned in 1989. Returning to academia she graduated from Trinity College in Hartford and the Smith College School of Social Work in Northampton. A former Clinical Fellow at the Boston Institute for Psychotherapy, she is a member of the Advocacy and Liaison committee of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Besides her work as a therapist she is an advocate for Transgender Rights and a member of GLAD’s Transgender Rights Project Founders Circle. Joanna has over twenty years of experience in issues of gender. Her private practice in Western Massachusetts specializes in a full range of GLBTQ issues with adults, adolescents and children. Further she treats a wide variety of other issues including PTSD, depression, chronic illness, anxiety, etc. Other services include letters for hormones, surgery and referrals. She can be reached at Joanna Frost, LICSW at One Springfield Street, Annex A, Suite 6 Chicopee, MA 01013 Ph 413.594.1122 joannafrst@yahoo.com. Her website is www.JoannaFrost.com.
Dianne Ouellette, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist specializing in gender issues, with over fifteen years experience in issues relating to gender identity. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, member of the (WPATH) World Professional Association for Transgender Health, formally called the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA), an elected Board of Director for the North Shore Alliance of Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual & Transgender Youth (NAGLY). Her practice focuses on individuals and their families coping with the full range of identity issues including cross-dressers and transsexuals. Other areas of treatment include depression, trauma, panic disorders other counseling needs. Services include referral evaluation for hormones, surgery, and other supportive services. Dianne can be reached at Dianne Ouellette, MSW. LICSW at 5 Donovan’s Way, Middleton, MA01949 (978) 304-0572 or at Dianne@DianneOuellette.com. Her web site is www.DianneOuellette.com.
Transgender Children, Youth & Families, Part 1
Diane Ellaborn, Joanna Frost and Dianne Ouellette
A panel of transgender children, youth and their parents will share their personal stories, challenges and successes. Gender Specialist, Diane Ellaborn, LICSW will present an overview of evaluation, treatment and psychoeducation of transgender children, youth and their families, schools and communities. (Saturday 1:00-2:20pm Salon D)
Diane Ellaborn, LICSW is a Gender Specialist with over 30 years experience. See her complete bio above.
Joanna Frost, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Gender Specialist. See her complete bio above.
Dianne Ouellette, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist specializing in gender issues. See her complete bio above.
Transgender Children, Youth & Families, Part 2
Diane Ellaborn, Joanna Frost and Dianne Ouellette
Transgender children, youth and their parents will separate into support groups to explore their unique needs, issues, challenges and successes. These groups will be facilitated by gender specialists. (Saturday 2:30-3:50pm Salon D)
Diane Ellaborn, LICSW is a Gender Specialist with over 30 years experience. See her complete bio above.
Joanna Frost, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Gender Specialist. See her complete bio above.
Dianne Ouellette, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist specializing in gender issues. See her complete bio above.
What does Gender Wellness Mean?
Diane Ellaborn, LICSW
Gender Specialist Diane Ellaborn, LICSW will facilitate a discussion of how important it is to become your authentic self. As you evolve into your true self, we will examine how to maintain and attain quality relationships and we will explore fulfilling work in your new life. (Friday 10:00-11:20am Salon D)
Diane Ellaborn, LICSW is a Gender Specialist with over 30 years experience. See her complete bio above.
Your Transgender Team: Long Term Issues
Diane Ellaborn, LICSW
Gender Specialist Diane Ellaborn, LICSW will present an overview of long-term issues for transgender individuals. Members of your support team including mental health, primary care, surgery and other helping professionals will address long-term issues and answer audience questions. (Saturday 11:30am-12:50am Salon D)
A panel of medical professionals will be present, including Dr. Stuart Chipkin (Endocrinologist, see bio below), Dr. Thomas Barber (Internal Medicine, see bio below), Dr. Toby Meltzer (Plastic Surgeon, see bio here), Dr. Melissa Johnson (Plastic Surgeon, see bio here), and Linda DeFruscio, R.E., R.I. (Electrolysis and Laser, see bio below).
Diane Ellaborn, LICSW is a Gender Specialist with over 30 years experience. See her complete bio above.
Dr. Stuart Chipkin is a board-certified endocrinologist and a faculty member in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He has previously served on the faculty of Tufts University Medical School and of Boston University School of Medicine. He has been providing hormonal care for transgender patients for over twenty years and has been invited to participate in panel discussions at several New England events. He has also been invited to review scientific articles related to transgender care for several medical journals. In addition to his academic activities, he maintains a practice in Endocrinology at Valley Medical Group in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Dr. Thomas Barber is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine, specializing in Internal Medicine. He attended Harvard College and the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.
Linda DeFruscio is the owner of A & A Laser, Electrolysis & Skin Care Associates located in Newtonville, Massachusetts. Linda’s mother Jean was also an electrologist which is how Linda got her start and interest in the field. She has maintained her business since 1975 and started A&A in 1988. Linda specializes in laser hair removal, electrolysis and skin care for all skin and hair types. She is creative in eyebrow shaping, beard removal, SRS-preparatory work, full body hair removal and solving acne and blackhead problems.
Middle and Older Adulthood: Strengths, Concerns, Legacies
This session is intended for persons with transmasculine or transfeminine experience who are entering — or are already in — middle or older adulthood (roughly 40 to 100 years of age), and their partners and allies. Practical concerns, including physical and mental wellbeing, and the challenges that are often encountered at these stages of life will be addressed from an Ericksonian perspective. Participants can feel free to share their own observations and experiences. (Saturday 9:00-9:50am Independence)
A. Evan Eyler, M.D., M.P.H., is an associate professor of family medicine and psychiatry at the University of Vermont College of Medicine, and a consultation psychiatrist at Fletcher Allen Health Care, Burlington, Vermont. Dr. Eyler is a co-editor of Principles of Transgender Medicine and Surgery, Haworth Press, 2007, and of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Aging: Challenges in Research, Practice and Policy, Johns Hopkins University Press, 2012. Dr. Eyler has been active in transgender medical care for many years, and served as Director of Primary Care Services of the University of Michigan Comprehensive Gender Services Program from 1995-2000. Areas of particular interest include transgender medicine and mental health, transgender aging and end of life care.
Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth
Transgender youth have a voice that is rarely heard. Through artwork, trans youth can give voice to their experiences and feelings. Artistic Expressions of Transgender Youth is a unique workshop presented by Tony Ferraiolo, CPC. Tony shares with his audience his one-on-one experiences working with transgender youth and the realization that trans youth don’t have gender identity issues — it is often everyone around them who has an issue with their gender identity. The workshop will showcase a slide show of actual drawings created by members of Tony’s youth groups, Translation and Create Yourself. The drawings are the artistic expressions of answers to questions like “Draw what anger feels like,” and “What makes you sad?” (Saturday 11:30am-12:50am Independence)
Tony Ferraiolo (www.tonyferraiolo.com) is a Certified Life Coach and Transgender Youth Advocate based in New Haven, Connecticut. In 2008 Tony started several groups to support transgender youth and their families: Translation, a support group for trans teenagers; Create Yourself, an art group for trans and gender nonconforming children under the age of twelve; TransPACT, a support group for parents of trans and gender nonconforming children; and The Sibling Group, for siblings of trans and gender nonconforming children. The groups meet concurrently, providing a complete support system for families of trans and gender nonconforming children, drawing families from New York and throughout New England. Over the last four years, these groups have served over 125 youth and over 130 parents or grandparents. In 2009, Tony started a binder drive for trans youth, which went global when he shipped his first binder to a young transgender man in New Zealand. Over 100 binders have been delivered to trans youth in need around the world. Tony’s inspirational work has led him to be the recipient of the 2009 True Colors Hero Award and in 2011 the New Haven Pride Center’s, Dorothy Award and the UConn Lavender Award for Most Inspirational Speaker of the Year. Tony’s life and work is currently the subject of a ground-breaking documentary directed by Lori Petchers, which is due out in December 2012. See Trailer
Psychological Trauma -
The Correlation of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the Transgender Population
This workshop will explore the symptoms associated with unresolved grief, loss, discrimination, and abuse. Participants will be able to share their own experiences in the safety of this session. Successful coping strategies and treatment modalities will be discussed. An overview of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing will be discussed as a successful treatment intervention for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. (Saturday 10:00-11:20am Independence)
Joanna Frost, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Gender Specialist. After a successful career as an entrepreneur, she transitioned in 1989. Returning to academia she graduated from Trinity College in Hartford and the Smith College School of Social Work in Northampton. A former Clinical Fellow at the Boston Institute for Psychotherapy, she is a member of the Advocacy and Liaison committee of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). Besides her work as a therapist she is an advocate for Transgender Rights and a member of GLAD’s Transgender Rights Project Founders Circle. Joanna has over twenty years of experience in issues of gender. Her private practice in Western Massachusetts specializes in a full range of GLBTQ issues with adults, adolescents and children. Further she treats a wide variety of other issues including PTSD, depression, chronic illness, anxiety, etc. Other services include letters for hormones, surgery and referrals. She can be reached at Joanna Frost, LICSW at One Springfield Street, Annex A, Suite 6 Chicopee, MA 01013 Ph 413.594.1122 joannafrst@yahoo.com. Her website is www.JoannaFrost.com.
Middle Way – Living Contentedly between the Binary or Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun
Joanna Frost and Dianne Ouellette
This workshop will investigate how individuals navigate the binary, and /or outside the binary. Specifically, it will invite participants to share their personal perspectives on how they found their place on the gender spectrum. Strategies and methods used to achieve emotional tranquility and gender happiness will be discussed. Further, the concept of balance and harmony as it relates to your place on the gender spectrum will be explored. (Saturday 4:00-4:50pm Salon B)
Joanna Frost, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist, Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and Gender Specialist. See her complete bio above.
Dianne Ouellette, MSW, LICSW is a psychotherapist specializing in gender issues, with over fifteen years experience in issues relating to gender identity. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, member of the (WPATH) World Professional Association for Transgender Health, formally called the Harry Benjamin International Gender Dysphoria Association (HBIGDA), an elected Board of Director for the North Shore Alliance of Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual & Transgender Youth (NAGLY). Her practice focuses on individuals and their families coping with the full range of identity issues including cross-dressers and transsexuals. Other areas of treatment include depression, trauma, panic disorders other counseling needs. Services include referral evaluation for hormones, surgery, and other supportive services. Dianne can be reached at Dianne Ouellette, MSW. LICSW at 5 Donovan’s Way, Middleton, MA01949 (978) 304-0572 or at Dianne@DianneOuellette.com. Her web site is www.DianneOuellette.com.
Minimally Invasive Hysterectomy for FTMs
Yvonne Gomez-Carrion
Dr. Gomez’s workshop will focus on what to expect in the pre and post operative periods. How do you prepare for surgery? What are the challenges in the post surgery recovery period? (Saturday 9:00-9:50am Salon A)
Dr. Gomez-Carrion is an Assistant Professor in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Harvard Medical School and Director of the OB/GYN Resident Surgical Service at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She is a graduate of Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons and is board certified with the American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology.
Empowerment 101, an Experiential Workshop
Because each participant receives an individual channeled message this will be limited to 30. This is a group healing workshop which combines Gayle’s psychic gifts with VortexHealing® Energetic Therapy.
You may not be familiar with this modality so here is a brief explanation. It comes from the Merlin lineage (yes, that Merlin from the Knights of the Roundtable). It is designed to (1) Transform the roots of emotional consciousness, meaning the emotional root cause of dis-ease (2) Heal the physical body and (3) Re-awaken Spirit within the human heart. There are 49 different healing energies channeled. Each person’s system takes whatever it needs in that moment…almost like an energetic buffet. So the experience may vary for each of you.
What you will learn (handouts included): (1.) The three stages of Truth in the self-evolvement process of empowerment. (2.) The difference between ego vs. heart-centered decision making. (3.) How to protect yourself against toxins, negativity & energy vampires.
The Energetic Group Healing: Gayle begins with a brief “grounding” meditation (about 2 minutes) to help you relax and leave whatever issues you brought into the room outside the door. Then you will be asked to sit in silence as Gayle narrates everything she sees with her psychic sight and everything she is called to do. The energetic portion will complete with a guided meditation (3 minutes) called “The Spiritual Heart” which will help re-connect you with the empowering Spirit that resides inside all of us. (Friday 10:00-11:20am Patriot)
Messages From Spirit: Gayle will end the session by giving each of you a personal channeled message. If time allows there may be a short “open sharing” for anyone who chooses to share their experience.
Gayle earned both her BS and Master’s Degree in Education from Boston University. The Founder of Sunshine Intuitive and Holistic Healing (www.sunshineihh.com), she offers clients a unique combination of healing modalities. Gayle blends her “gifts” as a Clairvoyant, Clairaudient, Body Intuitive and Psychic Channel with her advanced training in VortexHealing® Energetic Therapy. She is also blessed with a variety of healing guides who allow her to offer transformative healing techniques not found elsewhere. Gayle is also certified in Reiki and as a Hospice Volunteer.
Interfaith Trans & Allied Discussion Session
Mycroft Masada Holmes, Bobbi Taylor
Gather with other trans and allied people of faith for a gently facilitated discussion session, shaped by attendees’ needs. Share experiences, information, inspiration and support. Learn how to connect with local and national trans faith community and work. (Saturday 2:30-3:50pm Independence)
Mycroft Masada Holmes is an interfaith transgender leader based in hir native Boston, Massachusetts; Chair of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition’s Interfaith Committee, board member of Congregation Am Tikva. Mycroft is also a thin ally in the movement for fat social justice, and a writer and artist. Bobbi Taylor is a transgender activist living and working in the Boston area. In addition to being a housewife, husband, and father, as well as a member of various committees of the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, Bobbi has a background in Zen Buddhism, evangelical Christianity, and Paganism. See their web sites here and here.
Youthfulness, Femininity and Plastic Surgery
Dr. Melissa Johnson is the owner and founder of Pioneer Valley Plastic Surgery, LLC. She has been practicing Plastic Surgery in Springfield since 2000. Dr. Johnson is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a proud member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Additionally, she is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, which recognizes surgeons who specialize in cosmetic plastic surgery. She specializes in Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery. See her website. (Friday 1:00-2:20pm Salon D)
FTM Chest Surgery
Dr. Melissa Johnson is the owner and founder of Pioneer Valley Plastic Surgery. See her complete bio above. (Saturday 4:00-4:50pm Independence)
Transgender Spirituality
We have been symbols of the sacred two-in-one for thousands of years. Come hear the ancient stories about us, and rediscover our sacred nature. For transgendered people of all stripes, and anyone who is just interested in more direct ways of spiritually balancing male and female. By the author of “Hermaphrodeities: The Transgender Spirituality Workbook”. (Saturday 4:00-4:50pm Constitution)
Raven Kaldera is a queer FTM transgendered intersexual shaman. He is the author of too many books to list here, including “Hermaphrodeities: The Transgender Spirituality Workbook” and and “Double Edge: The Intersection of Transgender and BDSM”. He and his partner and co-presenter Joshua Tenpenny have been teaching and presenting workshops regularly for many years to the transgender, BDSM, Neo-Pagan, Sex/Spirituality, and other communities. ‘Tis an ill wind that blows no minds. Website: www.ravenkaldera.org
Transitioning with a Third Gender Identity
Raven Kaldera with Bella Kaldera and V. Eugenides Hardy
Let’s think clearly about what physical transition means when it intersects with identity. Wondering whether to physically transition but held back because you don’t have a solidly male or female identity? That doesn’t have to be a barrier. Let’s talk about the ambivalencies of shapeshifting your flesh when your identity is all over the place. Come with questions! (Saturday 2:30-3:50pm Constitution)
Raven Kaldera is a queer FTM transgendered intersexual shaman. See the complete bio above.
V. Eugenides Hardy is an FTM transsexual artist and radical queer Christian who finds fulfillment in spiritual service. He is dedicated to helping transgendered, queer, and otherwise sexually unusual people to feel good about themselves and their place in the Universe.
Bella Kaldera is an MTF transsexual who lives on a small farm in Hubbardston, MA. She loves target practice, watercolors, and heritage skills, and can often be found holding forth on a wide variety of subjects.
Avoiding a Transition to Financial Ruin
For the TS, changing their gender can be the most expensive process in their life. We will look at some of the costs involved and how you might plan your transition and keep your financial dignity. Advice can be given on the bankruptcy process and how to avoid it. (Friday 1:00-1:50pm Concierge)
Robert Lapointe is licensed to practice law in all Courts in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts and the US Tax Court. He has been an author and editor of the New England Law Review. He set up a private practice in 1990 as a general practice focusing in Bankruptcy, Family Law, Commercial Litigation and Taxation and has represented the community in various areas of litigation especially in bankruptcy, divorce and family law matters and is certified as a Divorce Mediator by the Rhode Island Family Court.
Transgendered Divorce / Family Law
One half of marriages end in divorce. Having a transgendered partner can add to the stress of a marriage and can increase the chances of a divorce. What should you know in advance? How can you protect yourself and still be fair to your partner? Is your marriage still valid after a transition? How will the gender issues affect the results of the divorce terms? What should I do before I get married? What can you expect during a divorce? Even if you don’t think you will get divorced, this seminar may be useful to you and your partner. (Friday 2:30-3:50pm Patriot)
Robert Lapointe is licensed to practice law Rhode Island and Massachusetts. See the complete bio above.
Driving as Yourself / Driving While Dressed
Whether it will be the first time driving as you preferred gender or you have years of experience, you can benefit from this seminar. We will help you deal with the anxiety of your first time dressed as you new gender behind the wheel, what you need to be prepared, and how to handle various situations like accidents, dealing with other people, being pulled over by the police and your rights should you be ticketed or arrested for driving under the influence. (Friday 4:00-4:50pm Patriot)
Robert Lapointe is licensed to practice law Rhode Island and Massachusetts. See the complete bio above.
Facial Feminization: Practical Choices for Optimizing Results
Dr. Leis will demonstrate and explain classic prototypes of masculine and feminine facial features and demonstrate that in the majority of cases, excellent results can be obtained without extensive and expensive cranio-facial surgery. Cases are shown demonstrating excellent and natural results from selective and customized facial feminization procedures. (Friday 4:00-4:50pm Salon D)
Sherman N. Leis, D.O., F.A.C.O.S. is Professor and Chairman of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is Board CErtified in General Surgery at The Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is Board Certified in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and specializes in all types of transgender surgery. He is Director and Chief Surgeon at The Philadelphia Center for Transgender Surgery. He is Director and Chief Surgeon at The Philadelphia Center for Transgender Surgery. The Center represents a team of more than forty professionals who have expertise in servicing the surgical and the United States. Dr. Leis is the Founder of a Residency Training Program in Philadelphia and over the past thirty years has trained more than eighty plastic surgeons practicing across the United States. He is also President, CEO and Principal Clarinet of the Lower Merion Symphony, a Philadelphia area community orchestra. See his Web Site and Facebook Page.
FTM Top and Bottom Surgery: Surgical Options to Obtain Natural Results in a One-Stage Procedure
Options for FTM Top Surgery will be presented and variety of cases will demonstrate excellent results in masculinization of the chest. Options for phalloplasty will also be discussed. Dr. Leis will utilize multiple case presentations to demonstrate superior aesthetic results obtainable utilizing abdominal or groin flaps for phalloplasty, labial deconstruction for scrotoplasty and the options of testicular and penile implants. this surgery is done in one stage and results in a sensate penis, no grossly deformed donor site and the ability to have sexual intercourse with erotic sensation. (Saturday 1:00-2:20pm Salon A)
Dr. Leis is Chairman of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. See the complete bio above.
MTF Top and Bottom Surgery: Our Techniques for Obtaining Aesthetically Natural and Functional Results in a One-Stage Procedure
Options for breast augmentation will be discussed and demonstrated including choice of incisions, shape and size of implant, saline versus silicone, placement of implants above or below the muscle, etc. Dr. Leis will also discuss his technique of one-stage vaginoplasty utilizing the penile inversion technique, neo-clitoris construction, and scrotal skin graft to increase vaginal depth. Recent cases will be demonstrated to show the natural results obtained with these techniques. (Friday 2:30-3:50pm Salon D)
Dr. Leis is Chairman of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. See the complete bio above.
Hair Restoration, The Final Touch In Your Transformation
People who have taken the serious, difficult, and expensive steps to transition have usually gone through many months to years of decision-making, counseling, medical therapy, and surgical procedures. Very often, however, they are left with a hair status that remains unacceptable. Once the facial reconstruction is complete, the breasts have been addressed, and the application of make up, gender-appropriate clothing, et cetera have been fine tuned, now they are left with hair is still just not right. Hair pieces and wigs just won’t do it…. THE FINAL TOUCH in one’s transformation is restoration of their gender-correct hair.
This is where I come into your transformation. I meet with you, evaluate your hair situation as it currently is, and then we—together—decide on a surgical plan that will be appropriate for you.
Some patients have had a forehead-lowering procedure that has left scarring along the hairline which is unacceptable; others have a receded “male-pattern” hairline, which is inappropriate for a woman; yet others have a bald spot in the crown, which just will not do for a woman. Heck, most genetic men don’t like it either!
Creating a feminine hairline or filling in thin areas or closing up a bald area in the trans patient is, indeed, the final touch for them to comfortably live their lives as they would like. My presentations describe the causes of hair loss, its medical and surgical treatments, and my approach for the transgender patient. (Saturday 9:00-9:50am Salon B)
Dr. Robert Leonard is Founder and Chief Surgeon of Leonard Hair Transplant Associates. Dr. Leonard has been a leader in his field for the last 26 years. He was the Founding Secretary and then served as President of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery. Dr. Leonard is one of the Pioneers in the specialty of hair transplant surgery who refined surgical techniques to their current state-of-the-art methods providing his patients with virtually undetectable aesthetic results. Dr. Leonard has treated patients who are transitioning since the late 1980’s. In addition to surgical restoration, Dr. Leonard is a firm believer in prevention and, therefore, strongly recommends medical and low level laser therapies to stop progression of continued hair loss. Lastly, he has been treating patients below their hairlines as well with minimally-invasive rejuvenation options with Botox Cosmetic, Radiesse, Juvederm, and Sculptra. He offers complimentary consultations at his offices in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. See his Web Site, Facebook Page, and Twitter.
Sex Education, Our Bodies and Healthy Relationships: Sex Ed, Non Cis Style, That’s What We’re Talking About! Launching of the TYEF ZINE for Providers, Parents and Youth!
This zine (short for magazine) is written by staff at the Trans Youth Equality Foundation and Dr. Michelle Forcier from Brown University Medical School who specializes in transgender adolescent medicine and sexual health in a broader context. Dr. Norman Spack helped TYEF staff introduce this to our youth with much positive feedback! If you are a health educator, a counselor, a provider of any kind, we want to hear from you before we launch this zine at the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference.
This workshop will involve an introduction of our zine, interactive feedback session, debate and suggestions from attendees. .Come and feel like you are part of this project. This includes any trans people who can share their own sex education downfalls and suggestions. How do we provide teens with this information, make it accessible and encourage providers to give them to teenagers. Anyone frustrated with cis sex ed, come and speak up, this zine is developing fabulously! Make a difference, add your voice! (Friday 10:00-11:20am Constituion)
Susan Maasch is Director of the Trans Youth Equality Foundation.Presenter at Philadelphia Trans Health Conference,Boston Youth Summit and runs parent support groups for trans parents since 2008. Designed and launched retreats for transgender youth running twice a year and attended by youth from all over the country. Designed youth workshops in Know Your Legal Rights(with Glad) Know Your Medical Rights with Dr. Spack and Dr. Forcier and Sex Education, Non Cis Style. See their Web Site.
Surgical Options for Transgender Patients
Powerpoint presentation of surgical techniques for transgender procedures. Review of history, medications and outcomes of surgical therapy. (Saturday 9:00-9:50am Salon C)
Daniel A. Medalie, MD, is a board-certified academic plastic surgeon who specializes in reconstructive and cosmetic surgical procedures. Dr. Medalie graduated from Harvard University and then attended classes at Parson’s School of Design and the Art Students League in New York City, and experience which helps him in the evaluation and successful treatment of his patients. He subsequently graduated from Cornell Medical School in New York City and then proceeded to the University of Pittsburgh for his general plastic surgery training. Dr. Medalie also completed a two year burn/trauma NIH fellowship at Harvard and the Massachusetts General Hospital where he studied gene therapy and skin tissue engineering. He is considered to be an expert in microvascular reconstructive surgery and transgender surgery and has presented his clinical and scientific research worldwide. Dr. Medalie currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and the MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. See his Web Site.
Male to Female Genital Reconstructive Surgery, Facial Feminization, Breast Augmentation, Body Contouring
Power Point Presentation discussing surgical techniques; discussion of procedures, risks and complications; before and after photos; question and answer time. Dr. Meltzer is available for brief individual one-on-one visits. You may contact his office at 866-876-6329 if you wish to schedule a one-on-one visit. Formal or longer consultations need to be scheduled at his Scottsdale office. (Friday 1:00-2:20pm Salon C)
Dr. Toby Meltzer graduated from LSU Medical School in 1983 and is board certified in both General and Plastic Surgery. He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
He started practicing at Oregon Health Sciences University in 1990 and began private practice in 1996 in Portland, Oregon. He moved to Scottsdale, Arizona in 2003. He has privileges at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn Campus at the Greenbaum Surgery Center and Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Campus. He has a private practice located in Scottsdale.
Dr. Meltzer performs approximately 200 Genital Reconstruction Surgery (GRS) cases per year. He performs both MTF and FTM genital reconstruction surgery; facial feminization; chest surgery; and repairs and revisions. See his Web Site and Facebook page.
Female to Male Genital Reconstructive Surgery, Chest Surgery, Revision/Repair Surgery, Body Contouring
Power Point Presentation discussing surgical techniques; discussion of procedures, risks and complications; before and after photos; question and answer time. Dr. Meltzer is available for brief individual one-on-one visits. You may contact his office at 866-876-6329 if you wish to schedule a one-on-one visit. Formal or longer consultations need to be scheduled at his Scottsdale office. (Saturday 2:30-3:50pm Salon A)
Dr. Meltzer specializes in Plastic Surgery and practices in Scottsdale, Arizona. See his complete bio above.
Know Your Rights & The State of Trans Equal Rights Movement
Chris Miller – Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition
Do you have the right to be served in a restaurant, rent a hotel room, or be treated at an emergency room? Can your employer not promote you because you transitioned on the job? Transgender communities deal with a myriad of issues created by flawed policies, ignorance, and the binary gender system. This workshop will provide a summary of the legal protections afforded to cross dressers, transgender, transsexual, and genderqueer people at the local, state and federal levels. We’ll also consider the work that still needs to be done, and discuss the ways in which ongoing education and policy efforts are essential to making sure that positive laws and policies make a real difference in peoples’ lives. (Saturday 1:00-2:20pm Constitution)
Founded in 2001, the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition (MTPC) is dedicated to ending discrimination on the basis of gender identity and gender expression. Chris Miller is the chair of MTPC’s training committee and a steering committee member. For the past seven years he has been a self-employed multicultural consultant conducting trainings and providing executive coaching addressing issues of privilege/oppression in the workplace. See their Web Site and a Bio for Chris Miller.
Preparing for a Life After Transition / Life After the Knife
Jessica Mink and Kelly Novak
Mink, Preparing for a Life After Transition: Often transgendered people think of transition as their goal, but not so much how to create a life in the opposite gender once they’ve changed. I found lots of advice on dealing with work and family, but almost nothing about dealing with other people in my life: fellow (non-LGBT) activists and board members, people in my community who knew me, fellow soccer parents (and that association lasts way past the years when our kids played together), and more. In this roundtable discussion, we’ll talk about how you live your life before transitioning to make it easier afterward, often techniques which we discovered totally by accident. (Friday 1:00-2:20pm Indepedence, first presentation)
Novak, Life After the Knife: What is it like after sex reassignment surgery? This seminar aims to bridge the gap between pre- and post-operative men and women (FtM and MtF are welcome) with a question and answer session between post-ops and those contemplating surgery. Issues to be discussed will involve meeting expectations, post-op medical care, complications, legal and social issues, and importantly — intimacy. The good and the bad of post-op life will be discussed. This is a hands-on presentation and participation is welcome. Post-operative men and women are welcome to be part of the panel, and you may contact Kelly at: kelly@kelly-novak.com or simply introduce yourself as you arrive for the seminar. (Friday 1:00-2:20pm Independence, second presentation)
Jessica Mink is an astronomical software developer, bicycle and open space activist, parent, and transgender woman. She transitioned in 2011, after years of thinking about it, and found out that she accidentally had done a lot of things in her life which made the change easier for those around her to accept and would like to share her experience and hear from others about their post-transition lives.
Kelly Novak is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and is an administrator of Asexuality Visibility and Education (AVEN). She has been involved with trans issues since 1981, and has seen quite a lot of changes (mainly for the better) in those years. She also transitioned on the job as a senior engineer in the semiconductor industry.
Transgender Survivors (Open to Trans and SOFFA)
Managing both the impact of surviving trauma and the complexity of gender variance can be a profound challenge. The psychological and interpersonal demands of identity, relationships and body can be overwhelming and powerful. In this workshop we will identify a framework through which to understand important themes in a complex journey. We will develop strategies for understanding the impact of trauma, strategies for healing empowered advocacy and self care. We will discuss, and we will explore creating a treatment context that can see and meaningfully value the transgender survivors. (Saturday 11:30am-12:50am Constitution. Trans/SOFFA Only)
Dr. AndreA Neumann-Mascis is a psychologist with a Masters in Family Therapy and a PhD in clinical psychology. AndreA is a queer person with a disability and has lived and worked in both communities in Boston and San Francisco for more than fifteen years. AndreA does individual and relationship therapy as well as group therapy, training and consultation. Areas of specialty include working with trauma and complex PTSD as well as working with lesbian, gay, queer and gender variant people.
AndreA was part of developing a women’s trauma program for an LGBT agency in San Francisco and has developed specialized trauma curricula for specific populations including homeless and chronically mentally ill people in San Francisco and Boston Work has also included education and training for universities, hospitals, providers, non-profits and community members. Most recently AndreA presented as part of a panel discussion at the 4th Annual Havard Lambda Legal Advocacy Conference Queering the Health Gap LGBT Health Despairities and the Law AndreA was subsequently involved in creating a follow up conference at Harvard focused on the Queer Disability Community. AndreA is founder and developer of The Meeting Point: a Multidimensional Center for Healing and Growth in Jamaica Plain MA that serves the LGBT community, survivors and the Disability community and is growing to meet the unique strengths and needs of queer people and their allies through community activity and personalized approaches to wellness. andrea@themeetingpoint.org (508) 308-3242, themeetingpoint.org
Queer-Ability
In this training workshop, as queer people with disabilities, providers and allies, we will explore the personal, social, and societal implications of ableism-disability, and discuss a framework of ability that maximizes the power and potential of people. We will exploring intersections of oppression, ableism and community connections.the complex relationships between queer community and disability. (Saturday 9:00-9:50am Constitution)
Dr. AndreA Neumann-Mascis is a psychologist with a Masters in Family Therapy and a PhD in clinical psychology. See the complete bio above.
Trans-Yada: Beyond the Gender Binary
Kelly Novak, MS
Boys will be girls and girls will be boys, but is there anything in between? Not everyone identifies as male OR female — some have gender identities that are both, neither, fluid, or in-between. A strict adherence to one gender role is no longer required to obtain treatment or respect from the gatekeepers, so come and explore the brave new world of gender freedom and share your experiences. This is a hand-on presentation; audience participation is appreciated; non-gender-binary people welcome. (Friday 9:00-9:50am Salon B)
Kelly Novak is a member of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) and is an administrator of Asexuality Visibility and Education (AVEN). She has been involved with trans issues since 1981, and has seen quite a lot of changes (mainly for the better) in those years. She also transitioned on the job as a senior engineer in the semiconductor industry.
Bring Out the Woman in You!
Dorothea O’Regan and Nancy Griffin
We welcome you to join us in this fun and informative workshop. You’ll easily learn the basic feminine skills of posture, gait, and mannerisms. Then we’ll build upon these to refine and enhance your womanly image. Please bring your sense of humor, and if you’d like, a handbag, scarf, gloves, hat, and hardcover book! (Friday 2:30-4:50pm Salon C)
Frequents attendees of First Event, both Dorothea O’Regan and Nancy Griffin have over thirty years’ experience as Bellydance stage performers, instructors, and custom costume designers. They are available for workshops, including wardrobe consultation, in a private studio setting.
Dorothea O’Regan, a certified master clinical hypnotherapist, is available for private consultations. Hypnosis sessions are geared toward harmony, balance, and comfort in the TG lifestyle.
Facial Feminization Surgery
Dr. Ousterhout will present his philosophy regarding facial feminization based on the anatomical bony differences between the male an female skulls. There will be discussions also about soft tissue surgery such as facelifts, breast augmentation, etc. Photographic results of pre and postoperative surgical patients will be shown. Dr. Ousterhout will also be available after the presentation for private consultations. (Friday 11:30am-12:50am Salon C)
Dr. Ousterhout’s practice is located in San Francisco, California where he is a full time Professsor at UCSF San Francisco. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, member in at least 18 medical societies worldwide. Past President of the Maxillofacial Surgeons and Pan Pacific Surgical Society. Founded one medical journal and was on the Editorial Board of four plastic surgery journals. Has presented and published scores of scientific papers. Published two books: Aesthetic Contouring of the Craniofacial Skeleton and Facial Feminization Surgery. Which can be obtained thru his website: drofacialsurgery.com or Amazon.com. Also see his Facebook Page.
Masculinization of the Face in the FTM
Your desires for being recognized without a question as a male can be assisted by looking more masculine. Perhaps you would like to appear masculine without the need for a mustache or beard. I will be presenting my experience in improving the facial masculine appearance in over 80 males. Pre and Postoperative results will be shown. Dr. Ousterhout will be available for private consultations. (Saturday 10:00-11:20am Salon C)
Dr. Ousterhout’s practice is located in San Francisco. See the complete bio above.
Family-Building Options for Transgender People using Assisted Reproductive Technolgies
Historically, transgender people have been able to have children through heterosexual relationships prior to their coming out and transitioning. More recently, transgender people are coming out and transitioning sooner in their lives, such that they may not have the opportunity to have children through a traditional heterosexual relationship. Procreation may not be a topic that is foremost in the minds of transgender individuals who are in the process of coming out and transitioning. Unfortunately, procreation may not be an option after a transgender individual has completely transitioned unless they take steps to preserve their procreative potential prior to transitioning. With the availability of assisted reproductive technologies (ART), transgender individuals have the opportunity to have genetic offspring if they choose to do so. Transgender individuals who would like to have the opportunity to have genetic offspring need to plan ahead. Prior to gender reassignment hormonal treatment and surgical procedures, transgender individuals may bank their gametes (sperm or eggs) which could be used in future to build their families through ART. This presentation will review some of the options available to transgender individuals who would like to be able to have genetic offspring, and describe how IVF, and related ART procedures such as gamete donation and gestational surrogacy, may be used to build families for transgender people who have banked their gametes prior to transition. (Saturday 10:00-11:20am Salon D, first presentation)
Samuel C. Pang, MD, Medical Director at the Reproductive Science Center of New England (RSCNE), is subspecialty board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology. Prior to joining RSC New England in 1993, he trained in reproductive endocrinology at UCLA. Under Dr. Pang’s leadership, RSCNE is currently one of the ten largest in vitro fertilization (IVF) centers in the U.S., noted for being among the most successful with a very low incidence of multiple gestations compared to other IVF centers in the country. Dr. Pang has been director of the Third Party Assisted Reproduction program at RSCNE since 1997, serving couples who utilize IVF with donor eggs and/or a gestational surrogate to have children. He has been helping female couples have children since 1993, and has been helping male couples have children with donor eggs and gestational surrogacy since 1998. He is currently helping transgender individuals who wish to have genetically-related children. See his Web Site and Facebook Page.
Chaotic Kiss – Transgender Comics Discussion Panel
Michelle Pinard – MKT Productions – Chaotic Kiss
Powerpoint presentation on my comic and my studio with a highlight of other transgender Japanese comic characters, followed by some Q&A. (Friday 4:00-4:50pm Constitution)
MKT Productions is a New England based comic studio that specializes in stories about transgender characters and issues. The debuting title, Chaotic Kiss, has sold hundreds of copies since it’s premier in 2005. Michelle is both the writer and the artist of Chaotic Kiss, and has driven transgender acceptance in both the Japanese Animation and Comic Book convention circuits. For more information, visit www.chaotickiss.com or her Facebook and Twitter pages.
High Quality Gender Reassignment Surgery at Affordable Prices
Kevin Poling-Vasquez – Satori World Medical
See the Mr. Poling’s Satori World Medical presentation for details.
Feminine Dining Deportment
Special registration and an additional fee is required to attend this luncheon in the hotel restaurant. There is limited capacity, first come, first served.
Dining while expressing feminine poise, posture and mannerisms can be a difficult feat. Join the table and dine “en-femme” with Monica Prata as she hosts her interactive “Feminine Dining Deportment” seminar. Enjoy a tasty Bistro lunch and put your skills to test while learning through live models as Monica Prata demonstrates the innate difference between male and female dining mannerisms and shares with you, her simple secrets to being more feminine while dining. (Friday 11:30am or 1:00 seating in Sophia’s, the hotel restaurant)
Monica Prata is a GG who works as a Feminine Image Consultant for those who are transgendered, transitioning or integrating their genders. Services include makeup application and lessons, wardrobe consulting, styling and accessorizing and lessons in modern feminine deportment. Monica gained much of her makeup experience working as a professional artist for M.A.C Cosmetics and is certified through the company. She also worked for Nordstrom’s where because of her innate understanding and friendly disposition she acquired many clients shopping for their “girlfriends.” In addition to her wardrobe consulting and cosmetic experience, Monica worked as a model and is skilled in the art of feminine posing for photography and daily life. In October 2010, Monica moved from Chicago to San Francisco to join Doctor Ousterhout’s team as Mira Coluccio’s Assistant, and in-office stylist. Monica continues her work within the community, traveling nationally and internationally to work with clients, she is dedicated in helping you to achieve your most natural. See her Web Site, Facebook Page, and Twitter.
Successful Shopping For Your Most Feminine Silhouette
Let’s make shopping fun, and not stressful! Learn how to accentuate your most feminine features while skillfully disguising the masculine. Professional stylist Monica Prata teaches you the tricks of the trade; where to shop and what to look for using live models and lots of audience participation. Learn about the proportional differences in the male vs. female body and just what you can do to make your shape look it’s absolutely most feminine! Discover which blouse shape best disguises broad shoulders, to which shoe styles will actually make your feet appear smaller. Monica Prata answers your questions and shares her secrets! (Friday 2:30-3:50pm Independence)
Monica Prata is a GG who works as a Feminine Image Consultant for those who are transgendered, transitioning or integrating their genders. See her complete bio above.
No Sales Pitch Here! – A Non-Biased Lecture on Choosing a Surgeon
Some lectures are designed specifically to narrow the field of your thinking away from anyone else other than the speaker’s obvious endorsement for whom to have surgery with. NO SALES PITCH HERE will cover advice on how to choose a surgeon from the overwhelming options now available, as well as help set realistic expectations, pre & post-operatively. Learn how to see past some of the “glitz and glam,” fancy websites, “fan boys” and scare tactics, as well as some of the less than dubious methods being employed to market surgical services to the Transgender community, from someone that gives it to you straight, without trash talking or using fear to narrow your decision into only one obvious choice. (Friday 9:00-9:50am Independence. Trans* & Gender Non-Conforming Only.)
Chloe Prince serves as trans patient liaison for Dr. Kathy Rumer in Philadelphia. Chloe is also the founder of both PINKessence.com and TRUessence.org online social networking sites dedicated to the Transgender community with nearly 6000 vetted members. Chloe and her family have appeared on the Anderson Cooper daytime talk show, and been featured in a 1 hour ABC Primetime special “Family Secrets, When Dad Becomes Mom – the Chloe Prince Story.” Chloe has also been a keynote speaker and given lectures at most all the major trans conferences in the United States. See her Web Site, Facebook Page, and Twitter.
TRUessence – A Professional Trans Online Social Network
TRUessence.org is a new, private (Non-Searchable) social network for Trans-identifying individuals to connect as a community with their professionals and service providers. We’ll discuss TRUessence’s MASTER PORTAL that will search for ANY trans related product or service, to compare services and offers, and to harness the power of our community’s purchasing power to negotiate special rates and exclusive privileges with the “TRUeCARD.” Come see a LIVE demonstration of the project, ask questions and contribute feedback on to its current development. (Friday 4:00-4:50 Salon B. Trans* & Gender Non-Conforming Only.)
Chloe Prince is the founder of both PINKessence.com and TRUessence.org. See the complete bio above.
Trans Masculine Lunch
Alex Solange (Host)
A Trans Masculine Lunch, sponsored by Dr. Peter Raphael of the American Institute of Plastic Surgery in Plano, TX, will be held Saturday from 11:30 am to 12:50 pm. The free luncheon is hosted by Alex Solange and will be open to Saturday’s registered conference attendees, volunteers or presenters who were assigned female at birth and who feel that is not a complete or accurate description of their gender. Meet presenters and enjoy a meal with us and get to know other people at the conference. We are looking forward to getting to know you! (Saturday 11:30am-12:50am Salon A. FTM and Transmasculine Only,)
Our host, Alex Solange, has been working in the Fenway Institute at Fenway Health (www.FenwayHealth.org) for nine years in transgender care and with Latino gay men. He has navigated for over one thousand transgender individuals in and out of Fenway Health, and has organized T-Supper Club support group and T-Social parties. Alex is a medical interpreter, with a B.A. in advertising, and with some medical training. He has participated in transgender research in Massachusetts and the Dominican Republic and in transgender panels in Massachusetts and New York.
M2F Gender Confirming – What’s Exciting and New!
This workshop provides an opportunity for Dr. Rumer to discuss her approach to M2F Gender Confirming Surgical procedures such as FFS, BA, BODY CONTOURING, and GRS. She will also unveil a number of surgical and non-surgical procedures offered at her new state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Rumer will then open the floor for answering specific questions after her power point presentation, and will be available for complimentary consultation while at the conference. Chloe Alison Prince, [PINKessence.com / ABC Primetime / Anderson Cooper] Patient Coordinator/Outreach and Support will also be available to answer your questions from a Post-Op perspective. (Friday 10:00-11:20am Independence)
Dr. Kathy L. Rumer is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for Trans identified individuals. She is the founder of Rumer Cosmetic Surgery where she works with other specialists to provide the best possible healthcare for her patients. She is on staff at a number of the best hospitals in the Philadelphia area and has been named a Main Line “TOP DOC” in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011. She was also named a Philadelphia Magazine “TOP DOC” for 2011. She also serves as a fellowship site director for the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, one of the only residency programs that trains surgeons in the art of gender variant cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Finally, she is an active member of WPATH and has served as an advocate for transgender individuals at a local and national level. Most recently. Dr. Rumer opened a facility that will offer state-of the-art gender confirming surgical and non-surgical procedures. This facility also provides a soothing and calming environment for patient’s during their post-operative recovery. See her Web Site, Facebook Page, and Twitter.
What’s New and Exciting for F2M Gender Confirming Surgeries!
This workshop provides an opportunity for Dr. Rumer to discuss her approach to F2M Gender Confirming Surgical procedures including Chest Masculinization, Body Contouring, and Bottom Surgery. She will also unveil a number of surgical and non-surgical procedures offered at her new state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Rumer will then open the floor for answering specific questions after her power point presentation, and will be available for complimentary consultation while at the conference. (Saturday 10:00-11:20am Constitution)
Dr. Kathy L. Rumer is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon who specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery for Trans identified individuals. See the complete bio above.
Trans Sister Survivors: Getting Through the Tough Times
Dr. Joelle Ruby Ryan
Transgender Women are one of the most oppressed social groups in contemporary society. We face massive discrimination, rejection and adversity in our lives, and often lack support and healthy coping strategies. We may turn to substance abuse, self-harm, or unsafe sex, or we may deal with depression, anxiety or suicidal ideation. In this discussion for trans-feminine people, we will reflect on the diverse challenges we face and create a supportive environment for sharing experiences of pain and alienation in our transphobic society. In addition, we will talk resilience, perseverance and rising above: what gets us through the rough patches and what strategies can we share to support ourselves and our sisters in the quest to lead a fulfilling, successful and empowered life? (Friday 11:30am-12:50pm Patriot. MTF Transfeminine Only.)
Dr. Joelle Ruby Ryan is a Professor of Women’s Studies at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). She is a member of the President’s Commission on the Status of Women and the Chair of the Transgender Policy and Climate Committee (T-PACC). She also co-directs the annual Gender Identities Awareness (GIA) in November and the Transecting Society Conference in April. She is the founder of TransGender New Hampshire (TG-NH) and sits on their Steering Committee. She is also a member of the Trans-Feminine Working Group for the Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference. In addition to trans issues, her areas of professional and academic interest include: feminism, asexuality, sex worker rights, media studies and production, fat studies, weightism and body image.
Beauty Bias: Exploring Weightism, Looksism and Body Image in the Trans Community
Dr. Joelle Ruby Ryan
Do you have a positive body image? Have you ever been judged by another trans person about your appearance or weight? Could your self-esteem use a little boost? Then please come and join us for this facilitated discussion and sharing circle! The workshop leader will begin by sharing her own story, and provide examples of looksism and weightism in the trans community. She will also link these issues to gendered presentations/expressions and notions of “passing.” Then she will open up for others to share and reflect on these important topics. The goal of the workshop is to question society’s beauty standards and promote healthy self-esteem for people of all appearances, weights, shapes and sizes! (Saturday 11:30am-12:50am Salon B)
Dr. Joelle Ruby Ryan is a Professor of Women’s Studies at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). See her complete bio above.
I Don’t Want to Have Sex: Understanding Asexual Identity
Dr. Joelle Ruby Ryan
In this workshop, we will discuss the often ignored and misunderstood phenomenon of asexuality. In a hyper-sexual society such as ours, asexuality is an enigma to many people. In this workshop, we will explore the following questions: What does it mean to be asexual? What are the myths associated with asexuality? Why is there so much stigma and prejudice directed against asexuals? How can we build support and understanding for asexual people in the GLBT Community? In addition, we will reflect on people who are both asexual and transgender and challenges faced by asexual people in relationships. (Saturday 4:00-4:50pm Salon D)
Dr. Joelle Ruby Ryan is a Professor of Women’s Studies at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). See her complete bio above.
Metoidioplasty: Making the Decision and Sharing the Outcome
This workshop will be a combination of exploring one transman’s metoidioplasty experience, as well as what a person should think about/explore before making their own decision regarding what lower surgery technique they want completed and which surgeon they feel most comfortable going to. Ryan will cover his decision-making process, financing the surgery, preparing both mentally and physically for the surgery and the recovery process. Audience questions are strongly encouraged. (Saturday 10:00-11:20am Salon A)
Ryan K. Sallans, MA is a public speaker, diversity trainer, consultant, and author specializing in health care and workplace issues surrounding the LGBTQIA community. He also works with organizations and Universities on LGBTQ social issues, and media literacy related to eating disorders and body image. Since 2005, Ryan has traveled the nation sharing his story about transitioning from female to male with diverse audiences. His memoir, Second Son: Transitioning To My Destiny, Love and Life was released in April of 2012 and is gaining international attention. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English and Anthropology and two Master of Arts, one in English and the other in Educational Psychology. See his Web Site, Facebook Page, Twitter, and Book Site.
Body Transformation: Finding Peace with Change and Genetics
This workshop will address the issue of body image and the transgender body. It will explore the effects and limitations of hormones, surgery, and the beliefs we have formed about appearance due to the media. Ryan will also share his own story of being an eating disordered female who nearly died from anorexia, to a healthy male. His story will include his own struggles with body image today, and what hormones and surgery have done to help him find peace. Audience questions and discussion are strongly encouraged. (Friday 1:00-2:20pm Constitution)
Ryan K. Sallans, MA is a public speaker, diversity trainer, consultant, and author specializing in health care and workplace issues surrounding the LGBTQIA community. See the complete bio above.
High Quality Gender Reassignment Surgery at Affordable Prices
Satori World Medical – Kevin Poling-Vasquez
Satori World Medical’s Global Transgender Program offers individuals access to a high quality network of US and international hospitals and highly trained gender reassignment surgeons, at significant cost savings. Satori provides all travel and related services to make this transition as stress free as possible. Satori has contracted with the top gender reassignment surgeons around the world, such as Dr. Preecha in Bangkok, Thailand, Dr. Brassard in Montreal, Canada and Dr. Miroslav Djordjevic in Serbia. (Friday 1:00-2:20pm Independence)
Mr. Poling is a seasoned customer service and travel professional with over 20 years of experience in the global hospitality industry. He has undergone extensive training, specializing in the art and science of customer relationship management. Mr. Poling also leads Satori World Medical’s Global Transgender Program. In this role, Mr. Poling is responsible for the developing, coordinating and ensuring the highest quality of patient service for the program. Mr. Poling is highly involved in the LGBT community and has sponsored Transgender Day of Remembrance in San Diego. He is a frequent speaker at transgender conferences throughout the country such as Southern Comfort, TransOhio and Be-All. See the Satori Web Site.
About Face – Sharing the Alchemy of Makeup
An intimate sharing of the joys and power of makeup. A repeat of my makeup class which includes basic makeup techniques, color theory & tips for transition makeup. Also demonstrations with attendees, product review and discussion. (Friday 11:30am-12:50am Independence)
Natasha Savoy is the creative force behind My Changing Room which has offered a cross dressing venue in Boston for 15 years. While her background is in Cultural Anthropology and social work, she takes more pleasure in the magic of transformations. Natasha has studied makeup with some of today’s top artists; an education which she continues annually to remain current and informed. This has allowed her to launch many bright new faces with glowing pride. Natasha is also a visual artist and photographer. She lives in Boston with an understanding husband and two large dogs.
The TransConfused Family
Kris Schroeder (with Kim Schroeder)
Typically families face major changes together. When major life changing events occur such as a child being born or the death of a loved one the joy or sorrow is experienced by all. In a developing transgender family, unity in support certainly can and does happen, but very often it does not. Although the entire family faces the same event, they may feel very differently about what is about to happen. It cannot be stressed enough that facing transition is as owerful a life changer as a a birth or death. It may even be as difficult as facing both a birth and a death together. Your family member contemplating transition may be elated, but others might be in shock and not at all happy. The joy of a new beginning is only one side of the story when we consider the family. Those not in transition will be in mourning. The person they knew will be, in their eyes, gone forever. Understandably such major changes mean relationships are redefined. It may mean relationships will end. Families will break up even though the love all have for each other was in no way diminished.
However, some families decide to work through the transition together and stay together. The decision to adapt and accept both gender and role changes is not an easy one. However, some families not only survive the change, but confess to having a relationship even stronger and more meaningful than before!
Please join Kim and Kris Schroeder for a frank discussion on the life changes for all family members when one family member is in transition. (Friday 10:00-11:20am Salon C. Trans, Families, SOFFA welcomed.)
Kris Schroeder: As a person who was born a girl, I am in a body that I’m fairly happy with – probably as happy as most people get. I would not trade the 500 or so hated periods and pms, the pain of childbirth, or anything else about my body to change my gender. However, that does not describe the other people in my life.
The two people closest to me are my spouse and my child. Both of them were born men but would rather be women. My spouse told me about his cross-dressing in early 2011, which is why I began writing this blog. At that time, I searched for information about being a spouse of a cross-dresser, but found blogs written by cross-dressers. That was not what I wanted to see at that time. Most of the initial posts relate to having a crossdressing husband, but quickly change into having a transgender spouse and child. It has always been important to me for people to be who they need to be. When I formed that opinion in high school, I knew nothing about transgender people. My view has not changed, but the people in my family have changed. Having an accepting view of people does not mean it will be easy to accept the huge changes in the people around us. It takes time to come to terms with any change.
Kim Schroeder is married to writer and public speaker. Kim has had a variety of life experiences. Born Kurt Eric Schroeder her first inclining that she might be different was when, at age three, she attempted to part her hair down the middle and speak in falsetto. However, it was not until age twelve that she understood what that difference might be. At nineteen she became an Evangelical Christian and hoped God would heal her confusion. During her early twenties she was a devout Evangelical and president of her university Christian Fellowship. In her mid twenties she moved to Chicago where she enrolled in Divinity School hoping to become a missionary. All through those years she fought what she and her fellow Evangelicals considered an extreme form of Homosexuality. Poor grades and extreme confusion led her to accept she was ineligible for Evangelical ministry. Shortly before she dropped out, and with the help of a counselor she finally admitted what she could no longer deny; she confessed she was a homosexual, but wondered why she had no strong same sex attraction. In the mid 90′s she met Kris and within three weeks they were engaged.
After many happy years of marriage Kim could no longer deny her real issue. Although she really always preferred girls she also wanted to be a girl. The homosexual confession she made as a Christian so many years prior was in fact an admission to being transgender. The difference she she ‘finally understood’ so many years before at age twelve was actually an overwhelming identification with women and had nothing to do with any thoughts about other boys. Having come full circle the first recalled event at three years old was simply an expression of who she really was and is today, female. See their Blog Web Site and Twitter.
Presenting Gender with Your Pants Off: Trans*masculine Sexual Health and Pleasure
Kristopher Shultz and Jackson Shultz
Many of us depend on what we’re wearing to convey our gender identities/expressions. So, how can we continue to present our desired gender when we’re having sex? This participant-driven workshop presents information about navigating gender presentation while naked, relearning the body during and after transition, and maintaining or regaining sexual intimacy with yourself and partner(s). Get advice on sexual pleasure and health during all stages of transition (including hormonal and pre, post or non-operative). Learn from the experiences of fellow FTMs and trans-masculine people. Partners and friends welcome! (Friday 2:30-3:50pm Constitution. FTM and Transmasculine Only.)
Kristopher works for Student Accessibility Services at Dartmouth College. He is pursuing a master’s degree focused on LGBTQI youth homelessness and shelter accessibility. Jackson is currently working an oral history manuscript on trans* experiences in activism. Both Jackson and Kristopher have experience in sexual assault response and prevention and safer-sex education.
Voice Feminization Training: A Safe and Natural Approach to Acquiring Your Best Voice
Rebecca Shafir, a speech/language pathologist, former opera singer and voice feminization coach, will describe the process of voice transitioning – how one gets started, the training process, methods to avoid, and some helpful suggestions for those who want to get started. Rebecca will demonstrate and describe the most effective voice therapy approaches including voice analysis, computerized feedback, sensory training and mind/body voice training strategies. She provides voice feminization training in Sudbury and West Newbury (on the North Shore) in Massachusetts. (Saturday 2:30-3:50pm Salon B)
Rebecca Shafir M.A.CCC is a licensed and certified speech/language pathologist, former opera singer and author of the award-winning book The Zen of Listening. She received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in opera performance and her Masters in Speech/Language Pathology along with an internship at the Indianapolis Medical Center. Formerly chief of the voice division at Lahey Clinic she now practices at the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health in Sudbury Mass. She also maintains a private practice from her home office in West Newbury, Massachusetts. She has trained male to female voices nationwide for over 20 years. Rebecca’s website is www.MindfulCommunication.com and for TS inquiries it is www.MindfulCommunication.com/transgender.htm Her email address is rebeccashafir@att.net
FFS: Maximizing Results
Listen to Dr. Spiegel review the goals and methods of facial feminization surgery. Post-operative photos will be shown. There will be a discussion of what procedures are available, how to maximize results, risks, and how new technologies and advances have allowed for improving structural changes to bone. Dr. Spiegel has performed well over 1,000 FFS procedures! Dr. Spiegel is happy to answer any personal questions and will be providing complimentary consultations for any interested guests. Contact his office at 617-566-3223 or info@drspiegel.com. (Friday 1:00-2:20pm Salon B and again on Saturday 10:00-11:20am Salon B)
Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel is Chief of the Division of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Boston Medical Center and is a Professor in the Departments of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Plastic Surgery at the Boston University School of Medicine. His practice specializes in Facial Feminization Surgery. He sees facial cosmetic surgery patients in his state-of-the-art private office in Boston’s beautiful Chestnut Hill. See his Web Site, Facebook Page, Twitter.
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 coming out, legal issues, developing a program to fit one’s individual workplace. (Friday 11:30am-12:50am Concierge)
Reverend Moonhawk River Stone, M.S., LMHC, is an Interfaith Minister, psychotherapist, consultant, educator, writer and keynote speaker in private practice in the Albany, NY area. In his psychotherapy private practice he works with transgender clients of all ages and with their families. His consulting and educational work take him all over the country into corporations, colleges, K-12 schools, clinical and professional conferences. Mr. Stone is an advocate and activist for transgender human and civil rights and works to develop transgender health care policy and transgender employment policy. He is active in working on issues related to eliminating Gender Identity Disorder’s continuing presence in the DSM and in the areas of Aging and Disability, Spirituality and Interfaith. Stone has over 25 years of non profit LGBT board of director experience, most notably with Trans Youth Family Allies (TYFA), The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, New York Association for Gender Rights Advocacy (NYAGRA), GLSEN-NYCR, the Empire State Pride Agenda. He has over 25 years conference organizing experience. Stone is a member of the LGBT National Aging Roundtable and of Out & Equal’s Transgender Advisory Committee. Formerly he served as Co-Chair of the Ending Disparities Committee at National Coalition for LGBT Health and as Chair of the Transgender Health Care Committee at the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association. See his Web Site and his Vimeo or YouTube videos.
What if God is Transgender?
As transgender people we can often have a difficult relationship with the organized religion in which we were raised–or a difficult time finding loving affirming religious community as adults. What if we enlarged the discussion? What if we drew together the best of what faith and spirituality have to offer us? What if we decided to create our own relationship to the Divine, own understanding of God? To experience God in a much more personal, yet universal way? Interested the journey? Workshop will be a guided discussion introducing participants to a new, comforting, inspiring way to approach All That Is. (Friday 4:00-4:50pm Independence)
Reverend Moonhawk River Stone, M.S., LMHC, is an Interfaith Minister, psychotherapist, consultant, educator, writer and keynote speaker in private practice in the Albany, NY area. See his complete bio above.
Corsetry
Tamar is a professional corset fitter and US distributor for the Vollers Corset line. Authentic corsets provided by A Beautiful Corset are completely different from mass-produced corsets, sometimes called “costume corsets”. Their showroom is located at 10 Derby Square, in Salem, MA. See the Web Site. (Friday 9:00-9:50am Salon C)
A Sculptor’s Approach to Top Surgery
Stanley Taub, MD is a board certified plastic surgeon and award-winning sculptor with thirty years of experience. Many of his bronze sculptures have won awards and been placed in museums. Dr. Taub has also invented patented medical creations to assist both medical professionals and patients alike. See his Web Site. (Saturday 11:30am-12:50am Salon C)
So You Are Interested in a Hysterectomy: What You Need to Know for Lower Surgery
In this presentation, Dr. Webb will discuss:
- The different types of hysterectomies
- The benefits and the surgical complications that can occur
- How to choose what is best for you
- A video of the procedure will be shown
The Desurt procedure has made the vaginectomy a safe, faster procedure with minimal blood loss and a quick recovery and little pain. The procedure itself will be examined and the results of 7 years will be discussed. In addition the benefits for a transgender man undergoing urethral lengthening will be evaluated. (Saturday 4:00-4:50pm Salon A)
Burt Webb, MD, practices medicine at The Scottsdale Center for Women’s Health. Dr Webb was born and raised in California in a small farming community. He attended Stanford University and earned a degree in Human Biology, then went to Tulane Med School which led to a residency in obstetrics and gynecology in Phoenix. He specializes in laparoscopic surgery, aesthetic vaginal surgery and for the last 8 years also transgender surgery. He is married with four children. Dr. Webb will be available for private consultations at First Event 2011, anytime Friday evening or on Saturday all day. He can be reached by email at burtwebb@cox.net or at his office number 480-425-8700 — please ask for Tammy when scheduling a consult. For more info: ScottsdaleOBGyns.com
Naming Ceremony
For those who have decided on a new name, Rev. Weekley conducts a rite of passage ceremony to honor this very special milestone. Held Sunday morning, 10:15-11:15am.
Reverend David Weekley, author of “In From the Wilderness: Sherman, (She-r-Man)” , represents a unique perspective in the trans masculine community due to his early transition in the 70s. Reverend Weekley is the only out trans* minister in the United Methodist denomination in the United States, having come out to his congregation in 2009 after serving the United Methodist Church for 30 years. He also offers an interesting historical perspective on phalloplasty surgery due to being one of the first people to undergo phalloplasty in 1974. Reverend Weekley is studying for a PhD. at Boston University Theological Seminary and comes to us after recently having moved 3000 miles across the country from Portland Oregon. See his Web Site.
Advanced Individualized Surgical Techniques for Global Face, Body, and Hair Feminization in Both the Transgendered and Crossdressing Patient
Dr. Zukowski will be presenting his state-of-the-art 21st century individualized surgical options for global one-step face, breast and body feminization including advanced endoscopic techniques of forehead feminization, with exclusive 3-D bone sculpting, ultrasonic body sculpting with large volume fat augmentation to the buttocks (Brazilian buttock lift), as well as micrograft hair restoration to create the perfectly feminine hairline. These techniques are applicable for the transgendered patient looking to transition or the cross-dressing patient looking to present their best in both male and female personas. The Zukowski Center exclusively performs complimentary lymphatic massage postoperatively and has a face and body skin care protocol and cosmeceutical line of skin products to further enhance your surgical results. Past patients will be available for you to talk to both at his lecture on Friday at 2:30 pm and on Saturday at 1:00 pm, and during a Z-girl open house on Saturday in Room #325 at 3:30 pm. To arrange to speak to the doctor or one of his past patients either at the conference or afterwards in a phone consultation, call his office at 847-853-8869 in advance and speak to Michelle as time slots fill up fast. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about our comprehensive full face and body approach for your transition, or to look the best you can in both of your personas and to reverse any aging changes so as to insure a lifetime of youthful, refreshed, and naturally feminine beauty. (Friday 2:30-4:50pm Salon B and again on Saturday 1:00-2:20pm Salon B)
Mark Zukowski M.D., F.A.C.S. is a Northwestern-trained Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who practices on the North Shore of Chicago. He has an international cliental in face and body feminization and has been working with the gender community for 16 years with 65% of his practice gender related. He performs the full range of face and body feminization procedures as well as micrograft hair transplantation in order to create a full and naturally feminine hairline. Dr. Zukowski specializes in proven state-of-the-art technology such as endoscopic minimal scar techniques, which he has been performing for 20 years and is at the forefront of this technology worldwide. His other techniques such as suspension neck contouring, high speed burring for 3-D bone sculpting and tracheal shaving, breast augmentation that centralize the implants, and large volume fat-grafting for buttock enhancement provide safe, individualized, cost-effective, high-quality results that he stands behind 100%. He served in the U.S. Navy attaining the rank of Commander at the Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, and was in charge of the busiest plastic surgery department of any military in the world. He has an unparalleled depth of knowledge and experience in natal male cosmetic surgery of the face and body. He is the author of over 30 articles and book chapters with an international reputation in cosmetic plastic surgery of the face and body. For more information about his practice, go to www.mlzukowskiffs.com. Also see his Twitter.