Saturday Overview

Dr. Maureen Osborne

Lunch with Keynote Speaker Mara Keisling

9:00 am

The workshop will explore the medical care for transgender youth- including children teens and young adults. We will start with a didactic presentation with numerous case examples. We will then proceed to a discussion of the many complex medical, psychological and social issues that are involved.  At the completion of this session the participant should be able to:

• Review the theories about the biological causes of transgender feelings and the controversies regarding the psychiatric criteria and diagnosis
• Describe evaluation of children, teens and young adults with transgender feelings
• Discuss the treatment options and protocols

Dr. Richard Levine is the Chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders at Penn State- Hershey Medical Center. He is experienced in Trans-medicine and sees a number of children, adolescents and young adults for HRT and medical follow-up. He is pleased to accept any pediatric patients and patients in their teens and twenties for this medical care. He also see adults through age 50 for the medical management of an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia which can sometimes be present in Trans patients. His practice is located in a private office building across the street from the medical center in Hershey with easy access and privacy.

In the workshop we explore the Christian and Hebrew Scriptures looking at origins, politics, and misinterpretations of these texts as they apply to Transgendered folk. It concludes with arriving at the central message of creation, that humanity was created out of love by a divine being who is both masculine and feminine.

Rev. Patti Smith is an ordained deacon in the Catholic Apostolic Church in North America, She Pastors Sts. Francis and Clare Mission. Patti is a NY licensed Social Worker and works advocating for the rights of Transgender people in religious organizations and training police officers. Patti holds a M.S. in Organizational Leadership, an M.A. in Catholic Theology, and an M.S.W. in Social Work. Patti worked as a religious education teacher and program director for eight years. She is a retired police officer and Army National Guard Captain. Patti is the proud parent of a son and daughter both in college. Patti is the Author of "Transgender Transition Spirituality".

In the larger political socioeconomic realm, and even within our own 'GLBT' culture, the T is too often misunderstood, stigmatized and marginalized. But all is not lost! There is no greater cure for ignorance than education, and there are no better educators about transgender issues than transgender-identified people. This workshop will provide the background and tools you need to share your own story, starting with reflection and preparation, and ending with a polished presentation. Emphasis will be placed on how to share your story in three forms of media, ranging in nature from most anonymous to most public: the Written Word, the Internet Word, and the Spoken Word. You will enjoy a warm-up writing exercise, and will take home handouts with the workshop outline and resources for further consideration. Remember: You do not have to be an expert in order to be yourself, and now more than ever, being yourself and sharing your story is the most empowering weapon against the troubles we face.

Milo Primeaux is a gay transman, and serves as a board member and treasurer of TransOhio. In this role, he regularly speaks to college classrooms and corporate diversity committees on a variety of transgender topics, and participates in the planning of the annual TransOhio Transgender and Ally Symposium. Milo is also a graduate of the United Way’s Pride Leadership Program, which prepares LGBT professionals to serve on non-profit boards and committees. Previously, Milo founded and directed the Mount Holyoke Brothers and Others (MoHoBOs), a transgender student organization on the country’s longest-running all-women’s college campus. During his time there, he helped initiate the first official dialogue about trans-students with the administration, faculty, staff and student body. As a recent alum of the Ohio State University, Milo is currently preparing to pursue a career in law and non-profit management.

"Changing Perspectives Of Relationships"
by Bree Hartlage - Chairwoman of the International Foundation for Gender Education (IFGE)

Many transgender people wonder and worry about their prospects for relationships associated with transition. What I want from a relationship as a woman is different from what I wanted previously. Interestingly, I have observed that while some things have changed, others have not, i.e., the perspectives I had about relationships – those which were instilled in me through “male socialization” still persist.  This seminar will offer an opportunity to discuss some of the fundamental elements I believe to be necessary for one to be ready to be in a quality relationship; honesty, openness and willingness.

Bree Hartlage is an advocate of equal human rights to all, with specific interest in promoting acceptance for Transgender people everywhere through education. Ms. Hartlage earned a Masters of Public Administration from Indiana University (2004) and a Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering from the University of Louisville (1980). Ms. Hartlage is a US Army veteran. Ms. Hartlage is a career federal civil servant, with over 30 years of service working for the Department of the Navy as an engineer. Ms. Hartlage has served as a board member of Lambda Aloha (Kauai, HI), INTRAA (Indiana) and of IFGE.

Just like any girl growing up, whether you know it or not your sense of self was formed by watching the women around you. Years of watching, learning and emulating made some of those women your role models. It may be your mother, an aunt, a sister, a boss, a friend, or even a movie character. Just as important as fabric, cut and fit, your role models hold keys to your personal style ~ that person you‘re trying to reflect through what you wear. Finding that fundamental style will help you build a chic, workable wardrobe that gives you confidence ~ because it truly reflects you.

In this interactive workshop, we’ll help you discover those influences which, when distilled and applied, communicate to the world who you are. Then, we’ll demystify the art of dressing well:

Balance and Line ~ For many, our bodies have unique proportions that will never align with standard measurements. So, you’ll learn to create your own rules, ones that work for your body ~ from head to toe ~ to create balance and proportion in your clothes.

Fit ~ Dressing to fit your real body requires a few tricks, using tools that are many women’s best kept secrets. Learn them and look great, too!

Details ~ You’ll learn how to assess your assets ~ and what you want to play down. Learn to shop with confidence knowing what colors, fabrics, necklines, sleeves, lengths and embellishments work on you.

Putting it Together ~ You’ll learn how to feel truly confident in any setting, knowing that you fit in, yet stand out, with a style that is uniquely you.

Kate is a relaxed, confident transgender woman whose first job as a woman was as sales associate for the Women’s Better Sportswear department at Hecht’s. As she learned about herself as a woman, she helped other women learn about themselves and their unique beauty. In a 10-year stint that saw Hecht’s become Macy’s and Kate become manager of all of Women’s Ready to Wear, Kate dressed hundreds of women and produced scores of fashion shows for women of all ages.

Currently, Kate manages the customer service team for DHC USA, Inc., the American subsidiary of DHC Corporation, Japan’s No. 1 direct-mail skincare company. DHC is a leading direct-to-consumer provider of luxury beauty products, including skincare, body care and makeup items, as well as delicious gourmet food. DHC products are available by catalog and through www.DHCcare.com.

People consult a trans-aware therapist for many different reasons, and with varying levels of previous knowledge from reliable and unreliable sources. Some are deeply skeptical of the mental health profession and are merely asking for a referral letter for surgery. Some have reached a level of self-acceptance, but need help in sorting out available options for increased comfort and wholeness, or help in facing family/relationship challenges. Some have a sense of gender discomfort, but have no idea what it may mean or what they might do about it. In this dialogic workshop, we will discuss the concept of a gender spectrum, the search for self-knowledge and self-acceptance, options for coming to terms with gender identity, and the struggle to feel entitled to take the steps necessary for gender wholeness, especially when there is a hostile reception in one’s social environment. Case examples will be presented, and participants will be invited to share their own gender journeys.

Dr. Maureen Osborne is a licensed psychologist with over 25 years experience as a therapist, specializing in gender identity issues for the last 16 years. She earned her Ph.D. degree in Clinical Psychology at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1984, and is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Philadelphia Society of Clinical Psychologists, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH), and Division 44 of the APA, which deals with GLBT issues.
Dr. Osborne’s theoretical orientation and training in Contextual Therapy has led to an interest in relational ethics and justice dynamics as they apply to the transgender journey. She has presented talks and workshops at many different national and international gender conferences, and appeared in the MSNBC documentary, "A Change of Gender." She has contributed a monthly column for the online publication TG Forum called “Checking in with Osbo’s Bridge Club. Dr. Osborne maintains a private practice in Malvern, PA, and is an adjunct therapist with the Papillon Gender Wellness Center in New Hope, PA.

A discussion of the physical and learned differences in communication modes among men and women with an emphasis on the issues facing transgendered individuals. Demonstration and practice suggestions for M/F and F/M transgendered individuals will be given. One of the goals of the presentation is to make you an educated consumer so that you can go back to your home community and assist local Speech/Language therapists in assisting you with your transition.

Dr. Heuer is a Full Professor at Temple University Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Supervisor of the Temple University Voice Clinic. Adjunct Faculty at Drexel University Otolaryngology Department. Research Assistant at the American Institute for Voice and Ear Research. Voice Clinician with experience with working with the Crossdressing and Transgendered communities since 1970.

Dr. McGinn will discuss her vision for regional transgender care and emphasize the advantages of rewarding trans-friendly cities with our business in the current economy. She will share the current offerings of Papillon Gender Wellness Center as well as her current surgical results for Ring Flap Metoidioplasty, Simple Metoidioplasty, Scrotoplasty, Chest surgery, and basic healthcare for transmen. This talk is useful for the FtM community. She will also be available for general questions following her talk, but for in depth consultation, an appointment is recommended at our nearby office. Consult appointments can be made by contacting the office at 215-693-1199.

Dr. McGinn is a plastic surgeon whose formal training was tailored specifically to transgender surgery. Her surgical practice includes FtM/MtF genital surgery, “FFS”, FtM “Top” surgery as well as general cosmetic surgery. She is the founder of Papillon Gender Wellness Center in New Hope, Pennsylvania. PGWC is a gender wellness co-op that includes many professional services in addition to Plastic Surgery, offered in a trans-friendly environment. Her focus is to promote the importance of a holistic approach to helping gender variant individuals. Her practice includes an emphasis on preventive medicine, aftercare, research, community outreach, and therapeutic support systems. Of special interest to Dr McGinn are long-term outcomes to gender confirmation surgery and contra-hormone therapy as they relate to improved quality of life and sexual health for gender variant individuals. Since her own transition in 2000, she has been an activist and speaker on many aspects of gender variant issues. She is frequently called upon by television and print media to comment on transgender topics. In addition to her practice, she devotes time to many Universities and Medical Schools in order to train our future health care providers about the fascinating field of transgender medicine.

A key concept in finding fulfillment in life is balance. Finding it is difficult. Keeping it seems almost impossible. How can you prevent your “T-ness” from becoming an all-consuming poison pill in your life? In your relationships? In your career? This unique workshop will provide some healthy thoughts and strategies to consider.

Donna Rose is a well-known author, speaker and advocate on transgender and transsexual issues. Her website, www.donnarose.com,  is also a well-known source of information and support for and about the transgender community

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) will be issuing a new version of it's compendium of mental disorders, the Diagnostic and Statistical Reference Manual rev.5 (DSM), in 2013. The proposed revisions have recently been released, and the APA is taking public comment until April 20, 2010.

Many of the diagnosis included in the DSM pathologize gender diversity and result in harm to transgender people, yet many transgender people argue for continued inclusion. We will explore what the specific problems are with the current edition, how we can improve it, and how to move beyond the current model of being a mental illness towards one that affirms our identities as healthy. (To stay up to date on the latest developments, please go to: http://dsm.ifge.org)

Denise Leclair is the Executive Director of the International Foundation for Gender Education, a non-profit organization whose mission is promoting acceptance for transgender people everywhere through education. In her work with IFGE, Ms Leclair leads educational programs around the country on transgender issues and human sexuality. She works with employers and federal agencies to facilitate inclusion of transgender people in their workplaces, and conducts awareness trainings for the staff of service providers. In addition, she edits and publishes IFGE’s magazine, Transgender Tapestry. She began her work with the organization in 1998, and has served as Executive Director since 2002.

This participatory workshop will explore issues faced by couples--married or otherwise--that contain one transgender partner. We’ll try to learn what techniques and methods can help committed relationships survive the “T storm”.

Adolescence is tough enough without dealing with gender variance! Youth and the parents of gender non-conforming young people are invited to participate in this dynamic discussion about some of the systemic variables to consider when dealing with being trans and being a minor. Issues regarding dealing with doctors, schools, places of worship, relationships and extended family will be discussed during this workshop. You are invited to bring your own experiences as well as your questions.

Dr. Michele Angello works with gender variant youth and adults. She offers individual, group and family therapy, as well as corporate education and training on a variety of issues of sexuality and has presented internationally on her work with trans-youth and working with children of transitioning parents. She facilitates several monthly support groups for transgender adults, youth and parents. Dr. Angello is often called on to speak as an expert on transgender issues to universities, corporations and the media. She has appeared on Larry King Live, the Tyra Banks Show, and various documentaries. She base her practice in Paoli, PA.

"Transgender Victories & Challenges"
by Mara Keisling - Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality

Mara is the founding Executive Director of NCTE. A Harrisburg, Pennsylvania native, Mara came to Washington after co-chairing the Pennsylvania Gender Rights Coalition. Mara is a transgender-identified woman who also identifies as a parent and a Pennsylvanian. She is a graduate of Penn State University and did her graduate work at Harvard University in American Government. She has served on the board of Directors of Common Roads, an LGBTQ Youth Group, and on the steering committee of the Statewide Pennsylvania Rights Coalition. Mara has almost twenty-five years of professional experience in social marketing and opinion research.

Come join Nate Wolfe in an interactive dialogue about living your life as an authentic human being in your real gender.  What happens post-transition?  Is there an honest life on the other side of the looking glass?  What does it mean to be a man in today's world?   These questions and more will be looked at using Nate's personal biography as a template.

Nathaniel Wolfe is a black belt instructor of Bai Lung Kung Fu and Tai Chi at the Carlisle Kung Fu Center. He is also a certified yoga teacher in the Himalayan Tradition and the owner of the Carlisle Hatha Yoga Center. He has spent the better part of the last decade studying martial arts, martial strategy, movement, self-awareness, and yoga, as well as the meditative techniques and philosophical aspects of eastern traditions.

Mr. Wolfe graduated with a Bachelor's degree, double majoring in English/Writing, and History, with a minor in philosophy from Messiah College in 1994. He has lived in the mountains of Perry County with his wife since 1997.

Mr. Wolfe was involved in Renaissance LSV chapter in the late 90's and early 2000's, where he also served on the board and edited the monthly newsletter. In the recent past, he has served on the Board of Directors of Common Roads.

Dr. McGinn will discuss her vision for regional transgender care and emphasize the advantages of rewarding trans-friendly cities with our business in the current economy. She will share the current offerings of Papillon Gender Wellness Center as well as her current surgical results for Vaginoplasty,  Breast Augmentation, and FFS as well as basic healthcare for transwomen. This talk is useful for the MtF community. She will also be available for general questions following her talk, but for in depth consultation, an appointment is recommended at our office. Consultation appointments can be made by contacting the office at 215-693-1199.

Dr. McGinn is a plastic surgeon whose formal training was tailored specifically to transgender surgery in addition to all aspects of both General and Plastic surgery. Since her own transition in 2000, she has been an activist and speaker on gender variant issues. She is the founder of Papillon Gender Wellness Center, a comprehensive gender support center that includes a variety of professional services in addition to plastic surgery. The focus of Dr. McGinn's practice is not only providing plastic and reconstructive surgery services, but also to promote the importance of a holistic approach to the care of gender variant individuals to include preventive medicine, research, community outreach, primary care and therapeutic support systems. Of special interest to Dr. McGinn are long-term outcomes to gender confirmation surgery and contra-hormone therapy as they relate to improved quality of life and sexual health for gender variant individuals.

This workshop will instruct participants on how to legally change their names in Pennsylvania and correct the gender markers on their major identity documents.  The instructor will guide participants through a sample fill-in-the-blank name change petition that they can later use to draft their actual petitions to file with the court.  This workshop will also provide an overview of current advocacy efforts related to transgender people’s access identity documentation.  Participants will leave this workshop with an understanding of how to correct their own identity documents and how to get involved in ongoing efforts to change transphobic state policies related to identity documentation.

Natalie Hrubos is an attorney with Littler Mendelson where she represents and counsels management clients in all aspects of labor and employment law. Prior to joining the firm, Natalie worked in the legal clinic at Equality Advocates Pennsylvania where she helped low-income transgender people obtain legal name changes and correct their identity documents. She received her J.D. from Temple University Beasley School of Law where she served as Editor-in-Chief of Temple Political & Civil Rights Law Review.

This workshop, whose panel will be lead by Dr. Michele Angello, Dr. Maureen Osborne and Dr. R. Levine is intended for community leaders, educators, and caring allies to work together to develop a protocol for a program to be used for mentoring and assisting transgender youth. While similar programs have been successfully used for Lesbian & Gay youth, the issues unique to transgender youth have cried out for the need this workshop seeks to address.

Sensual pleasure can be one of the great joys of life. However on our journey through Genderland our bodies change and how they respond changes. This can be exciting, confusing, rewarding and disappointing. There is no guarantee you will be able to “get off” on the other side. This will be an open discussion about our new bodies, our liberated minds, and orgasmic pleasure. Come share your secrets.

Finnea Ann Wagaman AKA. “Finnie” was born and raised in York County , Pennsylvania. She is a 1987 graduate of Penn State University with a BS in Mechanical Engineering.  In October of 2005, after a lifelong struggle with Gender Identity Disorder, she transitioned publicly from male to female and began presenting, living, thriving as the woman she has been since birth. Today she continues to enjoy the love of her family as she works for the equality and rights of TBLG persons taken for granted by the general population.

Leah Basarab resides in York, PA and began her full time transition in May of 2009. Her main passion is writing and musical expression. Leah is currently involved in one band and a solo musical/spoken word project. She has been writing mostly prose and free verse poetry pieces since childhood. Leah adores anything sincerely artistic and has also maintained a lengthy career in health care. She is the founder of the Gender Edge Collective which is developing in the Lancaster/Harrisburg region as well as in Philadelphia. Leah is a blossoming and soulful advocate/activist for the GLBT community and truly hopes to see the potential of the Gender Edge movement come to fruition.

The workshop will explore the issues in transgender medicine.  It will include a didactic presentation with numerous case examples and a discussion of the medical evaluation and hormonal treatment for both male to female and female to male individuals.

At the completion of this session the participant should be able to:

• Describe medical evaluation for transgender individuals

• Discuss the hormonal treatment options and protocols

Dr. Richard Levine is the Chief of the Division of Adolescent Medicine and Eating Disorders at Penn State- Hershey Medical Center. He is experienced in Trans-medicine and sees a number of children, adolescents and young adults for HRT and medical follow-up. He is pleased to accept any pediatric patients and patients in their teens and twenties for this medical care. He also see adults through age 50 for the medical management of an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia which can sometimes be present in Trans patients. His practice is located in a private office building across the street from the medical center in Hershey with easy access and privacy.

Joanne and nearly all other transgendered folk have suffered greatly for many years because of mountains of guilt derived from everything ever learned in Church.  Messages on Radio or Television or discussions around the dining table by parents and family also seem to contribute to distancing the transgendered from matters of faith.  Joanne will attempt to provide a Bible based challenge to the world view held by many religious conservatives that ultimately condemn the transgendered. The foundation of the presentation is the personal journey of reconciling her gender identity to the Bible.

Although Joanne is listed as semi-retired she remains very active as the President and CEO of a small yet growing multi-media/Internet services company. In addition to management of day to day operations she supervises a team of sub-contractors with specific specialties such as Graphic Design, Art Design, Media Relations, and Copy Writing. Living in stealth, she transitioned in 2001 and also is very active in a number of ministries in her church.

Multiple 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. Multiple recent cases will be demonstrated to show the natural results obtained with these techniques.

Sherman N. Leis, D.O., F.A.C.O.S. is Professor and Chairman of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Residency Program Director in Plastic Surgery at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is also Director and Chief Surgeon of the Philadelphia Center for Transgender Surgery. The Center represents a team of more than thirty professionals who have expertise in servicing the surgical and non-surgical needs of transgender individuals. It is one of the few comprehensive centers of its type in the United States. He is a founding member and Past President of the ACOS Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and a member of the Board of Governors of the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons.

This presentation compares a variety of different laser and cosmetic treatments such as hair removal, laser lipo, botox, rejuvenation treatments, etc. and show which treatments and processes provide the best results.

Laura is a a Certified Life Coach and an Esthetician with an extensive medical aesthetics background. I know the behind the scenes of laser and cosmetic treatments that you are not told up front. I have been in practice on my own and as a consultant to physicians since 1995.  I life coach men with low self esteem, gender issues, and sexual issues. I have been a life coach since 1985

Transgender youth are invisible in today’s society, and sociologists are trying to increase the visibility of these adolescents. Sociologists today are seeking insight into the lives of transgender youth in order to provide services to meet their growing needs. By transgressing gender norms during adolescence, transgender youth are drastically more susceptible to harassment and vulnerability. As more and more youth begin to identify as transgender, society should realize that these young and vulnerable individuals have needs. By learning and becoming aware of how transgender youth cope with their gender identity, research can ultimately educate society and assist transgender youths in facing the many obstacles they face during adolescence.

Teri Jo Reese of Georgia is a tran-ally and activist. She recently graduated from college with a bachelor's degree in sociology in May 2009. Teri Jo is a prospective graduate student hoping to engage in Transgender research with the intent of bringing about education and awareness.

This is a participatory workshop for Transmen only.  The workshop leaders plan to discuss several topics of concern to today's Transman including the transition process, relationship issues, the status of the Transmen Community as well as sharing of stories, humor, challenges and successes.

Following this workshop there will be a Transmen-only reception with refreshments.

Keystone Gala Dinner Speaker

Donna Rose is a well-known author, speaker and advocate on transgender and transsexual issues. Her website, www.donnarose.com,  is also a well-known source of information and support for and about the transgender community

LOOK WHO'S COMING!

Mara Keisling
 Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality

Saturday Keynote Luncheon Speaker

Read Mara Keisling's Bio

Burning House

Saturday Gala Musical Entertainment

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