Below is a listing of workshops from the 2009 conference.

 

 

Addressing Transgender Youth Harassment in Schools - Daniel J. O’Donoghue

Nearly nine out of 10 transgender students experienced verbal harassment at school in the past year because of their sexual orientation and gender expression. This presentation will examine Harsh Realities: The Experiences of Transgender Youth in Our Nation’s Schools, the first comprehensive study on transgender students, released by the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network. We will discuss the high rate of victimization and the direct impact it has on school attendance and academic performance, as well as strategies to address harassment and bullying in schools.

 

 

Beyond Binaries: Identity and the Sexuality Spectrum - Robyn Ochs

In this interactive program we explore sexual orientation identities over time. How do we assign labels to our complicated and unique experiences? What relationship exists between experience and self-identity, and between our self-identity and the way others see us? Is identity fixed, or do some individuals experience change over time? What generational changes are we experiencing around labeling? And what does all this this have to say about bisexuality in particular?

 

 

Bi perspectives on Kinsey: A Sexagennial Listening Party - Ron J. Suresha

Celebrating the publication by Routledge UK of a special hardbound library edition of Bisexual Perspectives on the Life and Work of Alfred C. Kinsey, a 2008 Lammy Finalist; with readings of selected pieces. 

 

 

Bisexuality: Are we still invisible? - Cecilia Tan (M), Michelle Driscoll, Robin Ochs, Ian Cooper Rose, Alex Solomon, Ron Suresha

Twenty years ago, no queer organization wanted to include the letter "B" in their alphabet soup. Now, it's included as a matter of course, but is being taken for granted just a new form of invisibility? Time after time we hear of "gay" celebrities who are re-labeled from straight to homosexual if their taste for the same sex becomes public. Why is the possibility of bisexuality not even considered by the newsmedia? Has "pansexual" replaced "bisexual" in activist terms and is this a good thing? Are we clinging to a dated concept that hasn't caught on in the mainstream because it's too hard to explain? Or is it just that we've been marching in place while the rest of the LGBTQ movement seems to be moving forward? Has the lack of a newsworthy and legislatively focused topic like "gay marriage" hurt our movement? What is our movement anyway? Having established a seat at the table in lesbian/gay-dominated politics, is it time to look outward to education and changing the perceptions of the general public? Who are our best allies and what other coalition-building can we use to ensure that bisexuality as a valid identity and lifestyle choice is neither excluded nor taken for granted?

 

 

Celebrating Gender-Variant Spirituality - Oshee

A facilitated discussion of the unique ways in which gender-variant people relate to spirituality, the spiritual roles played by gendervariant people in traditional and indigenous cultures, and how we can create and reclaim ways of celebrating and sharing our precious spiritual gifts in the world today.

 

 

Changing Sex in The State of Connecticut - Rosa Lee Klaneski

This presentation addresses the issues within the existing legal and medical structure that transgender or gender transgressive individuals face when deciding to civilly change their sex in the eyes of the state. Covering necessary documents and protocols, we will facilitate a discussion about the best ways of negotiating a system that relies on binaries, and which often challenges non-traditional individuals.

 

 

Community Meeting

Following Tristan Taormino's keynote address, we will hold an open community meeting to help us take our activism to the next level. We will begin with a brainstorming session, where we can bounce ideas off our fellow attendees. This session will be followed by the opportunity for people to come to the microphone to make announcements about what's been going on in their community or group. We will then invite people to share their ideas and visonings for future actions and activism, as well as reflect on the future of the Transcending Boundaries Conference.

 

 

Create your own Workshop

This is time set aside for our attendees to put the ideas they have been learning about this weekend to use. If you have an idea for a workshop or discussion, here is your chance to present it. We are providing a space for our attendees to learn from each other, and we know that everyone has something that they can teach.

 

 

Erotic Readings - Cecilia Tan

(18+)

Cecilia will be reading a selection of her stories that feature bisexual, trans, and/or poly characters in positive erotic associations.

 

Experience of LGBTQ-Parented Youth - Mountain Meadow

You’re out, or have friends who are, so you get it, right? Not so fast. How much do you know about youth whose parents transcend society’s boundaries? Do you know about the biphobia and transphobia we experience, even though many of us are straight? Come hear trials, tribulations, and rewarding experiences directly from youth who have LGBTQ parents. Laugh with us about funny gay moments and learn how be our ally, just as we are allies to you.

 

 

Gender Performance Through Improv - Lorelei Erisis

Second City trained improviser and “Miss Trans New England” Lorelei Erisis will share and discuss insights about gender as well as the basics of improv and how it can be used to enrich your own relationships and personal presentation. This is a hands-on workshop that will explore the performative aspects of gender using the techniques and tools of improvisational acting. Participants will have the chance to stretch their legs, open their minds and get up on their own feet to learn some basic games and exercises. 

No improv or acting experience is necessary, (though experienced performers are welcome too!) just the willingness to try something new and have a little fun. Come ready to play!!!!

 

 

Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World - Robyn Ochs

Reading selected essays and passages from Getting Bi: Voices of Bisexuals Around the World, we will examine bisexuality in international context. How does context affect experience? Which are shared experiences of bisexuality, and which are culturally specific?

 

 

Happy Hour Burlesque - Presented by Eddie Paradise

(18+)

A burlesque show including comedy, belly dancing, drag, music, bad taste, and of course, panties.

 

 

Homo No Mo?!? Orientation, Gender and the Ex-Gay Movement - Peterson Toscano

Having spent 17 years and over $30,000 on three different continents attempting to change and suppress his gay orientation and gender differences, Peterson Toscano presents a lively lecture about the ex-gay movement and the often-tragic outcomes of pursuing such a change. He also takes a special look at the role of gender policing in ex-gay programs. Interjecting scenes from his one-person comedy Doin’ Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House—How I Survived the Ex-Gay Movement and the most current information about the ex- gay movement, Peterson’s interactive presentation leaves his audience informed and better equipped to address false claims of the Ex-Gay Movement.

 

How-To Host a Safer Sex Party - Clyde Dillard

(18+)

Organizing fun and games for pansexual participants.

 

 

Intersex 101: Panel - Elder A. Vickie Boisseau AIS (M), Jill Straton, Trystan Dean

The Intersex 101 panel is an opportunity to hear from a panel of experts and activists about intersex issues. Please bring your questions and be ready to join in the discussion!

 

 

Intersex 101: Similarities and Differences Between Intersex and Trans People - Elder A. Vickie Boisseau AIS

This workshop will explore the social, legal, and medical issues faced by many Intersex people, as well as the similarities and differences between Intersex and Trans people.

 

 

Keynote Address - "Everyone’s Invited to the Pool Party, Or How To Build A Supportive, Inclusive Community" - Tristan Taormino 

What does an inclusive community look like? How do we acknowledge individual experience and identity, support one another, and come together despite our differences? Author, sex educator, and event producer Tristan Taormino will share her experiences of forging space for people of all genders and sexual orientations and what it means to create truly pansexual, trans-positive communities. 

 

 

Kiss-notes - Marah Fellicce

Learn about the Science, Culture and History of Kissing. This workshop includes entertaining and informative facts about kissing. Interspersing personal story telling and evolutionary biology, we’ll learn about how to be a better kisser through listening, body language, and kiss yoga.

 

 

Legal Panel - Aimee Bouchard (M), Viviene Kramer, Valerie White

The Legal Panel is an opportunity to hear from a panel of experts and activists about legal issues affecting our communities. Please bring your questions and be ready to join in the discussion.

 

 

Lemons and Lemonade: The Pain and Pleasure of Poly/Mono Relationships - Anita Wagner

Probably the greatest challenge in finding what works to resolve conflict in polyamorous relationships is working out the challenge that arises when one partner is polyamorous and the other is monogamous. How do people manage? Is it even possible to find mutual happiness under such circumstances? This workshop will explore the ways in which poly/mono relationships wither for some and thrive for others. Every effort will be made to present this workshop and conduct discussion sensitively to the experience of the monogamous partners as well as the polyamorous partners. Poly/mono couples and groups who have a story to tell are especially welcome. A useful handout and ample time for discussion will be included.

 

 

NCSF and You - Vivienne Kramer

Introduction/explanation to the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom and its services.

 

 

Pan/Bisexuals and Those Who Love Them - Keriann Clinton. Kay Kilty

This will be a partial presentation and partial discussion that will work towards answering the following questions… What does it mean to be bisexual? What does it mean to be pansexual? How do our relationships affect our sexuality? How does it feel to date a pansexual? Is it different from dating a bisexual, lesbian, gay or trans individual?

 

 

Parents Speak Out! - Greater Boston PFLAG

Greater Boston PFLAG parents of transgender or gender-variant children will share their personal stories, answer questions and facilitate an open discussion.

 

 

Poly 101: Panel - Ian Cooper Rose (M), Chealsea Elizabeth Goodwin, Alan M., Micah Taylor, Anita Wagner, Michelle Wexelblat

The Poly 101 panel is an opportunity to hear from a panel of experts and activists about polyamory. Please bring your questions and be ready to join in the discussion!

 

 

Polyamory in Media’s Spotlight - Anita Wagner

Over the last few years much has happened on the public stage that has the power to affect poly lives in ways both good and bad. More than 200 media events that focus on polyamory or are polyamory-related have been documented. Their sources range from prime-time TV plot lines to articles in campus newspapers, and key live web-based articles and video will be shown.

The good news: Polyamory is no longer obscure.

The bad news: Visibility attracts attention from people who actively oppose the way we live our lives.

Increasingly the media is the grass roots playing field that offers the most effective means of influencing public opinion – and hopefully public policy – in polyamory’s favor. There is no doubt that media interest in polyamory is at an all time high with no real end in sight. Whereas for many years sightings of poly-specific media events were few and far between and consisted mostly of hostile daytime talkshow experiences, today local, regional and national broadcast, print and internet based media are driving a much more positive trend, with polyamorists and polyamory movement leaders often in media’s spotlight. This tends to reflect well on the concept of polyamory, but troublesome media events still happen, events about which we must remain aware and address as is appropriate. Come hear more and ask questions about this exciting and challenging trend.

 

 

Polyamory Problem-Solving - Valerie White

Living polyamorously, and, more significantly, parenting while poly, is fraught with difficulties. It may be true that “life’s a beach, and then you die”, but if you’re poly, it can be a ROCKY beach. Dealing with partners, dealing with authorities, dealing with families of origin, dealing with schools, dealing with children—all present special challenges when your life involves multiple partners. This workshop will provide useful information for polyfolk. Bring questions, bring answers—let’s share our wisdom and experiences.

 

 

Privilege of Passing - Kyle Cortis

This session seeks to break the silence and establish that passing is not something to be guilty about, nor is the attached passing privilege (condition cis privilege) necessarily “bad.” The session argues that passing does matter, both in and outside of the trans community, and has real privileges attached to it. The purpose of the session is to bring awareness to the concept of conditional cisgender privilege and to create an open discussion around the topic.

 

 

Queerability: Queer People with Disabilities and the Ethic of Inclusio - AndreA Neumann Mascis Ph.D.

This workshop will use a social justice framework to explore the experience of queer people with disabilities systemically, in community, in relationship and in identity.

 

 

Relationship Issues: Maybe it’s a **foo** problem or maybe it’s not. - Michelle Wexelblat, MSW, LCSW

People may describe the problem they are having in their relationship as being a “poly problem” or a “GLBT” problem, or a problem that is indicative of their relationship sub-culture. This presentation will unpack those assumptions about relationships and expand on how many of them have common threads, themes, and solutions.

 

 

Religion and Spirituality: Builder and Breaker of Boundaries - Rev. Matthew

Throughout history, religion has often played the role of enforcer of boundaries, particularly in regard to gender and sexuality, no more so then today. Yet, at the same time, religion has often been one place in which those boundaries are torn down, from ancient cultures that saw intersexed people as shamans because they transcended gender to modern day churches that are ordaining openly trans people and taking leading roles in fights for justice on issues like same-sex marriage and gender identity, to clergy who are exploring what it means to offer commitment ceremonies for polyamorous couples and groupings. This workshop will examine the role that religion has played in the construction and deconstruction of boundaries, looking in particular at theboundaries that surround heterosexuality and monogamy. It will also look

at the distinctions between religion and spirituality, and examine the many ways that spirituality, whether individual or in community, can be a powerful force in challenging boundaries. Lastly, we will look at the role that religion plays in the political and social debates around these issues, how to counter religious arguments, and where religion is emerging as a powerful ally.

 

 

Self-care for activists - Robyn Ochs

"If I don't do it, it won't get done right (or not at all...)" Have you ever felt overwhelmed, unsupported, exhausted by your activism? Let's come together to brainstorm strategies for taking care of ourselves while changing the world.

 

 

Sexual fluidity: What’s in it for me? - Danielle Ruggles

Sexual Fluidity has been studied in women, most notably by Lisa Diamond in her 2008 book, which followed women for ten years, interviewing them about changes in their sexuality over time. How can we expand upon this concept? What communities need to be included when examining sexual fluidity? How can the pansexual and genderqueer communities contribute to this dialogue? As a doctoral student, I intend to do ethnographic interviewing of communities that challenge and expand current understandings of sexual identity. This workshop will bridge the gap between the research and lived experience of those in our communities.

 

 

Teach your Story! Presentation Skills for Community Education - Samuel Lurie

Many of us become de facto teachers about queer and transgender issues, being asked to “tell our story” and teach others. A good training is more than our personal story—in fact telling and retelling our own story can make public presentations take a heavy personal toll. This workshop will help to boost confidence and skills in educating others on queer and trans issues, including ways to engage audiences, facilitate difficult conversations, and take care of ourselves. The workshop presenter has trained more than 25,000 people around the country on transgender issues.

 

 

The Jim Collins Foundation: Taking Our Health Into Our Own Hands - Dru Levasseur, Tony Ferraiolo

For many transgender people, genderconfirming surgeries are an important step in the transition to being their true selves. However, most health insurance and Medicaid policies exclude transgender health care services, leaving people to pay out-of-pocket for expensive, yet necessary procedures. Discrimination against transgender people in employment and beyond is so prevalent that many people struggle to just survive, never mind save for surgery costs. Two transgender men decided to do something about this by starting a “for the community, by the community” nonprofit organization that works to fund gender-confirming surgeries, called the Jim Collins Foundation. Tony and Dru will discuss the formation of the organization, its fundraising events and speaking engagements, and how it works to bring the transgender community together while educating the public about the struggles that transgender people face in accessing health care.

 

 

The Stress of Hidden Bias And Microaggressions - Robin C Benton

We all have personal biases that inform our daily activities. Acknowledging these biases allows us to act with integrity. The subtle biases of others adds stress to our daily existence. This workshop will adapt the racial micro aggression model to gender and sexual orientation, identifying the daily stress added from these subtle acts of aggression. This session particularly benefits anyone who has asked themselves Am I being paranoid, Why am I being defensive?

 

 

This Is What a Femme Looks Like: A Discussion and Writing Workshop - Jessamyn Smyth

A place for femmes, their partners, allies, friends, and those interested in exploring femme identity to join an open and wide-ranging facilitated discussion about femme identity, followed by several short, guided writing exercises geared toward leaving behind stereotypes and assumptions and celebrating the full diversity of femme identity. No prior writing experience required; all are welcome!

 

 

Trannies Who Sleep in Piles: An Exploration of Transgender Polyamoury - Chelsea Elizabeth Goodwin

"Trannies Who Sleep in Piles" is a panel discussion of transgender people who as the name applies like to sleep in groups of three or more. In my case over the past 20 odd years I've known several groups of friends who are transsexual who live in different parts of the country who like to sleep together in groups when we get together. We've met other groups of transgender people who do the same and it has become obvious that we are a sizable minority within the transsexual and transgender community.

 

 

Trans 101: Panel - Lorelei Erisis (M), Elder A. Vickie Boisseau AIS, Samantha Cornell

The Trans 101 panel is an opportunity to hear from a panel of experts and activists about a spectrum of trans issues. Please bring your questions and be ready to join in the discussion!

 

 

Trans Child Coming Out and Parents’ Acceptance: Coming out as a child or adolescent as transgendered or transsexual and the parents’ process of acceptance - Diane Ellaborn, LICSW

This will be a panel presentation including parents and their transgendered children and teenagers. Diane Ellaborn, LICSW, an experienced gender specialist will moderate this panel. The discussion will explore issues of coming out as a young transgendered individual to parents and their parents’ emotional process that lead to eventual full acceptance. Crossgender expression at home, at school and in the community will be discussed. Non-medical and medical treatment of children and adolescents who are transgendered/transsexual will be discussed as well as other topics.

 

 

Transcending Boundaries Interfaith Service

Come join us for a nondenominational spiritual observance led by Rev. Matthew and members of the TBC staff. This event is open to all regardless of spiritual affiliation or belief.

 

 

Transex: A Facilitated Discussion - Tristan Taormino

How does your gender impact your sex life? What kinds of sex are you having, not having, or wish you were having? How can you better negotiate physical and emotional boundaries, safer sex, BDSM, and fantasies? This is a safe space for transpeople, partners of transpeople, and allies to talk about sex in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. Come share your challenges, triumphs, issues, and tricks, and let’s figure out some of the ways we can create satisfying, empowering sex lives.

 

 

Transfigurations - Peterson Toscano

In this one-person play, theatrical performance activist, Peterson Toscano, unearths transgender Bible characters - those people who do not fit in the gender binary, and who in transgressing and transcending gender, find themselves at the center of some of the Bible's most important stories. Drawing on inspiration from interviews with transgender and genderqueer individuals, Peterson Toscano weaves their experiences into the stories of transgender and gendervariant people from the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. Hilarious and moving, Toscano's one-person play deepens well-known (and lesser known) Bible stories as he presents an array of characters with an array of genders.

 

 

Transgender Suicide Prevention and Intervention: Supporting Transgender People - Gunner Scott & Ruben Hopwood

The incidence of suicide ideation and suicide attempts in the transgender population are significantly higher than the non-transgender population. Some studies of transgender adult population have show rates of suicide ideation as high as 64% and suicide attempts ranging from 16% up to 37% as compared to non-transgender populations where 13.5% reported lifetime ideation, 3.9% a plan, and 4.6% an attempt. Yet with these statistics, there has been little specific information, resources, or support for transgender youth and adults. This workshop will give overview of transgender cultural information, specific data, experiences, and needs of transgender people with regards to suicidality, suicide prevention, and intervention. Participants will leave with skills and information that can be utilized and shared in their social and work communities.

 

 

Translating Our Narratives: Activism and the Gender Justice Movement - Hadley Smith

Gender oppression affects all of us – it is something we experience physically, emotionally, and mentally. In this workshop, we will consider our narratives, and how to translate our experiences into activism.We will talk about intersecting identities, gender oppression both inside and outside our communities, and, ultimately, how to transform these experiences into change. Focus will fall predominantly on how to be an activist/ally within the movement. For more information about Translate Gender, visit www.translategender.org.

 

 

Writing "Across" Gender/Experience - Cecilia Tan

One of the adages fed to writing students everywhere is "write what you know." But anyone who writes only about themselves is likely to be labeled as lacking in diversity and needing to represent under-represented voices/characters more. How do you get around the double-edged sword of needing to present realistically diverse stories and characters without being accused of appropriation? And how do you keep this struggle from empowering your internal censor to the point where you are too paralyzed to write anything at all? Come get empowered to find your inner voice and tell the stories that need to be told.