Welcome to the Transcending Boundaries Frequently Asked Questions page!  This is a living document, and always under construction.  If we do not address your question here, please contact us as This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will get back to  you!

What is Transcending Boundaries Inc?

Transcending Boundaries, Inc. is a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Connecticut. Its purpose is to provide education, activism, and support for persons whose sexuality, gender, sex, or relationship style do not fit within conventional categories. The organization serves our ever-evolving communities, including bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer, transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, intersex, polyamorous, and kinky persons, as well as allies and those who prefer not to use labels. Our work includes an annual conference, community outreach, and educational resources.

Tell me about the Transcending Boundaries Conference?

Transcending Boundaries Conference (TBC) is a weekend long event where we discuss issues around gender, sex, sexuality and relationships, specifically those that don’t fit into conventional categories. The focus of the conference is our ever-evolving communities, including bisexual, pansexual, fluid, queer, transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, intersex, polyamorous, asexual and kinky persons, and those who prefer not to use labels, as well as allies, families and partners. All, however, are welcome to attend the event, regardless of identity or experience. The event includes workshops, discussions and presentations from professionals, community members and activists from across the country. Friday and Saturday evenings include social activities and entertainment such as comedy, dancing or burlesque. Saturday afternoon includes the plenary luncheon and keynote address, where everyone gathers in community to share a meal. The 2012 conference is scheduled to take place from October 26-28 in Springfield, Massachusetts at the MassMutual Center. Hotel rooms are available at the nearby Sheraton.

Who is it for? Will there be people attending that are like me?

The conference is for bisexual/pansexual, queer, transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, intersex and polyamorous folks, and others whose sexuality, gender, sex, or relationship style do not fit within binary confines, as well as our allies. Folks of all sexual orientations and gender identities are welcome. Past TBC attendees have ranged widely in age, spiritual practice, ethnic background, profession, ability, etc.  Everyone is welcome!

What can I learn there? What kind of presentations can I expect?

Attendees can expect programming on issues related to those who blur the lines of sex, gender, sexual and relationship orientations, including the Bisexual, Pansexual, Transgender, Genderqueer, Intersex, Kinky/BDSM, Polyamory and other allied communities.  (If your community is not listed here but you think should it be, this is the perfect opportunity to educate the larger community through a program proposal!) There will be 101 and Intro level topics, as well as programming that looks at activism; relationships, families and parenting; spirituality and religion; interactions with professionals and health care issues; writing/creative arts; and identity and community.  You can also take a look at our previous years, or consider submitting your own presentation proposal in early March.

How can I be a presenter?

We will be posting our call for presenters in mid-March with more information.  If you have an idea for a presentation, workshop, discussion or other event, please consider submitting a proposal after March 15 or contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

I’d like to provide financial support. How can I do this?

There is a paypal donation link on our main page. If you are interested in becoming an official conference sponsor, we will be announcing our Sponsorship Packages soon.  Please contact  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  for more information.

How can I be a vendor? Are there advertisement opportunities at your conference?

Transcending Boundaries Conference features a vending and community table area.  We also feature a conbook that each attendee receives with their registration with advertising spaces available.  Table and advertising pricing will be available soon, please check back in April or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

How can I help the conference?

We need many types of volunteers, from organizers to help from the early stages of the planning process, to people to help with on-site logistics at the conference such as registration and operations.  If you are interested in volunteering at any level, please visit contact us! 

My family/church/employer doesn't know that I am LGBTQO/Poly/Kinky.  Will my privacy be protected at the event?

Privacy Policy (For Registration)

Your privacy is important to all of us at Transcending Boundaries.  The information we request during registration is collected to ensure the best possible event for all attendees.  Your information will not be sold or shared.  We will keep all information confidential.

Confidentiality Policy (For Registrants)

In an effort to ensure the safety and privacy of all conference participants, everyone must adhere to the following rules and guidelines.

No photographs, video or audio recording are permitted without the permission of every person in the room.
Do not give away or sell names, contact information, and other personal or identifiable information of persons involved or participating in the conference without their express written consent.
Personal stories and information disclosed during workshops and informal gatherings are considered confidential.  Respect the privacy of others.
Any press or media MUST REGISTER PRIOR to the conference.
No interviews at the conference.  Any press must be arranged with organizers.

We reserve the right to ask you to leave if you are violating our rules or are making the conference not a safe place for others.

What if I have special accessibility needs?

It is our intent to be welcoming to anyone with a desire to take part in the event. The hotel and conference space are both ADA compliant. Our accessibility team is happy to work with you on any needs you may have. For more information, please see our Accessibility Page.

What if I have special dietary needs?

You may indicate meal preference and dietary restrictions on your registration. We will contact you if there are any further questions or if we are unable to meet your requirements.

How do I arrange for a hotel room at the conference rate?

The Springfield Sheraton will be our host hotel, and we will be having a special rate for the weekend of $119 per night.  You can book a room online using this link or call (413) 781-1010.

How do I get there? Where do I park?

We will be posting travel information on the website soon.  Please check back for directions and a guide to the City of Springfield.

What is your policy on the use of gendered bathrooms? Will there be gender neutral bathrooms available?

Because we will be sharing the first floor conference space with the general public the bathrooms on the first floor of the Mass Mutual Center will be gendered male/female. Those on the second floor will both be gender neutral. Please use whichever bathroom you are most comfortable using, and respect the rights of others to do the same.