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PACT NOW - Writing workshop square

Writing it Out! (8-20-2020)

Description: Feelings are running high these days.  Many of us are frustrated, angry, sad. Some of us are tapped into feelings of hopelessness and unrest with the state of the world.  (Some of us might also be able to take moments where we can experience the beauty of the budding fall.)  Where ever you are — whatever you are feeling — join us for a time to express yourself and share with others.   Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/95053289893 Use computer audio or dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 950 5328 9893   Facilitator: Matthew Lewis Matthew Lewis is a Black Queer poet, community health promoter, and unapologetic Aquarius.  He has a bachelor’s degree in English-Creative Writing and Gender Studies from the UW-Madison.  He currently works as a Clinical Program Coordinator for the Medical College of Wisconsin. Matthew has strong passions for storytelling, R&B music, and […]

PACT NOW - Hormones: Trans-masculine square

Everything you wanted to know about hormones: Trans masculine (08-25-2020)

Description: In part 2 of this 3-part series, Annie Lakatos, NP, will share her clinical experience in extensively working with trans men, trans-masculine, AFMAB individuals on their exploration and journey of using hormones (particularly testosterone) to feel more comfortable in their skin.  This session will cover how to get started, what to expect, effects and risks, and health maintenance.  Bring your questions. Everyone is welcome! Presenter: Annie Lakatos, NP Annie Lakatos has been a nurse practitioner since 2009 and works at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin in the Inclusion Health Clinic and the General Internal Medicine Clinic. She provides primary care, hormone replacement therapy and PrEP alongside preventive care and education. She is passionate about making each patient feel welcome and creating a space that is supportive and health-promoting for her patients. ASL, Captions, and Trans/Queer-led Events will have an ASL interpreter and AI-generated closed captioning.  Please reach out with any access needs. Support […]

Black and Brown Trans Joy (08-27-2020)

Description: Now more than ever, it is important carve out space and time for Black and Brown Trans Joy. Join us for an evening of conversation between Matthew Lewis and community advocate Naomi-Antrelle Jones, where we’ll discuss what finding light and love looks life for her during this time. Presenters: Matthew Lewis and Naomi-Antrelle Jones Matthew Lewis Matthew Lewis is a Black Queer poet, community health promoter, and unapologetic Aquarius.  He has a bachelor’s degree in English-Creative Writing and Gender Studies from the UW-Madison.  He currently works as a Clinical Program Coordinator for the Medical College of Wisconsin. Matthew has strong passions for storytelling, R&B music, and Food Network TV. Naomi-Antrelle Jones Naomi is a Public Health Social Worker and Trans Health Advocate, currently working as a Program Coordinator at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in their Infectious Disease Department. Naomi is a strong supporter of Milwaukee‘s LGBTQA community. Jones is newly added to the Board […]

PACT NOW - Will My Insurance Cover That? square

Will my insurance cover that?

Description: Insurance policies can be complicated! One of the most common questions trans+/non-binary people ask FORGE and the Inclusion Clinic is whether their insurance policy will cover specific types of medical and mental health care.  This session will discuss how to find out what is covered under your insurance plan; how to work with your provider to properly code your visits so your care is covered; and how to advocate for yourselves and others when challenges arise. This session will include discussion about differences between Medicaid, Medicare, and private or other forms of insurance. Presenters: Joanna Woodbury and Shelley Gregory Joanna Woodbury Joanna Woodbury is an experienced Certified Social Worker and has worked in HIV care since 2007. Joanna joined Froedtert and the Medical College in 2010 and serves as the Social Services Program Manager overseeing social work, mental health and pharmacy services provided in the Inclusion Health and Infectious Disease Clinics. Joanna also provides […]

Fabulous Cooking (9/3/2020)

Description: Denise Cawley and son Aidan are going to whip up some great, simple, easy-to-prepare foods.  You’ll see some basic cooking techniques, as well as how to modify recipes to match your taste preferences, dietary needs, and what’s in your kitchen.   Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/91396587103 Use computer audio or dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 913 9658 7103   Presenter: Denise and Aidan Cawley Denise has been a pivotal player in diversity, inclusion, marriage equality and voting rights for three decades. Denise is Unitarian Universalist minister in preliminary fellowship and will be ordained in June. Denise loves walking by big bodies of water. She enjoys beauty walks in nature. To relieve stress, you will find her cooking and preserving food, growing flowers and vegetables. Denise is also a renowned fiber artist in the Midwest.   ASL, Captions, and Trans/Queer-led. Events will have an ASL […]

PACT NOW - Coloring & Chatting square

Coloring and chatting (9/8/2020)

Description: Sometimes we just need a bit of time to chill, connect with others, chat, and color!  Find your favorite coloring book or sketch pad, or download a coloring page from the web.  As we color, we talk about whatever moves us – and share the results of our beautiful coloring at the end of the session.   Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/99577331724 Use computer audio or dial in: +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 995 7733 1724   Facilitator: michael munson michael is as an out trans-masculine femme. He embraces many overlapping identities, including being radically queer, gender-fluid, a person living with multiple disabilities, a passionate worker, proud parent, strong and tender partner, empathic bodyworker, arts-lover, and tree-hugger.   ASL, Captions, and Trans/Queer-led. Events will have an ASL interpreter and AI-generated closed captioning.  Please reach out with any access needs. Support […]

PACT NOW - Writing It Out square

Writing it Out (09-10-2020)

Description: Feelings are running high these days.  Many of us are frustrated, angry, sad. Some of us are tapped into feelings of hopelessness and unrest with the state of the world.  (Some of us might also be able to take moments where we can experience the beauty of the budding fall.)  Where ever you are — whatever you are feeling — join us for a time to express yourself and share with others.   Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/98855097818 Use computer audio or dial in: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 988 5509 7818   Presenter: Matthew Lewis Matthew Lewis is a Black Queer poet, community health promoter, and unapologetic Aquarius.  He has a bachelor’s degree in English-Creative Writing and Gender Studies from the UW-Madison.  He currently works as a Clinical Program Coordinator for the Medical College of Wisconsin. Matthew has strong passions for storytelling, R&B music, and […]

PACT NOW - Got the Blues? Strategies for Changing Your Color square

Got the blues? Strategies for changing your color (09-15-2020)

Description: Everyone feels the blues on occasion.  For some, the blues linger and may blossom into deeper depression and/or anxiety.  For some, the blues are situational and short-lived. For others, the blues may ebb and flow with political, personal, or social tides.  Join this session in exploring the different shades of blues and some strategies for changing your mood to a new color. Presenter: Joanna Woodbury and Carolyn Wesolowski Joanna Woodbury Joanna Woodbury is an experienced Certified Social Worker and has worked in HIV care since 2007. Joanna joined Froedtert and the Medical College in 2010 and serves as the Social Services Program Manager overseeing social work, mental health and pharmacy services provided in the Inclusion Health and Infectious Disease Clinics. Joanna also provides social services for Froedtert and the Medical College’s PrEP and Inclusion clinics. Joanna is a leader in HIV care and prevention social work and is responsible for the development and expansion […]

PACT NOW - Hormones: Non-Binary square

Non-binary? How can I use hormones to affirm my identity? (09-22-2020)

Description: In the last of this 3-part series, Annie Lakatos, NP, will share her clinical experience in extensively working with non-binary, AFAB, AMAB, genderqueer, gender expansive, and agender individuals in using hormones to affirm and align their gender identity and expression.  While many non-binary+ individuals may not want to pursue hormones, some do.  This session will explore the nuances of understanding what hormones might do to support a non-binary person’s identity, discuss decision-making and getting started, as well as look at effects, risks and health maintenance of using hormones.  Bring your questions. Everyone is welcome! Presenter: Annie Lakatos, NP Annie Lakatos has been a nurse practitioner since 2009 and works at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin in the Inclusion Health Clinic and the General Internal Medicine Clinic. She provides primary care, hormone replacement therapy and PrEP alongside preventive care and education. She is passionate about making each patient feel welcome and creating a […]

PACT NOW - Redefining Realness square

Big Read: Redefining Realness (9-24-2020)

Description: Janet Mock's amazing book, Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More will be the focus of this Big Read discussion.  FORGE will send you a free Kindle or paperback copy of this book so you can read it ahead of time. Request your copy by completing this form: Facilitators: Matthew Lewis and Naomi-Antrelle Jones Matthew Lewis Matthew Lewis is a Black Queer poet, community health promoter, and unapologetic Aquarius.  He has a bachelor’s degree in English-Creative Writing and Gender Studies from the UW-Madison.  He currently works as a Clinical Program Coordinator for the Medical College of Wisconsin. Matthew has strong passions for storytelling, R&B music, and Food Network TV. Naomi-Antrelle Jones Naomi is a Public Health Social Worker and Trans Health Advocate, currently working as a Program Coordinator at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in their Infectious Disease Department. Naomi is a strong supporter of Milwaukee‘s LGBTQA community. Jones is […]