[CONNECT] Getting the Touch You Need and Deserve!

Join FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic for supportive social connection. Description: Touch is an important part of most everyone’s life. During COVID-19, many of us have radically changed our contact with others – including hand offs of a coffee cup from our favorite barista, simple handshakes, hugs from our friends, or sex with our partners or dates.  We’ll have ample time to share about what the role of touch is (or had been) in our lives, how we can incorporate more touch if we want to, and how to assess and decide on weighing our risks.   Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/91696170502 Use computer audio or dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 916 9617 0502   Facilitated by michael munson. michael is as an out trans-masculine femme. He embraces many overlapping identities, including being radically queer, gender-fluid, a person […]

Creating your bubble

Description: As we continue navigating COVID-19, we are each are finding what is comfortable and safe-feeling for ourselves when considering who to include in our inner circle of people who we spend face-to-face time with. We’ll talk about the critical role of having people in our lives and connecting in meaningful ways.  Exploring the concepts of our personal bubble will play a central role in our discussion. Presenter: Carolyn Wesolowski Carolyn Wesolowski Carolyn is a proud Milwaukee native with a love of urban exploration both at home and beyond. She has a Master’s in Community Counseling from Marquette University with a focus on trauma-informed counseling and care. Carolyn’s work has primarily focused on supporting people living with HIV in a social services capacity, which led her to her current role as a Linkage to Care Specialist with the Medical College of Wisconsin. She finds herself incredibly fortunate to share in the vibrancy of so many […]

Writing it Out Workshop (7.23.20)

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 early summer.)  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/95727085824 Use computer audio or dial in: +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 957 2708 5824   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 Food […]

Cool Communication Skills When Feelings Are Hot

Description: We all have different communication styles, and sometimes when conflict arises, it helps to speak a common language. It can be especially difficult to communicate during conflicts when there are strong emotions or beliefs involved. In this interactive workshop, we’ll talk about strategies for expressing our observations, feelings, and needs, listening and being heard, and forming solutions going forward. After covering some basic framework for communication, we will have a chance to practice and problem-solve with one another. Facilitated by Caleb Weinhardt. Caleb Weinhardt is an undergraduate student at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and studies Psychology. His previous work with FORGE has included leading outdoor activities with the FORGE Outdoors program and organizing volunteers during Milwaukee PrideFest. In his spare time, Caleb enjoys running, hiking, and biking outside, rock climbing, and foraging wild plants! ASL, Captions, and Trans/Queer-led. Events will have an ASL interpreter and AI-generated closed captioning.  Please reach out […]

Smell the coffee. Let out the steam.

Description: Fill up your cup. Listen to your inner voice, identify what fills your spirit, and blow the steam off stress. Warm beverages optional. Bring markers, crayons, color pencils, pens.  We will provide a simple exercise to warm your soul. No art experience necessary. Download the worksheet: Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/92038219152 Use computer audio or dial in: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 920 3821 9152   Facilitated by Denise 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 […]

Everything you wanted to know about hormones: Trans feminine (08-04-2020)

Description: In this 3-part series, Annie Lakatos, NP, will share her clinical experience in extensively working with trans women, trans-feminine, AMAB individuals on their exploration and journey of using hormones (particularly estrogens, androgen blockers, and progesterone) 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 […]

In Conversation with Milwaukee’s Equal Rights Commission (08-06-2020)

Description: Join FORGE in conversation with Vice Chair Tony Snell Rodriguez and Commissioner Nathan Guequierre of Milwaukee’s Equal Rights Commission. We’ll discuss the Commission’s ongoing work supporting trans and non-binary residents, including the City’s current initiative to bring inclusive restrooms to Milwaukee. Come hear about the Commission, its recent achievements, and its role in promoting equity and protecting civil rights for all residents of Milwaukee. 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 focused groups are trans and queer led. ABOUT events FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic have created a series of events for trans+/non-binary community members, loved ones, and supporters, to come together for support, connection, learning, and empowerment.  Participants will have the opportunity to find community, feel less isolated, and learn new skills and information. Initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many […]

Show and Share: Apps, Games, Electronic Tools, Oh MY!

Description: Every day, most of us use our phones or computers or other tools that make our lives more fun or more efficient.  Join in and share your favorite app, game, or electronic tool (which could be software, a device, anything else). Think about the things that bring you joy, make your life easier, support your productivity, or help connect you with others. You can sit back and listen, share, or do some of both! Zoom link Topic: Show and Share: Apps, Games, Electronic Tools, Oh MY! Time: Aug 11, 2020 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada) https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/92996125356 Dial by your location +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 929 9612 5356   Facilitators: 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 […]

Trans+ Advocacy and Activism

Description: In a recent FORGE survey, 97% of respondents said they were interested in working to increase trans rights. In this Ask The Experts, FORGE staffers Shelley Gregory and Loree Cook-Daniels, both long-time T/LGBQ activists, will address how you can join those who are working on pro-trans policy changes locally, statewide, and nationally. Come with your questions about how and where you can fit in. Handout of resources:  Download here   Presenters: Loree Cook-Daniels & Shelley Gregory Loree Cook-Daniels. Loree Cook-Daniels is the Policy and Program Director for FORGE, a Milwaukee-based national transgender and SOFFA (Significant Others, Friends, Family and Allies) organization. Cook-Daniels has been a policy analyst and advocate for LGBT issues for more than 40 years, and began working on anti-violence issues in the 1980s. With degrees in Women’s Studies and Conflict Management and a Certificate in Trauma Counseling, Cook-Daniels provides training, technical assistance, and/or services to transgender sexual violence survivors and the […]

PrEP, Sex, Hooking up! (08-18-2020)

Description: Sex is a vitally important part of life for many of us. The COVID-19 pandemic doesn’t stop the interest in connecting with people sexually.  Dr. Petroll will share trans-specific information about PrEP (how it might differ in its effectiveness and use for trans folks), as well as how we can practice COVID-19 SAFER sex, including sex with regular partners and hook ups. Presenter: Andrew Petroll, MD, MS Dr. Petroll is an Associate Professor at the Medical College of Wisconsin.  He is an Infectious Disease specialist and also serves as the Medical Director of the Froedtert & MCW Inclusion Health Clinic, an outpatient clinic designed to provide affirming and excellent care to the LGBTQ community. Download handouts: PrEP: A Guide for for Trans Folks infographic Making Sex Safer During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A guide for trans folks ASL, Captions, and Trans/Queer-led Events will have an ASL interpreter and AI-generated closed captioning.  Please reach out with […]