Parents of trans children

Monthly support group for parents and other close relatives/caregivers of trans*, gender non-conforming, and questioning children and youth. The group provides an opportunity for parents to share their stories, struggles, and successes in navigating life at home and with their larger family, at school, in their neighborhood, within their spiritual communities, with medical and other providers, and much more. Seasoned facilitators who are trans and/or part of a trans family will help keep the discussion safe and supportive, and will provide referrals and resources as needs are identified. The group will meet monthly so parents can create strong bonds with other parents and gain the critical support they need. For more information about the time and location, please email Parents group.  

Monthly meeting: Coming Out

Topic: Coming Out Panel: The Art of Disclosure We all come out at some point - about something.  A panel of engaging and dynamic individuals will share their experiences of coming out, disclosing, and navigating the sometimes uncharted waters of sharing personal information with loved ones, employers, classmates, providers, friends and more.  Sit back and listen to their stories, gain insights into successful strategies, ask questions to learn more about the panelists and yourself.   Open discussion is from 6:00 - 6:45pm Open discussion is the time to connect connection with fellow Trans+ and SOFFA individuals. This gently facilitated time is especially devoted to exploring the issues you bring in – sharing your experiences and stories, asking questions, seeking referrals, gathering resources. We’ll assure this time will stay focused on your needs, and the discussion you generate.

Diagnosing Difference (Film screening)

In conjunction with the Medical College of Wisconsin's Transgender Health Symposium, FORGE will be sponsoring the screening of Diagnosing Difference on April 16, 2014. Filmmaker Annalise Ophelian's Diagnosing Difference is a documentary featuring interviews with 13 diverse scholars, activists, and artists who identify on the trans spectrum (transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, and gender variant) about the impact and implications of the Gender Identity Disorder (GID) on their lives and communities. In the film, you'll see leading thinkers and activists, including Susan Stryker, Cecilia Chung, Dean Spade, Dylan Scholinksi, Willy Wilkinson, Miss Major, Shawna Virago, and Yosenio Lewis. Using the diagnosis as a departure point, the participants debunk myths and misconceptions about transgender identities, challenge stereotypical gender expectations, and offer educative insight into the terms and language used to describe transgender lives. This groundbreaking film is the first to explore the impact of the GID diagnosis on people who identify on the trans spectrum in their own […]

LGBTPM Symposium: Introduction to Transgender Healthcare

Download a printable flyer: MCW LGBTPM Transgender Symposium Poster Presented by: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People in Medicine medical student organization For health care providers only. RSVP required: mcwlgbtpm@gmail.com Dinner and refreshments will be provided Speakers: Robert Garofalo, MD, MPH, Division Head, Academic General Pediatrics and Primary Care; Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Kellan Baker, Associate Director, Center for American Progress Sponsored by: MCW Office of Faculty Affairs & Diversity Froedtert Office of Diversity & Inclusion MCW Alumni Association MCW Student Affairs & Diversity FORGE is a proud partner

Kellan Baker: Trans Health Matters

FORGE asked Kellan Baker to join us on April 18, 2014 for a trans-focused discussion about the Affordable Care Act and how it impacts trans people and loved ones.   Kellan is one of the most knowledgeable professionals in the US on trans people and the Affordable Care Act.  Kellan was in Milwaukee, WI and this event was held at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center.   We are thankful for filmmaker Ashley Altadonna's filming of this presentation and the editing necessary to remove excess background noise and hard to hear questions from the audience.  

Monthly meeting: Helen Boyd

Join guest speaker and author Helen Boyd for a lively reading and discussion of her book "She's Not the Man I Married: My Life with a Transgender Husband."   Published in 2007, this book is a foundation for partners of trans people, with timeless information and thought provoking concepts from a partner-centric focus.  You won't want to miss this opportunity to engage in dialogue with Helen and other attendees, as well as hear more from the author about the book (and possibly about what has changed for her -- and the trans/SOFFA community -- since 2007). Helen Boyd is the author of My Husband Betty (Thunder’s Mouth, 2004) which was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award and is often referred to as the “field guide to crossdressers”. Her second book, She’s Not the Man I Married: My Life with a Transgender Husband (Seal Press, 2007), has been called “a postmodern reflection on transness” by Jennifer […]

Parents of Trans Children

Monthly support group for parents and other close relatives/caregivers of trans*, gender non-conforming, and questioning children and youth. The group provides an opportunity for parents to share their stories, struggles, and successes in navigating life at home and with their larger family, at school, in their neighborhood, within their spiritual communities, with medical and other providers, and much more. Seasoned facilitators who are trans and/or part of a trans family will help keep the discussion safe and supportive, and will provide referrals and resources as needs are identified. The group will meet monthly so parents can create strong bonds with other parents and gain the critical support they need. For more information about the time and location, please email Parents group.  

Monthly meeting: Kortney Ziegler

We're excited to welcome Dr. Kortney Ziegler to Milwaukee for the showing of his documentary, "Still Black" on May 24, 2014. Dr. Ziegler is an award-winning film maker, writer, and speaker. He holds Northwestern University's first-ever Ph.D. in African-American Studies and he is the founder of Trans H4CK. This is going to be an event you won't want to miss. A reception prior to the film will allow people to meet Dr. Ziegler and the discussion following the film will provide insight and dialogue. Learn more about Dr. Ziegler at his blog http://blackademic.com/. Still Black website: http://www.stillblackfilm.org/ 6:00 – 7:00pm Reception 7:00 – 8:15pm Still Black film screening 8:15 – 9:00+pm Discussion with Dr. Kortney Ziegler Mark your calendars for May 24th, 2014 Like the FORGE Facebook page to stay current with news about this event.

PrideFest – Health & Wellness

PrideFest! June 6 - 8, 2014 It's the largest annual LGBT gathering in Wisconsin, and it takes place this June 6-8, 2014, at the Summerfest Grounds in Milwaukee: PrideFest! (http://pridefest.com/) FORGE is again proud be part of the Health and Wellness Area, with other organizations who are committed to designing engaging activities to help visitors learn about and improve their physical, mental, and relationship health. Visitors also can listen to stage presentations, eat free apples, grab a free bottle of water, and enter into raffles for free bikes and more! We need your help to make this event a success! 1. T-shirt design contest! Learn more about this year's T-shirt Contest and submit your design! 2. Volunteer! We promise you'll have a good time meeting people and contributing, too. FORGE will be recruiting volunteers to help staff our booths and hand out our very popular Free Hugs! stickers. Volunteers will get in free and receive […]

PrideFest – Health and Wellness

PrideFest! June 6 - 8, 2014 It's the largest annual LGBT gathering in Wisconsin, and it takes place this June 6-8, 2014, at the Summerfest Grounds in Milwaukee: PrideFest! (http://pridefest.com/) FORGE is again proud be part of the Health and Wellness Area, with other organizations who are committed to designing engaging activities to help visitors learn about and improve their physical, mental, and relationship health. Visitors also can listen to stage presentations, eat free apples, grab a free bottle of water, and enter into raffles for free bikes and more! We need your help to make this event a success! 1. T-shirt design contest! Learn more about this year's T-shirt Contest and submit your design! 2. Volunteer! We promise you'll have a good time meeting people and contributing, too. FORGE will be recruiting volunteers to help staff our booths and hand out our very popular Free Hugs! stickers. Volunteers will get in free and receive […]