June's social support meeting: Where did binary sex come from, and where should it go? Guest Speaker: Cary Costello Description: In every world society, some people are born intersex, and some people don't identify with the sex assigned to them at birth. Whether these people will have difficult or easy lives, be fully socially accepted or live at the social margins, varies widely across cultures and between times. In Western societies it has been complicated by an ideology of binary sex and gender: that people are "naturally" born with one of two different sets of genitals, and that which set they have will determine their "natural" gender. We will explore where this ideology originated, how it spread, and how it complicates the lives of intersex individuals, genderqueer people, and trans folks with binary gender identities. We'll also think about what could be done to improve the situation.   Open rap is from 6:00 - 7:15pm […]

July's social support meeting: Trans families / Parenting Panel Description: There are many ways people bring children into their lives.  Come meet a panel of trans families (or at least their parents!) who will share how they formed their family, how they have (or have not) navigated issues around disclosure, if their language and labels at home have shifted with gender changes, and what it is like to parent in more than one gender.   The panel will share personal stories, with plenty of time for questions, as well as whole group dialogue.   Open rap is from 6:00 - 7:15pm Open rap 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 hour+ will stay focused on your needs, and the discussion you generate.

August's social support meeting: Street violence, safety and dealing with the police Guest speaker: Attorney Laura Sette Description: Attorney Laura Sette will discuss your rights when interacting with the police.  Trans*, gender non-conforming and all people might interact with the police at a traffic stop, when calling the police for help after a crime, or may be perceived to be committing a crime (even if they have not done anything wrong or illegal).  Laura will discuss strategies for increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome in these and other situations. Topics of how transness might play a role will be woven through the meeting, including "mis-matched" identification documents, overt harassment, and unjust profiling.  You will leave with a better sense of what your rights are, what you have to consent to (or not), how to have non-escalating interactions with police, and how to protect your privacy and other basic human rights.  Ample time for questions […]

September's social support meeting: Trans Policy "Policy" can sound boring and irrelevant, but if you pee, access health care, drive, work, need housing, dream of gender-related surgery, or hope to grow old...it affects you!  Come to the September 28, 2013  meeting (7:30 for presentation) to hear about the phenomenal policy strides the trans community has made over the past few years, and where we are going next.  Never before has a minority group made so many policy strides in so short a period; come celebrate with us! Presenter:  Loree Cook-Daniels, FORGE Policy and Program Director. Special guest:  Katie Belanger, President & CEO of Fair Wisconsin, to talk about T-Fair, Wisconsin's trans advocacy coalition.    Open rap is from 6:00 - 7:15pm Open rap 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, […]

October's social support meeting: Safe Dating (and relationships!) Check back for more information, but mark your calendar to attend meetings every 4th Saturday of the month.   Open rap is from 6:00 - 7:15pm Open rap 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 hour+ will stay focused on your needs, and the discussion you generate.