[ASK the provider] Low or no health insurance? You still deserve healthcare!

Join FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic for an opportunity to ask questions and engage with professionals serving the trans/non-binary community. Topic: Low or no health insurance?  You still deserve healthcare! We all deserve physical and mental health care.  This session will explore getting the care you need with or without insurance.  We’ll  discuss how to access affordable health insurance (possibly at no cost to you).  We’ll share where you can seek care without insurance, and how to navigate systems that often seem to prioritize payment over people.   Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/98008372867 Use computer audio or dial in: +1 929 205 6099 +1 301 715 8592 Webinar ID: 980 0837 2867   Presenters:  Joanna Woodbury and Carolyn Wesolowski Joanna Woodbury Joanna Woodbury is an experienced Certified Social Worker and has worked in HIV care since 2007.  She serves as the Social Services Program Manager overseeing social work, mental health […]

[CONNECT] Poetry and performance slam

Join FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic for supportive social connection. All groups are trans and queer led.   Topic: Poetry and performance slam  Do you write poetry? Create visual art? Play music? Are you looking for a space to share your work? Maybe you’ve never shared your art before... We welcome trans-specific content, as well as any other topics that move you, issues you are passionate about, and expressions that share more about who you are.  We will hold a welcoming space for all of us to mingle with kindred spirits and build community by sharing pieces of ourselves through whatever art form we choose. No need to read or perform – there is ample room for attentive listeners to cheer on those who wish to share.   Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/98049817762 Use computer audio or dial in:         +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)         +1 301 […]

[CONNECT] Changes in how we access mental and physical health care.

Join FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic for supportive social connection.  All groups are trans and queer led.   This week’s topic: Changes in how we access mental and physical health care. Many of us are unfamiliar with telemedicine and communicating with our health care providers by video or through text-based platforms.  We’ll have an interactive discussion about what kinds of changes many providers have implemented, how we can feel more comfortable engaging with our providers in this new way, and how we can feel safer and more comfortable seeking (and getting) the care we need and want.   Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/97832242612 Use computer audio or dial in:         +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)         +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)         +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 978 3224 2612   CONNECT CHAT is facilitated by michael munson. michael is as an out trans-masculine […]

[CONNECT] Game Day!

Join FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic for supportive social connection. All groups are trans and queer led. Let’s have some fun and play some online games!   Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/97423136237 Use computer audio or dial in:         +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)         +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)         +1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown) Meeting ID: 974 2313 6237   The facilitator for this event is Matthew Lewis, 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. . About CONNECT Play with Pals events: CONNECT groups will meet three times each week with a different focus for each session. Friday’s from 4:00 – […]

[ASK the Advocate] Maintaining your housing during COVID-19

Join FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic for an opportunity to ask questions and engage with professionals serving the trans/non-binary community. Topic: Maintaining your housing during COVID-19  Having trouble finding or affording your housing? Learn about how to use assistance programs that can help with rent, mortgage, utility expenses, and more. We’ll also talk about new protections during the COVID-19 period. Presenter: Shelley Gregory (they/them or any pronouns) Shelley is a trans human, activist, and advocate, and the Strategic Project Coordinator for FORGE. Shelley has worked actively in the LGBTQI+ community for over 25 years and began to focus their work on advocacy for transgender and non-binary folx nearly two decades ago. Their background is as a civil rights lawyer. Shelley continually aims to contribute to improving quality of life for trans and non-binary individuals and increasing our inclusion in society. Shelley presently assists survivors of violence through individual […]

[CONNECT] Writing It OUT Workshop

Join FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic for supportive social connection.   Topic: Writing Workshop 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/93807793136 Use computer audio or dial in: +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) Meeting ID: 938 0779 3136 . About CONNECT Structured events: CONNECT groups will meet three times each week with a different focus for each session. Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:30pm are structured events, with speakers, writing sessions, book readings, […]

[CONNECT] Tangible care strategies

Join FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic for supportive social connection.   This week’s topic: Tangible care strategies to cope with the tangible impact of the current state of the world Are you feeling a little worn out?  Triggered by the loud noises or police presence in your neighborhood?  Not able to sleep at night?  Worried about your friends and family?  Join this loosely facilitated discussion that will focus on tangible strategies to help cope with intense emotions – as well as help you help those in your life who might be having a tough time.   Zoom link https://forge-forward.zoom.us/j/92202416635 Use computer audio or dial in: +1 929 205 6099 US (New York) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) Meeting ID: 922 0241 6635 All groups are trans and queer led.   CONNECT CHAT is facilitated by michael munson. michael is as an out trans-masculine femme. He embraces many […]

[CONNECT] Grounding and meditation

Join FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic for supportive social connection. Grounding and meditation In the midst of upheaval and unrest, it is all the more important to find moments of quiet and calm, where we can re-ground our bodies, minds and spirits.  This event will gently guide participants through some exercises to center and ground and refresh our souls. All groups are trans and queer led. The facilitator for this event is Matthew Lewis, 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. . About CONNECT Play with Pals events: CONNECT groups will meet three times each week with a different focus for each session. Friday’s from […]

[ASK] Who in the world is…!? Sharing about FORGE and Inclusion Health Clinic’s services

Join FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic for an opportunity to ask questions and engage with professionals serving the trans/non-binary community. Who in the world…!? Sharing about FORGE and Inclusion Health Clinic’s services Do you wonder what services are available at FORGE?  Or from Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin’s, Inclusion Health Clinic?  This session will share brief overviews of what you can access (and how), and leave plenty of time for your questions. . About ASK events: ASK the Expert events are open periods of regularly scheduled time (Tuesdays from 6-7:00pm and Saturdays from 1-2:00pm) where you can ask questions to health care providers, mental health professionals, social workers, advocates, and lawyers. Initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, questions and topics discussed may focus on medical issues, mental health concerns, coping skills, access to public benefits, links to resources, where and how to access support. Each […]

[CONNECT] Speak OUT! An Activism and Heart Slam

Join FORGE and Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inclusion Health Clinic for supportive social connection. Topic: Speak OUT! An Activism and Heart Slam The world feels heavy for many of us these past weeks.  COVID-19.  Police Violence. Racism. We might be holding fire in our bellies or pain in our hearts.  Join with us in holding space for these and other emotions.  Bring a piece of writing (or music) to share.  It can be your own or someone who has inspired you, who has made a difference (big or small).  Perhaps you are moved by authors and speakers like: Bayard Rustin, Angela Davis, Audre Lorde, James Baldwin, or Tarana Burke.  Maybe you feel stirred by Laverne Cox, Monica Roberts, Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, Sylvia Rivera, ALOK Vaid-Menon, Cecelia Chung, Andrea Jenkins, Bamby Salcedo, Diego Sanchez, CeCe McDonald, Carter Brown, or Chase Strangio.  Or perhaps you revel in the words and works of Ignacio Rivera, […]