We are pursuing Continuing Education Credits

Testimonial

Without knowledge we are ignorant, after we gain knowledge we become accountable
- Annette Cottle, Parent Advocate

​See our ​2016 Presenter Bios.

​The day will begin with two general sessions for all participants

• Gender Basics, to review some key concepts of gender so that we all operate with the same language during our work together.
• An overview of the findings of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, by the National Center for Transgender Equality

2016 Legal & Faith Programming

The Legal Landscape for Non-Legal Professionals Supporting Trans Youth

--Asaf Orr, Esq.

--Celeste Fiore, Esq.

--Jodi Argentino, Esq.

--Aaron Potenza, MA

Non-binary Identities, Backlash and the Way Forward

--Shawn Thomas Meerkamper, Staff Attorney, Transgender Law Center

In this moment of national backlash against trans legal progress, people with non-binary identities are at risk of being left behind. This workshop will explore how existing legal protections for trans people already cover non-binary people and argue that legal and other advocates should be eager, rather than afraid, of taking up non-binary causes.

Transgender Inclusion and American Faith Communities

--Rev. Dr. Paula Stone Williams.

Over half (52 percent) of Americans who identify as LGBTQ claim an affiliation with a formal religion. Almost half (48 percent) identify as Christian, an increase of 6 percent in the past six years. Yet little has been done to focus on integrating these individuals into churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions. This workshop will look at the religious landscape in America today, and will give special attention to Evangelical churches, today's major religious influencers and the most vocal opponents of transgender rights. Strategies for affecting change will be discussed and practical advice will be given on what to say and do when opportunities for influence arise.

For Such A Time As This: The Role of Faith and Religion in Family Acceptance

​--Rev. Elijah C. Nealy, PhD, M.Div., LCSW

--Rev. Dr. Boon Lin Ngeo

--Gene Jefferson, LCSW

--MacKenzie Reynolds

Historically, transgender persons have been the recipients of religious transphobia and excluded from many organized faith communities. Religious beliefs about transgender identity as perversion, sin, and/or mental illness can create significant conflicts for parents of trans youth within these traditions. These experiences negatively impact trans youth, and can lead to shame, internalized condemnation and religious trauma, isolation and exclusion, and loss of biological family and faith community. With increasing evidence pointing to family acceptance as the critical mediating variable for transgender young adult health and wellbeing, finding ways for families to resolve differences between their religious beliefs and acceptance of their transgender child is essential. Representing various faith traditions, this panel discussion explores the intersections of faith and religion when working with trans and gender diverse youth. Panelists will offer resources and strategies for resolving these disputes, leading to increased family acceptance and support.