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DECEMBER 2008
JANUARY 2009
FEBRUARY 2009
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2/5/09 - Truth and Transformation writing group
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2/7/09 - The Art of Getting Laid (social support)
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2/16/09 - Creating Connections: Writing your way to Empowerment
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2/23/09 - Creating Connections: Writing your way to Empowerment
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Financial Survival (date TBD)
(more info: www.forge-forward.org/calendar.php)
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Join Our List
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| Quote of the month |
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People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. ~ Zig Ziglar
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| December 2008 - Social Support Meeting |
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Saturday, December 6, 2008
 Join us at the next FORGE monthly trans-masculine and SOFFA social support group to explore the topic "Wellness: It does a body good"!!
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2008
Time: 7:00 - 9:30pm
Place: Milwaukee's LGBT Community Center
315 West Court Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Topic: Wellness
Topic Description:
More and more people are taking better care of their bodies, minds, and spirits. Wellness is more than just going to the doctor when sick. Many people are eating more consciously, exercising more frequently, using vitamins and supplements to enhance their nutrition, altering what they ingest (alcohol, tobacco, water) to maximize their body's potential, as well as being more aware of environmental factors (second-hand smoke, pollution, sun exposure, pesticides used on food, purification of water). As people are taking a more active role in their health care, trans people are making more informed choices about how we treat our bodies - using no or low dose hormones, deciding to have no or fewer surgeries, taking proactive steps to minimize risks (e.g. using milk thistle, having complete hysterectomies, etc.). We'll be sure to cover critical issues like how binders may play a role in working out or swimming, navigating locker rooms, healthy eating on a budget, and being your own best advocate for your health and wellbeing. Come share the steps you are taking to live a healthy, balanced, enjoyable life.
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2009 NEW format and focus for support meetings!
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Ch-ch-ch-changes!!
You asked for it, so you got it! FORGE has always been dedicated to focusing on trans-masculine (FTM+) individuals and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies). We are also devoted to serving the WHOLE transgender and SOFFA community - including male-to-females (MTFs), genderqueers, folks who are questioning their gender, those who identify with multiple or no gender(s) and all SOFFAs (not just partners!). Here's how we'll both devote time to FTM+/SOFFA issues AND to the broader, whole transgender/SOFFA community during our regular first Saturday of the month events:
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FTM+/SOFFA Support. (6:00 - 7:15pm)
Do you crave connection with fellow FTMs and SOFFAs? 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 these 75 minutes stay focused on FTM+/SOFFA-generated discussion.
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Center Stage Main Event. (7:30 - 9:00pm)
 Come one, come all! Beginning at 7:30, each FORGE meeting will focus on one pre-determined topic. Sometimes there will be a panel presentation or a guest speaker, sometimes we'll do small group exercises or watch trans-focused films, and sometimes we, as a group, will generate our own questions and answers.
January 3, 2009 - Combating Horizontal Hostility
February 7, 2009 - The Art of Getting Laid
March 7, 2009 - Bulldaggers and Genderqueers: A Cross-Generational Panel
To see the rest of the 2009 Main Event topics, go to: http://forge-forward.org/socialsupport/docs/2009_calendar.pdf
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Social Time (9:00 - 9:30+pm)
You wanted it, so here it is! We'll pull away the tables and give everyone space to connect with each other. Welcome the newcomers, approach that interesting person with a question or comment, learn about your friend's latest adventure, schedule a group trip to a coffee shop or movie...use this time to fill up your social calendar until next month's FORGE meeting!
All meetings take place at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, 315 West Court Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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| Big Basics! All day immersion. |
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Some topics need more time and more individualized planning than an hour and a half, during the monthly support meeting. The new Basic Saturdays will allow for in-depth discussion, presentations, and coverage of crucial issues that impact our whole community. In 2009, we'll have (at least) three full-day events featuring expert presenters and plenty of time for participants to get help with their own particular questions and concerns.
February 2009 - Financial Survival
May 2009 - Hormones & Surgery
September 2009 - Health and Fitness Fair
Exact dates, location, and schedules will be posted in early 2009.
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Contribute to Gearbits! |
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Have you attended a FORGE event that you'd like to share with others? FORGE is looking for contributors to briefly share highlights or reflections on FORGE events so others who were unable to attend can get a flavor for the experience.
For example, did you attend either of the lectures by Dr. Meltzer on December 14, 2008? Write up a paragraph or two about what you gained from the experience.
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| What do the symbols mean?? |
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Although everyone is welcome at any FORGE meeting, some meetings are designed with particular audiences in mind. These symbols indicate the focus of particular events and meetings.
Geared towards the entire transgender/gender non-conforming community and SOFFAs
Geared towards trans-masculine folks and SOFFAs
 Reverse Inclusion: A trans+/SOFFA organization is hosting an event that welcomes the broader LGBTQIA (and straight) community. | |
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About FORGE
FORGE is a progressive organization whose mission is to support, educate and advocate for the rights and lives of transgender individuals and SOFFAs (Significant Others, Friends, Family, and Allies). FORGE is dedicated to helping move fragmented communities beyond identity politics and forge a movement that embraces and empowers our diverse complexities. FORGE PO Box 1272 Milwaukee, WI 53201 www.forge-forward.orginfo@forge-forward.org414-559-2123 |
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