| What's coming up? |
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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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Financial Survival (date TBD)
MARCH 2009
(more info:
www.forge-forward.org/calendar.php)
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| Support for female
partners of MTFs |
Jim Cosenza, a psychotherapist in Chicago, Illinois, will begin a new therapy group for female partners of MTFs on Saturday, January 17. For additional details, please visit his website at
www.jimcosenza.com/events.htm You can learn more about Jim and/or the therapy group by contacting him at: Jim Cosenza, LCSW, CADC, 4753 N. Broadway, Suite 608, Chicago, IL 60640. 773-633-6643.
jim@jimcosenza.com
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Join Our List
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| Combating Horizontal Hostility |
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Saturday, January 3, 2009
 Join a new and expanding group of transgender and SOFFA individuals for the first social support meeting of 2009! Date: Saturday, January 3, 2009 Time: 7:30 - 9:00pm Where: Milwaukee LGBT Community Center 315 W. Court Street, Milwaukee, WI Topic: Horizontal Hostility Topic Description: You may not know the term "horizontal hostility," but you know what it describes: the "I'm better than you because..." hierarchies that trans people and SOFFAs sometimes set up:
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Post-ops are "better" or "more real" than pre- or non-ops,
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FTMs have it easier than MTFs,
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Genderqueers are fence-sitters and aren't "really" trans,
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The transphobia SOFFAs may experience Is nothing like the transphobia transgender people experience,
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And many, many more hierarchies.
What's going on here? Don't we have to deal with enough prejudice from outsiders without adding to it ourselves? In this challenging interactive discussion we'll identify the ways we discount each other, talk about why so many of us feel the need to add to these put-downs, and brainstorm how to shift the patterns so there's more solidarity and less division within our diverse trans/SOFFA communities. For a complete list of 2009 social support meetings, please go to http://forge-forward.org/socialsupport/docs/2009_calendar.pdf |
| 2009 NEW format and focus for support meetings! |
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Just a reminder that FORGE's social support meetings have a new format.
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)
ALL trans and SOFFA individuals are welcome! Topics will be geared to stimulate conversation between diverse members of our community and to build knowledge and connection. 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. |
| Truth and Transformation: Empowered Exploration Through Writing |
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January 8, 2009
Truth and Transformation is a dynamic, interactive -- yet reflective -- writing group, that provides hope, transformation, and stress relief. Most of us have had experiences that lead us to feel less connected to ourselves and others, resulting in diminished hope and optimism. Attendees - in a structured, safe, creative and fun setting - will use writing, art, and thought-provoking exercises to explore stimulating topics. Participants will leave with a renewed sense of hope, community, and connection with themselves and with others. All materials provided, but feel free to bring your favorite healing journals and tools. No experience necessary.
Each month will focus on a new topic and move participants to a place of greater healing and integration. January 8th's topic is Internal Resources. Please join us from 7:00 to 8:30pm at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (315 W. Court Street, Milwaukee, WI).
Write. Explore. Share. Expand. Heal. Listen. Experience. Transform.
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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.
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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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