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Gearbits
Trans+ Spurs of Action and Interest 
In This Issue
The Art of Getting Laid
Social Support
Pump House
Tool Shed Toys
Milwaukee Unity Group
Brew City Bruisers
Contribute!
Symbols?
What's coming up?

 

FEBRUARY 2009
  • 2/5/09 - Truth and Transformation writing group
  • 2/7/09 - The Art of Getting Laid  (social support)
  • 2/16/09 - Creating Connections: Writing your way to Empowerment
  • Black History Month -- Paris is Burning. TBA

MARCH 2009

  • 3/5/09 Truth and Transformation - Scars (writing group)
  • 3/7/09 Bulldaggers and Genderqueers: A Cross-Generational Panel (SS)
  • 3/9/09 Relationship Intelligence (6 week series)
  • Financial Survival (date TBD)

(more info:

www.forge-forward.org/calendar.php)

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. February 2009
The Art of Getting Laid
 
Saturday, February 7, 2009
 
Time: 7:30 - 9:00pm
 
Where: Milwaukee LGBT Community Center
315 W. Court Street, Milwaukee, WI
 
Topic:  The Art of Getting Laid
 
Topic Description: Do you want more sex in your life?  Want to figure out how to actually approach the person you've had your eye on?  Interested in exploring how to enhance your existing relationship's sensual playfulness?   We'll discuss a wide range of relationship possibilities, safe dating strategies, healthy intimate partner interactions, and safer sex negotiation.  We'll also focus on the pros and cons of disclosure.  The evening will be packed with dynamic dialogue, and thought-provoking (and practical) techniques for attracting more of what you want in your erotic life. 
For a complete list of 2009 social support meetings, please go to http://forge-forward.org/socialsupport/docs/2009_calendar.pdf
 
Additional support on February 7, 2009

 

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.

___________________________ 

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.  

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 

___________________________
 
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. 
Pump House Fundraiser 
 
Thank you!
 
Thank you to those who joined FORGE, The Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, Lesbian Alliance and The Milwaukee Gay Arts Center on Inauguration night.  The fundraiser was a great success - and everyone had a great time celebrating the beginning of a new political era in our country.
Transitional Male & The Tool Shed
 
 

Tool Shed


The Tool Shed now stocks a selection of the Transitional Male's (http://www.thetransitionalmale.com/) most popular packing devices, specifically the FTM U-Pouch and the FTM Velcro Pouch. 
 
For more information contact, Laura Anne Stuart, Owner of The Tool Shed: An Erotic Boutique, 2427 N. Murray Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53211.  (414) 906-5304   www.toolshedtoys.com

 
Milwaukee Unity Group
 
Saturday - February 21, 2009
 
The Milwaukee Unity Group meets once per month on the third Saturday.   On February 21, 2009, the group will meet at 9:00am at the Alterra coffee shop on South 1st Street, before heading to Red Arrow Park for ice skating.  
 
Roller Derby - Brew City Bruisers
 
February 21, 2009
 
Many FORGE members regularly attend Milwaukee's Brew City Bruisers.  Enjoy the fun, fast-paced action at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex (6000 W. Ryan Road, Franklin, WI) on February 21, 2009. 
 
Celebrate Mardi Gras the bruiser way. Halftime show includes a new dance from our famous Beerleaders. Be sure to wear your best masquarade garb, for there will be a costume contest with more great Bruiser prizes !
 
Tickets range from $6 (kids under 12) to $15 (day-of adult price). 
 
For more information, go to the Bruiser's website at http://brewcitybruisers.com/
 
Contribute to Gearbits!

 

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.
 
Send contributions to info@forge-forward.org with the subject "Gearbits".
What do the symbols mean??
 
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.
 
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.org
info@forge-forward.org
414-559-2123