|
What's coming up? |
|
MAY 2009
JUNE 2009
-
6/6/09 6:00 FTM+/SOFFA social support
-
6/6/09 7:30pm Pregnant Men, Lesbian Fathers, and Transgender Parenting
-
6/12 - 6/14/09 PRIDEFEST!
-
TBA Truth and Transformation (writing group)
JULY 2009
-
7/10/09 (F) 6:00 FTM+/SOFFA social support
-
7/10/09 (F) 7:30pm Trans on the Street: Survival Sex, Silicone, and Street Pharmacies (ss)
-
TBA Truth and Transformation (writing group
-
TBA LGBT Crime Victim training for providers
AUGUST 2009
-
8/1/09 6:00 FTM+/SOFFA social support
-
8/1/09 7:30pm Against a Trans Narrative (film - Jules Roskam)
-
TBA Truth and Transformation (writing group)
-
TBA LGBT Crime Victim training for providers
(more info: www.forge-forward.org/calendar.php)
|
| Other Community Events |
|
-
5/16/09 Milwaukee Unity Group meeting, 10 a.m., Alterra Foundry coffee shop, 170 South First Street.
-
5/17/09 Milwaukee Unity Group - Bowling. Location and time TBA.
-
6/20/09 Milwaukee Unity Group meeting 10 a.m. Alterra Foundry, 170 South First Street.
-
7/18/09 Rainbow Community Potluck Picnic, noon to 4 p.m. Washington Park near the senior center building.
|
| Remember, FORGE social support meetings aren't just for the boys! |
|
The line up for the first Saturday of each month is:
_________
6:00 - 7:15 -- FTM+/SOFFA Support.
_________
7:30 - 9:00 -- Center Stage Main Event (Main topic - June = Pregnant Men, Lesbian Fathers, and Transgender Parenting)
_________
9:00 - 9:30pm -- Social Time
|
|
Join Our List
|
|
|
|
| What happened? |
|
|
Why the "Tranny Tax" meeting was canceled (May 2, 2009)
Unfortunately, just minutes before FORGE's monthly social support group was to begin on Saturday, May 2, 2009, the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center had a medical incident which resulted in immediately closing the entire Center for the evening. For those of you who did drive to the Center, you may have seen multiple ambulances and police cars, as well as Center staff and/or signs indicating that the Center was closed for the evening. We are very sorry for the inconvenience this last minute cancellation caused attendees. We know, too, that many of you drive in from long distances to attend FORGE monthly support meetings -- so we especially apologize for those of you who had the added expense and time of driving in from out of town. The medical situation at the Center has been resolved and the Center is back open. We anticipate no further problems in the future. (The next social support meeting is on June 6, 2009.) For a complete list of 2009 social support meetings, please go to http://forge-forward.org/socialsupport/docs/2009_calendar.pdf
|
| Truth and Transformation (writing group) |
|
Date: May 7, 2009 Time: 7:00 - 8:30pm Location: Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (315 W. Court Street, Milwaukee) Suggested donation: sliding scale $1 - 10 (no one turned away for lack of funds) Topic: Sexuality Description: FORGE's monthly facilitated writing workshops focus on healing bruised spirits and wounded souls.  Truth and Transformation is part of FORGE's Hope for Healing programming and is designed to spur healing, new growth, and empowered creativity. Although Hope for Healing began as a diverse set of programs, support and resources for survivors of sexual violence (and other forms of trauma) and their loved ones, events are intended for everyone who wants to expand their sense of well-being, find new hope, become stronger in their identity, or learn new things about themselves or others. Everyone is welcome. No writing experience is necessary and all materials are provided. For more information, email info@forge-forward.org. |
| Celebrate around the Maypole! -- Joint Community Auction |
|
May 3 - May 17, 2009
For two weeks only, FORGE -- in collaboration with the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center, Lesbian Alliance, SAGE-Milwaukee, and Vets Do Ask Do Tell -- is hosting an online auction.
There are the usual types of items -- jewelry, art, dining out coupons, etc. -- on this auction, but there are also some very special transgender-related items, including:
-
-
A book and book of photographs by Dan Mouer, Ph.D. an active member of ElderTG (FORGE's most active listserve)
-
Photographs and gemstone pendants and amulets created by FORGE's co-founder Bear Devitt
-
FORGE - Forward conference memorabilia, including our gorgeous, comment-attracting, full-color-on-black t-shirts
We encourage you to consider bidding on *any* item -- all the participating organizations are well worth your support.
You can find the online auction at http://www.cmarket.com/auction/AuctionHome.action?vhost=mkelgbt The auction formally closes May 17, but 4 items have already sold, so hurry over!
Feel free to pass this notice along to others who may be interested. |
| Transgender Aging Network Intensive - Success! |
|
|
The Transgender Aging Intensive in Chicago on April 17, 2009 was attended by just under 50 providers and a handful of community members. In partnership with the Center on Halsted & SAGE-Chicago, providers were able to gain continuing education units (CEUs), as well as the opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge in working with transgender and SOFFA elders.
|
| You missed it!! |
|
|
That's right -- you missed the first meeting to volunteer at Pridefest! Have no fear, though, there will be other opportunities to get involved.
Another volunteer meeting will be scheduled soon! However, to give you a taste of what you missed, please check out the following documents online:
-
-
There are dozens of ways to volunteer. Here are a few options during Pridefest:
-
staffing the trans health booth
- staffing the anti-violence booth
- designated hugger (GREAT role for the touch-deprived!)
- greeter/escort into the grounds
- listener (Blue Couch)
-
on-call mental health provider (licensed providers only)
-
manual labor (set up / break down)
-
on-grounds volunteer supervisor
-
"gopher" - onsite
Here are some of the pre-Pridefest volunteer options:
-
volunteer recruiter (be a FORGE ambassador!)
-
researcher (banners, t-shirts, etc.)
-
mental health provider recruiter
-
blue couch hunter
-
pre-pride errand runner
-
t-shirt graphic designer
-
website section template designer
-
volunteer scheduler
Benefits of volunteering:
-
Free admission to Pridefest
-
Making a difference in the lives of Pridefest attendees (specifically for transgender and SOFFA individuals visiting the FORGE Trans Health booth, and for LGBT Victims of Crime who use the multiple components FORGE will be offering at the festival this year).
-
Connection with other active community members
|
| Virginia Prince, 1912 - 2009 |
|
|
At the Liberty Conference in Philadelphia, Dr. Richard Docter announced the May 2, 2009 death of Virginia Prince. Virginia was always controversial (and frequently a bit cantankerous), but she was most assuredly an early driving force (from the 1950's until her death) that allowed so many of us to follow and create a "movement"/community that certainly exceeded her expectations. Virginia is frequently acknowledged as the person who coined the term "transgender" out of a need to find a way to codify and confirm individuals who did not seek surgery (or hormones) as a means to validate their identity. Her theories, politics, and often the mode of expressing her ideas, were often met with opposition. However, because of her outspokenness, her willingness to repeatedly show up and work tirelessly for her community, her ability to boldly state her beliefs and fight for the respect we all deserve, she literally changed the lives of thousands of transgender individuals and the people who serve and love transfolks. To learn more about Virginia Prince's life, read http://www.gender.org.uk/conf/2000/king20.htm |
|
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.
|
| 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.orginfo@forge-forward.org414-559-2123 |
|
|
