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2010 Be-All Convention
Seminar Descriptions

Chicago offers some of the best professionals available to the transgender community. Seminars will be held in both AM and PM time slots. A variety of subjects will be covered ranging from relationships, legal issues for the TG community, to procedures for cosmetic and SRS surgeries (M to F and F to M), to poise and makeup, to your general health and hormone therapy. Believe me, it's all here.

All Attendee’s Must Wear Registration Name Badges At Every Be-All Sponsored Activity

Opinions and/or views expressed by seminar presenters are their own and are not endorsed by the Chicago Be-All Conference


Christine Heermann, Seminar Coordinator

Would you like to give a seminar at Be-All? Contact our scheduling hostess, Christine. beallseminars@gmail.com

 

BE-ALL CONFERENCE 2010
SEMINAR SCHEDULE


Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 9:00 AM to 10:20 AM

Cisgender Spouses and Negotiating Feelings
Jim Cosenza, LCSW, CADC – Chicago IL
When faced with changes we sometimes experience grief and loss, anger, fear, and sadness. Gain understanding for your experience, Reduce your isolation, Strengthen interpersonal relationships, Share your thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive environment, Learn from others, What is happening to me? What is happening in our relationship? This wasn’t what I planned, now what? Can I make this go away? How will this impact our children, our families, our community? Why do I feel so alone?

Hate Crimes Legislation Where Do we go from Here
Crystal Ann Gray – Volunteer Transgender Advocate for the State of Colorado, Commissioner for the Denver GLBT Commission, Denver, CO
In this seminar we will be discussing the new Hate Crimes Legislation. There will be several talking points including: what the hate crimes legislation means for the transgender community, what the different levels of hate crimes there are, how the new legislation helps local law enforcement, what to do if local law enforcement does not respond appropriately, and what is the role of the Department of Justice in accordance to the new legislation.

Acceptance
Erica Ann Maurizio - IL
The seminar would cover acceptance of a transgendered person in one’s life and would present many of the techniques that were used by my spouse on her road of accepting me in her life as well as the sharing many of the methods I used in presenting my “real” self to her and a sharing of how we dealt with transition.
1. A brief introduction and an opening statement about the seminar and it’s intended goals.
2. A presentation of the ideas expressed above through both a verbal and visual slide presentation.
3. A question and answer session including an open forum with all attendees.

Be All You Can Be... "Be You"
Dina D Paige, BA Specialized Psychology, York University, Toronto
An interactive look at the way you are living your life. Are you living your life the way you want to and to its fullest potential? Do you believe in yourself as much as others believe in you? Are you maximizing the uniqueness, experiences, knowledge and creative genius that exist within you? As a trans-gender life coach I want to encourage you to take a personal inventory of yourself, appreciate your own uniqueness, your worth and your limitless potential. Immerse yourself in self confidence, self expression, self development and self discovery. All you really need, you already have! Be all that you can be... Be you!

 

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM

Update on European Transgender Research
Dr. Meredith Bacon, PhD. - Political Science, University of Nebraska at Omaha
This PowerPoint presentation will summarize the now burgeoning professional literature published in the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain and Portugal (and perhaps Russia) about transgender issues. The published literature discussed will include health, legal, political and social issues. Most U. S. transgender advocates and researchers are unaware of or are disinterested in European research which includes interesting brain, legal, and sociological research. Most of discussed publications are not in English. A bibliography will be provided.

Finally feminine, but lacking connections? You aren't alone!
Laura L. Grimes, LCSW – River Rock Psychotherapy & Consulting, Inc, Chicago, IL

This seminar is designed for women who feel like they have "transitioned" (however you define it), but are feeling disconnected and lacking friends and/or a sense of community and connection. There's so much to focus on during transition, it's often hard to imagine what will come next. Often, this is the time that all sorts of feelings come up and your self-esteem can be very low. Come share your thoughts, learn how to process what you're going through and hopefully make some new connections to others.

Coming Out to Friends and Family: It’s Not About You
Mara Keisling – Ex Dir - National Center for Transgender Equality, Washington, DC
Coming out to your friends, family and co-workers probably seems like the hardest thing you’ll ever do. Whether it is or isn’t, there are strategies and tactics you can employ to maximize your chances of acceptance. Using professional marketing communications as a basis, Mara shows why and how to focus on others, instead of yourself, while telling your story.

GOING OUT?
Rori Scheffler – Transformations by Rori, Arlington Heights, IL

Be Prepared in Mind & Body – Thought, Word, & Deed ……The Girl Scouts – * Plus …..Hints on: A purse is not just an accessory learning to pack your essentials, Gracefully getting in and out of your car, Safety Issues, Walking in those High Heels, How to Enhance your Daytime Face into Evening in 5 Minutes, How to Take Your Daytime Business Suit to Evening Wear in 3 Minutes, How to Feel At Ease in your “New Skin:”…. This might take some practice. We invite comments on your difficult moments, and how to rectify them…” Moments and Life are to Share”

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 2:00 PM to 3:20 PM

How teamwork by Harry Benjamin and John Money helped to originate SRS.
Dr. Richard Docter, PhD – Author, Lecturer, Northridge, CA
The few examples of medically assisted transsexuality prior to 1952 had virtually no impact on public attitudes toward “sex changes” in western societies. The medical profession was willing to assist intersex cases, but very unwilling to work with transgender persons. A small team led by Harry Benjamin and John Money successfully campaigned to open a gender identity and SRS program at Johns Hopkins Medical School in 1966. The financial assistance of F to M transsexual Reed Erikson has seldom been noted. Following the Johns Hopkins example, several major university medical centers soon opened SRS programs.

Curl Up With Us and We'll Set You Straight on Hair
Rachel Galan - Licensed Cosmetologist and a Professional Wig and Hair Stylist, IL
Rachel will help you determine your hairstyle according to your facial shape be it be square, rectangular, diamond shaped, or heart shaped. She will create a style to soften the angles of your cheekbones and your jaw line. Come try on some wigs or just ask questions. Don't miss this seminar because it is important to look your best and as feminine as possible. We will even have a selection of wigs and supplies for sale. If you want to know about wigs but were afraid to ask, this is the class for you. All who attend will get a special surprise gift.

Living Life in Both Genders
Jeanine Ruhsam - President 2010, TransCentralPA
President 2010, The Vanity Club

This is a participatory workshop for dual-gendered people: those transgender-identifying people who accept the challenge to live their lives in both genders. It is intended for transgender people for whom neither full transition is the answer, nor is living as a part-time cross dresser. This workshop endeavors to help us find a healthy balance in our lives where we choose to keep our female & male gender identities whole, balanced, functional and fulfilling. We will share experiences and thoughts on how we can live our lives as fully realized transgender people, find acceptance in our chosen gender presentations, and come to realize that the true gift of being transgender is that we are given the ability to walk in both worlds. We’ll share those stories, journeys and challenges in the effort to reassure ourselves, though it often seems a harder, more challenging path, that living life in both genders allows us the full potential of our amazing gift.

Single stage vaginoplasty, Facial feminization, Breast augmentation and Chest Surgery
Dr. Loren Schechter, MD, FACS; - Chicago Gender Group, Chicago, IL

Dr. Schechter will discuss his technique for single-stage vaginoplasty as well as additional procedures including facial feminization, breast augmentation, and chest surgery

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010 3:30 PM to 4:50 PM

Hormone Therapy Pre and Post Operative
Dr. Edwin Miller, MD - Healthy Alternatives, Chicago, IL
Dr. Miller will host an interactive seminar on hormone chemistry and physiology. The psychological impact of feminizing hormones, the physiology of hormone therapy in the terms of male verse female as well as the hazards of using street hormone drugs.

Finding Your Inner Beauty
Kennidi Monroe -- Columnist for TG Life and creator of trannytalk101.com
When we as trans people decide this is our journey, we tend to go into fast forward mode. We rush to get the surgeries, take the hormones, wear the clothes and make-up. But if your outer beauty is not going the same pace as your inner beauty, you won’t find happiness in the end! In my workshop I will teach these steps: STEP ONE: Letting go of doubt. STEP TWO: Putting others worries aside. STEP THREE: Loving thy self. Exercises will be practiced that can be done at home. It’s not a miracle overnight but it’s a start to becoming a better you!

Breast Forms and Wigs 101
Melissa White – Founder, TrannyCloset.com, Bellingham, WA
Choosing the right wig and breast forms can be a daunting task. Learn how to choose the right length, color, size and style that looks great on you. Also, find out the features you want to avoid and features you should be looking for. Learn how to put breast forms on without a bra. See the new breast form appliance, the most realistic breast form on the market.

To Live the Impossible Dream.
Deb Wilke, LCPC – Compassionate Counseling, Bollingbrook, IL
* A clear and accurate depiction of the path of gender transition
* An honest and open discussion of areas that concern those present regarding transitioning
* Helpful information in making the decision to transition or not
* Tips on how to manage the disclosure of transition to significant others

Friday, June 4th, 2010 9:00 AM to 10:20 AM

Permanent Makeup and Skin Rejuvenation Procedures for Face and Body Feminization.
Ms. Astor, Master Technician – American Institute of Intradermal Cosmetics

Permanent makeup done by a skilled, professional makeup artist can be a very cost-effective way to enhance facial femininity and attractiveness, correct some minor and not so minor facial defects and assymmetries and add glamour. This seminar will discuss some well-known procedures such as permanent eyebrows, eyeliner and lips. It will also discuss procedures of particular interest to transgender community, such as areola feminization, post-surgery scar camouflage and skin texture enhancement and skin rejuvenation. Pros and cons of permanent makeup will be presented along with "before and after" pictures and question and answer period.

A summary of factual information about cross dressers in America.
Dr. Richard Docter, PhD – Author, Lecturer, Northridge, CA

There are many important facts about cross dressers that remain unclear. For example, what is the prevalence of this behavior? What principle motivation contributes to the onset of cross dressing, and what sustains this practice over decades. What percentage of “cross dressers” evolve to become transsexuals? Are cross dressing and transsexuality properly conceptualized as two “levels” of a single phenomenon? Despite what is not factually known, much has been learned about cross dressers over the past half-century.

The Joy and Fun of Makeup
Christine Grost – Mary Kay Consultant, Grayslake, IL
Learn easy to apply looks from our Color 101 collections or create your own. Take your daytime look into a dramatic night time face. . Learn how to minimize flaws, and create a natural look without the need for heavy foundation. Learn the four fast steps to healthy skin. Experience how skin care can transform your face and make your foundation a snap to apply. I have hundreds of samples to try.

Fundamentals of Your Feminine: from he to she
Kathe Perez, MA, CCC-SLP - Exceptional Voice, Inc., Denver, CO

This brand new workshop provides participants with the fundamentals elements for understanding male and female speech and voice characteristics and techniques and exercises for creating the voice of your dreams.

Transvestic Disorder; Paraphilia; Gender Incongruence and DSM V: What Does It Mean and Why Should We Care?
Molly Thomas – long time member of the Chicago transgendered community
Dr. Kerri Bradley-Ronne – Assistant Professor at The Chicago School of Psychology

A divisive battle rages within our community over changes to gender related diagnosis in DSM V. This workshop will try to educate and illuminate, separate reality from hubris and political posturing on a topic that draws fire from all corners. The panel will focus on the meaning of Transvestic Disorder, Paraphilia and Gender Incongruence; gender classification in the DSM; the use of the DSM in clinical practice; the politics of this revision to the DSM; legal and insurance issues; what should the community do; and what avenues are available to express our comments and concerns.

Friday, June 4th, 2010 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM

"Who Says I Need Therapy?" Separating Myth from the Reality of Gender Identity
Karen Heart, LCSW – Oak Park, IL
Join Karen as she explores the science of gender and examines the details of Gender Identity Disorder. She will then discuss how psychotherapy works and when it may be useful with regard to gender identity issues.

DivaStyle I ~ Beauty Basics
H. Anne Hummert

Ms. Hummet is a professional in the fashion and makeup industry with over 10 years experience. Starting from the bottom and working her way up, she will share her intimate tips on makeup including flawless beard cover and creating a “5 minute face” to follow you all day long. Learn how to create a wardrobe and face look that creates feminine features and de-emphasizes masculine ones. Learn how to dress for your shape, create a wardrobe to last a decade, go from day to evening to clubbing in only one outfit, and appropriateness of attire for each and every situation life will throw your way.

Living in Character (In less than 80 years)
Bobbi Swan - Clinton Township, MI
This is a review of all the significant events that lead to a mature life after surgery most all TGs go through in a life span. In particular this seminar describes the “roles” that the individual may play along the way and explores those of key interest. Stages reviewed cover, awareness, realization, cross dressing, puberty, adolescence, and maturity. The goal is to live comfortably and secure in society in the “true” gender of the individual. Bobbi Swan reviews much of her life as examples hoping to share many of these with her audience. A brief history of events from 1930 to 2010 is keyed along with events and photo memories from her essays and publications.

Feminzation Laryngoplasty - Understanding how your voice change works
James P Thomas MD - www.voicedoctor.net, Portland, OR
Feminization Laryngoplasty (FemLar) is a type of vocal cord and laryngeal surgery designed to obtain a more feminine sounding voice in the male to female transgender patient. Several types of procedures target the frequency or pitch of the resting speaking voice to some degree. Thyrohyoid suspension may be performed alone or along with a Feminization Laryngoplasty to change some resonance characteristics of the speaking voice by changing the configuration of the vocal tract and not just the vocal cords themselves. Pulsed Dye Laser may be able to tune the vocal cords to a small extent.
Video and audio recordings of normal vocal cords as well as recordings of patient voices undergoing the various procedures should offer the audience a better understanding of the voice as well as a better comparison of the results of these procedures than numbers alone do.
Feminization Laryngoplasty will also be compared with CricoThryoid Approximation (CTA), which is designed to place the voice into a permanent falsetto.

Dr. Gregory Chernoff, M.D., F.R.C.S. – Indianapolis, IN
Bethany Schwartz, MA, CPCC

Presenters will discuss Dr. Chernoff's extensive experience and capabilities in the field of Facial Plastic Surgery which includes combining non-invasive cosmetic treatments, the latest laser technology and aesthetic surgical techniques to develop a surgical approach suited to your individual needs. The benefits of limiting invasive intervention, Facial and Body Non-surgical treatments, Facial and Body Surgical treatments.

Friday, June 4th, 2010 2:00 PM to 3:20 PM

Facial Feminization Surgery: Maximizing Results
Dr. Jeffrey Spiegel MD - Boston University. School of Medicine, Boston, MA

Dr. Spiegel will review the goals and methods of facial feminization surgery. Post-operative photos will be shown. There will be a discussion of what procedures are available, how to maximize results, risks, and how new technologies and advances have allowed for improving structural changes to bone. Since 2004 Dr. Spiegel has performed well over 300 FFS procedures! During Be-All, Dr. Spiegel is happy to answer any questions and will be providing complimentary consultations for any interested guests. Contact us at 617-414-5058
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Strategic Talk - Transgender Lives: Changing Hearts and Minds
Mara Keisling – Ex Dir - National Center for Transgender Equality, Washington, DC
Join us as we explore messaging about transgender lives. How should we present transgender lives and experiences to the media? To legislators and potential allies? We will explore principles on how best to communicate and apply them to communicating about our lives as transgender people and allies.

Surgical Hair Restoration and Hairline Feminization
Raymond J. Konior, M.D. Medical Director of Oak Brook Aesthetic, Oakbrook Terrace, IL
The importance of hairline location, design and density as they relate to the elegance and beauty of the feminine face cannot be overemphasized. Surgical hair restoration has evolved into a state-of-the-art procedure that offers tremendous opportunity for enhancing a deficient hairline and contributing to contemporary facial feminization techniques. This seminar will focus on the feminine hairline and will highlight the various restoration options available today.

Chicago Task Force on LGBT Substance Use and Abuse Transgender Symposium
Pamela McCann - Chicago, IL
The program will be a combination of prepared statements and audience participation on service needs of the transgender community.
Representatives from the some of the sixty participating agencies and community based organizations forming the Task Force will present their research on and programs serving the transgender population and solicit comments from attendees on health-related gaps in services and health disparities issues in the transgender community.

Looking Sexy in Age Appropriate Fashions & Feminine Elegance- Successful Shopping on Any Budget!
Monica Prata - M.A.C Certified Makeup Artist and Personal Shopper, IL
Dressing sexy while keeping it age appropriate can be challenging, especially while cross-dressing. Balance your fantasy-girl ideals with polished modern fashion. Spend some time with wardrobe consultant Monica Prata as she uses live models of different sizes and ages to demonstrate sexy but age appropriate looks. Identifying age-appropriate style can be difficult when sizing and concealing is a factor, learn insider tips and tools to the secrets of sexy, age-appropriate wardrobe styling.
Between wigs, corsets and breast forms, successful cross-dressing can be an expensive endeavor. Add in the expense of a well-fitting, modern wardrobe and you're looking at a pretty penny! Wardrobe consultant Monica Prata teaches that it's not about how much you spend or where you shop that determine the beauty and elegance of an outfit but instead, the shape, texture and color that can create a successful ensemble on any budget. From TJ-Max to Barney's, you'll leave this seminar with the knowledge to purchase outfits that will have you looking and feeling like a million bucks!

Friday, June 4th, 2010 3:30 PM to 4:50 PM

Transgender & Personal Identity: A discussion group
Miqqi Alicia Gilbert - Professor of Philosophy at York University, Toronto, Canada
A trans person has gone through major changes in personal identity, including the way in which the individual relates to the world, and how the world relates to the individual. This session will focus on your stories about this change, and how it is experienced. The differences between TSs who change permanently and CDs who migrate back and forth will also form a focus. The discussion will form part of the presenter’s government funded ongoing research project.

Diva Style II ~ Fabulous Fashion and Faces with Flair!
H. Anne Hummert
Ms. Hummert continues her fashion forward Diva Style I class with more critical information on being trendy and fun. Topics in this class will go WAY beyond fashion basics and will include turning bargain basement finds into trendy treasures, navigating the rough waters of sizing, and a facial contouring demonstration. She will also get everyone up and moving with a few flirty fun moves to help carry your femininity to the next level.

Facial Feminization and Body Contouring
Dr. Mark Zukowski, M.D., F.A.C.S. Wilmette, IL
Dr. Zukowski will be presenting his state-of-the-art 21st century individualized surgical options for global one-step face, breast and body feminization including advanced endoscopic techniques of forehead feminization, ultrasonic body sculpting with large volume fat augmentation to the buttocks (Brazilian buttock lift), as well as micrograft hair restoration to create the perfectly feminine hairline. These techniques are applicable for the transgendered patient looking to transition or the cross-dressing patient looking to present their best in both male and female personas.

Saturday, June 5th, 2010 9:00 AM to 10:20 AM

Writing From The Heart
Faith Stewart MA – Writer, Naperville, IL
Emma Vosicky MAT, JD – Writer, Sleepy Hollow, IL

Relationships thrive when we uncloak our feelings and share them. Writing, in whatever form, carries the awesome potential for conveying and evoking feelings. This seminar explores and encourages participants to write from the heart and to share it with others. If possible, bring a writing of yours that expresses feelings or emotions. Participants will also be offered tools and time during the session to further explore and express themselves through the written word. All that is required is a willingness to listen to, and share with, others.

Native American Spirituality: Understanding Gender As Sacred
Dr. Ken Dollarhide, PhD in Religious Studies – Kean University, Union, NJ
Among the Navajo,the Lakota, and 175 other Native Nations and tribes there is a belief that a perosn's spirit is more important in defining one than the physical body that spirit occupies. People are accepted for what the Dine call, "the way they are in spirit." Traditionally this has allowed people who today are called "two spirits" to exist as fully integrated memebers of a particular community. There are many names in Native languages for these people, winkte, nadle, bode, etc....The notion of what we might call transgender was seen by Native people as spiritual in nature rather than as a medical or psychological problem that needed corrected. In this seminar we will explore the spiritual nature of Two-Spirit traditions.

A View Into The Other Side of The Avenue
Kevin Matthews - Chicago IL
This presentation; alone with Q&A,will help people understand more fully the transistional phases of Female to Male transexual. Items I will cover will begin on a personal note, mypersonal journey,then I will get right into process of transition. I will speak to the many flavors of what that may mean.Articulating the mental, emotional and spiritual complexities of what I have seen people go through as well as myself. I will explain the surgeries very briefly as I do not see them as the most important part of the transition process. My plan is to leave the last twenty minutes for Q&A

Reveal Your True Self: Feminization for the Transgender Patient
Terrence P. Murphy, MD, FACS - Murphy Plastic Surgery, Englewood, Co
Feminization of the transgender patient allows Dr. Terrence Murphy to use the full scope of his artistic abilities and expertise. One of the keys to successful feminization of transgender patients is a thorough understanding of the differences between the male and female physique, literally from head to toe. Feminization can include both facial feminization as well as body contouring.


Saturday, June 5th, 2010 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM

Legislative and Administrative Successes and Challenges at the Federal Level
Dr. Meredith Bacon, PhD. - Political Science, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Mara Keisling – Ex Dir - National Center for Transgender Equality, Washington, DC
This Powerpoint presentation and accompanying invitation for discussion highlights what the National Center for Transgender Equality and its allies have accomplished during the last eighteen months in Congress and in the federal bureaucracies. Included are the Hate Crimes Act of 2009 and updates on the Employment Nondiscrimination Act of 2010 and the Health Care Reform Act of 2010. New much more beneficial rules at a number of federal bureaucracies, such as Veterans Affairs, Homeland Security and State will also be discussed.

Understanding electrology methods,techniques and transition planning.
Kelly Morrissy LE/CPE – Electrolysis by Kelly Inc., Oak Park, IL
In understanding electrology, I will explain the different methods and techniques in permanent hair removal. Inform you on how to plan electrolysis with surgeries like FFS, breast enhancement and GRS. Share strategies in approaching treatment through transition, hormones, laser hair removal and pain control.

Facial Feminization Surgery
Dr Douglas Ousterhout, MD – San Francisco, CA
Dr Ousterhout willpresent his philosophy regarding facial feminization based on anatomical bony differences between the male and female skull. There will be discussions also about soft tissue surgery such as facelifts, breast augmentations, etc. Photographic results will be shown of FFS pre and post surgery patients. Dr Ousterhout will be available for private consultations.

BEYOND THE FUNDAMENTALS: From Passable to a Beautiful Voice
Kathe Perez, MA, CCC-SLP - Exceptional Voice, Inc., Denver, CO
The Nine Elements of an Exceptional Feminine Voice program is but a beginning in the vast transformation you and your voice are undertaking. This workshop will take you beyond the fundamentals into the land where the big girls play. Dare to go where you’ve never gone before.

Feminine Dining Deportment
Monica Prata - M.A.C Certified Makeup Artist and Personal Shopper, IL
Dining while expressing feminine poise, posture and mannerisms can be a difficult feat. Join the table and dine "en-femme" with Monica Prata as she hosts her interactive "Feminine Dining Deportment" seminar. Enjoy your Be All lunch and put your skills to test while learning through live models as Monica Prata demonstrates the innate differences between male and female dining mannerisms and shares with you, her simple secrets to be more feminine while dining. Note: People attending this seminar must have purchased the Saturday Lunch as part of their package. Limited to the first 20 people.

Let's talk sex
Bobbi Swan - Clinton Township, MI
Let’s talk sex: an assessment of post op orgasmic response along with a review of appropriate literature and reports. Robin Sexton and Bobbi Swan have both encountered exceptional sexual responses and sensations pre and post op with intensity in duration, psyche and body. They doubt if they are unique and wish to develop the potential of these feelings with attendees. They will include Autogynephelia, a controversial subject in literature and debate. A discussion of the second puberty, adolescence and maturity periods we undertake in our journey to womanhood will be included.

Saturday, June 5th, 2010 2:00 PM to 3:20 PM

Facial Feminization/Body Contouring: Artistic Subtlety
Dr. Joel Beck – Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, San Mateo, CA
In this presentation Dr. Beck discusses Facial Feminization and Body Contouring. This is an opportunity for those who attend to explore their options in feminizing their face and body. Dr. Beck will explain the subtle changes he can achieve while retaining the beautiful qualities his patients already possess. He discusses the importance of collaboration on an individual level with each client. This helps to ensure an individual look, faster healing, and overall pleasing outcome.

PFLAG Resources for Transgender Individuals and Their Families.
Arlene Collins – Founder, Parents of Transgender Individuals Support Group
Jen – Founder – "Today You Are You" Blog, http://todayyouareyou.com/
Carol Abrams – Board Member PFLAG Northern Illinois Regional Council
Linda Kastner – President PFLAG Palatine,
Arlene Collins will discuss PFLAG's support group for Parents of Transgender Individuals. Jen will share her experiences as a mother of a transgender child. Carole Abrams will outline PFLAG's resources for transgender people and their families. Linda Kastner will highlight the PFLAG publications: "Welcoming Our Trans Family and Friends", "Opening the Straight Spouse Closet", "Be Yourself," and TNET, PFLAG's National Transgender Resource Network and its eTransparent newsletter.

Communication in Relationships
Karen Heart, LCSW – Oak Park, IL
Ever find yourself frustrated in a relationship? Ever get into arguments with others? You can eliminate these problems by learning how to communicate more effectively. Karen will demonstrate how to communicate effectively in this lively, interactive presentation of her approach, the Better Communication Technique. Come join her for a few laughs while learning how to improve communication in relationships.

The Music of the Feminine Voice
Lynn Skinner - www.lynnskinner.com, Lakewood, CO
Voice feminization training is so much more than changing pitch, resonance, and inflection. Expressing yourself more creatively adds depth, diversity, and beauty to your voice and communication style. In a playful setting, Lynn shares material from her newly released online recordings. She presents her "Ten Elements of Creative Expression" for TG women - including specific exercises in power, agility, flexibility, confidence, visibility, honesty, tone color, imagination, interpretation, and the beauty of being more "musical" as an approach to both feminizing and authenticating your transitioning voice.

Gender Surgery: Groin Flap Phaloplasty
Dr. Neal Wilson – Detroit, Mi
Dr Neal Wilson will discuss the advantages of Groin Flap Phaloplasty

Saturday, June 5th, 2010 3:30 PM to 4:50 PM

A SIMPLE choice electrolysis when only permanent hair removal will do.
Suzanne Anderer, CPE – Frankfort, IL
Learn why SIMPLE choice is becoming the most sought after method in permanent hair removal. Sequential Inverted Micro Pulsed Led Energy is the newest option when getting rid of unwanted hair is you goal. Case history tracking, pre and post treatment expectations hormonal influences and cost effectiveness of treatment are covered in the lecture. SIMPLE theory, client/electrologist testimonials and clinical demonstrations mesh together to indicate why this option is becoming the method of choice when ONLY permanent hair removal will do.

Fantasy Girl vs. Reality Woman
Miqqi Alicia Gilbert - Professor of Philosophy at York University, Toronto, Canada
All too often cross-dressers enjoy those aspects of womanhood that we consider “fun” or “sexy” while ignoring the realities of being a woman, especially in a male-dominated society. In this workshop we will explore what this means for the cross-dresser. (Fun for all, but bring your SO if she’s here.)

MtF GRS Surgery and Breast Augmentation; FFS; FtM GRS - Upper and Lower Surgery
Dr Toby Meltzer, MD, PC, Scottsdale AZ

1) MTF GRS and Breast Augmentation, 2) MTF Facial Feminization and Body Contouring , 3) FTM GRS and Chest Reconstruction PowerPoint Presentation showing before and after photos, discuss current techniques and answer questions.

Life Style Reorientation: Listening to Your Soul
Dr. Edwin Miller, MD - Healthy Alternatives, Chicago, IL
Listen to your soul as a guide to understanding yourself. Be appreciative of the life you were meant to live so you may come to terms with who you are. Life is about balancing how you live a joyful life.

Support, Resources and Social Connections for Trans Teens and Adults.
Erschel De Leon, M.Ed. – Pride Youth Program Director at LINKS-North Shore Youth Health Service
Nancy Mullen, MSW – Executive Director, Youth Outlook (formerly Questioning Youth.)
Linda Kastner – Facilitator for the Journey Adult Transgender Support Group
Erschel DeLeon will discuss transgender and sexual minority youth issues.
Nancy Mullen will discuss Youth Outlook's LGBTQ weekly drop-in centers in Aurora, DeKalb, Geneva and Naperville.
Nancy Mullen will highlight Youth Outlook's monthly Transcend group in Naperville for transgender teens.
Linda Kastner will discuss the Journey adult transgender support group.

Saturday, June 5th, 2010 By Appointment

Study: Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
Dr. Russell Getz, LCSW – Allied Counseling Service, Sleepy Hollow, IL

Support Dr. Getz's study of our community by taking the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory. Individual results will be available after the Be-All. See Dr. Getz for details.


Thursday through Saturday by on-site schedule


CAN-TV show
Cheri Rodman - Chair of Illinois Gender Advocates
Pamela Mccann - IGA Board Member and Chair of IGA's Outreach Committee


Be a part of a live taping of IGA's monthly tv show