August 2018 Volume 29 Issue 7 www.TransCentralPA.org [email protected] c/o MCC of the Spirit 2973 Jefferson Street Serving the Community of Central Pennsylvania since 1989 Harrisburg, PA 17110 August 2018 Announcements Augusts’s Dinner will be at Carleys Ristorante, Saturday, August 11th. We will meet at 5:30 pm and dinner will seat promptly at 6:00 pm Please RSVP at our website. August Meeting is Saturday, Au- gust 11th at approximately 8:00 pm After hour activities usually ensue after the meeting at the Sheraton’s Dog & Pony Lounge. Check with Katie W. for information. Summer Fling 2018 Join the LGBT Center of Central PA's first-ever Summer Fling! As the long days of summer start to wind down, they in- vite you to a fun, upbeat evening with heavy hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, entertainment, dancing, raffles & more! Summer Fling will be held August 18th at the State Museum of Pennsylvania. Department of Corrections. For a couple of years now, TransCen- tralPA has been actively involved with providing support services to transgender inmates. Recently, two of our long-time advocates at the department published an article de- scribing the program and shared it with us. They specifically wanted to thank Joanne C., Liz L. and Gretch- en L. for their support from the begin- ning and continued involvement. Here is a link to the article in pdf. TransCentralPA Annual Picnic will once again be held at GIFFORD PINCHOT STATE PARK. September 29th Watch for Sign up sheet in next months Newsletter. TransCentralPA Family is a spe- cial meeting for families and friends with trans and expansive youth. They meets the first Sunday of each month from 3 to 5 pm. The next meeting is Sunday August 4th. Email us at fami- [email protected] with ques-

See ‘Announcements’ on page 9... Harrisburg Pride at the State Capitol

Calendar of Events From the President Bold text are TransCentralPA sponsored Aug Trans Wellness 2 Conference Joanne’s Jottings Philadelphia, PA Today is a day to regroup from the contact high that was Aug TransCentralPA Family Central PA Pride in Harrisburg. My Pride weekend did not 5 ‘Back to School Boulder Bash’ end until Sunday Night, I was one of the featured speak- Mechanicsburg, PA ers at the Interfaith Service at Christ’s Lutheran in the Alli- Aug TransCentralPA Dinner son Hill neighborhood of Harrisburg. 11 Meeting @ the MCC Of The Spirit The monsoon-like rains over the past few weeks rendered Social Time-Location @ Sheraton Riverfront Park and unsafe venue, because of the flooding Aug Transgender Pride in the Park of the Susquehanna River. Our Governor, Tom Wolf Joanne Carroll 11 Ferndale, MI along with State Representatives Patty Kim of Harrisburg President and Brian Sims of Philadelphia put wheels in motion and Aug Gender Odyssey we had a new venue, Soldier’s Grove on the Capitol 9-12 Seattle, WA grounds If that is new to you, it is the park directly across Commonwealth Avenue Sep TransCentralPA Families Meeting from the East Entrance to the Capitol. What a venue, a beautiful park, with 2 Mechanicsburg, PA the Capitol Dome and Fountain in the background, and no mud. It may be bias speaking but to my mind, it has to be one of the most amazing Pride Sep Southern Comfort Conference locations anywhere…and get ready for this…drum roll please…the organiz- 6-8 Ft. Lauderdale, FL ers have secured Soldier’s Grove for the next two years. Sep TransCentralPA Dinner All the usual suspects, from Lancaster Pride again stepped up, DeeAnne C, 8 Meeting @ the MCC Of The Spirit (aka the Special Assistant to the President); Karla G and wife Lisa; Joni W; Social Time-Location @ Sheraton Lillian M; and Carolyn R with the addition of Katie W, Nic Miller, and Joni W’s sister Teresa, and I am so grateful for their assistance. Sep TCPA Annual Picnic By the time you read this we will likely have completed the Equality Fest (a 29 GIFFORD PINCHOT STATE PARK Pride event) in York, at Penn Park. Early sign-ups are indicating that we are staffing challenged, so hopefully, we will get some late joiners. Once York is in our taillights we will have some peace and quiet until Mil- Oct TransCentralPA Families Meeting Mechanicsburg, PA lersville University Pride Fest in October. 7 In other news, we just celebrated our second anniversary of participating with the Department of Corrections (DOC) in the video conference based Oct TransCentralPA Dinner Meeting @ the MCC Of The Spirit transgender support group. This monthly activity was recently recognized 13 Social Time-Location @ Sheraton in a monthly corrections magazine and our involvement was a key feature in the article. Oct Fantasia Fair Provincetown, Massachusetts I would encourage you to put Saturday, September 29, 2018 on your calen- 14-21 dar. This is the date we have set aside for our annual picnic, being held once again at Gifford Pinchot State Park. We are no longer providing ham- Visit www.TransCentralPA.org for de- burgers and hot dogs because of the cost and the problem with leftovers. tails & more event info! So this year it will be strictly a pot-luck, that means you need to dust off your favorite recipe book and create something amazing. Over the past several years, the picnic has become a highlight for me, because it is such a great, nearly private location, and in the relaxed atmosphere friendships are cemented and grown. I am looking forward to August, because I believe I will have some amazing news to share with you, and I am looking forward to seeing you at our meet- ing on August 11.

Hugs ‘n stuff Joanne

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Transwomen Program Aiming for Miss Universe — and Universal Raphael Minder, New York Times

Asked when she first realized that people from my own collective, just she was a girl, Ángela Ponce an- when women are taking to the streets swered with her own question: “And to ask for recognition,” she said. “I when did you first know you were a find it weird that some women don’t boy?” tolerate that I go to a competition to represent my country as the After winning Spain’s national beauty that I am.” contest last month, Ms. Ponce will become the first transgender woman She added: “If we want progress, we to compete in the Miss Universe pag- just have to stop looking whether eant. But she is also on a mission to what other women are doing is good challenge traditional concepts of gen- or not.” der and beauty, as well as to break Surprisingly to some, predominantly- down what she sees as unacceptable Catholic Spain has led the way on barriers in the fashion industry. several gender-related issues. In “Having a vagina doesn’t make a June, the country’s new prime minis- woman,” she said in an interview. ter, Pedro Sánchez, appointed 11 “Even if many people don’t want to women as the heads of the govern- see me as a woman, I clearly belong ment’s 17 ministries, the highest pro- among them.” portion among Western countries. Angela Ponce and sister Amanda Ms. Ponce, 27, grew up in Pilas, a Under a previous Socialist admin- town in southern Spain where her istration, Spain also became in 2004 father owned a bar that is now - by a Spanish woman who fought one of the first nations to legalize aged by her elder brother. Pilas was against the management of a school same- marriage. “Compared to a conservative place, she says, that did not want to recognize her other countries, I’m lucky to have where “there was nobody like me.” daughter as a transgender girl. been born here,” Ms. Ponce said That extended to her school, which As one of the foundation’s volunteers, In fact, she said that much of the re- also set her apart, placing her in a Ms. Ponce gives talks in schools and cent social media criticism against group of children needing special meets with children and parents who her came from women overseas, who care, alongside some who were deal- are struggling with transgender is- believe that she will have an unfair ing with family breakups or who be- sues. On one occasion, she said, she advantage over other national beauty longed to the minority Roma commu- received a phone call in the middle of queens when she participates in the nity. the night from a transgender girl Miss Universe pageant later this But her parents fought hard against threatening to commit suicide be- year. Apart from her genital surgery, any efforts to single her out, as well cause of the social pressures. Ms. Ponce said the only other proce- as against the derogatory attention When she was about 16, Ms. Ponce dure she has undergone was plastic and insults that she often received. decided to undergo hormonal treat- surgery to enlarge her breasts, fol- When she was very young, she was ment and eventually vaginal plastic lowing her hormonal treatment. encouraged by them to play with her surgery, “to remove what for me was “When I hear that all the girls won’t favorite dolls and keep away from her a burden and a trauma.” But she said be competing in equal conditions, I brother’s football. that her message to the teenagers say that’s right, but only because I’ve whom she now meets is always that “The problems for me only started actually had to make double the vaginal surgery is a personal choice, outside my home, at school and on amount of efforts to get there, be- and that it is not essential to being a the street,” she said. “My parents al- cause I wasn’t gifted everything by woman. ways supported me, but from the mo- nature,” she said. “My face has al- ment I was born, I felt that I was a “There are women with a penis and ways been my face, whether you like public figure and that people some- men with a vagina, because the only it or not, and the same for my waist.” how had the right to speak about how key part of being a woman is to be “Women own their bodies, and many I was.” and feel like a woman,” she said. of them have had plastic surgery, so Three years ago, after winning a re- Her recent success as a beauty how is reshaping your nose or your gional beauty contest, she moved to queen has brought her admirers, but cheek bones to make you feel better Madrid to pursue her career as a also plenty of attacks — mostly from any different to getting a vagina or model. At the same time, she also other women, she said. breast enlargement?” started collaborating with the Daniela “What strikes me is that a lot of the Foundation, which was established criticism has come from women and ‘Miss Universe’ Continued on Page 4...

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...‘Miss Universe’ from Page 3 Family/Youth Program Ms. Ponce also lamented what she Supergirl Casts TV's First described as the hypocrisy of some big clothing brands that refused her Transgender Superhero as a model once they found out that Charlie Mason, TV Line Reporter she was transgender. “There are brands that are happy for you to buy Supergirl will and wear their clothing but not to be making have you on their catwalk,” she said. history in “It’s strange coming from a world of Season 4. At fashion that claims to be setting the CW se- trends.” ries’ San Die- The Miss Universe pageant was go Comic- owned for almost two decades by Con panel on President Trump. He sold the rights Saturday, it to the event in 2015 to WME-IMG, a was an- talent agency, after NBC canceled its nounced that television contract with Mr. Trump transgender amid an outcry over Mr. Trump de- activist Nicole Maines has been cast TransCentralPA scribing migrants crossing from Mex- in the series regular role of Nia Nal Family Meetings ico as rapists and murderers during aka Dreamer, television’s first his bid for the presidency. transgender superhero. Next Event: During Mr. Trump’s tenure, the rules In addition, the show has tapped April Sunday, August 5 of the pageant were changed to al- Parker Jones (If Loving You Is low transgender competitors, follow- Wrong) to play the series-regular role ‘Back to School Boulder Bash’ ing a successful protest campaign in of Colonel Haley and David Ajala email us for details at 2012 by Jenna Talackova, a Canadi- (Falling Water) to recur as Manches- [email protected] an beauty queen who had initially ter Black. So, who are these new been barred from taking part in her characters? According to the show’s Next Meetings: national competition. official descriptions… Sunday, September 2 Guillermo Escobar, who is the presi- Nia is the newest addition to the Sunday, October 7 dent of Spain’s national beauty con- CatCo reporting team. A soulful test, acknowledged that Ms. Ponce’s young transgender woman with a TransCentralPA Family is a support win as a transgender candidate last fierce drive to protect others, Nia’s group for families of gender question- month had helped raise the profile of journey this season means fulfilling ing and . We meet the competition, but insisted that “the her destiny as the superhero Dream- the first Sunday of each month. We jury simply valued her as a great er, much like Kara came into her own provide a safe, affirming environment woman.” as Supergirl. for families, children and adolescents “She is a pioneer, sending a mes- Hardline career military woman Colo- to meet others and build friendships. sage of equality and respect, but my nel Haley lives and dies by the orders Parents, relatives and close friends hope is that we will eventually have of her commanding officers. Dedicat- can share knowledge and experiences many more candidates like her and ed to her country, she always acts in as well as receive encouragement. We this will no longer make the head- its best interest — even if it’s not her help each others with questions about lines,” he added. own. laws, insurance, medical treatment, During the interview with Ms. Ponce, And finally, based on the iconic DC policies and more. Your privacy and her 19-year-old sister, Amanda, character, Manchester Black is the confidentiality are very important as watched her intently and then took type of guy who brings a knife to a each of us are at different stages of several close-up photos of her with gunfight and still walks away the win- our journey. her cellphone. “I can only be very ner. With a dark past, he easily de- Please contact us at proud of my sister,” said Amanda, flects the brutality of his mission with [email protected] who is a law student whose classes his charm and sense of humor. had just ended. “She’s worked very Previously, it had been revealed that hard to get here, but I know she and Supergirl was adding to its series- all other women can get a lot fur- regular cast Jesse Rath as the Le- ther.” gion of Super Heroes’ Brianiac-5 and

Sam Witwer as Agent Liberty. Sea- son 4 kicks off on Sunday, Oct. 14, at 8/7c.

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Transmen Program Chaz Bono's Second Act David Artavia, Advocate Reporter It took Chaz Bono nearly 30 comfortable in your skin to be years to find a spotlight not able to do it. I’m a fairly hetero- shaped by his famous parents, normative guy. I was like that Cher and Sonny Bono. Now when I was in a body, he’s becoming one of Holly- and therefore to play a woman wood’s most sought-after — I couldn’t do it.” character actors, blazing a new trail and challenging the He says now, “I lived my life system in the process. before really in my head and completely disconnected from Since his breakout role on The my body. I didn’t like what was Bold and the Beautiful in 2016, reflected in the mirror, it wasn’t the trans actor has had recur- me. It wasn’t how I saw myself. ring roles in the comedy series So, there was a huge discon- Where the Bears Are, and the nect with myself physically.” He drama American Horror Story adds, “Now, it’s about being (starring in both Roanoke and able to pursue the life I always Cult, the latter which earned wanted to have, but I wasn’t acclaim for his portrayal of a able to because I was in the fervent Trump supporter). wrong skin.” drawn to. Before his role on the daytime drama, This is Bono’s time to shine. His tal- Bono’s projects mainly consisted of “I am a nice guy and I think having ent is abundantly clear on screen. documentaries and non-scripted been in the public eye… [people] think Though shy and introverted in real shows, notably his 2011 Becoming of me that way,” he says. “I thought life, on screen he says he is “really Chaz, and groundbreaking stint as that if I did those type of parts, then far away from myself. When I’m act- the first trans contestant on ABC’s people would be able to forget they ing, I can be insane. I can just do Dancing with the Stars. These pro- were watching me, and maybe some- stuff that I would never do. I can jects brought him a new fan base, but body would give me a shot.” come out of a voting booth and weren’t what he wanted to do long Someone who did give Bono a shot scream at the top of my lungs, term. was American Horror Story creator ‘Welcome to Trump’s America moth- “I remember saying to [my team], ‘I’m Ryan Murphy, who Bono describes as erfuckers!’” not going to do [reality TV] anymore, a “guy who is not afraid to take chanc- On re-establishing himself as an ac- I’m going to be an actor,’ and they es if he sees somebody who he likes” tor, Bono adds, “If I was born male, I were like, ‘What? You’re going to do — something that was missing from the would have done what so many of what?’” he shares with The Advocate. industry back when Bono attended a my classmates [did] who... went on to “I said ‘I can’t do that anymore, be- performing arts high school in New college and then started their careers cause people won’t take me serious- York City. and are still working. But I couldn’t do ly, and it’s going to be hard enough “In my senior year I got cast in our one that, and I had a 30-year absence as it is. This is what I’ve always want- big production we did there, in a male almost to getting back and being able ed to be, and I’m going to be an ac- part,” Bono remembers. “And it was so to now finally start to do the career tor.’” life changing. It was the first time I ever that I’ve always wanted.” He also decided not to play trans felt I knew what I was doing onstage.” The competition in Hollywood is characters, not wanting to be type- He would later quit acting, thinking he fierce, but Bono isn’t letting any of cast before having a chance to estab- had to “put that dream aside,” assum- that stop him — no matter how late in lish himself as an actor. After all, ing it would never happen for him the the game he might be. “The good says Bono, with “every trans actor I way he needed it to. “I spent a lot of thing is that I’m a lot more mentally know, [trans roles] are all they get years in the community, [but] and emotionally prepared for this, offered.” that was never a good fit. I knew some- which is great, so I don’t let it make thing was off. Those weren’t fun years Bono is proving himself as an actor, me feel less than,” he says. “I know by any stretch. And then coming to currently starring alongside Denise that I’m good at what I do. I take it terms with being trans, it was a long, Richards, Jane Seymour, and Brigitte seriously. When I’m not actively hard journey.” Nielson in Adi Shankar’s Gods and working on something, I’m always in Secrets. Next, he can be seen in the After Bono came out trans in 2009 and class. So, I’m always acting. That indie supernatural horror flick Re- underwent gender confirmation sur- muscle is always working.” born, playing another of the “weird gery, his craft improved too. Bono says creepy bad guy” roles he admits he’s acting is a job “where you have to be

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CentralPA LGBT Center

Summer Fling 2018 August 18, 2018 State Museum of Pennsylvania, 300 North Street, Harrisburg Join us for the LGBT Center of Central PA's first-ever Summer Fling! As the long days of summer start to wind down, we invite you to a fun, upbeat evening with heavy hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, entertain- ment, dancing, raffles & more! Dress code is Cocktail Attire featuring your best smile - wear what makes you feel authentic and ready to celebrate the season! Come prepared to have a great time AND support the LGBT Center's continued work to provide safe spaces, quality programs and training and education to LGBTQ+ people and allies in Central PA. Payment may be made online or by check addressed to "LGBT Center of Central PA" with "Summer Fling" in the memo line, and mailed to 1306 N 3rd St, Harrisburg PA 17102.

Fall Achievement Benefit Saturday, October 6, 2018 Lancaster Marriott This year, the LGBT Center of Central PA is "Bringing Back the Glitz" at FAB 2018 - so dust off your formalwear as the FAB 2018 gala returns to its original sit-down dinner for- mat! Make sure you are part of this special evening as we come together at the Lancaster Marriott to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, honor those who have made a special impact, and connect with old and new friends. Add some extra glitz to your evening by join- ing us for a VIP reception with the honorees prior to FAB 2018. Honorees and full schedule of events to be announced! FAB is a vital source of funding for the LGBT Center of Central PA as we foster inclusive communities and holistic well- being for LGBTQ+ people through social, educational, and cultural engagement. We appreciate your support and hope to see you there! Buy Your Tickets Today!

www.AlderHealth.org

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News

Below are several news stories, blogs, opinions and resources for your reading pleasure. Opinions & views in these links cannot be assumed to be of TransCentralPA, nor the Officers or Members of TransCentralPA. Our goal is to simply provide you with information & thought-provoking viewpoints. If you would like to submit a story, please email us at [email protected].

Bill introduced banning -and-trans-panic-defenses Transgender woman’s quest for surgery caught in political crosswinds Theatre Philadelphia’s Barrymore Scientist racing eyeing how gender transitions alter athletic performance Job Fair for transgender individuals Awards Go for Gender Inclusiveness Puerto Rico allows transgender people to correct birth certificates A.D. Amorosi, Oregon transgender student wins right to use preferred bathroom Video games are a trans-girls best friend Theatre Philadelphia is readying the launch of its 2018-19 Pakistan elections feature 13 Barrymore Awards season with a new approach: greater ’s pioneering surgery as Russian state secret for decades inclusion and diversity. Trans Chaplain helping LGBTQ elders feel welcome Nationally recognized as a totem of artistic excellence for Japanese women’s university announces new transgender student policy professional theater for designers and directors as well as Massachusetts transgender protections will be on the ballot in November performers, the Barrymores award four cash grants of N.J. laws give transgender people more protection, rights Philly sheriff sets guidelines for treating transgender people more than $75,000 each year to artists and organizations, GOP Sen. Ernst supports transgender troops in US Military and also recognize honorees with lifetime-achievement Philadelphia School District won’t change bathroom policy awards. A Philly story “We recognize that the Barrymores are one of the most New transgender health training launched visible celebrations of theater in the Greater Philadelphia Community helps Philly transgender teen region, and we wanted to reflect the larger community Transgender delegate Danica Roem’s district adds LGBT student protections that we are drawing both artists and audiences from, “ Trans teen fights to escape abusive parents & said Theatre Philadelphia executive director Leigh Gold- ADL Tells court to protect transgender students’ rights enberg. Transgender Workers Gain New Protection Under Court Ruling Chile’s Oscar for ‘A Fantastic Woman’ Bolsters Bill Last year, the organization began an effort to ensure that Kim Petras Wants to Be a Pop Star the nominating artists who judge their fellow artists were Small-town doctor wants to perform surgeries for transwomen more representative of the larger, diverse community in 25 best LGBTQ movies of the past 25 years terms of race, gender and , Goldenberg CBBC follows transgender teen’s journey to become a boy said, adding, “We’re continuing this into the current sea- Trying to find love as a transgender man son as well.” Transgender people open up about their lives and experiences Transgender model helps smash barriers Of the 12 judges for the 2018-19 awards, six identify as Half of LGBT workers feel bullied at work people of color, as opposed to only two judges in 2017- Gay philanthropist donates millions to LGBT fund 18. And there are now eight cis-women, up from six, and Theater company spotlights community for body-image discussion one identifying as nonbinary, last season. I'm not a boy or a girl “Our oversight and inclusion committees went out into the New Ryan Murphy Show for FX casts several Transgender regulars communities and expressed welcome and invitation — Californians soon to have nonbinary Gender Option on birth certificates which is different than just opening our doors,” said Gold- Transgender Brazilians embrace soap opera: ‘Now You Can See Us’ enberg. My husband Is now my wife Five sites of New York’s L.G.B.T.Q. history Also new this year: Each performance category at the Gender-Fluid artists come out of the Gray Zone Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre will be gen- Boulder Co. students, teachers want schools to tackle gender and sexuality issues der-inclusive, with binary male and female designations A Federal Court Pushes Back on Transgender Military Ban replaced with inclusive performer categories. Battle over rights inspires more U.S. transgender candidates A date for the Barrymores is not yet set (usually they are Long Island Gay & Lesbian film festival to showcase 8 new films in October). Exploring Breast Cancer In Transgender Communities Patriotic & Proud, Kansas City’s Transgender Vets look to the future Four performing categories will no longer be tagged with Tom Petty’s last tour included a subtle nod of support for Trans rights specific , Goldenberg said. “So it will be an ‘Outstanding Performer’ or ‘Outstanding Supporting Per- A father and Trans daughter, two generations of firefighters former,’ with eight recipients instead of the four that were Teen on the front lines for trans equality in North Carolina designated for each gender. Now there are many different Trans Men Prefer To Do It Themselves options that can shake out — two women, two gender- Spelman College changes its admissions policy to include Trans women nonconforming artists, two men. This should be interest- Writing while Trans ing.” Beautiful story of a gay dad and his Transgender daughter Trans influencers went purple for #SpiritDay Pax Ressler, a genderqueer composer, music director, First ever TransTech Summit aims to empower Trans community designer and performer, said it’s about time. Non-binary leaders who are changing the world Author Heath Fogg: Does Gender Matter? Femme Fever News Read more about Theatre Philadelphia here

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Gov. Wolf Announces Formation of LGBTQ Commission Paul Vigna, Penn Live

mary Browne, Patricia Bucek, Kathy Cameron, Joanne Carroll, Marc Coleman, Katharine Dalke, Jim DePoe, Sen. Lawrence Farnese, Rep. Dan Frankel, Elicia Gonzales, Amber Hikes, Jodi Hirsh, Malcolm Kenyatta, Michele Kessler, Jason Landau Goodman, Maryellen Mad- den, Jere Mahaffey, Michael Mahler, Adil Mansoor, Adanjesus Marin, Sean Meloy, Gerald Montano, Se- bastian Pelaez, Brian Patchcoski, Sarah Rosso, Kristin Seale, Adrian Shanker, Henry Sias, Rep. Brian Sims, Sean Strub, Roberto "Tito" Trans Country Singer Pa. Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday creat- Valdes, Harry Young and Heshie Brody Ray is ed the Pennsylvania Commission on Zinman. LGBTQ Affairs. Standing In The Light Two of the legislative members ap- Erin Jensen, USA Today "The creation of the commission on pointed to the commission lauded Brody Ray took the "America's Got LGBTQ Affairs is one step of many Wolf for its creation. we have taken to ensure obstacles Talent" stage during a month ago are removed for anyone who is facing Frankel, from Allegheny County, is ready to share a piece of himself. an unfair disadvantage based on sex- the House Democratic Caucus The Nebraska native who sang Jor- ual orientation, gender identity and Chairman and the co-chairman of dan Smith's "Stand in the Light," ex- expression," Wolf said in a press re- the LGBT Equality Caucus in the plained to the judges that the lyrics lease. "It's a step we took together legislature. He said the panel is "a mirrored his own life. Elaborating on with our stakeholder and advocacy good step forward to determine his "struggles and battles," Ray ex- groups and one that those involved needs for LGBT residents. But some plained, "I actually was born female. asked for - a commission to help co- things we already know: The legisla- I'm transgender." ordinate and drive statewide equality ture should pass the Pennsylvania efforts. Fairness Act. This bipartisan bill Ray's performance visibly touched would include sexual orientation and judge Mel B and moved audience The 40-member commission, be- gender identity or expression in the members to get up from their seats. lieved to be the only one in the coun- types of banned "This is who I am inside, this is who I try, will be led by executive director statewide in the workplace, housing Todd Snovel. Most recently, Snovel am, and I'm not going to hide," he and public accommodations. It's still belted out. "'Cause the greatest risk was the Assistant Dean for Engage- legal in much of Pennsylvania for ment and Inclusion at Lebanon Valley we'll ever take is by far to stand in the people to be denied a job or a place light and be seen as we are." College, where he led the team work- to live just because of who they are, ing with students in the co-curricular and that's wrong." At the end of his song, Ray received a experience and initiated campus- standing ovation from the judges and wide efforts in equity, diversity, and Sims, a Philadelphia Democrat and crowd inclusion. He also teaches college- the first openly gay lawmaker in level courses on the studies of gen- Pennsylvania's history, was included Ray reflected on his performance ders, sexualities, and identities. He in USA Today's Face of Pride nation- Tuesday night on Twitter. "This song was the 2014 recipient of the Athena al project in late June. He thanked made me cry the moment I heard it," Award from the Lebanon Valley Wolf for having "consistently support- he wrote. "And today it helped change Chamber of Commerce and received ed equal rights for LGBTQ Pennsyl- my life forever." the Wheeler Freedom Award in 2015 vanians, and today's announcement On Instagram, he reiterated the lyrics' for his support of the LGBTQ commu- confirms that." message for followers. "Stand in the nity in Lebanon County. The Pennsylvania Commission on light and be seen as you are. Don’t let The Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs joins the governor's your differences cause you to hide. LGBTQ Affairs commissioners are: existing commissions: African Ameri- Don’t be ashamed," Ray wrote in the can Affairs, Asian Pacific American caption of an image from Tuesday's Chair - Anne Wakabayashi Affairs, Latino Affairs and the Com- show. "Don’t let it tell you what you Co-Vice-Chair - Shaashawn Dial mission for Women. can and can’t do with your life. Be proud. Be strong. Be out." Co-Vice-Chair - Tyler Titus View the Video And, in alphabetical order, the rest of the group: Ben Allatt, Rich Askey, Mark Barbee, Chris Bartlett, Rose-

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Philly Trans Health Conference ...‘Announcements’ from page 1 Cancels Sessions on Detransitioning tions.APPLY TODAY! For all catego- Katie Herzog, The Stranger ries, priority will be given to those who The Philadelphia Trans Health Conference—an annual meeting of transgender self-identify as trans, non-binary, or people, advocates, and health care providers—announced Tuesday that they Two-Spirit. Further preference will be are canceling two panels, one on detransitioning and one on alternate ways of given to students who demonstrate dealing with besides medical transition. financial need. To see complete de- tails and requirements, visit our web- In a statement, conference organizers wrote: site! For this year’s conference, two workshops, ‘Alternate ways of working with 2019 Keystone Conference The gender dysphoria’ and ‘: A panel discussion’ have become the 2018 was a resounding success and center of a debate. Detransition is, without a doubt, a difficult and sometimes the 2019 Keystone Conference is now controversial topic. These two workshops brought impassioned conversation scheduled for March 19th-24th. Don’t to the forefront for conference planners and community stakeholders. Indi- miss out, mark your calendars. Make viduals have come out on both sides with very strong opinions on whether your plans now. these workshops should be permitted to be presented at the conference to what type of content and comments would be presented by the facilitators Questions about updating gender going off of what they have posted they have on social media. markers or gender designation on PA IDs or driver's licenses and would When a topic becomes controversial, such as this one has turned on social like to talk to a supportive person in- media, there is a duty to make sure that the debate does not get out of con- side of PennDOT before moving for- trol at the conference itself. After several days of considerations and review- ward with the process? Inquiries about ing feedback, the planning committee voted that the workshops, while valid, changing the gender designation on cannot be presented at the conference as planned. PA IDs or driver's licenses, contact The difficult decision to pull these workshops ultimately came down to the [email protected] or call 717-787- level of heated conversation and controversy surrounding the two work- 0485 shops. This was detracting from our overall mission of the conference, to TCPA Membership Dues are a one- provide an accessible and respectful environment that centers the experi- time annual fee of $20. Dues are ences of the transgender and gender non-conforming/non-binary (GNC/NB) used to pay for meeting space, pro- community. gram literature, our website and our Controversial is, perhaps, an understatement. Detransitioning is a fraught affiliation with and support of commu- subject within the transgender community and detransitioners who are open nity groups and activities such as about their status are frequently targets of harassment. Common Roads, the Community Cen- ter, Central Pennsylvania Pride, etc. According to conference organizers, after complaints from attendees and oth- Please continue to support our organi- ers in the trans community, there was an internal vote on whether or not to zation and efforts by joining or renew- include the sessions (which had already been accepted into the conference) ing your membership—we are making and, in the end, the detransitioners lost. a difference! I reached out to Carey Callahan, a detransitioner herself and one of the panel Sheraton Discount We have nego- organizers. Callahan wrote: tiaed the special rate of $119/night for The panelists worked hard to create material that was useful to and respectful TransCentralPA members and guests of people with many different experiences of gender. People bought plane tick- at the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey ets, took time off of work, participated in lots of meetings to make these panels Hotel ($159/night during July and Au- happen. gust). To take advantage, enter the SET code 529363 where it asks for a I'm feeling disheartened at being mischaracterized as trans-exclusionary when I've repeatedly, emphatically stated that transition is a good thing in many peo- SET/Corporate Account code. ple's lives. I hope the Philly organizers and attendees come to view these can- Red Roof Inn Discount. We have cellations as a lost opportunity for education and dialogue, and that next year negotiated a rate of $42.99/night for we're all feeling silly about how scared we used to be of each other. Detransi- TranscentralPA members and guests. tioners generally feel protective of trans people's rights and well-being, and it To take advantage of this special of- would go a long way to see some of that concern reciprocated. fer, call the hotel directly at (717) 939- I've asked the conference if they will be reimbursing panelists for their expens- 1331 and use the CP code ‘609306’. es and will update when/if I hear back. Got a Question or Announce- Update: I heard back from R Perry Monastero, director of development and ments? marketing at the Mazzoni Center, which hosts the conference. Monastero Maybe you have a great, anecdote, says: "The committee understands the gravity of the decision to cancel these story or thoughts on events you’ve two workshops. Given the overwhelming reactions that evolved around this attended . Photo’s are always appreci- topic, the committee and Mazzoni Center were concerned about our ability to ated and if you would like them pub- preserve a safe environment. We’ve reached out to both presenters and as- lished in the next TCPA Newsletter. E- sured them that Mazzoni Center will reimburse travel expenses that they may mail us at [email protected] have already incurred."

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