My First Transgender Event

[Carolyn Marie]

Yesterday I attended the Transgender Leadership Conference put on by the California Transgender Law Center. There were speeches, seminars, celebrity guests (Chaz Bono doing a book signing), food and camaraderie. There were perhaps 200-250 people present.

The seminars and speeches were excellent, and I learned a lot. They will help me as I get more into this advocacy role, and hearing about the accomplishments of all the great Community leaders was a reminder that I'm a newbie to this arena and have a lot to learn. I am awed by those who have gone before and established the path that the rest of us can now walk. There are real courageous trailblazers in our Community, and meeting some of them was inspiring. Judge Kolakowski, the first Transsexual judge elected in California was also present.

More than anything, what I really enjoyed about the day was being able to see and talk to so many people from so many different backgrounds. I spoke at length with the S/O of a transman, and they started out as a lesbian couple 20 years ago and she was just amazing. Then there was the young transman (I'll leave out his name for privacy's sake) I met, who was so incredibly nice and with whom I hit it off immediately. I've invited him to check out Laura's and hope he does. He was also dang handsome, too! Ah, if I were single and 20 years younger. LOL! There was the Native American transwoman who was a panelist, and whose intelligence and beauty was awesome to behold. It was so invigorating and exciting to be among a group of people that I shared so much in common with, and who wrapped me in a cloak of friendship and understanding that still makes me smile. There was so much energy and enthusiasm in those folks, and it gave me great joy and optimism for our future.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[JJ]

It all sounds fantastic Carolyn!

I am so glad a representative and an advocate like you! You are a remarkable woman.

What a boon that as well as learning and representing us you also had such an enjoyable time yourself!

Hugs & Love

Johnny

[Guest CariadsCarrot]

That sounds like an awesome day Carolyn and I'm glad it was.

Gabe