Johnson

This workshop will focus on employment discrimination and the issues that face some LGBT candidates. 

• Where we've been and where we're going.
• The history of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
• The significance of the exclusion of gender identity from the legislation in 2007 for ALL LGBT people.
• The severe backlash that occurred after removal of gender identity from the legislation and subsequent unification.
• The future of employment rights.

This workshop will describe the unique experience of a couple who struggled in the beginning of the transition process; but were able to redefine their relationship, their gender roles, their very identities, and grow in ways they never dreamed possible. Today, they are grateful for their experience, and are as deeply in love as when they began their journey together eleven years ago.

Having spent 17 years and over $30,000 on three different continents attempting to change and suppress his gay orientation and gender differences, Peterson Toscano presents a lively workshop about the ex-gay movement and the often-tragic outcomes of pursuing such a change.

Interjecting scenes from his one-person comedy Doin' Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway HouseHow I Survived the Ex-Gay Movement, along with personal narrative, and the most current information about the ex-gay movement, Peterson's interactive presentation leaves his audience informed and better equipped to address false claims of the Ex-Gay Movement and build a strong LGBT community.

Rebecca Allison, M.D., will discuss issues which relate to transgender medicine as she has seen from her position as chair of the American Medical Association Advisory Committee on LGBT Issues, and as President-Elect of the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association.

Come learn about the unique legal challenges that transgender people face as they transform their lives to match mind and body and live as their authentic selves, including the challenges of changing name and gender on drivers licenses, passports, birth certificates and other documents on which our legal identities depend.  Bring your questions and your own experiences to share with the group.

In a thought-provoking presentation, Michael and his wife, Lillian, will help inform, educate and enlighten us on issues that affect being in a relationship that turns into a marriage. Lillian will share her perspective as the partner of a transman,  and lead us through her personal issues dealing with other's transphobia and educate us on how to be a trans ally. Michael will share his personal journey of being trans and dating issues that trans-identified people encounter. Together they will share their tools that have helped them be in a supportive and loving marriage.

Dharma Kelleher facilitates a group discussion on the need to belong, the role of community and the impact it has on our lives and the quest for equal rights.

A.C., along with Michael Brown, will share how each transitioned; one having the full support of his family, and the other with no family support. These two men will open up about their personal struggles and their personal journeys and how it affected their family and friends.  They will talk about how they've overcome heartaches, disappointment, depression and rejection. Also to be discussed is the importance of a support system for all trans-identified persons who have made or are contemplating this journey. They will share ways in which family and friends can help in transition for both female to male individuals and male to female individuals. The stories are different, but the goal is the same.
 

This will be an interactive workshop to promote understanding, empathy and safety for children growing up in our communities while trying to navigate complex social stereotypes.

This dynamic workshop is aimed at anyone who works with, has, hopes to have, or simply cares about children. Come find out what you can do to help ensure all of our children have the opportunity to grow up happy and healthy in our Arizona Communities. Attendees will participate in an exciting group activity and have plenty of time for questions and answers.