Past Meetings
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July 5, 2008 |
Tricks of the Trade |
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Does the concept of binding boggle your mind? Ever wonder how some pre- or non-op guys stand to pee? Do you ponder how to get a nice, but realistic, looking bulge in your pants? Maybe you are more interested in tips about how to successfully use a gendered locker room without causing a stir. Or how about how to stay cool in the summer and pass, even without multiple layers of clothes or a binder? Bring your favorite packing, binding, urinating devices to show and tell. This meeting will have a hands-on focus, offering suggestions, tips, techniques for the practicalities of binding, soft packing, hard packing, urinating, clothing styles, hair cuts, and more. Come share your knowledge and experience with others!
Guest speaker: Laura, the new owner of the Tool Shed (and partner of an FTM), will drop in with packies, dildos and harnesses. She’ll discuss important information about pthalates (nontoxic toys) and answer questions about both the products she brings, and about other items of interest that Tool Shed carries. |
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June 20, 2008
7:00pm |
Odd Ones Out (film)
 ODD ONES OUT documents four years in the courageous lives of three transgender teens, Naomi, David and Tot, as they transition into adulthood and face life-altering events. Family intolerance, abuse, homelessness, sex work, violence and harassment in their schools and community are only the backdrop for a dramatic story of acceptance and rejection, identity and change. Through candid verité footage and home video diaries, ODD ONES OUT is a unique and intimate look at the most tender time in the lives of these three young people as they struggle with the universal search for self and of being found. It’s a coming of age story about trying to fit in while fighting against society’s rigid boundaries. With Naomi, David and Tot, you will reconsider the definitions of male and female and then discard them as you grow closer to three teenagers who just want to grow up.
 Printable flyer
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June 7 & 8, 2008 |
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June 7, 2008 |
CANCELED!!! Activism: What’s in it for you? |
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May 16, 2008
7:00 - 9:00pm |
Never Be Unemployed Again: Self-Reliant Job Searching for Individuals Who Don’t Conform
Think you can't find work? Jolie McKenna will show you you can! Whether you need that "right now!" job or are building toward your dream job, McKenna shares proven techniques that have helped even the most unconventional job seekers hear "you're hired!"
Part 2 of 2
Printable flyer |
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May 3, 2008 |
Testosterone!
GUEST SPEAKER!
Dr. Steven Brown
We’ll explore the benefits of hormone replacement in the process of transitioning for FTMs. The unsupervised acquisition and use of HRT may be associated with serious risks. Health consequences, based upon a critical review of the medical literature and strategies to reduce hazards will be discussed. Topics include appropriate monitoring, measuring progress, developing realistic anatomic and behavioral expectations, and factoring risks such as blood clots, osteoporosis, liver disease, cancer, and diabetes into the decision-making process. There will be plenty of opportunity to share your experiences as we learn together.
Printable flyer |
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May 2, 2008
7:00 - 9:00pm |
Never Be Unemployed Again: Self-Reliant Job Searching for Individuals Who Don’t Conform
Think you can't find work? Jolie McKenna will show you you can! Whether you need that "right now!" job or are building toward your dream job, McKenna shares proven techniques that have helped even the most unconventional job seekers hear "you're hired!"
Part 1 of 2
Printable flyer |
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April 5, 2008 |
Staying Sane and Alive:
Suicide and Mental Health
Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, sleep disorders, bi-polar and other mental health conditions run rampant in our country and may be particularly high within the transgender and SOFFA community. Even though mental health conditions are so prevalent, there is often a high degree of stigma associated with these conditions, as well as a steep price to pay. Some gender therapists may deny letters for hormones and surgery if mental health conditions are not adequately managed or eliminated. We’ll talk about some of the challenges of living with both acute and chronic mental health conditions. We’ll also address ways in which we can all improve or maintain our good mental health through support networks, stress reduction techniques, knowing when to seek professional help, medication, diet and exercise, and other coping strategies. |
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March 1, 2008 |
Trans+ at Work |
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February 9, 2008 |
SPECIAL EVENT!
Sex Toys 101!
Printable Flyer
FREE! Sex Toys 101 Workshop @ A Woman's Touch
Two time slots!!3:00 - 4:454:45 - 6:00
Where:
200 N. Jefferson St.
Milwaukee, WI 53202
What:
Workshop. This free workshop, facilitated by staff at A Woman's Touch, will go over the anatomy and physiology of sexual arousal and teach you about the ways you can use sex toys to enhance sexual health and pleasure. You'll be introduced to a wide variety of items that have been designed to enhance your sexual experiences. Post-workshop private shopping. The store will be closed to the general public at 6:00pm. Workshop participants are encouraged to stay for this unique opportunity to shop in a more private setting.
RSVP: Pre-registration is required for this FREE workshop. Space is limited, so call (414.559.2123) or email (info@forge-forward.org) FORGE today to reserve your spot!
 Target Audience: trans-masculine folks and partners (but everyone 18 and older is welcome to attend)
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February 2, 2008 |
Sexuality, Negotiation, and
Staying Safe(r)
Printable meeting flyer
Attend this meeting to learn more about a free Sex Toy 101 workshop presented just for FORGE by A Woman’s Touch!
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January 5, 2008 |
Masculinizing Chest Recontouring
GUEST SPEAKER!
Dr. Paul Steinwald |
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December 1, 2007 |
Family & Allies Potluck!
For Parents, Friends, Family, Partners, allies and Transpeople
The FORGE Family Potluck and discussion flips transgender-focused events on their head. We encourage family members (especially parents), friends, partners and allies to take the lead in inviting their transgender and gender-non-conforming loved ones to this event!
After sharing food, we’ll join together for conversation that will enhance the loving sense of connection we share with the people in our lives.
Please join us even if you come alone. We promise you’ll leave feeling more supported and connected to others.
** Please bring a dish to pass **
Printable flyer for the Family Potluck
 Reverse Inclusion: A trans+/SOFFA organization is hosting an event that welcomes the broader LGBTQIA (and straight) community.
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Home for the holidays
Families -- we all have at least one. Whether you are closely connected to or are estranged from your family or origin, have created a community of friends who you now consider your family, are interested in improving your relationship with the people in your life, or want to pursue creating a family, this meeting is for you. We’ll discuss issues of coming out to family; family acceptance and rejection; building a close network of friends that become your family; bringing children into your life through adoption, insemination or traditional means; legal issues associated with parenting; blended families; and much more. |
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November 3, 2007 |
Third-wave and Trans-feminism
Many members of the FTM+/SOFFA community have been lesbian separatists and/or have a strong feminist background. How has our experiences with changing or transcending gender affected our worldviews and politics? How has a feminist history affected our own gender and sexual orientation choices? What do transfeminism and Third Wave feminism have to offer us, and what does the FTM+/SOFFA community have to offer traditional feminists? |
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October 6, 2007 |
Stealth Missiles or Out in this World
Are we out at work? To our families? To our neighbors? Being out can be liberating choice, or one that is wrought with fear and anxiety. Likewise, living stealth may feel most comfortable but also carries a constant fear of being outed. How do people make these choices? Can one choose “both”? What happens when you change your mind, or you find your fears were justified? How can our community better support both ends of the stealth/out continuum? |
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September 1, 2007 |
Whose Body Is It Anyway? Working with medical professionals and the Harry Benjamin Standards of Care
Are transgender people treated medically differently than non-transgender peers? Why do so many physicians and surgeons require a letter from a mental health provider before they will prescribe testosterone or surgically alter our bodies? (Do cisgender women who wish to have a breast reduction need a letter from a therapist? Do cisgender men who have low testosterone levels need a letter from a mental health provider stating they are sane?) Initially the Standards of Care were set up to protect both consumers and professionals. Are they still serving that role or do they only act as a CYA for providers? If we want the system to change, what steps can we take to move our community to a stronger, more empowered place? |
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August 4, 2007 |
Snip, poke, tuck: Hormones, Surgery and other body modification techniques
Hormones are an option that many trans+ people pursue. We will discuss the choices people make to use or not use hormones. Discussion will include various methods in which testosterone is available (and the pros and cons of each); expected desired masculinization (vocal pitch lowering, body hair, facial hair, body shape changes, cessation of menstruation, etc.) and undesired side effects; routine health maintenance; as well as contra-indications of hormone use. Included in this discussion will be the impact on SOFFAs, including changes in their transpersons’ smell, emotions, body shape, and social presentation.
Surgery and other body modifications can be an important marker in some people’s lives. We encourage people to come with open minds and the willingness to share their experiences and, if comfortable, to share the results of their surgeries and other body modifications with the group. We also encourage those who are not interested in surgery to share their views and decisions. A discussion of surgical techniques, skill and personality of various surgeons, healing, desired outcome, stating intentions with a surgeon, after care, and financing will be addressed. We will also look at several non-surgical options which may yield similar or more satisfying -- and often lower risk -- alternatives to surgery. |
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July 7, 2007 |
Indigo is Not in the Grey Scale: Metrosexuals, Genderqueers, and Bois, oh my.
Gender can be viewed in many ways -- on a continuum, as a sphere, as a construct or in many other ways. The possibilities of gender expression and identity are limitless. July’s meeting will focus on non-traditional and/or emerging identities and gender expressions. What does it mean to be a femme FTM? A butch straight woman? A retrosexual in an increasingly politically correct world? Don’t know what a metrosexual is? Come to the meeting and find out! |
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June 2, 2007 |
Rites of Passage and Other Spiritual Quests
Everyone’s life is unique and peppered with significant events, changes, or important milestones. How do we mark those pieces of our lives? Do we want to quietly reflect or loudly celebrate with our friends and family(ies)? We may talk about naming rituals, post-surgical rites of passage, weddings or unions, family acceptance gatherings, spiritual retreats, or any number of meaningful life events and how we’ve chosen to capture them and fix them in our memories. If you have marked an event or time in your life with a ritual, rite of passage or spiritual ceremony, please bring photos or stories to share. |
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May 5, 2007 |
Sexuality, body image and relationships
Relationships can be tough for anyone! Trans people and partners may have an extra layer of both challenge and excitement in their relationships. Come and discuss (or listen) to an intimate conversation about finding partners, getting (more) comfortable with and in your body, sharing how you feel about your body, and how it looks or works sexually. We may delve into specific areas of sexuality, including: sexual orientation, self love and body acceptance, cruising and flirting, trans erotica, libido changes, mixed orientation relationships, SM as a tool for expanding and exploring gender, sex clubs and segregated environments, using “hardware” to enhance sexual relationships, safer sex techniques, and negotiating with a partner. |
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April 7, 2007 |
Conference recap / wind down / sharing
The first regular FORGE meeting after the FORGE Forward 2007 Conference and Intensives will be devoted to “debriefing.” The Conference is guaranteed to stir up lots of emotions, questions, and thoughts; come to this meeting to compare experiences and talk about what’s next for you as an individual and us as a community. |
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March 29 - April 1, 2007 |
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March 3, 2007 |
FILM (TBA) & Pre-conference community building
The trannies are coming, the trannies are coming! Wisconsin has never seen as many trans and SOFFA individuals in one place as are gathering in Milwaukee on March 29 – April 1, 2007. At this meeting, we’ll preview what will happen at the FORGE Forward 2007 Conference and Intensives, including showing one of the film festival DVDs. We will also discuss what each of us would like to get out of this unique opportunity, and help each other plan how to meet those personal goals. |
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February 10, 2007
* NOTE DATE CHANGE! |
Body dysphoria vs. gender dysphoria
We’ve all heard of “gender dysphoria.” It generally means an emotional state characterized by discomfort, unhappiness, anxiety, depression or unease with our gender. “Dysphoria” can also be an obsession with things like appearance. But are we all, by definition, dysphoric? Can we distinguish between what is GENDER dysphoria and what is a more generalized BODY dysphoria? When does dysphoria cross the line into unrealistic fantasies? (For example, you are short and stocky, but dream of being tall and lanky.) What happens when your dysphoria doesn’t ease through a gender transition? Come to a challenging discussion where we try to sort through these intricately-entwined issues. |
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January 28, 2007
2:00pm |
WHITE ELEPHANT MIX 'n' MINGLE
Time to play! Re-gifting sometimes has a bad name, but FORGE and Project Q will make it fun! Dig out that horrible gift vase your neighbor gave you, or the plaid sweater vest from your grandparents and bring it (unwrapped) to the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center at 315 W. Court Street on Sunday, January 28. Well put all those mismatched gifts on a table, then give people turns to choose something more to their tastes to take home in its place.
And while thats going on, well be mixing and mingling and enjoying a specially-designed-for-us quiz show. How much does our community know about trans/SOFFA issues? How much do YOU know? Come find out!
Besides your unwrapped gift, admission to this event is a $5 donation. All of the proceeds will help Project Q members attend the FORGE Forward 2007 Conference and Intensives.
Printable flyer
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January 25, 2007
7:00pm |
SHORTBUS
Join us at the UWM Union Theatre, 2nd level UWM Student Union, 2200 E Kenwood Blvd at 7:00 p.m. to watch John Cameron Mitchells (director of Hedwig and the Angry Inch) acclaimed new film, Shortbus. This is a ground-breaking, taboo-busting, sexually explicit and fun story that lovingly weaves in people of all genders and sexual orientations. If you imagine a world where acceptance is the norm, come luxuriate in seeing your vision on the big screen. All of your $10 donation goes directly into the scholarship fund for the FORGE Forward 2007 Conference and Intensives.
Event co-sponsored by the Milwaukee LGBT Film and Video Festival.
Printable flyer
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January 6, 2007 |
Taking care of our mental health
Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, sleep disorders, bi-polar and other mental health conditions run rampant in our country and may be particularly high within the transgender and SOFFA community. Even though mental health conditions are so prevalent, there is often a high degree of stigma associated with these conditions, as well as a steep price to pay. Some gender therapists may deny letters for hormones and surgery if mental health conditions are not adequately managed or eliminated. We’ll talk about some of the challenges of living with both acute and chronic mental health conditions. We’ll also address ways in which we can all improve or maintain our good mental health through support networks, stress reduction techniques, knowing when to seek professional help, medication, diet and exercise, and other coping strategies. |
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December 2, 2006 |
Sexuality, Negotiation and Staying Safe
Guests from ARCW will help facilitate this fun, informative discussion.
- Jeopardy: "I’ll take ‘Other Words For Genitals’, Alex?"
- Safer Sex Continuum: How Safe Is It?
- Erotic film clips: Can you spy what’s safe? What’s not?
- Let's get it on: Latex, lube, and language.
- Anonymous Q & A
Printable flyer for this meeting |
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November 4, 2006 |
Activism / Remembering Our Dead |
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October 7, 2006 |
Gender Across the Ages |
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Age impacts our gender -- our presentation, our access to resources, our available choices, how those choices play out in our everyday lives. Youth and elders may have limited access to financial resources, adequate health insurance, and/or transportation. Many may question how medical choices may play out based on their age (Can an 85 year old with chronic medical conditions have surgery? How do hormones affect a 13 year old’s body?). Privacy, which can afford people the option to explore their gender, may be another concern for people at varying ages. How do SOFFA issues vary by age? Are young people more likely to embody genderqueer and non-binary gender identities? What can we learn from those choices? What happens when our bodies age? What does trans look like at 70? |
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September 2, 2006 |
Tackling our “isms” -- racism, ageism, lookism |
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How do racism, classism, sexism, ageism, heterosexism, ableism, sizeism, and many other “isms” affect us as individuals and as a community? How are we affected and ultimately hurt by stereotypes and oppression, either those of our own group or those of another group? Is it true that only people with power can be oppressive? If so, how much “power” do we each have? What can we do to empower ourselves in the face of stereotyping and strengthen our connection with each other? Come begin the discussion of how we can deal with these issues not only in our daily lives, but also within the greater trans+ community and beyond. |
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August 5, 2006 |
Snip, poke, tuck: Surgery and other body modification techniques |
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Surgery and other body modifications can be an important marker in some people’s lives. We encourage people to come with open minds and the willingness to share their experiences and, if comfortable, to share the results of their surgeries and other body modifications with the group. We also encourage those who are not interested in surgery to share their views and decisions. A discussion of surgical techniques, skill and personality of various surgeons, healing, desired outcome, stating intentions with a surgeon, after care, and financing will be addressed. We will also look at several non-surgical options which may yield similar or more satisfying -- and often lower risk -- alternatives to surgery. |
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July 1, 2006 |
Fitness and wellness
More and more people are taking better care of their body,
mind, and spirit. Wellness is more than merely going to the
doctor when ill. Many people are eating more consciously,
exercising, using vitamins and supplements, altering what
they ingest (alcohol, tobacco, water), as well as being more
aware of environmental factors (second-hand smoke, pollution,
sun exposure, pesticides used on food, purification of water).
As people are taking a more active role in their health care,
trans people are making more informed choices about how they
treat their body -- no or low dose hormones, decisions to
have no or fewer surgeries, taking proactive steps to minimize
risks (e.g. using milk thistle, having complete hysterectomies,
etc.). Come discuss the steps you are taking and learn about
additional options. |
June 3, 2006 |
Rights of passage
Creating rituals or rites of passage can be a transformative
component of being more present in your body and life. Using
rituals to help define masculinity or other aspects of Self
can be empowering and reinforcing, as well as allowing significant
people in our lives the joy of sharing in our process. While
not everyone codifies milestones with rituals or rites of
passage, we all engage in some form of marking as we pass
through various benchmarks in our lives. |
| May 6, 2006 |
Relationships, body image and sexuality
Relationships can be tough for anyone! Trans people and partners
may have an extra layer of both challenge and excitement in
their relationships. Come and discuss (or listen) to an intimate
conversation about finding partners, getting (more) comfortable
with and in your body, sharing how you feel about your body,
and how it looks or works sexually. We may delve into specific
areas of sexuality, including: sexual orientation, self love
and body acceptance, cruising and flirting, trans erotica,
changes in libido, mixed orientation relationships, SM as
a tool for expanding and exploring gender, sex clubs and segregated
environments, using “hardware” to enhance sexual
relationships, and safer sex techniques, and negotiating with
a partner. |
| April 23, 2006 |
FORGE Nite-Out
What? burgers (cow, veg, bird), fries, frozen
custard, conversation
Where: Bella's Fat Cat, Bay View
2737 S. Kinnickinnic Ave
Time: 7:00pm |
| April 6, 2006 |
Tranny Roadshow |
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FORGE and the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center welcome the Tranny
Roadshow to the Milwaukee Gay Arts Center. This one-time multi-media
performance art extravaganza is not to be missed! Performers
include AJ Bryce, Dylan Scholinski, Jamez Terry, Kelly Shortandqueer,
Tona Brown, Seeley Quest, and Imani Henry. Tickets are only
$10 and are available directly through FORGE, at the door,
or online at www.uncommontheatre.net. Get your tickets early
and join us for an unforgettable event!
10:00 PM @
The Milwaukee Gay Arts Center
703 S. Second Street
Milwaukee, WI
flyer
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April 1, 2006 |
What your father never
taught you |
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How many of us never learned how to tie a Double
Windsor? What about the everyday tasks of shaving? Or what do
all of those hand gestures mean in football? Is there a protocol
for where to stand to wait for a stall in the men’s room?
What does it means to dress business casual? Bring your questions
about the things you never learned as a kid, but feel you must
know now! If you have mastered some of these skills, come share
your knowledge and experience with others! |
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March 19, 2006 |
FORGE Conference Organizing
Meeting |
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Join FORGE to learn more about the FORGE Forward
2007 Conference. We'll share our progress and discuss next
steps. We want your input!
flyer
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March 18, 2006 |
Butch, FTM, Partner
Dialogue at Broad Vocabulary |
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Come listen and share at a FORGE-moderated
panel discussion exploring the similarities and differences
between butch, FTM, partner and other identities and trans-masculine-related
experiences. We will compare and contrast how people construct
their relationships, gender/social identities, and what the
implications are for ourselves and others.
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Broad Vocabulary
2241 S. Kinnickinnic
flyer |
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March 4, 2006 |
Body dysphoria vs.
gender dysphoria |
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We’ve all heard of “gender dysphoria.”
It generally means an emotional state characterized by discomfort,
unhappiness, anxiety, depression or unease with our gender.
“Dysphoria” can also be an obsession with things
like appearance. But are we all, by definition, dysphoric? Can
we distinguish between what is GENDER dysphoria and what is
a more generalized BODY dysphoria? When does dysphoria cross
the line into unrealistic fantasies? (You’re short and
stocky, but dream of being tall and lanky.) What happens when
your dysphoria doesn’t ease through a gender transition?
Come to a challenging discussion where we try to sort through
these intricately-entwined issues. |
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February 4, 2006 |
Indigo is Not in the
Grey Scale: Metrosexuals, Genderqueers, and Bois, oh my. |
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Gender can be viewed in many ways -- on a continuum,
as a sphere, as a construct or in many other ways. The possibilities
of gender expression and identity are limitless. February’s
meeting will focus on non-traditional and/or emerging identities
and gender expressions. What does it mean to be a femme FTM?
A butch straight woman? A retrosexual in an increasingly politically
correct world? Don’t know what a metrosexual is? Come
to the meeting and find out! |
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January 7, 2006 |
Movie Night! -- Call
Me Malcolm |
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Join us for a relaxing evening following the
bustle of the holidays to watch “Call me Malcolm.”
Thanks to the Milwaukee LGBT Film Festival coordinator Carl
Bogner, we have the opportunity to screen this engaging documentary
featuring a transgender seminary student struggling with faith,
love and gender identity. |
December 3, 2005 |
Family issues |
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Families -- we all have at least one. Whether
you are closely connected or are estranged from your family
or origin, have created a community of friends who you now
consider your family, are interested in improving your relationship
to the people in your life, or want to pursue creating a family,
this meeting is for you. We'll discuss issues of coming out
to family; family acceptance and rejection; building a close
network of friends that become your family; bringing children
into your life through adoption, insemination or through traditional
means; legal issues associated with parenting; blended families;
and much more.
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November 5, 2005 |
Hormones (with guest
speaker) |
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Guest speaker to be announced. FORGE is in
the process of recruiting a local physician to come speak,
answer questions, and discuss medical aspects associated with
testosterone use.
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October 1, 2005 |
Gynecologic (and breast)
health |
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FTMs, butches and other trans-masculine people
often feel somewhere between hesitant to adamantly opposed
to having gynecologic exams. (Of course, many non-trans women
feel the same way!) For most of us, what remains between our
legs is one of the overt signs of our natal “female”
bodies. Pelvic and breast exams are frequently emotionally
and physically uncomfortable; but they don't have to be. A
great number of FORGE attendees have breasts (or residual
breast tissue post chest reconstruction), uteruses, vaginas,
and/or ovaries. Taking care of ALL of our body is essential
for good health. Come to learn why it's important to have
regular pelvic and/or breast exam(s) and how to make it easier
by reducing your fear/apprehension and working with your provider
to make the experience more comfortable.
[Note: FORGE is in the process of recruiting a medical provider
who will discuss strategies and techniques to ease GYN exams
discomfort.]
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September 3, 2005
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Metrosexuals, retrosexuals,
femmes, butches and other non-traditional identities |
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We no longer live in a John Wayne era. The
possibilities of gender expression and identity are limitless.
September's meeting will focus on non-traditional and/or emerging
identities and gender expressions. Identities can be complex,
so people may have many identities that encompass their gender
identity or the way they are perceived in the world. What
does it mean to be a femme FTM? A butch straight woman? A
retrosexual in an increasingly politically correct world?
Don't know what a metrosexual is? Come to the meeting and
find out!
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September 24, 2005
Special Event! |
Transition Fluidity
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August 13, 2005 |
Surgery and body modification
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Surgery and other body modifications can be
an important marker in some people's lives. We encourage people
to come with open minds and the willingness to share their
experiences and, if comfortable, to share the results of their
surgeries and other body modifications with the group. We
also encourage those who are not interested in surgery to
share their views and decisions. A discussion of surgical
techniques, skill and personality of various surgeons, healing,
desired outcome, stating intentions with a surgeon, after
care, and financing will be addressed.
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August 6, 2005 |
Pathways Transgender
Program's annual picnic |
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July 2, 2005 |
The Language of Transgender
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Eskimos have dozens of words for snow. How
many words do we have or use to describe gender or transgender?
Language rapidly develops, allowing us to be more specific
about our social gender, our bodies, and our lives in a bi-gendered
world. The mainstream media has shifted in how it uses language
in relation to gender and sexual orientation. How has the
transgender community used language to encompass who and what
we are?
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| June 29, 2005 |
Transgender Focus Group on Health Issues |
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As part of a statewide planning project to address the
needs of LGBT adults in Wisconsin, Diverse & Resilient
is funded by the University of Wisconsin Medical School to
conduct focus groups,
review relevant health literature and conduct
a survey. Please take a few minutes to add your voice
to the information and knowledge needed to address the health
concerns of LGBT people here in the state of Wisconsin. Results
of the survey will be posted on the Diverse & Resilient
web site in September. Any questions please contact Brenda
Coley Director of Adult Services at 414-390-0440.
Attend a focus group
on June 29 -- 7:00 - 8:30pm -- to share your experiences with
specific issues transgender people face in accessing healthcare.
Join us at the Milwaukee LGBT Community Center -- 315 Court
Street -- for an interactive discussion that will benefit
all Transgender (and LGB) folks in Wisconsin, by identifying
needs and generating ways of correcting problem areas.
More info? Click
Here. |
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| June 4, 2005 |
How did we get here? How did we figure out that we were trans*? |
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How did we figure out that we were trans*? How did we discover
we wanted to partner with a trans person? How did we come to
accept our trans family member? The process of self-discovery
can gradually emerge or rapidly surface. For some of us it is
a questioning of who we are, on our own terms, at our own pace.
For others, someone else's revelation may cause us to examine
our relationship to them, as well as to ourselves and our beliefs.
The unearthing and road to understanding is clear and obvious
for some, while for others it is muddled with questions and
uncertainty. We all reach different places and are all constantly
evolving and continually becoming the people we are. Where are
you today? How did you get here? |
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May 7, 2005
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Relationships, body image, and sexuality |
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Relationships can be tough for anyone! Trans people and partners of trans people may have an extra layer of both challenge and excitement in their relationships. Come and discuss (or listen) to an intimate conversation about finding partners, getting (more) comfortable with and in your body, sharing how you feel about your body and how it looks or works sexuality. We may delve into specific areas of sexuality, including sexual orientation, using “hardware” to enhance sexual relationships, communicating with your partner, getting what you desire.
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April 2, 2005
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Hormones |
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Hormones are an option that many trans+ people pursue. We will discuss the choices people make to use or not use hormones. Discussion will include various methods in which testosterone is available (and the pros and cons of each); expected desired masculinization (vocal pitch lowering, body hair, facial hair, body shape changes, cessation of menstruation, etc.) and undesired side effects (acne; changes in weight, cholesterol, blood pressure; live function; red blood cell conditions; cardiac risk; hair loss; etc.); routine health maintenance and suggested blood and other tests that are encouraged for those taking testosterone; as well as contra-indications of hormone use. Included in this discussion will be the impact on SOFFAs, including changes in their transpersons' smell, emotions, body shape, and social presentation.
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February 7, 2004 |
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Finding partners and maintaining relationships |
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Finding a partner can be challenging regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Seeking new relationships can be difficult but not impossible! This meeting will address both finding new relationships and/or sexual partners, as well as staying partnered. Some topics that might be addressed are how to build deeper, more intimate relationships, negotiating bodies and sexuality, coming out, transitioning as a couple from one social “identity” to another, and much more. |
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March 6, 2004 |
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Tricks of the Trade & Packy Party |
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Bring your favorite packing, binding, urinating devices to show and tell. This meeting will have a hands-on focus, offering suggestions, tips, techniques for the practicalities of binding, soft packing, hard packing, urinating, clothing styles, hair cuts, and more. To you make your own devices or modify store-bought products? Come share your knowledge and experience with others! |
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April 3, 2004 |
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Hormones |
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Hormones are an option that many trans+ people choose. We will discuss the choices people make to use or not use hormones. Discussion will include various methods in which testosterone is available (and the pros and cons of each); expected desired masculinization (vocal pitch lowering, body hair, facial hair, body shape changes, cessation of menstruation, etc.) and undesired side effects (acne; changes in weight, cholesterol, blood pressure; live function; red blood cell conditions; cardiac risk; hair loss; etc.); routine health maintenance and suggested blood and other tests that are encouraged for those taking testosterone; and contra-indications to hormone use. |
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May 1, 2004 |
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Sexuality |
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Sexuality is a core component of many adults (and teens) lives. Whether we choose abstinence / celibacy or being sexual only with ourselves, or if we seek relationships with others (committed long term relationships, anonymous interactions, flirtations, long or short term "tricks"/"fuck-buddies", monogamous or polyamorous relationships), FTM+s/SOFFAs may approach sexuality differently than those who have no trans-experience of involvement. We will explore issues of self love and body acceptance; cruising and flirting; trans+ erotica, sexual orientation (and if/how it shifts); changes in libido; mixed orientation relationships; SM as a tool for expanding and exploring gender; negotiating with partner(s), sex clubs and segregated environments; tools (harnesses, dildos, etc.); and safer sex techniques and negotiation. |
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September 7, 2002 |
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Body Language
We will examine our self-concept; address style and expression options; and discuss how body language and appearance impact others' perceptions of us. Issues of body acceptance and comfort, unique personal style, barriers (such as lacking finances, disabilities, body size, etc.), and stereotypes will all be central compentnet of this discussion. |
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February 5, 2005 |
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Fitness and wellness |
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Guest presenter: Pat Walsh Pat will discuss meditation and spiritual wellness.
Topic description: More and more people are taking better care of their body, mind, and spirit. Wellness is more than merely going to the doctor when ill. Many people are eating more consciously, exercising, using vitamins and supplements, altering what they ingest (alcohol, tobacco, water), as well as being more aware of environmental factors (second-hand smoke, pollution, sun exposure, pesticides used on food, purification of water).
As people are taking a more active role in their health care, trans people are making more informed choices about how they treat their body -- no or low dose hormones, decisions to have no or fewer surgeries, taking proactive steps to minimize risks (e.g. using milk thistle, having complete hysterectomies, etc.).
Join us for a brief presentation by Pat Walsh on meditation, self-acceptance, and being more comfortable in our bodies, followed by discussion on this wide-ranging topic. |
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March 5, 2005 |
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Bathrooms, passing, legality, fear |
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Guest Speaker: Waring Fincke
Whether we are partnered to a trans person, or whether we transition or not, we all may face transgender-related legal issues. Join us for a guest presentation by Waring Fincke -- a local Wisconsin lawyer familiar with many legal issues faced by the trans community. Waring is married to Pathways gender therapist Gretchen Fincke. Come with your questions and listen to a lively exchange about common (or less traditional) legal issues facing transgender people and SOFFAs.
Topic description: One issue important to most trans people is how to handle public restrooms. We'll have a blunt discussion addressing fears of passing, differences in bathroom etiquette, how to feel more comfortable and stay safe at the same time. |
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| More Information? |
For more information about FORGE (meetings, basic information, resources), please contact FORGE, PO Box 1272, Milwaukee, WI 53201. Phone: 414-278-6031. Email: info@forge-forward.org.
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