Debra's dynamic, interactive
presentation will offer useful information and tools to people who know
nothing about Transgender issues, and to those who already "know-it-all!"
She provides a place for people to ask questions, challenge assumptions,
examine myths and stereotypes, and learn what these labels and words mean.
Time will be given to examine the concept of multiple identities and being
differently gendered. Further, she will discuss what happens when diverse
identities collide.
Workplace issues that could develop
during the transition process will be discussed in detail along with
possible solutions. The issue of "being out of the closet"
as a transgender educator in secondary education will be discussed in the
context of personal and professional boundaries when sharing information
that others may find too personal or inappropriate.
She will discuss family, friends
and workplace issues and how these relationships change when our gender
changes. Her very public transition, as a librarian in a large city
high school, will be examined along with the extreme right's struggle
with the fact that Debra was successful in her job as a transgender
person. She talks about being true to ourselves and the empowerment
of living our lives as out and proud people. When we share our life
experiences with each other, we can all gain strength and hope.
Participants will leave the
presentation with a better understanding of terms related to gender
orientation and gender identity, and a new or renewed comfort level
for talking about these complicated issues.
Some of the topics that have been explored during the interactive
parts of the presentation include:
Self-worth and the power of self-esteem.
Building self-esteem through sharing.
Finding our inner strength.
The importance of being comfortable with who we are.
Honoring ourselves as individuals.
The politics of gender.
Power and privilege.
Activism and making change.
The laws and courts.
Religion and spirituality.
Feminism and gender rigidity.
Allies, how we build coalitions and communities.
The gender continuum - crossdressers to transsexuals.
Expanding our definitions of diversity and gender.
The concepts of cross living, hormones and surgery.
Gender Reassignment Surgery - what it's all about.
Life transition from male to female & female to male.
Living as a woman vs. living as a man.
Experiencing the workplace as a woman & as a man.
Family, loved ones, friends, neighbors, and work associates.
Life as a public target for extreme right wing politics.
Making schools safe and excepting places for GLBT students, staff and parents.
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