tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413603525256803350.post3854792663083635414..comments2024-02-21T04:53:57.234-05:00Comments on Walking in Two Worlds: A Trans Therapist's Journey: Trans Conventions: Why Should You Go to One?Lauren Elisabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03293724106380438921noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4413603525256803350.post-29874899459714560422012-08-27T20:08:45.098-04:002012-08-27T20:08:45.098-04:00Terrific post... I so agree with all that you hav...Terrific post... I so agree with all that you have said here. There are 100 more reasons to attend and all ofthem lead to better understand of yourself, our community, and greater mental health and happiness. <br /><br />I remember my first conference was around 1974 and I was amazed that there were actually other people in this world like me. Mind you, this was long before the internet existed (after BC, AD, but prior to BI. And I found I really liked the people, too, which amazed me. I figured they must all be nuts, and since I was one of them, I must be nuts, too. It was at this first convention that I learned how wrong I was to judge others or judge myself so severely.<br /><br />Like you, in recent years I have attended several conferences including SC, TransOhio, Keystone, Philly TransHealth, Creating Change, and probably one or two more I haven't listed. I even stopped by the WPATH meeting in Atlanta last year. What you learn at conventions is far more than what comes in the work sessions. Gosh, I even attended research workshops, helped with research by participating in testing and surveys, and learned more about sex, too. That last worksession is usually packed. I have also presented at conferences and my son and TG and GG friends also helped me out during my presentation at Keystone.<br /><br />Conferences are also a great place to buy things from vendors. I can get beautiful rings in my size (14)for about $10 each. I also bought my breasts there. I know gals who bought wigs, got makeup done, tried electrolysis, bought voice CDs or MP3s, etc. What can be better than an education coupled with shopping?<br /><br />Lastly, it is a chance to meet in person people who are your heros... people who are making this world a better place for all TG folks; getting free consults from the surgeons who make our lives so dramatically improved and not having to travel to 5 different cities just to have some time withe them; and to know the businesses that respect TG people simply because they see us as they do any other good customer.<br /><br />You are so right encouraging people to attend, Sherri Lynne. I hope that many follow your advice.<br /><br />Caroline Grace<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com