TI TIME

[Sparky]

I stopped in

waved and ran off.

POST UP!

What did I miss...


one GOOD looking group...who is that handsome man down front next to Joni? :roll:
http://www.eurekapride.com/gallery/albums/album02/IMG_0420.sized.jpg

[BellaFaith]

TI Time – Bigger Success than we dreamed possible!
By Faith

It was a cool, rainy morning primed to be brightened by the warmth and clarity that blossomed at our first “TI Time” Event. More than 40 people gathered for a short seminar about Transsexual, Transgender and Intersex, the “T” and “I” in GLBTI. It was a wonderful time of listening, learning and growing for the many ages represented in our crowd.

We began with informal conversation as the room filled up. Coffee, juice and pastries were enjoyed as we found seats amongst the tables. Donna’s son Leo found his zone where he set up a camera to film the event and after a short introduction, we jumped in.

Donna Marie spoke first about the differences between Transsexual people and Transgender people, and the various stages of realization and transition that punctuate the lives of the people with these issues. She pointed out that Transgender people are those who do not fit the usual gender expression of their physical gender. For instance,, a Cross Dresser who feels the need to express themselves as the opposite gender, yet feels no compunction to change their body. While a Transsexual person is one who feels that they are the opposite gender on the inside (know as Brain Gender), from their Physical Gender. A Transsexual may feel so strongly that they are in the wrong body that altering their body to match who they feel they are gives the only possibility of a peaceful and productive life. This change is known as Transition and there are many stages involved. She brought us facts and figures, like one from Lynn Conway that states the prevalence in the US for Male to Female Transsexualism is higher than 1 in every 500 men. She was wonderfully received and was much applauded when she turned the floor over to Faith.

After a brief description of her introduction to Transgender people, and the revelation that she lives with one, she dove into her subject. There is surprising research about the differences between the BST area of the Hypothalamus of males and females. Scientists have proven that the Male size BST is 2.5 times larger than in the female. While in Male to Female Transsexuals, it is the size of a Female and vice versa proven for Female to Male Transsexuals. After some discussion and sharing a paper she put together about this surprising information, Faith ended with a call for tolerance and compassion for all of our differences. Amidst her applause she introduced Joney who spoke about Intersex people.

Joney has a unique perspective on this topic and has traveled a rough road to understanding and acceptance; probably not unlike the pain that many Intersex people in our society go through. She discussed the definition of Intersex as a person with a mixture of Chromosomes, and usually will also display a mixture of Physical Gender characteristics and/or ambiguous genitalia. Unlike the usual XX and XY of men and women, respectively, Intersex people have a mixture of Chromosomes such as XXY, XXXY, XO, and other combinations. In the course of a lifetime, these conditions are painful and confusing to live with. There is a real lack of in-depth information from the medical community about humans with an Intersex condition, but loads about Fish and Pigs!? While our society is more accepting of differences, we have a long way to go to understand all the conditions we are born with and how challenging life is with each one.

Again a round of applause greeted her as she turned the floor over to questions and a lively discussion ensued about every topic brought and more from personal to global. We had a Female to Male Post-Op Transsexual and a Male to Female Post-Op Transsexual who also volunteered to answer questions from the group. Joney and Faith had to take off early to get the Diversity Biker Show and Poker Run underway while Donna stayed behind and greeted more questions and thanks. Among those she met were an MD and a Psychologist, who were very thankful for the new information and another Intersex person who was happy to find people who understand. Everyone was pleased with the presentations and the literature, we brought as handouts. Reluctant to leave, Donna and Leo excused themselves also to help Joney and so the door was closed on our first “TI Time” Diversity Event.

We are very thankful that Diversity Pride Events sees the value of education and supports us in our zeal. Also we would like to thank Ben and Keith, Danielle, Garren, Hellen, Rachelle, Jamie, Sparky, Amanda Sharp of Accent on Giving, and the Rodeway Inn for all their support and help. The Rodeway Inn staff, especially Kara, could not have been more helpful and warm towards us and our needs. Thank you Leo for filming us so well and for all your help and patience. Thanks also to the NWA GLBT CC for caring and attending.

In the future we hope to present more information and speakers on the many and varied topics that we all need to understand within the GLBT community. Look for the “G Time” or “B Time” at the next Diversity Weekend and join us for lively learning and the growing of compassion through understanding.

[Sparky]

At LAST DW is not just all GAY and all LESBIAN!

oh and our many many Str8t Friends 8) that help make the weekends such a great time!

THANK YOU so much for bringing this to Eureka and to Diversity.
I promise TO TRY and not to bounce in and out and in and out of OUR next meeting!
WOOFwoofWoof
Sparky

[CathyB59]

What a positive event, from soup to nuts. the write up was well organized and easy to follow. The presentation of pertinent information delivered by Faith and Donna - of course along with my fave biker lady Jonie would ensure the informtaion was balanced and presented in a welcoming manner. While close to the actual meeting (stayed @ rodeway)
This busybody had fallen prey to the dreaded 'party till you drop' bug.
Despite a travel alarm and wake up call, I simply could NOT move. The 2 hours sleep b/t bedtime and meeting time let me down :oops: mea culpa, is that the phrase - my fault - for missing it.
I had so badly wanted to see Faith again, and meet Donna.
Between ferrying family about and recovering, I missed most of the reasons I planned to attend.
So here I sit gazing into my crystal ball, conjuring up images of DW's to come.
All this to specifically thank Jonie, Faith, Donna, for doing this.

Likewise with the Rodeway inn and all the volunteers and participants.
It is my hope to attend the 3rd ti time. 8)

[BellaFaith]

Thanks Sparky and Cathy!! It was Great and we are looking forward to doing something like this at every Diversity event! :lol: We are doing another presentation at the UUF church in Fayetteville, Jan 21 at 1pm - 3pm. All are welcome.
Cathy - Sorry to say I have been so busy that I didn't drop in here and look until now. Did definitely miss you! But I know we will catch you on the flip side! Hope you had a great time. We ended up spending much of our time with our son and missed most of the parties anyway, so we are looking forward to a-little more socializing next time.

Looking to see your smiling face soon!
l - Faith

[BellaFaith]

Sparky - Thanks for putting up the pic!!! :D
It is Great!