Anyone attending the Trans Health conference in June?

[chaseinspace]

Hello! I am thinking of attending the Philadelphia Trans Health Conference. I've never been there before, or anywhere offline where I would be openly trans - I have been stealth for almost 10 years. I'm absolutely petrified to break that, even though it'd be away from my home turf. So what I want to know is...

What should I expect from the conference? The website gave me some information, but I'd like your takes on it...
Are any of you planning to go as well? Maybe a Susans.org meetup?
Have any of you been, and what was it like?
Is there a mixer or meet and greet at any point, or do you kind of stay to yourself the whole time?

I'm excited and nervous at the thought. My wife and I would be going together. We'll probably register within the week if I don't chicken out! Please let me know if this is not posted in the appropriate place...

[Sydney_NYC]

My wife and I will be there. We went last year and it was definitely worth while. It's extremely informative (especially about surgeries, and healthcare laws and changes.) Marci Bowers will also be there showing some examples of her work.

It's a very relaxed and open atmosphere. The wonderful surprising thing I saw there last your were so many families with both transgender kids and other with a transgender parents all with positive support for each other. Make sure you get to the sessions early as many fill up and many times are standing room only. Don't worry about bathrooms as they make all  (but one) gender neutral for the entire convention center. Last year there were several social functions for everyone to attend. It's a very positive and informative event and I highly recommend anyone (including family) to go if you can.

Do book your room quickly as they fill up. There are conference codes listed on the site for 3 nearby hotels for around $149-$170/night, otherwise expect about $200+/night for a room. Sometimes Marriott Residence Inn (no conference code) has last minute specials for cheaper, but it's no guantee. (Got one of those last year, but it wasn't available till 2 weeks before the conference.)

[suzifrommd]

I was there a couple years ago. In fact that's where I chose to go fulltime. I arrived there as a male and have never been male since.

The conference was a mixed bag. There were some really great programs, and some that were a total waste of time. That's where I met my SRS surgeon, so it was helpful for me.

I was surprised that there wasn't a lot of friendliness among the trans women. The trans men were far friendlier and I ended up hanging out with them more.

Here are the notes I took at the time:

https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,143069.msg1164892.html

[MugwortPsychonaut]

I was surprised that there wasn't a lot of friendliness among the trans women. The trans men were far friendlier and I ended up hanging out with them more.

Gahd, I know, right? Cattiness and insecurity.

I'm sure I'll be there, being a Philly chick and all. Hopefully I'll get more out of it this year. I got there late on the last day, last year, and only got to go to one of the workshops. The rest of the time was spent looking at prosthetic dicks and talking to concerned people who wanted to know if I'd found a place to live.

[gennee]

There's a good change that I ' ll be once I check out my financial situation.

[chaseinspace]

Thanks so much for your replies! I am going to check out those notes that suzifrommd wrote in a bit. I am definitely going to look at hotels in the area before I book now - I see cheaper hotels around 30 mins away, maybe they'll be free around conference time. I can't wait to hear more about people's experiences, and hope to see all of you there

[enigmaticrorschach]

i'm not going, not due to finances or anything,  because crowds make me want to vomit, the environment might just send me over the edge and i have a really short attention span so i can't listen and keep up for to long. plus i prefer not to get to involved.

[chaseinspace]

i'm not going, not due to finances or anything,  because crowds make me want to vomit, the environment might just send me over the edge and i have a really short attention span so i can't listen and keep up for to long. plus i prefer not to get to involved.

I totally feel you on this, I'll be popping a steady dose of Xanax the entire time. I guess I'm just tired of being alone in all of this at this point!

[JoanneB]

Several people from my support group have been there over the years. They always say it is great. My therapist admonished me for not going last year.

I'm seriously considering it for this year. I heard the other day the schedule was posted and I'm still digesting it. One or both days?

[Asche]

I'm planning to go (assuming I don't get cold feet.)  I've even reserved a room and requested vacation time.

However, looking over the program, I found very, very few sessions that interest me.  I'm hoping that there will be other stuff that makes it worth it.

BTW: are there any plans for susans.org people to get together at the conference?

[chaseinspace]

If there would be a susans.org meetup, I would be there for sure...not that I really "know" anyone from here, but still! I would like to go on all of the days but that may not be feasible.

[JoanneB]

My therapist mentioned a happening at.... (Sorry, totally bad with names) The Raven? I can verify in a week or so when I see her again. Amazing to think how overwhelmed I am by this.

Baby Steps

[enigmaticrorschach]

i actually reconsidered going but i dont think it would end well so when you all do go, be sure to fill me in lol

[Rachel]

I will be working the kids camp, working the table for work and co-presenting in a workshop. I will know a bunch of people from group so I will not be alone this year

I think planning your time is essential. There are a lot of different workshops so several will appeal to you.

I went to one last year where a Doctor from Cigna (manages the NFL contract for Cigna) went over her transition. She used a Gantt chart ( I am using one now). She had her HR head there and some of the things they spoke about were really interesting such as when things went aground due to HIPPA rules. When you mention medical procedures then HIPPA applies and that puts up fences at the same time when you need to disclose and be out and open. 

One of the coolest times is lunch when 3500 trans take to the streets to eat. I never felt so safe presenting.
Going to the Reading Terminal Market to eat was so cool because a lot of trans are there among the Cis and I could see the bewilderment on some of the cis people there, it was priceless. I go to the market throughout the year and it is a good place to eat. Also, the Hard Rock is very accepting. I Hear some remastered Our Lady Jay music there and the staff are very cool.

[FTMax]

I'd like to go, but I'm not seeing enough relevant sessions to justify spending the day up there. I live in DC, so it wouldn't be a bad drive for a day trip, but so far there's only one session either day that I'm interested in.

[FriendsCallMeChris]

I'm here.  Anyone else here from Susan's.  I just read that past conferences had 2000 people.  I had no idea it would be that big!

[Sydney_NYC]

My wife and I will not get there until Friday Afternoon due to work obligations. Looking forward to it. Last years was really great.