Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Hi All,

One of the projects I am working on is a national Camp Out round up for the TS and IS community.  What has been debated is if we want to make this for just the TS and IS community or make it a roundup including the GBL community.  I would like your in put!

I am not asking if a person is going to attend, just if you were  to attend what your feelings are on this being a TS/IS only, or GBLTI community event.  I appreciate your voices on this matter.

I know this can be a sensative subject. Please realize I am not talking about TS/IS people that are also GBL. ( Thought I would throw that in there for clarity)

Peace,
Taylor

For me, I prefer to spend my time outside of the GLBIT community for the most part because I don't like being reminded that I'm TS.  So I chose the GLBIT option (#2) because I could be around non-TS/IS as well.

Melissa

Melissa,
Thanks for responding, hope others will follow and let me know their thoughts!

Peace
Taylor

No problem.  I thought my reason for my poll choice would prove to be more useful to you.

Melissa

I would love it if it were publicized as an event at which anyone is welcome as long as they were supportive of the entire trans community, including its GBL portion.  I don't like the idea of anything being promoted in such a way as to exclude anyone, as is done at the Michigan music festival that causes so much controversy every summer.  We need strength in numbers and unity, not exclusion.

(Ouch!  got a splinter from the soap box)
helen

Quote from: Melissa on October 18, 2006, 06:11:58 PM
No problem.  I thought my reason for my poll choice would prove to be more useful to you.

Melissa

My Poll choice may be of no use to you Taylor :)  I chose number 1.  Being a woman I hate being considered TS, but it is difficult to shake that term.  I don't believe that it does any good to include the GLB community as the only similarity is the harassment, and equal rights issues that affect both groups.  TS need to start working together for us to get anywhere, but our only downfall is the need for many of us to become stealth.

Steph

Taylor, my vote wouldn't be useful to you either.  I try to live my life as stealth as possible for a number of reasons; however, if I were to attend, I would prefer it to be a TS/IS only event. :)


tinkerbell :icon_chick:

I voted #3 which also isn't very useful as I doubt I would actually attend such an event.  I am stealth here but would not have much of a problem going somewhere many miles away from that standpoint.  However, I think it would be much more comfortable to be with others in the TS community and those who fully support us instead of being in the midst of a great throng of people.

Satin

I chose #3,  Id perfer it be TS and IS only..... even the GLB comunity ostrisizes us, well, atleast me... I swear Id recieved more acceptance from homophobic bikers than I ever would from those people, but Id be glad to have those who accept us along........

dont know if that helps, but thats how I feel

Hi Taylor...

I hope you are well honey.

Hmmm..... I have never liked being lumped into the tag GLBT, Now classing myself as a hetrosexual Female.

Why not just label it a camp for anyone with Gender problems?

Buffy

One more thing I have noticed is people are posting about how the GLB community hasn't been very good to them.  Well, for me, they have been nothing but wonderful and supportive.  You don't need to understand me to be supportive.

Quote from: Buffy on October 19, 2006, 05:59:20 AM
Now classing myself as a hetrosexual Female.

Why not just label it a camp for anyone with Gender problems?

Why?  Do you have problems with your gender right now? ;)

Melissa

Hi there Everyone,

I voted #1. I would be far more comfortable with like minded people. I don't know anyone that is gay or lesbian but I do believe that, for the most part, they are comfortable in the bodies they were born with. I would like to share more of my time with people like me, who are in the process or have gone through the process of changing their bodies to meeet their visions and dreams of who they are. As accepting as the GLB community may or may not be, I'm not really sure they would truly understand what we are and want. But, I know we understand what we are going through.

I truly believe that is the best support we can offer to one another, understandiong.

Anyway, that's my 2 cents worth.   ;)

Genevieve

Hi All,

Well from the responses you can now see why I posted the poll lol. 

I am going to make some statements here, but first want you all to keep sharing and talking this thing out, I want badly to hear all that your feeling before I speak up and say a word. Thanks for those of you participating in this friendly exchange. 

Peace
Taylor

Hi Taylor,
I don't care who comes as long as they are respectful of our status.
They have to be comfortable with TS/IS people.

Your own words were "Camp Round Up for the TS/IS community", based on that I would think it would be just TS/IS people.

I have many gay and lesbian friends, we all face "some" of the same issues, but each of us also have some very different issues we face each day.  We need to support each other, but that does not mean that all functions need to be open to everyone.

Sarah L.

Great poll Taylor...lots of different responses.  Maybe some follow-up topics for further discussion?

I also chose option 1.  If this were just going to be a bunch of folks out camping, I have no problem with come one, come all (as long as we all treat each other with respect).  If it turns out to be an "event", that is where I have an issue. 

While many in the GLBTI community support the TI's...the main media tends to focus only on the GL parts (with an occasional nod to the B folks).  Part of that is our fault, as most of us want to live as close to full-stealth as possible.  It is hard to get national spokespeople when all we are trying to do is blend in and live normal lives.  It would be a shame for all your hard work for the TS/IS community, and the purpose of the Camp Round Up, to be overshadowed (from a news reporting viewpoint) by non TS/IS coverage.

Just my penny's worth (it's half-off day at the thought store)

.....Laurie

I agree with Melissa I have had good success with GBL community!  Whether that's being hit or or befriended or otherwise.  I have a few gay and one lesbian and a few bi friends are they are all good stock at least in my opinion.
the party I'd go either way if it was near me or close enough?
I would not care is it was close ended or had the other communities involved!
Although i would note that making it a private or secluded party would suit me better or make me feel safer or better?  Like rental or at a big resort or confernece area where you can sort of stay semi-private as oppsoed to a big community park!  I say it all the time people are mean and there are mean people everywhere!
Anyway either way woud be fine i wonder if this was the GBL community as they gather a lot, would they ahve the same issues or debates we are having?
hmmmm

Hi All,

Yes many good points and various views have been hit on here.  I am going to attempt to respond to some various issues here so this might get long. But I hope that everyone will take the time to read this and respond accordingly.

1.   Would the GBL community have need to discuss this? Not in my opinion. They have much participation from their community and our low numbers have little to do with what their goals are. Including the TI's is really in many respects a political move, and quite honestly from their side a smart one at that. This is not a put down in anyway, it is just a simple strategic fact.  Now if one goes into many GBLT sites and newspapers, take a look at how much is actually devoted to TI issues, 2-5% in most cases??

2. The camp ground is a private facility. You can see some pictures of it on our website if you would like. I am not going to post that link until someone tells me it is okay lol. But I think it is.  The camp ground will be closed to the public for this week long round up.
People will be able to feel very free in this environment.  There are tent and camper sites, a huge lake with fishing, fish pier, ( depending on weather a real nice pool), Pavilion for live music and activities, biking and hiking paths that go for miles, night fishing is allowed, boats, and more. 

3. At this point there is little question that the media will not be allowed in.  We want families and individuals to feel 100% safe and anonymous.  This is in the back woods one hr from I-95 and about 30 minutes from I-40.  The owners are 100% TS/IS and anything else friendly!  Privacy has been assured. 

4.  The reason for the debate with involving the GBL is due to some of the points that have been brought up here. 
     
    A. The need to be stealth has been used as ( in my opinion) often an excuse to not participate and give support to the TI community needs.  There is so much that needs to be done, and while a person can be in the front, as leaders a person can only lead if they have a group behind them. A member of a group can be and often is anonymous!! BUT many don't offer their support in area's that they can.   If you have a talent, a contact, access to equipment, etc. or yes even small funds donated, all this adds up and makes a difference. It is often through collective efforts that these things are successful.  Collective within the TI population.

    B. There are people as Stephanie voiced (and she is not alone), which believe that the merge of GBL and TI issues should never be. It is believed that we need to stand alone to acheive our needs, and our needs are indeed different. It also is believed by many and I do tend to agree personally with some of these views, that by merging with the GBL community damage is being done. I will not go into that with detail here.  Point being there are those that want it very seperate. BUT to have it seperate then we need to have people actively involved.

   C.  Lets be totally honest here. With the GBL involved even if say PFLAG or another GBL group sponsers this, it does not have to be over shadowed and called anything other than a TS/IS activity. I have spoken at events that were for IS issues that were sponsered by the Harvey Milk Foundation, PFLAG etc. and it was not a "Gay" event, it was an educational event within the IS community for the educational/public awareness.

   D.  We need numbers, we need people to show up for this. The bottom line is to close down the entire camp ground and rent the entire space out, we will need several things to occur to make this productive.  Now can the TS/IS community pull this off without the outside support and participation?  This is a real valid question!

The reason I have posted this is because I need to hear from all of you. Your voice is important!! And I appreciate all of you that have responded!!  
5. We are making this where people can travel in from all over the country during Oct. 5th - Oct 14th  2007 allowing for varing schedules, and allowing for time to save funds to attend. Now those that want to get involved can also contact me, we have needs that you can fill without loosing your privacy!

NOTE:

It has been suggested by a susans member that we have a susans campsite section so that all of you that come in from Susans have an area together and we can sure accomidate that if you all are interested. Let me know. 

Peace,
Taylor

okay since i was up at 6:00am today and i am jolted with an excess of caffiene I will try:
A.  I agree stealth is good less public disclosure the better.  I guess all could contribute some ways?  although i do not like the idea of cooking chili for hundreds of people?  I am a chef!  Surely we could do soemthing with the food to kick it up a notch!
B.  I agree ( gender issues stay alone not merging with GBL group) the more i think about it the more i think that even less is more i apply this to a lot of things in life as a group we gender be less populated than GBL but less populated and more focused in one direction or set of goals.  Numbers make more sense to me thinking about it that way?  LaurieO is a computer genius maybe she has a program that can spit out a bunch of good looking useless numbers for us to haggle over, hehe.. Sorry had to try some humor here!
C.  Agree with what you typed i think i understood it, keep it educational and all but try not and let a larger group rename or overshadow it?  right?
D.  This could be an issue?  What kind of numbers do you think would be at this?  I honestly do not know there have not been any real get togethers around my area and i never really made the time to try and attend either?
so if i would try and plan and commit to this event would we be looking at hundreds?
Note:  I like the susan's idea not to segregate groups within groups but to at least have an established area where people that have talked or interacted can meet one another without having to try and search each other out?  cool idea!
I'll keep checking the post!

To All,

I have a family emergency that I must attend to out of town and just got the call as I was getting ready to write this morning in here and respond to Ricki.  Please keep the conversation going and any ideas, things you feel you can contribute etc. I would really like to hear from you. I want to hear your voices, and have some of your energy put into this!!  Anyone can feel free to PM me, I cannot promise but I will try and get back to you all within the next few days.  I will be back and forth from a hospital located in a different town, but will get back to you all as soon as possible!! Don't stop writing your ideas and thoughts they are very valuable!

Peace,

Taylor

PS Ricki, the camp ground can hold over 500 tents/campers, number of people can go as well over a few thousand. How many we actually fill the place with, depends, we shall see. There will be a registration period starting soon.

  After reading all the answers so far and the reasoning behind them I have to say that I find everyones point of view to have valid points.  I'll throw mine out here into the fray and get it over with.

  I've seem some "GLBTI" events before and, as mentioned, they probably should have been called "GLB" events.  Probably the most noticable example that most people are familiar with are pride parades.  Everytime a pride parade forms I just cringe....I want to go hide and wait until it's gone and hopefully forgotten.  Float after float after float of gay men wearing make up, in diapers, panties or worse showing the worst possible behavior in order to flaunt thier "pride".  This of course is followed by float after float after float of drag queens doing Jerry Springer auditions in front of the crowds.  It's terrible...while it may be funny or entertaining to some parade goers it also reinforces all the negative stereotypes we as TG have to deal with everyday to the "non GLB" parade viewers, not to mention the hay day that the media has showing these pictures over and over.  Is it any wonder that we are so often pegged as "trannies", "transvestites" or "crossdressers" incorrectly by the media and public?  The GLB community has very little to do with TI people.  They are often disrespectful of our feelings and exclusionary in thier social events.  While I do have gay friends who have no problems with me, as a whole, I would NOT want to spend a week around a large group of these people. 

  We have a couple local "GLBT" hotel/club/restraunts here and during my job hunting I went there to apply for whatever was open.  I talked to the cook in one of the restraunts who was extremely happy to have someone applying as they were short handed and swamped.  After turning in my application which had to expose me as TS I couldn't even get one of these people to talk to me on the phone.  I tried multiple times to get in touch with the restraunt manager but I would get this "He just stepped out, we don't know when he will be back", "You just missed him..we'll give him the message and have him call you", "He's too busy to come to the phone can we take a message?", "He's on vacation and won't be back for 2 weeks", "He had a family emergency and we don't know when he will be back".  Yeah, I get the picture.  I decided to look around the next time I was there and I realized something.  I had NEVER seen anybody who I could even remotely think was TS working there.  Every employee was either obviously a gay male or a lesbian female...there's a shocker.

  As Taylor said the GLB community added the TI mostly as a political move.  There is seldom any positive interaction between the two groups despite, I believe, the fact that TI individuals are very accepting of GLB individuals.  I've seen the GLB crowd in clubs WAY too often laughing or belittling CD/TG/TI guests.  I don't like thier "community" and I don't like the way they treat the TG community.  While I'm generalizing and there are obviously many GLB people who don't have these issues the "community",as I see it, is far from accepting TI's as anything other than a tag along group who they can include and exclude for thier own benefit.

  Once again..NO I would not attend if it included GLB.  As for the whole stealth issue and worrying about outing yourself by attending something like this I don't there is any real danger of the paparazzi snapping compromising pictures and showing the world.  The worse thing that could possibly happen is a "new" TI individual might learn something from someone who has already been there or find some much needed support and friendship...just like what happens here on Susans.  "Outing" yourself to other TI's by attending a function like this seems like a small price to pay considering the potential for good.


  And yes....this is another long winded rant induced by a lack of coffee right now.  I'll apologize in advance for things such as grammar, sentence structure and an overall discombobulation of subject lines LOL.

Hi Brandi, I'm sorry to hear it's so bad in your area.  In the area I live in, we are a much tighter knit community.  I have many gay friends myself.  I know several people that are in my support group had associated with the gay community and still continue to, because even drag queens are transgendered too.  At the local gay bar here in Vancouver, every year they have a pageant for the categories of Gay, Lesbian and Drag Queen.  This last year, they also added a transgendered category, which I actually hold the title to.  It was the first in the Northwest to add this and the 3rd in the entire nation.  I think the other 2 were Los Angeles and New York.  I see the GLB and TI communities coming together and exclusionary acts will only perpetuate the segreagation between the 2 groups.  Even though they may separate themselves from the TI community and will probably continue to do so, it will never change unless steps are taken to join the 2 groups, not only with association, but also through action.  So, I think this camp idea would be a good vehicle to promote further integration between the groups.

Melissa

Taylor,

I also do not spend time with the T community, unless they pass well enough to not conflict with my own passing. It's not personal, but it's what I feel stealth neccesitates.

I reread your post about the private accomadations, and I do understand your point. But the way I feel is still the same. I don't feel a need to congregate with Ts, much less travel to do so. I hope you don't mind the directness.

Bri

  I don't consider drag queens transgendered.  They are gay males who dress in womens clothes for entertainment purposes.  Which is fine...I don't have a problem with them, for the most part they are entertaining but they do not qualify as transgendered in my opinion they are simply gay males (well..they don't have to be gay but I haven't met a straight one yet LOL). 

  Now I have met some drag queens who modified thier bodies to be more feminine because it was a huge boost to thier careers.  I've also known a couple drag queens who decided that they wanted to transition after modifying thier bodies to become more fem.  I know one personally who made this choice and then backed out of it because he realized he preferred to be a drag queen.  He had already spent a small fortune on breast implants, hormones and (ick) silicone injections.  He had the implants removed but everything else was there to stay...now he's just a very curvy fem man. 

  Now...I suppose a MtF TS could be a drag king if she wanted too but the essence of "drag" is an impersonation of the opposite gender to an almost ridiculous degree as a form of entertainment.   So I don't see how a female, be she GG or otherwise, could impersonate her own gender, it's a bit contradictory. 

  As I said before I'm generalizing the relationship between the GLB and TI communities and there are exceptions.  However, I believe that the GLB community is more interested in thier own agenda and use the TI crowd as just a political tool.  I watched a documentary not long ago where they were interviewing members of the GLBTI community and one of the guys (gay male) said...... (loosely quoted) "You hear a lot about the "GLBT" community but there really isn't one.  The fact is that gay males are the worst when it comes to hating on other people.  They are so wrapped up in themselves they couldn't care less about anyone else...it's a shame after facing so much discrimination we, as a group, do the same thing to others.".  I was amazed to hear someone actually say that on tape....I've had gay male friends tell me the same thing many times but it surprised me to see it on this show. 

  I think it's great that GLB and TI have merged so well where you live Melissa :) .  I find it to be the exception to the rule though...I'm not advocating any kind of breaking away from GLB because together we can accomplish more than seperated.  My point is only that the "TI" part of GLBTI needs to take care of themselves in the process.  The GLB part isn't going to do that unless it benefits them in some way. 

  I find myself growing too negative for my own likeing and drifting way off subject which is not fair to Taylors topic so I'm going to stop now.  My intention wasn't to debate this issue only to state what I believe in.  It is entirely possible that my views are based on the fact that I live in the middle of the bible belt and it's subsequent ultra conservative christian mindset.  I still stand by my opinion though and the reasons for them.

I'd go for everyone.  I might meet someone I like.  Not romantically...  It's just with more people, it would be more fun.

Cindi

I already voted but wanted to clarify one thing:
My immediate living area is not really progressive, small town farther out in country area (I mean we have malls and gas stations, duh?) I'll say it again NOT REAL PROGRESSIVE....The city (Pittsburgh) is an hour or so from us that is where I think the GBL communities do their work and network better.  I work there but abhore crowds and congestion ie: LIKE THE CITY!  so i do not network much or get involved there much.

I voted #3.  First, I would like to meet more people who are or have transitioned.

That being said, as long as someone is comfotable with their own gender & preference and can accept the gender & preferences of others, I would welcome anyone.  This also includes a community not yet mentioned here - Straight.

Chaunte

Thank you Chaunte!  I would go to something like this myself.  After all, what I am working towards are ways to educate and shed light on TSism so that in the future people will not have to go through as much as my father did.  My husband and I would both go in honor of my father.

Personally I think it should be a TI event only, because the issues ARE different.  But I understand what Taylor is saying about possibly needing the GBL support.

Ginger

Brandi, I assume you must prefer men then, otherwise you would be a lesbian, which is part of the GLB community.  I myself consider myself to be bi, therefore that automatically makes me a member of both communities.  What do you call a crossdresser who is gay?  A Drag Queen.  You call them a crossdresser if they are straight.  I personally know some drag queens that definitely qualify under both the crossdresser and gay male category.  Does being a performer automatically disqualify you from being part of the T community, because if it does, then I guess I'm not part of the T community, as I have done a couple performances in drag shows (although I would never consider myself a drag queen, since being male one of the qualifiers).  Of course I was wearing jeans while performing, but it was easy money. ;)  I know a drag queen who is bi, but he may actually be TS.  It's hard to say.  My whole point is, that there is a lot of crossover between the 2 groups and the lines aren't cut and dry as many people make them out to be.

Melissa

Melissa it's interesting that you sort of brought this up the straight bi gay thing and being Is or transsexual or h!@ll there are too my little synipits for these things..
anyway as a young boy and teenager i identified with the only thing available being straight? although i definately knew i was not born right? too young to maybe realize that and sex and choices and family-parental-society small toen pressures..,anyway dated with many many girlfriends through highschool had a gay teacher friend who is basically a friend to this day even though we have a 22 year age gap between us, nothing ever developed either?  the opportunities were always there? Weird?
Again though as i got older into my 20's i started to run in some loser circles groups, mixed sexual preferences, swinger parties,  little bdsm and all that, that did not shape me but i definately think it gave me some time to explore the other side of things.  so as a 38 year old now i find myself Bi why i cannot answer for 100% but sort of feel like this, if i was 100% woman physically I think i would pretty much be with men but would not rule out the passion of another woman!  since i am male physically and female inside some of my younger years were devoted to being the male young role or faking it to make mom and dad proud!  On the surface if i date women to society i am straight if i date men i am gay; internally dating women makes me lesbian and dating men makes me right in the sex sense?
Am i totally confusing everyone here or do we all sort of feel this way ????
So being bisexual is not a lifestyle choice for me its more of a sexstyle choice?  since i cannot completely define with either sex (meaning either way i am judged or viewed wrong???) i rule out neither....
I on the surface would get more date opportunities from women  but do not ever rule out the possibility or attraction or hit from a decent looking guy?
I actually found out quite a few men in some old circles were not really gay but did bi-activities sexually cause their wives wanted them to?  Interesting huh???
Their wives wanted to see them sexiually interact with another man and it was a turn on for them?  Now how many men google and Awww at the idea of two women going at it?  Hmmmmmmmmmm
Maks you wondeR?
Anyway that is what i wanted to say but i am afraid in my gibberish i may not of relayed it well?
Ricki

 

Quote from: BrandiOK on October 20, 2006, 05:20:10 PM
  I find myself growing too negative for my own likeing and drifting way off subject which is not fair to Taylors topic so I'm going to stop now.  My intention wasn't to debate this issue only to state what I believe in. 

 

I would want to go to support my TS fiancee (obviously) and to show support for my TS/IS friends. So I would like the event to include those that support the TS/IS community.  However, I think that the GLB community has the potential to take over the event if you include the event for them as well. I'm speaking in terms of who the event is for, rather than who is allowed to attend it.  I think it would be great if the TS/IS community could do something WITHOUT the added GLB because I really feel that the "T" in GLBT is really kind of tacked on and that there really isn't all that much in common between the two.  Seeing the TS/IS community stand alone on something would be much more productive and would send a better message. Just my two cents!

My vote is for the #1 option. Taylor, we have had this discussion.

                                      Marco

Hi All,

Up coming board meeting currently dates for next Thursday.

Here is what I will be presenting to them. I want us to be all inclusive of anyone that is in support of the T/I community, not based on sexual orientation, race, creed, nationality etc. I will also however be asking that the title of the event to be " The 2007 1st Annual National TS-IS Camp Fest. The focus will remain on the TS/IS community and it's needs.

I will be asking that we do include all people that are in support of the TS-IS community  I have had a few families with children ask to attend from within the TS community, and have even had a banker ask if they could attend ( mainstream woman) to learn more and give their support. We need to educate and find support in mainstream america, as well as within the GLB communities. So it is my belief that when we are talking about including everyone that wants to learn or show support, then we are moving forward.

Those of you that would like to voice yourselves to the board, please PLEASE take the time to write a letter to the board! You can email all letters to me at my organization website:  taylor@all-pointz.com  and I will present them in our meeting next week. Your voices DO make a difference.  There are a million ways that you can give support, and this is a good place to start! I will not pick and choose what letters I show, if you write the board and send it to me, it will be read by all board memebers. This is about all of us!

Thanks so much for your time, your views and opiniions. This group is very dynamic and just wonderful to be involved with.

Peace,
Taylor

Taylor,

I am a little out of the loop nowadays since I have limited internet access during the week.

What would you like to letters to address?

Chaunte

Umm ya i am a blonde i lost track somewhere too....
if we email you a letter what should we be stating or addresing for the "board" to see???
ooops!sorry for not paying good attention
R

Hi All,

Sorry i was not too clear. Still dealing with the family emergency and as well working so it has been a long week.  It is 1am, of course in a hour it will be 1am again when i turn back my clock! lol  Anyway, I will list things I would like to hear from you all to address with the board.

These are things I would really appreciate in your letters:

1. How you feel about this being a GBLTI or TI Camp Fest ( as I have stated I think being a TI fest but open for all friends and family and supportive people of the community would be great, we already have Mainstream people setting things up showing their support!)
But your opinions would be great for the board to see.

2. What you would like to see the Fest offer to attenders

3. If you would like to attend what would motivate you to do so?

4. If you would like to offer asistance please write and let us know.


_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Here are some things we are going to be looking for as we move forward very shortly:

        Donations we will need
Tax Deductible if you need.
Tents in good condition
Sleeping Bags
Flash Lights
Any gear that you have that would assist with someones camping needs.
These  items will allow people to attend with reducing their costs that may not be able to pay for both gear and travel costs, and fest tickets. They can be used for following years too.

            Non Camping Donations

Advertising space access that you may have
Graphic Design work for website banners
Planning committee members
Arrival attendants that can help with getting people signed in and locate their area
Venders  Appropriate for the TS and IS community ( Suggestions of venders you would like to have there are welcome!)
Clean up Committee, for people to donate some time cleaning up trash, helping with getting firewood to sites that need it etc.
Activities Director
2 Assistant Activities directors
Bands  ( will be taking audition CD's and applications to perform live at Fest ) Unknown currently if it will be a paid performance or if we will be asking for the band to donate their performance for our Fest.  If you are in a band or have connections to a good band that is TS/IS supportive let me know.
Cooks
Volunteers for a talent contest (stage already there)
Sound person ( with experience)
Cash donations ( tax deductible)
Persons with First Aid experience and any medical supplies for a First Aid tent that people can donate.
Publicity in your area groups, announcing the event, providing flyers etc.
Business owners sponsership for the event etc.

NOTE: This is not an all inclusive list, please email me if you have suggestions or something you would like to do for this event.
You may not be able to attend the Fest, but donating any items, or talents, or cash will still allow you to be a part of what we believe is going to be a huge asset to our community, our future and families. 

We really do look forward to hearing from you. And please pass this info on to those you believe would be interested!

Peace,
Taylor

Would not matter to me if it were for GBLTI I would attend either way