I dress fulltime at home, but still present as male when I leave the house. And I live alone, so dressing fulltime at home without anyone knowing is easy. It's just me and the dog, and he's not telling anybody!!! Today, however, I stayed dressed when I went to a fast-food drive thru window. For me this is huge! I've never come out to anyone much less the world. Only recently did I even come out to myself. I was nervous, but I also didn't want to revert back to male mode. I feel more like myself when I let myself be Danielle. No one said anything or gave me any kind of strange or judgmental looks - at least not to my face. I just wanted to take that baby step. Maybe one day I will be able to face the world as myself without fear, but for today I'll celebrate this milestone.
Excellent first step. I started by dressing for doctors appointments and progressed from there. It was eye opening how good it felt to finally do it. You now know that feeling and it just gets better in my opinion
Congratulations and enjoy
Big hug! I remember my first steps out of the house. Same as you, the dog was my only confidante. I decided to go out to the car and don't you know that's when someone came driving down my dead end street. I leaped into the car in panic! :laugh:
Congratulations on showing yourself to the world. :)
Hugs, Devlyn
Congratulations!
This is a Big step for me and lot harder to do then I thought. I still have not made it out of the driveway. :laugh:
I am going to give it a try this week and let Chelsea get some miles under her belt. :)
Hugs,
Chelsea
That's so awesome!! It sounds extremely terrifying, but you still did it :D Stay safe and hope you can continue to be yourself!
Good for you. It is frightening. I was at the therapist last week and there was a client in the waiting room, who was laughing as I walked past. I asked him if he had any questions. Yes, I sneak in and out, or as sneaky as a 6'4" 220 lb. person can be. But it gets easier with each visit. If you can make it to a transgender conference It is a great way to assimilate among peers. Here is a list of events. I go to Gender Odyssey in Seattle where last year 1700 attendees showed up. We had among others, Dr. Marcy Bowers and Dr.Metzler presentations.
First Event Marlboro, MA Jan 30 – Feb 4
TransCon Miami Miami, FL March 2-3
TransLife Community Conference Santa Rosa, CA March 3
The Keystone Conference Harrisburg, PA March 6-8
TRANSforming Gender Conference Boulder, CO March 10-11
Moving Trans History Forward Victoria, BC, CA March 22-25
Asterisk Trans* Conference Riverside, CA March 31
South Bay Trans Day of Visibility San Jose, CA April 7
Transgender Voices Festival St. Paul, MN April 13-14
Black Trans Advocacy Conference Dallas, TX April 23-29
TransOhio Trans & Ally Symposium Columbus, OH April 27-29
Rhode Island Trans Health Conference Providence, RI April 28
Transgender Lives: The Intersection of Health and Law Conference Farmington, CT April 28
Sparkle Manchester, UK July 6-8
Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference Philadelphia, PA Aug 2-4
Gender Odyssey Seattle, WA Aug 10-12
Southern Comfort Conference Ft. Lauderdale, FL Sept 6-8
Genderfest Las Vegas, NV Sept 6-8
Money Saving Tip
Note that many of the conferences have early bird discounts available. Register early to save on your expenses! Several conferences also offer scholarships and work trades!
2018 Confirmed Conferences
First Event – 38th Annual!
Now in its 38th year, First Event has grown into one of the largest trans gatherings in the world, and it's the only major winter conference. Entertainment, workshops and activities, plus a luncheon for trans men.
When: January 30 – Feb 4th
Where: Marlboro, MA
Cost: $295 complete conference package, single day passes also
available.
TransCon Miami
A free conference produced by Aqua Foundation For Women for the transgender community in South Florida. It serves as a space to educate and empower the transgender community as well as allies.
When: March 2-3
Where: Miami, FL
Cost: $10-20 individuals, scholarships available.
The Keystone Conference – 10th Annual!
Hosted by TransCentralPA, Keystone features meaningful workshop and seminar programming, plus numerous social functions. Recent years have seen significantly expanded programming for trans men. Continuing Education credits will be offered for select workshops.
When: March 6-11
Where: Harrisburg, PA
Cost: Varies
TRANSforming Gender Conference – 12th Annual!
The University of Colorado-Boulder's TRANSforming Gender Conference hosts national and local transgender, genderqueer, and Two-Spirit activists and scholars to raise awareness of how we can celebrate the diversity of gender and biological sex.
When: March 8-10
Where: Boulder, CO
Cost: FREE
Moving Trans History Forward
Join community activists, academic, artists, and allies from around the globe for the third Moving Trans History Forward conference, held at the University of Victoria.
When 22 – 25 March
Where: Victoria BC Canada
Fee: Variable $85 – $350 Cdn
Asterisk Trans* Conference – 4th Annual!
A college conference for trans people and allies, to address trans health and well-being, and to provide education and resources for trans youth advocates. People of all gender identities and expressions are welcome.
When: March 31
Where: UC Riverside, CA
Cost: $10-20 individuals, scholarships available.
South Bay Trans Day of Visibility – 7th Annual!
An annual event focused on recognizing and celebrating trans lives and experiences. Enjoy a full day or workshops, social space, new trans films, a show at night and more.
When: April 7
Where: San Jose, CA
Cost: $20, no one turned away.
Transgender Voices Festival
The festival offers a space for transgender and gender nonconforming (GNC) singers across musical genres and cultures to explore our voices and identities, grow as artists, and learn techniques for voice care. (For non-singers, there will also be opportunities to explore voice in other ways like storytelling and poetry.) The festival is also a place for voice teachers, music teachers, and choir directors to learn about transgender voice and receive tools to support singers in the classroom and beyond. Continuing education credits for music teachers will be available.
When: April 13-14
Where: St. Paul, MN
Cost: $0-$100 sliding scale
Black Trans Advocacy Conference – 6th Annual!
The National Black Trans Advocacy Conference & Awards Gala invites trans and gender non-conforming individuals and our family, friends and community allies to gather, educate, learn, build and grow together.
When: April 23-29
Where: Dallas, TX
Cost: FREE – $135
TransOhio Transgender & Ally Conference – 10th Annual!
More than 85 workshops covering a variety of topics including health and safety, sex and sexuality, legal and employment issues, religion and spirituality, and culture, media and the arts.
When: April 27-29
Where: Columbus, OH
Cost: $105 for a 3-day package, single day passes also available.
Rhode Island Trans Health Conference – 4th Annual!
This year's theme is Resistance and Resilience, empowering the local trans community with information and tools needed to be strong self-advocates and to build a community movement towards social justice. The conference also focuses on expanding the local network of knowledgeable and affirming healthcare providers. This year's keynote speaker is Justice Gaines, a local activist and poet.
When: April 28
Where: Rhode Island College, Providence, RI
Cost: $0-$75 sliding scale, includes lunch
Transgender Lives: The Intersection of Health and Law Conference – 12th Annual!
This annual conference seeks to raise awareness of the interconnectivity and interdependence of two critical areas to the lives of the trans and gender non-conforming individual: health and law. Attendance and outreach for this conference has grown substantially, making it the major Transgender Health and Law Conference in Southern New England.
When: April 28
Where: University of Connecticut Health Centre, Farmington, CT
Cost: $25
Sparkle – 14th Annual!
The UK's national transgender celebration is the world's largest transgender event. Celebrate with music and events, and attend talks and workshops that are all FREE.
When: July 6-8
Where: Manchester, UK
Cost: FREE
Philadelphia Trans Wellness Conference – 16th Annual!
The mission of the PTHC is to educate and empower trans individuals on issues of health and well-being; educate and inform allies and health service providers; and facilitate networking, community-building, and systemic change.
When: August 2-4
Where: Philadelphia, PA
Cost: FREE
Gender Odyssey's GO Medical Program
Gender Odyssey Seattle – 17th Annual!
Gender Odyssey Seattle's new format includes a Medical Program and Employment Fair, but no community workshops.
When: August 10-12
Where: Seattle, WA
Cost: Early Bird $150-$280 sliding scale, scholarships available.
Southern Comfort Conference – 27th Annual!*
One of the largest transgender conferences in world, SoCo has something for everyone: transsexuals, cross-dressers or in between; spouses, partners and family members; all sexual orientations; post-op, pre-op or non-op; young, old; married, single; FtM or MtF – if transgender is an issue in your life, welcome!
When: September 6-8
Where: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Cost: $50 – $125
* Would be 28th annual but 2017 conference was cancelled.
Genderfest
Genderfest is a conference not only about the intersectionality of gender, but also about growth, learning about the different ways gender is explored and expressed, and navigating through the gender journey.
When: September 6-8
Where: Las Vegas, NV
Cost (2017): $50 (students); $75 (regular).
2018 Conferences – Dates To Be Announced
Trans Fitness Conference
Gearing up for its 5th year, TransFitCon (formerly FTMFitCon) is quickly building a reputation as a must-attend event for trans folks interested in fitness. Get "real-life" applicable knowledge in fitness, nutrition, wellness, finances, spirituality and sex/relationships. Plus, the 4th annual bodybuilding competition!
When: October
Where: Atlanta, GA
Cost (2017): $125 Early Bird; $165 Regular.
Translating Identity Conference – 15th Annual!
Explore a wide array of topics in discourses regarding gender and transgender identities, expressions, communities, and intersections. TIC is a free, student organized, non-profit conference that seeks to reach not only the University of Vermont & the Burlington community, but the nation as a whole. A one-day event, TIC has numerous sessions to choose from at any time that are directed towards people at all levels of inclusion in the trans and allied communities. This conference is a safe space for everyone to come, learn, and enjoy themselves!
When: October
Where: Burlington, VT
Cost: FREE
Trans* Wellness Conference – 7th Annual!
An opportunity to bring members of the trans community together with community allies and providers of health and human services to share in learning and experience.
When: October
Where: Buffalo, NY
Cost: FREE
Fantasia Fair – 43rd Annual!
Running for more than 40 years now, Fantasia Fair is a week-long transgender event held every October in the LGBT resort town of Provincetown, Massachusetts. Part conference, part social gathering, the Fair is a "full immersion" experience: attendees can spend the entire week presenting their gender as they wish. While the event has a stronger MTF presence, a growing number of trans men regularly attend. In recent years, a number of notable trans men have presented at Fantasia Fair, including Jamison Green, Ethan St. Pierre, Stephen Whittle, Hawk Stone, Tony Ferraiolo and Dru Levasseur.
When: October
Where: Provincetown, MA
Cost (2017): $390-$650
Virginia TIES
Produced by Equality Virginia, TIES is a conference for trans people, allies and providers. This year's event includes a name and gender marker change clinic, free mental health appointments, workshops and evening events.
When: October
Where: Richmond, VA
Cost: TBA
Transgender Spectrum Conference – 5th Annual!
Initiated by the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 2014, the conference brings together a wide range of people interested in celebrating the lives of transgender people in the St. Louis area and beyond. Our goal is to create dialog, to educate ourselves and our community, and to improve the lives of all gender variant people.
When: November
Where: St. Louis, MO
Cost: TBA
Genderevolution – 10th Annual!
Genderevolution is the pinnacle event of Transgender Education and Awareness Month, fostering community building in the Salt Lake City area, offering education for health and mental care providers, and celebrating trans* identities in an inclusive, healthy and positive way. Scholarships are available in advance and at the doors. No one will be turned away.
When: November
Where: Salt Lake City, UT
Cost: TBA
National Transgender Health Summit
The premiere national conference in transgender health is mostly geared to providers but includes a track specifically for trans and gender diverse people in health professions to strengthen their skill set and networks for leadership, community mobilization and professional development. CEUs, CMEs, and UCSF course credit offered.
When: November
Where: Oakland Marriott City Center, Oakland, CA
Cost (2017): Physicians $550; Allied Health Professionals $550; Residents/Fellows/Students $275
Trans Wellness & Wellbeing Conference
A day of fun, learning, activity, and resources. There will be workshops focused on creative expression through art, music, dance, film, photography, etc.; nutrition, fitness, yoga, meditation, physical transition, healing, etc.; and mental and emotional wellness, including boundaries, communication, relationships, joyous living, overcoming trauma, etc.
When: November
Where: Plummer Park, West Hollywood, CA
Cost: FREE, registration required for lunch and swag bag
LA Trans Con
Taking place in the fall of 2018, LA TransCon is a conference with inspirational and entertaining speakers, presenters and vendors from the worlds of entertainment, activism, politics, medicine, family services and more.
When: November
Where: Diamond Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City Hotel, Los Angeles, CA
Cost: NA
Last updated: 02/14/18
Help Expand Our International Content!
Do you know of other conferences for trans men, particularly international events? Please add them in the comments area below!
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Joshua is the Editor and Publisher of TransGuys.com. Since 2007, he's been writing about FTM transition on his popular blog, Gender Outlaw. He lives in rural Canada.
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5 Comments
BLUE MONTANA
FEBRUARY 13, 2018 AT 8:41 PM
Genderfest is sept 6-8 in Las Vegas! This is a conference for and about the trans community and their allies! Workshop submissions are now open and scholarships are available!
LAURA HOLT
FEBRUARY 14, 2018 AT 6:34 AM
Here's one in St. Louis in November, though not focused on men. Thanks for compiling this!
MAX GRIES
FEBRUARY 14, 2018 AT 4:37 PM
The Transgender Voices Festival in St Paul, Minnesota on April 13&14, 2018! It's essentially a conference, 2 days of workshops and performances with special emphasis on singing voice but also speaking voice, poetry, spoken word, storytelling, songwriting. Programming for trans men, trans women, gender nonbinary and nonconforming people, and voice and choir educators. http://www.onevoicemn.org/transvoices/
COLT KEO-MEIER
FEBRUARY 15, 2018 AT 10:24 AM
Thanks for putting this together!
Gender Infinity will be 10/5-6 this year in Houston, TX.
We're working on save the dates as we speak.
ALIX
MARCH 25, 2018 AT 7:50 PM
https://www.genderspectrum.org/quick-links/events/
professionals and families
july 6 & 7 Moraga, CA
Gender Conference East
professional day and family day, november
http://www.genderconferenceeast.org
Thank you all for the support! I went to my therapist today and she said she was impressed with how suddenly I did this. I was nervous, but I also felt like myself. I still don't have the courage to walk into a store dressed, but I'll get there. One step at a time!!!
Really great to hear, Danielle! I'm definitely itching to go 'full-time' outside, too.
Probably doing what Donna did would be the most successful, because you'd have people that would be more encouraging interacting with you first. Very brave heading out to the drive-thru, lol
I know I've only like talked on the phone to people so far, and I always get nervous and feel like my voice starts going all over the place! But I'm really surprised that such lovely ladies out there are stay-at-home girls, like Chelsea.
Now, there's a whole load of anxiety on my shoulders thinking about what I was planning on doing next lol It's a good thing I will be seeing my therapist for the first time this week, yeesh!
Hi Danielle,
I am proud of you for getting out and going through that drive in while dressed. I drove dressed many times for many years but seldom did anything like go through a drive thru. It took many years for me to go into a store or otherwise interact in public. I thing there were 4 times I did before I went on a road trip a month longs almost completely en femme. By the time I made it home I had decided I was full time and haven't gone back to guy mode at all because I am not a guy.
That was my experience Danielle. No one expects you to do the same. But I think you will find that the more you get out the sooner you will become comfortable with it. Good Luck to you and good job on this first foray!
Hugs,
Laurie
Taking that first step is important - mine was leaving my hotel room in DC to make a 20 min drive to my first appointment back in December...and to my shock and amazement - no one cared. I walked past a dozen people on the way to my car, and another 2 dozen on the sidewalk after parking and walking to the clinic.
I present male about 90% of the time, the only exceptions being on my drill weekends with the Navy (I get my own hotel room) and here and there at home (when my wife and i are home alone with none of the kids that still live with us.(all grown)
It gets easier. It really does. I've been on hrt 5 months now - the boogie faerie has come, things are being the way they are supposed to, and i'd go full time tomorrow if I could. But everything in time. I did the drive thru thing myself a few weeks ago, and i'll admit, I was apprehensive as my voice is nowhere near passing, but you know what? I did it and it felt awesome. I'm glad you took that first big step. Congratulations!
Big Hugs to you Danielle. That is so HUGE. Congratulations!!!!!!!
Raquel
Congrats to you. :)
It may not seem so now, but it does get easier.