I've never been to a conference, but I've been invited to present at one. I have some friends (trans women and AFAB gender queer) who are curious but cautious about attending Southern Comfort Conference. What is that conference like? What are trans conferences like in general?

I have one data point to share.  I went to the Keystone Conference in Harrisburg this spring.  This was my first venture out and about as Erin.  The big thing was meeting all sorts of people like me and understanding I am not the only one.  I hear Southern Comfort is similar, just bigger.  There was a large enough group to pretty well take over the hotel where the conference met, so no matter what your stage of transition (or in my case lack there of) you fit in and nobody said anything disparaging.  This was a good event for me and having gotten a taste I will be back next year with a better grasp of how to fit in.

Basically it was really validating.  I went to a number of workshops and learned a bit about fiting into the world as trans*.  But the real thing was just the feeling of fitting in as me.

I suppose there are a different experience for everyone.  But my vote would be to give it a try.


Erin

My friend who is a trans woman has been living her life as an average every day Oman for a number of years. She isn't sure what the conference will provide since it sort of seems like the aim is for crossdressers and newly out trans women.

This will be my sixth year at Southern Comfort Conference and by then will be 19 months Post Op.  SCC has a very wide range of people from across the TG population.  We do have people there who will be "out of the closet" and scared out of their wits, some others who only can come out and be themselves at those types of activities FAR from home and job.  This will be my third year after my full transition, and second year post op.  The three earlier years I went, I traversed the path from CD who had 12 changes of clothing and wigs for a 4 day stay, down to a single palr of slacks and some interchangeable tops, and ONE nice evening dress, and a bathing suit. (One wig too). 

The program has about 5 major segments to the daily sessions, there are sessions for the first time out and more frequent CD's, there are sessions on beginning transition, including GT issues, there are GD spiritual conferences, and there are activism and community involvement sessions.   There will be several of the GRS surgeons as well giving infomercials, as well as FFS surgeons as well.  (I picked Dr. Bowers for my surgery from a session with her there.)

If your friend is basically full time and wants to spend a few hours shopping, the shopping mall across the street is great.  I will be spending time there with some other full time friends as well.  I will probably NOT go to the "dine out" this year, since Atlantan cooks CANNOT cook a steak right for my tastes, and as full time, I am not worried one bit about going to other "regular people" sites.

I know I will be meeting friends there who have been out longer than I have, but we also have fun helping the newer girls and guys to become easy with themselves.  My personal favorite time there is the Karaoke evenings, where duets have the more feminine appearing singer doing the baritone, and the dude with the heavy beard singing the soprano parts.  It is a time of total relaxation and just being ourselves.  PM me if you have specific questions about SCC,  I have my program from last year on the bookshelf behind me.