This evening I was privileged to be on a panel of 10 trans people and supporters. We were there to answer questions from an equal number of students in a masters counseling program.

I was pretty nervous going in, but the 90-minute panel was a great experience, and I got to meet a bunch of interesting people (trans, supporters and students). I liked it so much, I asked the moderator to sign me up for the next one.

My sister and my 89-year-old Mom were there too, which was super nice. The moderator told Mom that she was the first mother to attend, and asked her to be the "honorary mom" for the next panel!

If you're publicly transitioned, and there is a similar opportunity in your area, it's an experience worth considering...

Yes it would be nice to have mentors support around the world.

Why i try my best when i am welcomed to visit the men and women who trek to Montréal for there surgeries.

My family has grown and someday i know everyone of them will give a little back to the community.

I applaud you.

Hugs

Sounds like an interesting and positive experience. Was there an audience too?

Eveline,
Congrats. I for one totally love speaking in public about our issues it is great fun!

My love to your mum and sister.

Great hugs to you all

Cindy

Nice!

Three years ago, my former speech therapist asked me to speak in front of her class she teaches at university. I was surprised when I saw they were all women, which made it a bit easier. The questions were awesome and complimentary.

I was asked to do a radio show recently, but declined. I'd much rather be seen than heard...if that makes sense.

Hi Eveline,

Glad to hear you had a good time on the panel.

Since I believe you are in the Miami area.  If you ever get involved in any other presentations and if they are open to the public would you let me/us know?   Maybe PM me so I wont miss it?   I would love to attend!  I am looking for a TG group meeting down here, but so far have not found any.

Thank You,

Emily

Quote from: Ms Grace on March 10, 2015, 01:51:32 AM
Sounds like an interesting and positive experience. Was there an audience too?

The audience was all students, except for the significant other of the assistant moderator, who was there to learn more about trans people.

Since the students were training to be counselors, I was willing to answer some very personal questions, so I'm kind of glad that the audience was restricted in this case.

Quote from: Cindy on March 10, 2015, 05:04:08 AM
Eveline,
Congrats. I for one totally love speaking in public about our issues it is great fun!

My love to your mum and sister.

Great hugs to you all

Cindy

Cindy, thanks for the love and hugs! I have to say speaking on trans issues is way more fun than I ever expected.

How did you get started with public speaking?

Quote from: mrs izzy on March 10, 2015, 12:43:19 AM
Yes it would be nice to have mentors support around the world.

Why i try my best when i am welcomed to visit the men and women who trek to Montréal for there surgeries.

My family has grown and someday i know everyone of them will give a little back to the community.

I applaud you.

Hugs

Thanks, mrs izzy! I think it would be great to encourage more trans people to try speaking. I wonder if posting to a "Speaking Opportunities" thread of similar would work?

Quote from: Emily R on March 10, 2015, 06:30:08 AM
Since I believe you are in the Miami area.  If you ever get involved in any other presentations and if they are open to the public would you let me/us know?   Maybe PM me so I wont miss it?   I would love to attend!  I am looking for a TG group meeting down here, but so far have not found any.

Thank You,

Emily

Emily, I sure will. Would you like me to check with the moderator, and see if she is interested in adding more panelists in the future? If so, please PM me.

Also, regarding trans groups, here are the ones I've just learned about:

• 
  Transgender Monthly Support Group
  Dr. Carol Clark
  Meets every 3rd Friday of the month at 7:00 to 8:30 PM
  Pride Center at Equity Park
  2040 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305
  954-463-9005
  
  
• 
  TRUE Group
  South Miami / Coral Gables area
  Meets the 2nd Thursday (6 - 8 PM) and 4th Saturday (2 - 4 PM) of the month
  Email info@true-group.org for address and directions
  

Eveline,

I dont think I am quite ready to present in a panel.  At this point I am only out to my understanding wife and therapist and have not even started HRT yet!   But I will keep it in mind for the future as there is nothing to be ashame or embarrassed about, Ii is what we are as we were born on the wrong body!  But I would love to hear you and others, so if there is another presentation open to the public please let me know via PM as not to miss it.

In regards to the transgroups,  do you know anything about them?  I just saw the TRUE Group last week, but I am concerned that it may may for people in their 20's or younger not a 60'ish like me.   

As soon as I have a chance I will go to both meetings and will let you know!

Thank you for your time and being so kind and helpful.

Emily