2024 Event Program

WORKSHOP NAME: Kids Art Studio

 
TIME: 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
LOCATION: 2nd Floor, Youth Library
Audience: Ages 6-12 years

DESCRIPTION: Join us for a drop-in art making space. We'll have a few suggested activities to explore gender and trans pride, and materials for you to make your own creations. Drop in for as long as you like! We can't wait to create with you! 

Facilitated by: Ty Kitchen and Sydney Calvelli, SMYAL 

Ty Kitchen (they/them) is the Little SMYALs Programs Manager at SMYAL, where they lead programs for LGBTQ+ youth ages 6-13. Ty is a nonbinary educator, camp counselor, musician, and dog dad, who loves finding little bits of queer magic and joy in everyday life. 

Sydney Calvelli (she/her) is a year-long intern working with Little SMYALs. Sydney has always loved working with kids, and is a big fan of Avatar the Last Airbender, singing, drag, and eating any dessert.

www.smyal.org/littlesmyals

WORKSHOP NAME: Parent Support and Discussion Group

 
TIME: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
LOCATION: 2nd Floor, Youth Library
Audience: Parents

DESCRIPTION: Are you the parent of a trans or nonbinary child? Join us for a discussion among peers about the experiences of parenting trans kids of all ages. 

Facilitated by: SMYAL

WORKSHOP NAME: Trans* Book Chat

 
TIME: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-A
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: Come discuss your favorite books by and about trans* people! Get recommendations from your peers and from DC Public Library staff. 

Facilitated by: Jo Percell, DC Public Library 

Jo Percell (they/them) is a librarian on the Outreach & Inclusion Team at DC Public Library. They have been facilitating DCPL's Queer Book Club since 2017 and love nerding out about queer books. 

WORKSHOP NAME: Trans-Intersex Solidarity Discussion Group

 
TIME: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-G
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: Facilitated discussion about the trans and intersex communities' mutual need for protection of rights to bodily autonomy and self-determination. How can we best be in an effective coalition? Share opportunities for impact. Ideate future collaborations.  

Facilitated by: Lïa Lake, Intersex Awareness, Devon Ojeda and Tekla Taylor, National Center for Transgender Equality 

Lïa Lake (she + they) is co-organizer with Intersex Awareness, a grassroots social artivism hub by and for the global intersex community sponsored by interAct: advocates for intersex youth.

Devon Ojeda (they/he), Senior National Organizer at NCTE, advocates for trans rights, focusing on health and housing. 

Tekla Taylor (they/them), Digital Media Manager at NCTE, uses storytelling, trans history, and the arts to advance trans rights and promote the joy and power of our trans community.

WORKSHOP NAME: Going Quantum While Trans and Gender Non-Conforming (TGNC) 

 
TIME: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-F
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: This transformative workshop combines quantum empowerment, abundant language, and energy awareness to empower individuals within the TGNC community. Participants will leave with newfound clarity, having identified at least one way to authentically embody their unique soul's expression and live confidently in their truth. Through this holistic approach, attendees are guided to embrace their authentic selves, aligning mind, body, and spirit with love and empowerment. 

Facilitated by: Alexander Rey Perez, Andrxgenisis LLC

Alexander Rey Perez (Divine/They/King/He), founder of Andrxgenisis LLC, is a holistic creative consultant and intentional light worker dedicated to guiding individuals and organizations in aligning mind, body, and spirit to live authentically and achieve their goals.  With expertise in various fields including spirituality, wellness, and community building, Alexander empowers clients to embrace their authentic identity and realize their full potential. To follow Alexander's work and learn more: https://linktr.ee/lexlyrics

WORKSHOP NAME: Demystify Publishing: How to get your writing in the world 

 
TIME: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-E
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: Publishing, an already opaque industry, is even more inaccessible for writers with marginalized identities. The process can be confusing at best and sometimes hostile at worst. So why pursue publishing at all? In short: the more trans art in the world, the better. Learn about the basics of publishing your writing, from DIY to the Big 5 presses. 

Facilitated by: Luke Sutherland and Andrea Morgan, Lilac Peril

Luke Sutherland (he/him) is a multigenre trans writer and library worker living on unceded Piscataway territories, now known as Washington D.C. His debut chapbook Distance Sequence won the OutWrite 2023 Chapbook Contest in Nonfiction and is forthcoming from Neon Hemlock Press. He has received funding from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and was a finalist for the Larry Neal Writers’ Award, the Black Warrior Review Flash Contest, and the SmokeLong Quarterly Award for Flash Fiction. His work has appeared in smoke and mold, ANMLY, Bright Wall/Dark Room, MQR: Mixtape, and elsewhere. You can find him online as @lukejsuth.

Andrea Morgan (she/her) is a scientist and writer based in Washington, DC. She enjoys interacting with a vibrant community of trans writers and poets in the area, is probably drinking coffee at this very moment, and can be found on Instagram @submorstua.

WORKSHOP NAME: Forged in Fire: LGBTQ+ Leadership Development 

 
TIME: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
LOCATION: 4th/5th Floor,  Auditorium
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: This workshop is a short discussion on the amazing leadership abilities developed by transgender people and the new book Forging Queer Leaders: How the LGBTQ+ Community Creates Impact from Adversity which releases on May 21st. The discussion will be followed by a panel of transgender leaders talking about their developmental journeys. Panelists include Trey Wirth, Ian Brown, Jason Vero and Sabrina Bruce.                                                              

Facilitated by: Bree Fram

Bree Fram (she/her) is an author, podcaster, keynote speaker, and active duty colonel and astronautical engineer in the United States Space Force. Bree is an editor of With Honor and Integrity: Transgender Troops in Their Own Words from NYU press and an author of Forging Queer Leaders: How the LGBTQIA+ Community Creates Impact from Adversity on LGBTQ+ Leadership Development from Jessica Kingsley Publishers. www.breefram.com

Ian Brown is a Software Engineer and retired US Army Officer who’s passionate about advocating and programming for the transgender community. He contributes his expertise drawn from his lived experience to support his leadership roles on numerous boards spanning professional, community and spiritual organizations.

Maj Jason Vero, a 2011 graduate of the US Air Force Academy, is a Helicopter Instructor Pilot with over 1600 hours. He is completing his final semester for his Master's degree in Joint Warfare Strategy, Planning, and Operations before joining his NATO assignment in Poggio Renatico, Italy.

WORKSHOP NAME: ID Docs 4 U

 
TIME: 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor,  401-A
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: This workshop will begin by walking attendees through the name and gender marker update process in DC, MD, and VA and we will provide written guides that walk folks through the process step by step.                                                    

Facilitated by: Whitman-Walker Legal Services 

WORKSHOP NAME: Navigating Top Surgery as a Transmasc Person of Color in an Ongoing Pandemic 

 
TIME: 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor,  401-G
Audience: Ages 18+ (mask provided and required)

DESCRIPTION: Join me for an interactive workshop on navigating top surgery during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on risk management and healthcare advocacy. Cooper will share insights on prioritizing COVID safety and accommodating disabilities while pursuing surgery. Masks will be provided, and I kindly ask participants to wear them throughout the workshop for everyone's safety.                                               

Facilitated by: Cooper Kidd, Incoming Community Health and Prevention PhD Student at Drexel University

Cooper Kidd (they/them) is a neurodivergent, non-binary, queer person of Korean descent who actively challenges societal norms and champions marginalized communities, with a focus on LGBTQ+ and BIPOC issues. Their diverse background spans teaching, research, and technology, including roles at Barclays Bank, the University of Maryland, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Learn more about Cooper at cooperleekidd.com.

WORKSHOP NAME: Surviving Transphobia 

 
TIME: 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor,  401-F
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: Surviving Transphobia is a panel discussion featuring 3-4 diverse transgender and gender nonbinary individuals, some in positions of visibility, relating their own experiences of transphobia, whether internal, external, or systemic, as well as their coping mechanisms, social and other supports, and strengths. This workshop will ultimately send the message, "We've survived, here's how. And if we can survive… so can you, your loved ones, and others in the trans community."

Surviving Transphobia will discuss endurance during times of severe hostility. The panelists will feature individuals with a variety of intersecting transgender and gender nonbinary identities. We will share our moments of vulnerability, revealing our determination and how we have (generally) managed to thrive. This workshop is for community members hoping to learn from others and to feel solidarity.                                           

Facilitated by: Laura A Jacobs, LCSW-R, Psychotherapist, Author, Public Speaker

Laura A. Jacobs, LCSW-R, (she/he/they/none) is a trans and genderqueer identified psychotherapist, speaker, author, activist, and heretic specializing in transgender and gender nonbinary issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, and other forms of gender and sexual diversity. They recently concluded their four-year term as the first transgender and genderqueer Chair of the Board of Directors for the Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, a multisite, $100M+ healthcare organization with the mission of providing quality, compassionate care to the LGBTQIA+ community of NYC regardless of ability to pay, and still serve on committees there and elsewhere. Laura is a prolific speaker in the media, at medical and mental health conferences, in medical schools, and for other organizations, having been featured in the New York Times, NPR, MSNBC, NBCNewsOnline, SiriusXM, CBSNews, Mic.com, TEDx, and more. Their most recent project, Surviving Transphobia – an anthology of 16 prominent transgender and nonbinary figures – was released by Jessica Kingsley Press on September 21, 2023. Laura also has authored or coauthored books, chapters, and articles on gender and sexual diversity.  www.LauraAJacobs.com

WORKSHOP NAME: Advocating for LGBTQ+ Issues in DC: Briefing on the DC LGBTQ+ Budget Coalition 

 
TIME: 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor,  401-E
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: Learn more about how to get involved in LGBTQ+ advocacy from the DC LGBTQ+ Budget Coalition, a mission-driven group working to advocate for dedicated funding and policy changes to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ residents of the District. This session will cover the various issues in the coalition's agenda and how to support LGBTQ+ advocacy in the District. Specifically, the session will discuss effective advocacy methods to better engage various stakeholders.                               

Facilitated by: Heidi Ellis, HME Consulting & Advocacy and DC LGBTQ+ Budget Coalition

Heidi Ellis (she/her) is the founder and CEO of HME Consulting & Advocacy, a DC-based company that utilizes deep experience in policy, strategy, and stakeholder engagement to build coalitions and advance policy initiatives that address issues of intersectionality within the LGBTQ+ community and racial equity. Her consulting and advocacy work includes leading the DC LGBTQ+ Budget Coalition; and providing services such as policy support, facilitation, training, initiative development, organizational design/redesign, and youth engagement to nonprofits, governmental agencies, companies, and community-based organizations.

WORKSHOP NAME: Transcending Boundaries: A Journey through DC Trans History 

 
TIME: 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM
LOCATION: 4th/5th Floor,  Auditorium
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: Join Rainbow History Project for a fabulous deep-dive into our vibrant Washington DC trans history! Rainbow History Project collects, preserves, and promotes LGBTQ+ history in the DC area. This is a great way to be part of ongoing trans history and network amongst your peers! You will also get a chance to journey through RHP’s digital archives, social geography database, and timeline. As you learn, you will also be part of an ongoing effort to expand our trans history above and beyond!                       

Facilitated by: Frankie Witzenburg and Chelsea Powell, Rainbow History Project

Frankie Witzenburg (they/them) is an Archives Specialist at the National Archives and Records Administration, and is on the board as the Deputy Director of Archives with RHP. 

Chelsea Powell (she/they) is a RHP volunteer and current PsyD student at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in Washington D.C.

WORKSHOP NAME: Storytime with the Author: Be You Bravely! 

 
TIME: 11:40 AM - 12:40 PM
LOCATION: 2nd Floor, Youth Library
Audience: Ages 4 - 10

DESCRIPTION: Join authors Jan Moore and Cameron Moore for an interactive read aloud of their picture book: Be You Bravely! Bring your questions for the authors and learn about their organization, Magical Narwhal Kindness! After the story, we'll have some activities and crafts related to the book. This workshop is a collaboration with Little SMYALs!            

Facilitated by: Jan Moore, Cameron Moore, and Ty Kitchen, SMYAL

Jan Moore is the parent of a 13-year-old transgender daughter who shared her truth just five days past her 5th birthday. As Moore embarked on this beautiful journey with her family, she realized the immediate need for advocacy. Together with her daughter, Moore founded Narwal Magic Kindness. Narwal Magic Kindness is a nonprofit organization that provides education to parents, teachers, and medical professionals on the beauty of gender diversity.  Narwhal Magic Kindness envisions a world in which the marginalized transgender & gender-expansive community is empowered to live their vital, authentic, healthy lives and are free from violence now and for the future. Moore is the author of Transgender Healthcare: A Roadmap for Parents of Young Children and her first children's book, Be You Bravely. Both of Moore's works can be found on Amazon and on www.narwalmagickindness.org.

WORKSHOP NAME: Insurance Appeals

 
TIME: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-A
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: This session will walk participants through the process of how to fight the insurance company to cover gender affirming care through the appeals process. 

Facilitated by: Whitman-Walker Legal Services 

WORKSHOP NAME: Support for Partners: A Space to Share, Process, and Connect  

 
TIME: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-G
Audience: Partners of transgender folx, 18+

DESCRIPTION: Are you a current spouse, partner, or significant other of someone identifying as trans or nonbinary? This workshop will create a safe, confidential space for partners of trans and nonbinary folx to share their experiences, talk through related thoughts & feelings, and build community. The session will focus on partners’ evolving sense of self, with discussion of their internal perceptions and how these may relate to external relationships with partners, friends, family, etc. This will be a space of fully supportive, non-judgmental sharing and processing together. Participants will have the opportunity to talk through their thoughts/feelings, journal, and/or draw as they feel most comfortable. 

Facilitated by: Megan Borishanksy, DC Area Transmasculine Society (DCATS)

Megan (she/her) is a facilitator of the DC Area Transmasculine Society's (DCATS) monthly support group for partners. You can find more information about the next meeting at www.dcats.org/calendar 

WORKSHOP NAME: Celebrating Trans Identity Through Storytelling

 
TIME: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-F
Audience: Ages 18+

DESCRIPTION: This workshop is designed to provide a space for trans individuals to celebrate their identities, share their stories, and empower each other through visibility. Through interactive activities, storytelling exercises, and group discussions, participants will explore the richness and diversity of trans experiences while fostering solidarity and advocacy within the community. 

Facilitated by: Ti Malik Coleman, Black in Space

Ti Malik Coleman (he/him) is a multi-talented individual based in Baltimore, known for his roles as a comedian, teacher, storyteller, improviser, and writer. He is deeply passionate about fostering connections and believes in the power of storytelling and comedy as avenues for healing, community-building, and personal empowerment.

WORKSHOP NAME: Visualizando Nuestra Comunidad (Visualizing Our Community) 

 
TIME: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-E
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: Community art workshop in which participants will explore, through different visual arts techniques, their community stories and relationship with their genders, to create collective collage paintings representing the stories and perceptions of the past, present and future of their genders and communities. ARAC hopes to display this collage in a DC arts space during the summer/fall of 2024. Presented in Spanish by bilingual teaching artists, with English and ASL interpretation; and curriculum development by Melissa Strova Valencia from TELAS Colectivo Teatral.) 

Facilitated by: Petrona Xemi Tapepechul and  Diego Molina, Colectivo de Artistas Angel Rose: Artistas Docentes

Angel Rose Artist Collective (ARAC) is a multilingual Two-Spirit (Native American Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, Queer+)-led Collective of artists, healers, educators, and advocates, uplifting Two-Spirit Nation and BIPOC Communities through art & land justice. Named in honor of our late friend, fellow artist, and community member, Angel Rose who lost her life on December 10, 2019. May her legacy live on through our art! www.angelrosearts.org ) able (a pesar de ella misma)," as well as in Nawat, visual arts and advocacy workshops. contactdiego.com 

Petrona Xemi Tapepechul (she/her) is a Salvadoran-born Nawat Trans Woman, the Managing Artistic Director of ARAC, an actor, a playwright, an Interpreter, a poet, and a visual artist. She was named the 2019 Engendered Spirit by Capital Pride alliance, was the recipient of the 2019 Mayor Arts Award for Writers, and was named a Hispanic Heritage Legacy Awardee by the Latinx History Project. Her book "My Woman Card Is Anti-native & Other Two-spirit Truths" was nominated for the 2019 Lambda Literary Award for Bisexual Poetry; and she was a US-feature in the international Dove campaign ""Project #ShowUs"". Xemithetwospirit.wixsite.com/xemi

Diego Molina (he/him) is a Trans Latino Man, a Spanish/English interpreter and translator, and workshop facilitator. Diego has acted in previous ARAC theater productions, including the 2019 touring production of "Lxs Gemelxs Cosmicxs/The Cosmic Twins", and the 2020 virtual production of "Las Gemelas Cosmicas/The Cosmic Twins". Also with ARAC, Diego has worked as a theatrical interpreter and captioner for the 2023 staged reading of "Tucinamit," the 2024 staged reading of "La Madre Amable (a pesar de ella misma)," as well as in Nawat, visual arts and advocacy workshops. contactdiego.com

WORKSHOP NAME: Trans in Public (Service): Working in District Government 

 
TIME: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
LOCATION: 4th/5th Floor,  Auditorium
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring trans and nonbinary appointed, elected, and career public officials in District government as they share invaluable insights into their roles, career paths, and experiences working for the District. Gain firsthand knowledge about the diverse pathways to public service, the challenges and rewards of working in the public sector, and the pivotal role of local government in shaping our communities. Whether you're an aspiring public servant, a seasoned professional, or simply curious about the inner workings of local government, this session offers a unique opportunity to learn from the firsthand experiences of those who serve and lead in District government. 

Facilitated by: Vida Rangel

Vida Rangel (she/they)

Vida is an autistic queer Latiné nonbinary trans woman currently serving as the highest ranking openly transgender appointed official in District government. As a community organizer and civil rights advocate, she has organized around the country in areas spanning the political spectrum, and served in government offices at the federal, state, county, and city levels.

Tyler Cargill (he/they)

Tyler is a dynamic genderfluid educator, researcher, and advocate specializing in diversity, equity, and inclusion with over 17 years of experience. His passion for fostering dialogue and understanding across various communities has driven him to spearhead training programs, develop outreach strategies, and cultivate relationships to promote human rights and inclusion.

Tyler Edge (he/him)

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Tyler is a proud  black transman who found his voice in advocacy and community engagement. With an interest in policy advocacy, he’s championed LGBTQ+ causes, from orchestrating the iconic events to training government employees in lgbtqia+ cultural competency.

Hayden Gise (she/her)

Hayden is the only elected Transgender person in Washington DC, a Neighborhood Commissioner for Woodley Park and the Vice Chair of ANC 3C. She is a professional union organizer, a member of Metro DC DSA, and happily engaged to her fiancée, Tess.

Colin Kutney (he/Him)

Colin works in the DC Government's Office of the City Administrator for the Office of Budget and Performance Management. Previously, he managed HRC's Municipal Equality Index where he worked with over 500 municipal governments across the country to advance LGBTQ-inclusive laws, policies, and services.

WORKSHOP NAME: Trans Youth Celebration

 
TIME: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
LOCATION: 2nd Floor, Youth Library
Audience: Ages 10-17

DESCRIPTION: Celebrate Trans Joy by painting mirrors with affirmations of self-love! This workshop will feature small group activities, games, and crafts geared towards trans youth, ages 10 and up. Parents are encouraged to drop-off youth. 

Facilitated by: Janeé Nealey, SMYAL

Janeé Nealey (they/them) is a queer and nonbinary educator who can be found coloring, puzzling, gaming, or sharing a laugh.  At SMYAL, Janeé educates youth, parents, and teachers on best practices for LGBTQ+ inclusion at the elementary and middle school level.

WORKSHOP NAME: Developing a Queer and Trans Agenda for Racial and Economic Justice 

 
TIME: 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-A
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: This is an invitation to Trans Pride attendees to contribute to a collective vision of what a trans-inclusive agenda for racial and economic justice might look like. During this interactive workshop, participants will learn about the efforts to build a framework for successful, collaborative partnerships in the DMV. They will be asked to contribute their knowledge and experience on how to center equity in developing common agendas that are inclusive of transgender people. Our hope is that participants will leave the workshop energized and centered around a common vision for collective liberation and some concrete steps for building power in transgender communities.    

Facilitated by: Benjamin Brooks, Whitman-Walker Institute

Benjamin Brooks (he/him) is the Associate Director of Policy and Education at Whitman-Walker Health. He works to bring quality healthcare to our community by working with our researchers, providers, and patients to create evidence-based policies that capture opportunities to build health equity.  At Whitman-Walker, Brooks works to advance LGBTQ+ cultural competency and humility trainings for healthcare providers and to end structural anti-LGBTQ and anti-HIV stigma. Before joining Whitman-Walker, Brooks created LGBT cultural competencies and provided technical assistance and capacity building to HIV providers across the country. He is a graduate of Northeastern University School of Law with a law degree and Tufts University School of Medicine with a master’s degree in public health. Before entering law, Brooks spent 10 years working as a tutor and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Berry College in Rome, GA.  

WORKSHOP NAME: Ask Me Anything: Phalloplasty 

 
TIME: 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-G
Audience: Transmasculine persons (and their partners), Ages 18+ 

DESCRIPTION: This event will begin with an overview of phalloplasty procedures and techniques, followed by a question and answer session led by a local trans man whose had both ALT and RFF phalloplasty and has done extensive research on the procedures. Folks interested in phalloplasty are welcome to attend for more information, as well as those who've had phalloplasty to share their experiences. This event is not open to allies, unless you are attending with your partner who is interested in phalloplasty.    

Facilitated by: Jamison Henninger, DC Area Transmasculine Society (DCATS)

Jamison (he/him) is the Executive Director of the DC Area Transmasculine Society (DCATS).

WORKSHOP NAME: Trans Kink 101

 
TIME: 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-F
Audience: Ages 18+ 

DESCRIPTION: At this workshop, we will educate trans folks about the Kink community, kink in general and how to best navigate these spaces as a trans person.          

Facilitated by: Daniel Mendoza and BB Farmer, Transitions Shopping Service

Daniel Mendoza (they/ze) has been a kinkster and community organizer for many years and work to share what they've learned to empower their communities with knowledge. As a Mexican Trans/Poly/Pan kinkster they bring an intersectional approach to everything they do.

BB Farmer (they/them) has been an Agender/Pan/Poly Sadistic Kinkster for 21 years, educator & newbie facilitator. BB’s goal is to make sure that new kinksters have a great first experience. BB is the Owner of Transitions Shopping Service and has been a mentor to many new folx.

WORKSHOP NAME: Sex Work 101

 
TIME: 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM
LOCATION: 4th Floor, 401-E
Audience: Ages 18+ 

DESCRIPTION: This workshop aims to provide a safe and inclusive space for transgender sex workers to discuss and learn about strategies for enhancing their safety. The workshop will focus on addressing the unique challenges and risks faced by transgender individuals in the sex work industry, while also exploring practical tools and resources to promote their well-being.           

Facilitated by: Iya Dammons, Melissa Deveraux and Ja'Nae Tyler, DC Safe Haven 

Ms. Iya Dammons (she/her) is the Founding Executive Director of Baltimore Safe Haven and visionary activist for the TLGBQIA+ community. As a proud trans woman of color, Ms. Dammons suffered the direct impacts of race- and gender-based discrimination through her experiences of homelessness, substance use, violence, and survival sex work in the very streets where she now works to provide help to TLGBQIA+ folks living in survival mode. In 2018, she founded Baltimore Safe Haven, a nonprofit organization based on the civil rights model of “each one, teach one”, and “for us, by us.” Today, BSH provides dedicated TLGBQIA+ housing, workforce development, HIV testing, healthcare, legal services, and more – all from the perspective of oneness and solidarity with the community. In her passion for investing in emerging trans leaders, BSH is now the largest employer of TLGBQIA+ lived-experience staff in the state and the only trans-led nonprofit in Baltimore City. For her exceptional service to the community in terms of scale and impact, Ms. Dammons was named 40 Under 40 TLGBQ Leader in 2021 by BEQ, was honored by the AIDS Health Foundation on World AIDS day, is a member of the AIDS United Transgender Leadership Initiative class of 2022, has been featured frequently in publications such as POZ and the Washington Blade, and is a regular guest speaker at TLGBQIA+ advocacy events around the country.

WORKSHOP NAME: TRANScendental Sound Sanctuary 

 
TIME: 3:40 PM - 4:40 PM
LOCATION: 4th/5th Floor, Auditorium
Audience: Everyone

DESCRIPTION: TRANScendental Sound Sanctuary offers a healing sound bath experience tailored for the trans community, providing a peaceful space for relaxation and emotional release through sound vibrations. Participants in this inclusive environment can let go of stress and connect deeply with their inner selves. The sanctuary aims to foster a sense of well-being and inner harmony, encouraging attendees to embrace their authenticity and achieve transcendence.        

Facilitated by: Ellyana Simon, SVDGVRL SOURCE

ELLYÄNA, a talented singer/songwriter, vocal producer, and advocate based in Washington DC, captivates audiences with her serenading tone and heart-tugging lyrics. With a certification in songwriting, a Bachelor's degree in vocal performance, and 8 years of classical, jazz, and theoretical training, ELLYÄNA brings a refreshing twist to Alternative R&B.Drawing on her background in classical and jazz music, ELLYÄNA is not only a talented singer but also a certified sound healer. Through her music and healing work, she creates a space for emotional exploration and growth. As the founder of SVDGVRL SOURCE, she hosts events that guide individuals through acknowledging and working through their emotions, particularly feelings of sadness. ELLYÄNA's music and advocacy reflect her dedication to using her talents to make a positive impact on the community. Her journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and creativity, showcasing the transformative power of art and healing combined in the vibrant city of Washington DC.