The Upcoming Coppin State African American Transgender Forum

TransGriot Note: Thanks to Sandy Rawls for sending me the info concerning this upcoming forum. A I mentioned at the beginning of this year, transpeople of African descent are tired of the vanilla flavored status quo and the 2K10s will be a decade in which a might people will awaken and begin to take control of their own destiny, just as our cis ancestors did.

And now, the press release about the upcoming Coppin State event.

The purpose of this event is to foster dialog and productive conversation on ways to improve lives in the African American Transgender Community. The Transgender community, regardless of race or orientation, faces a multitude of obstacles and challenges.

More than often, we see and hear about African American trans people finding it exceptionally difficult to live healthy, productive, and successful lives.

During this forum, we will explore our challenges and our victories, as well as facilitate a solution-based dialog to further build a healthier, dynamic and unified community.

The African American Transgender Forum At Coppin State University-Working Together to Build a Stronger Community

Admission: FREE
Contact: Sandy Rawls 443-447-3238

Location: Coppin State University
2500 West North Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21216-3698

Date: September 25, 2010
Time: 8:30am – 3:00pm
Lead Sponsors: Trans-United and Maryland Black Family Alliance

Co-sponsors: The Portal, ACLU of Maryland, Equality Maryland, (W.A.R) Women Accepting Responsibility, Baltimore Black Pride

Proposed Schedule:

8:30am - 9:10am – Registration and light breakfast
9:15am– 9:30am – WELCOME: Elbridge James and Sandy Rawls
9:35am – 9:45am – Building a stronger community-Sandy Rawls
9:45-9:55- Our Hopes, Our Dreams, Our Victories-Tona Brown

First Panel:
10:00– 11:45am –OUR ISSUES – Housing, Education, Sex Work, Hate Crimes

MODERATOR Sandy Rawls-Executive Director of Trans-United/Baltimore City HIV/AIDS Commissioner

Lindsey Harrington-Youth Group Facilitator at Trans-United/ TransS.P.I.R.E
Lisa Garnett- HIV/AIDS Prevention, and Treatment Director at Trans-United
Lauren Stokeling-W.A.R Women Accepting Responsibility
Aeon Farr- Morgan State University student/ Community Outreach coordinator at Trans-United

12:00pm – 12:45pm – LUNCH

Second Panel:
1:00pm – 2::30pm - OUR STORIES- How they contribute to solve issues in the Transgender community

Brian Watson -Program Director/Transgender Health Empowerment-Washington DC
Nevett Steele-Attorney, LGBT Community Activist
Mark McClaurin- HIV/AIDS specialist and Activist
Tonia Poteit- PA, MPA (Medical Public Health) at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Health)
Dr. Luke Johnsen HIV/STD Specialist /Baltimore City Health Department

2:45pm – 3:00pm – Closing Remarks, Working Together to Build a Stronger Community
Sandy Rawls, Elbridge James, Lea Gilmore