Tuesday, November 13, 2007

THE GENDER FEST -- A SUCCESS

I am delighted to report that The Gender Fest was a success, according to emails and feedback that I have received after the event. The event was well attended despite being in a mainstream venue, the staff at The Point were marvellous - very welcoming and professional and provided a service as supportive as I have become used to receiving when organising Ministerial and Secretary of State events. Nothing was too much trouble. The Mayor of Eastleigh , Roger Smith surprised me by staying at The Gender Fest long after he had made his welcoming speech making himself available to listen to the guests and learning more about the real issues that the TG Community face. In truth The Mayor could have fulfilled his civic duty with much less effort and the fact that both he and Min Partner have demonstrated so much support and a willingness to listen should be commended and suggests that this is a real opportunity for the TG Community to be taken seriously and respected for just who they are.
This is the major breakthrough that I have been working hard towards as a springboard for TG people to' Step into a Great Place in The World'. Accessibility to services that TG people, partners and family want and need was a focus for the event. I was pleased to receive support from Emma Scully, Laser Therapist, Tina Livingstone, Counsellor, Vollers Corsets and Christine Crowle - professional make-up artist and Trelogan Wigs as providers. The Gender Trust , Beaumont Society also had a presence at The Fest. I was also happy to meet representatives from other TG support organisations. There are other providers who have contacted who would like to be involved in any further Gender Fest that we hold.
The music - open mike - section went down very well with Rachel and Bridget performing. There are other aritsts waiting in the wings to contribute to this performance which will emphasise that the event is for having fun as much as the health and welfare aspect. I have discovered a wealth of creative talent in the TG Community and hope to develop the creative and cultural aspect of The Gender Fest over time.
I have recruited another member to The Mastermind Team that worked with me to design the initial event and I have some great news in the offing that I will publicise when I can. I'll be compiling a lessons learned list so interested to hear constructive feedback from anyone who has suggestions on how things can be improved.
Also, anyone wishing to stage a Gender Fest should contact me to discuss copyright. I am happy to support within time constraints but I hope to continue working in partnership with Eastleigh Council if they wish and to co-ordinate progress around them.
I will also be interviewing with a student from Bournmouth University about the Social Impact of The Gender Fest and he is interested in talking to TG people who would like to share views. Anyone who would like to be involved can contact Mike via myself. Also company wishing to develop accessibility for their services or any TG member, partner or family who shares my vision of 'A Great Place in The World' for the TG Community can access my services via my website, e-mail or telephone - anonymously if required.

warm regards
Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach
http://www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net/
Together Everything Becomes Possible
Tel 07795498733

Friday, November 2, 2007

THE GENDER FEST, THE POINT, EASTLEIGH - 5TH NOV

Everything is set for an excellent evening at The Gender Fest at The Point in Eastleigh, Hampshire on Monday 5th November 7.00pm - 11.00 pm .

The programme will include a Make Up Demo which will be enhanced by ModelMake Up Professional for both male and female who specialises in using light reflective makeup and feminising make up. She has published in Vogue and OK Magazine. There will be a Laser Therapy Presentation , Wig Display, Fashion Rails, Demonstration of how to fit and wear a Victorian Corset by Vollers Corsets. Lots of information and contacts ( also for partners, families and female to male transexuals) will be available from My Diversity Coaching Gymn . The Beaumont Society will have a presence, as will The New Therapy Rooms launched by Tina Livingstone, and we have now been approached by an Intersex Specialist who will be present.

Clearly there will be lots to discuss at the Gender Fest and opportunities to purchase goods and get discounts (and sometimes free services time permitting) . This is all set in a very smart venue with relaxing settings and friendly supportive staff. The aim is to have fun whilst making useful contacts and picking up tips to make your life more comfortable and less stressful. Whatever your TG issue is you will find support at The Gender Fest.

To make the evening more enjoyable there will be a short original music set with award winning singer songwriter and also TG singer songer writer Rachel Livingstone with songs that are really relevant to TG - Can You See The Girl, The Phoenix and also Discrimination. The evening will wind up with TG Bridget singing a couple of cover songs.

There is a bar, substantial buffet and The Mayor will be calling in to offer support to the TG Community. All this for an unbelievable £7.00 per head ( £5.00 concessions ) thanks to support from Eastleigh Council and Min Partner Head of Diversity and Equality.

There will be a strong police presence to ensure safety for all guests and changing facilities
for people who would prefer not to arrive dressed. The venue is completely private for the event and will be ticket only for people who share an interest in the TG Community so discretion is guaranteed. Parking is available in Sainsbury's car park - just a 2 min walk fro The Point and the police will be present to ensure safety.

Tickets are available from the Box Office at the Point, Eastleigh ( see events page on my website for more details http://www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net/ ) Any problems obtaining tickets ( worries about identity, bank payments etc ) contact Min Partner direct ( see website for mobile no). Any tickets that are not sold at the Box Office will be available on the door but it would be wise to ring Min to reserve.