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
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment