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

DATE FOR GENDER FEST

I am delighted to announce that the Gender Fest has been scheduled for 5th November 2007 at 7.00 pm which is a Monday evening and therefore less likely to clash with any bonfire celebrations. We are keeping the venue, which is very accessible in South Hampshire, UK, secret for the time being to increase security but I can tell you that it is a well appointed and safe venue with private changing rooms for utmost discretion and security will be in place. The venue will be totally dedicated to the event and no unassociated people will be permitted into the building.

Current plans are to charge £7.00 per ticket £5.00 concessions which will include a buffet meal. There is a very attractive bar on site. This pricing represents very good value for money.

The Gender Fest is an important step for the TG campaign because I am working in partnership with local government which means that the needs of transgender people and their families will be included in the Community Strategy and developed in a gentle non threatening manner to fully support TG's. All existing TG organisations and charities will be encouraged to collaborate in the event. The intent is that this should become an annual event that grows organically to enhance existing events and services.

All interested parties are invited to a planning meeting at 7.00 pm at The Council Offices in Eastleigh ( see Eastleigh Government Website for directions) . The main point of contact in The Council is the Head of Equality and Diversity Division -- Min Partner who is happy for interested parties to contact her directly on her personal mobile to avoid any undue embarrassment.

Min Partner -- Landline 02380688439 (UK numbers)
Mobile 07768486326

Alternatively anyone who prefers an external contact may ring myself

Lynne Paris 07795498733 (UK Mobile) - any contact can be totally anonymous

The draft programme design has been put together following considerable research in the field and also in consultation with an International Mastermind Group of which I am a member. It will be published shortly on my website as a basic template so that interested parties can now collaborate in detailed planning. My hope is that this event will be an opportunity to strengthen TG services and provide an opportunity for experts in the field to put their heads together and influence government provision of services and funding at grass roots level so that they support the people and families out there who are isolated, frightened and in some cases feeling suicidal.

Please contact me by email if you have any questions about the event or if you wish to participate in any way.

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

Transgender Conference 2007

I was privileged to do some coaching at the recent Transgender Conference at University of East Anglia in Norwich in June 2007. The Barbara Ross Association, which was launched on 6th October 2006 was at the heart of the Conference. Barbara Ross works tirelessly for everyone interested in or concerned with Transgender issues and is a wonderfully warm and frankly amazing woman.
The conference line up included top names in a variety of transgender fields surgical, trans rights, psychotherapy and biological as well as presentations from public sector organisations. It was varied, interesting and intense. I would recommend attending this conference which will no doubt be held again in the future. I am taking a leaf out of Dr. Douglas Ousterhout,s book by offering 20% discount on any coaching programme to anyone who attended the conference.
Likewise I intend to join the Barbara Ross Association shortly.

warm regards
Lynne

GENDER FEST CELEBRATION

My mastermind team are planning a small celebration because we have been given the opportunity to create a strategic alliance with local government to progress the vision of 'A Great Place in The World' for transgender people.

Why is this so important?

We feel that provision for the transgender community has been left behind by communities in their efforts to create a diverse service for everyone. Transgender Groups are often grouped with GBLT provision when the needs and issues are different. This is not a criticism however as various consultations have failed to attract feedback from the people who most need the support. No surprise there then! It is likely that The Gender Fest will become a key part of local government delivery in their Diversity Strategy and we are meeting to discuss how to make this happen in a sensitive and discrete manner. This process may delay the first Gender Fest a little but it will be worth waiting to strengthen the event so that it will run annually and draw in mainstream support but in a way that most suits the transgender community.

We would be delighted to recieve your thoughts and ideas on how to make this work best for transgender groups, partners and families.

Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach
lynne.paris@my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net

Gender Fest an Easter Message

Easter sees the detailed planning and design phase in progress for the Gender Fest to be held in Southern England in Spring. There have been some exciting developments arising from networking with strategic partners. We are hoping to deliver an event that will be really enjoyable and focus on the positive energy of the Transgender Community. Currently we are canvassing opinion from the Transgender Community so that the Gender Fest will exactly suit their needs. After some discussion we have a selection of venues that would be suitable for the event and again are canvassing opinion on the most popular venue for our clients . All enquiries should be forwarded to lynne.paris@my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net



My coaching programmes are a Catalyst for Transgender People to Step into a Great Place in The World.


Lynne Paris
Diversity Coach
www.my-diversity-coaching-gymn.net

Together Everything Becomes Possible