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Dates:
Friday, November 4, 2005
Saturday, November 5, 2005
Sunday, November 6, 2005
Location:
Sheraton Hartford Hotel in East Hartford, CT
Excerpts from TBC Article by Colleen Harrington, TBC06 Co-Chair
Six months ago, I had an experience that has permanently changed my life and my perspectives. I went to Transcending Boundaries conference 2005, a gathering of bisexual, transgender, intersex individuals and their supportive allies. At this conference, I met many people who had felt similar feelings of confusion and isolation from being a queer minority. While at the conference, I felt safe, welcomed and accepted for my individual differences. I was so impressed by the environment created at the conference that I volunteered to organize the 2006 conference, a decision that has altered my world in the world in the most amazing way.
We are encouraging everyone who is open-minded and queer-friendly to attend this phenomenal conference, regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, religious denomination, education and socio-economic status. This collaboration is not only creating a unique, truly inclusive environment, but hopefully it will turn into a spreading philosophy: building alliances among the previous segregated GLBTIQ communities. As many, many people can relate, I have personally experienced discrimination within queer groups because of my differences (ie bisexual versus homosexual). It is nearly impossible to get the mainstream to accept us if we can’t even accept one another! The organizers for the conference are from very different backgrounds and perspectives but we collectively are working towards a common goal. What a great example to set!
I know I learned a lot about myself and others when I attended workshops at last year’s conference. We will have a series of workshops covering some of the basics (bisexual 101, transgender 101, etc.) for all those who are “new” to the queer community, such as parents whose children have recently come out. I expect that the broad background range of the attendees will add immeasurable value to this conference, as the workshops will give us all a chance to share our perspectives while learning from others.
Come be apart of a life-changing experience! Share part of yourself in a safe, welcoming place where others are sharing themselves too. This really is going to be an incredible conference, unlike any conference you have ever heard of. I look forward to making an impact, creating change, and starting a movement of revolutionary alliances within the GLBT community and I hope you join me.
Colleen Harrington