They (we) are certainly trying to create accepting spaces open to all.

I think Jude is partially right, those reasons end up making up a good part of attendees at trans conferences, but I also feel there are lots of folks who come and take advantage of the many seminars that are offered.

If there are some enlightened sorts on the board of directors or organizing committee, there is room made at the table for others via stipends, subsidies, scholarships. But I imagine it’s a perennial battle for inclusivity that suffers setbacks whenever a particular cheerleader (for FTMs, for SOs, for POC, etc.) gets fed up (or driven out) and walks away, or if the event starts to lose money.

I’m not saying they are bad things, I’ve had a good time at conferences in the past and I will in future – but I’m all for throwing ones energy into alternate spaces (without the booze and the prom gowns and the expensive hotel rooms) if one wishes to find a seat at the table instead of being tossed scraps at the whim of the organizing committee.

I’m really glad to have your support, and I appreciate that I’m not the only one yelling. I’ve been pretty heavily involved with SCC since my first year, and having others around who *get* how important this is are invaluable.

Next year, we’ll find a way to get you here.

SCC organizers, can you hear us? **there’s a problem with partner support at SCC.**

the information i had was that this exclusive partners’ workshop was run by a local therapist/SW (who is or was a het partner of an MTF, thus, only comfortable running a group for other partners like her). since i don’t have her name, & i don’t know who she is, i defaulted to “locals” being “untrained” since i’ve been told she was local, & i see her as untrained (or at the very least, unsuccesful) in running an inclusive partners’ group.

otherwise, i’m glad to hear you made space! i don’t need to be there; i just like being able to yell about stuff because occasionally people listen.

so no insult intended. just wanted to loan some support, so that you all who attend SCC (regularly or not) can get the kind of support you deserve.

thanks for posting.

On Friday and Saturday, a few of us ended up creating an ad hoc guerilla-style workshop that most of us went into still holding on to the anxiety and stress of having been shut out in the first place. Regardless, I was proud of us for insisting on space, and the Board was receptive to our day-of demands. The group ended up being partners of FTMs and one male partner of an MTF. We’ve since thrown together a listserv, and I’m hoping like hell that I’m not the only one trying to make this happen for next year. By the way, the numbers of partners active in the Comfort Zone was approximately equal to the number of partners in the ad-hoc session. We are not outnumbered, just segmented.

I don’t especially appreciate the assumption that the “locals” are “untrained.” SCC is an institution that resists change, and some of us have been fighting the uphill battle to create it. We need the support of others and of our trans partners, that’s for sure, but it’s not for lack of “training” or for lack of trying.

I should note that Jessica Pettitt did a great workshop about her experience being a partner. I wasn’t able to go to it, but I’ve heard great things from others (including my partner).

It’s funny that you mention the phrase “a sense of community”. That’s the title of my debut novel, which I am currently submitting to literary agents.