Trans Conferences offer a great opportunity to learn, share and network, stretching your knowledge and understanding of our diverse experiences as transgender men. They’re often an excellent place to get free consultations with SRS surgeons and perhaps most importantly, “face time” with valued mentors and long distance friends.

Each year, the trans conference circuit is packed with high quality events and 2012 is no exception.  Below you’ll find details about the year’s upcoming conferences that offer programming for trans men.

Which conferences will YOU be attending?

Conferences at a Glance

Money Saving Tip: Note that many of the conferences have early bird discounts available. Register early to save on your expenses! Several conferences also offer scholarships and work trades!

2012 Confirmed Conferences

First Event – 32nd Annual!
First Event is one of the largest transgender conferences, welcoming everyone from the transgender community and our supporters: crossdressers, transsexuals, intersex individuals, M2Fs, F2Ms, and their significant others are all welcome. The 2012 conference has been completely revamped and promises to be an exciting, memorable and FUN time!

When: January 18-22, 2012
Where: Boston, Massachussetts
Cost: $20-$40 single day passes, $200-$250 complete conference packages, early bird discount available, SO’s get 50% off.

Cirugía de Reconstrucción Genital
This seminar event on FTM genital reconstruction procedures will be taught by Dr. Jesus Lago.

When: February 17, 2012
Where: Madrid, Spain
Cost: Free?

Trans*Studies Conference
This inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary conference seeks to examine and explore trans* spectrum studies and activisms of all kinds. Join us as we critically explore: trans* identity, practice, communities and embodiment, etc. in contexts of race, class, (in)accessibility, health, citizenship, higher education, and rights within: legal, activist, medical, anthropological, sociological, psychological, artistic, cinematic, literary, linguistic, moral, social, (geo) political, philosophical, and religious dimensions, among others. Also on the way is a special track covering trans law, with the intention of making Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credit available to attorneys.

When: March 2-4, 2012
Where: University of La Verne College of Law, Ontario, California
Cost: $10 – $175, member / non-member and sliding scale pricing

TRANSforming Gender Symposium – 6th Annual!
Sponsored by the Women and Gender Studies program and the GLBTQ Resource Center at the University of Colorado at Boulder, the TRANSforming Gender Symposium was founded in 2006 to create a space where the campus and wider community could learn about transgender and intersex identities and issues. The symposium has hosted numerous nationally and internationally known transgender and allied speakers, creating provoking dialogues throughout the community and furthering discussions throughout the year.

When: March 9 – 11, 2012
Where: Boulder, CO
Cost: FREE registration

Colorado Gold Rush
Hosted by the Gender Identity Center of Colorado, Gold Rush features three days of workshops covering a wide array of topics of interest for trans identified folks, plus a clinical track for students and providers.

When: March 22 – 25, 2012
Where: Denver, Colorado
Cost: 2012 pricing not yet available. 2011: $40-$80 for workshops only, $270-$350 for conference packages, early bird discount available.

The Keystone Conference
The 4th Annual Keystone Conference will be hosted by TransCentralPA. This year’s event  is a celebration of the unique diversity of gender and our central and unifying place in society. Attendees will find meaningful workshop and seminar programming, and numerous social functions. Last year’s programming included significantly expanded trans masculine and youth programs, and we expect Keystone will continue this trend in 2012. Also, Continuing Education credits will be offered for select workshops.

When: March 28-31, 2012
Where: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Cost: $45 – $90 conference-only packages, $85 – $210 full conference packages, early bird discount available.

1st Annual Black Transmen Advocacy Conference – NEW!
This new conference is dedicated to increasing the value of the human experience and the transformation of men into catalyst for social, political and economic change. This is our time to meet, unite, discuss, learn and celebrate. Plan for an event of a life time for couples, youth, singles, families and allies to trans men and the SLGBTQIH community.

When: March 29 – April 1, 2012
Where: Dallas, TX
Cost: FREE to registered guests with photo ID

The Empire Conference
Put on by TransEvents USA, the Empire Conference serves those who identify as transgender, crossdresser, transsexual, transvestite, FTM, MTF, SOFFAs, providers, students and educators. The conference provides informative workshops and skill sharing sessions. TRANSGENERATIONS is the conference theme for 2012, and many new programs and workshops will be of special interest to trans youth and trans seniors. Other highlights include networking and socializing, a health fair, special outings and entertainment.

When: April 12 – 14, 2012
Where: Albany, New York
Cost: $50 single day passes, $250-$350 conference passes, early bird discount available.

CIRCLES Transgender Conference & Retreat
CIRCLES is a small gathering of usually no more than 15 to 25 participants. Part conference, part retreat, CIRCLES offers safe space for trans women and men and allies, and time to relax and explore the deep issues of gender, identity, and living at choice. The informal atmosphere is complimented by the beautiful land at Manzanita Village. The schedule is co-created in part by the participants. Anyone who would like to can facilitate a workshop or lead a discussion. You don’t have to be an expert. Highlights include workshops and discussion groups, accommodation and fine vegetarian, mostly organic meals, an atmosphere of safety, confidentiality, and ease, and time for relaxation, sauna, naps, walks in the surrounding hills.

When: April 15-17, 2011
Where: Warner Springs, California
Cost: $250 – $395 sliding scale

Transgender Lives: The Intersection of Health and Law Conference
This all day conference is geared towards providers, medical and legal professionals, trans and gender non-conforming community, allies and all those interested in the health and law issues facing the trans and gender non-conforming communities.

When: April 28, 2012
Where: Farmington, Connecticut
Cost: 2012 pricing not yet available. 2011: $25, “no one turned away” policy.

Be-All – 30th Annual, 11th in Chicago!
Be-All is an empowering conference featuring entertainment, excursions, a vendor fair, and over 50 professional seminars. Everyone’s welcome: crossdressers, transsexuals, transgender, MTF, FTM, and SOFFAs. Note: Trans male specific programming is light.

When: May 29 – June 2, 2012
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Cost: 2012 pricing not yet available. 2011: $100-$345, early bird discount available

Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference – 11th Annual!
The PTHC focuses on the specific issues, needs, and experiences of trans-identified individuals with regard to the health of body, mind, spirit, and community. Everyone concerned about these issues is welcome to attend, including but not limited to: members of the transgender and gender-variant communities, partners, family members, allies, and service providers. Attendance has grown exponentially in recent years and programming has greatly expanded.  The 2011 conference offered over 185 workshops and over 30 additional activities during the three day event.

When: May 31 – June 2, 2011
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost: FREE

Gender Odyssey – 11th Annual!
Gender Odyssey is an international conference focused on the needs and interests of transgender and gender variant people, with a particular focus on the trans masculine experience. This one-of-a-kind annual gathering is packed with thought-provoking workshops, discussion groups, social events and entertainment. Exclusive programming for POC, teens, genderqueer, partners and more.

The 2012 Gender Odyssey conference will feature: Janet Mock, Associate Editor of PEOPLE.com, writer and advocate, who publicly stepped forward as a trans woman last spring in Marie Claire; and back by popular demand, Gene Tagaban, noted Tlingit storyteller and actor, sharing his wisdom and talent via dance, native flute and storytelling.

Gender Odyssey also produces two concurrent events: Gender Odyssey Family, for families raising gender variant and transgender children; and the Gender Odyssey Pro 1-day event for providers.

When: August 2-5, 2012
Where: Seattle, Washington
Cost: $135-$255 sliding scale, early bird discount available. Register Now or Submit a Workshop.

TransFaith In Color Conference
The TransFaith In Color Conference is designed to provide a space where transgender people of various faith, racial, ethnic and social backgrounds can gather to build upon the already great work being done within the transgender and ally community.

When: August 17 – 19, 2012
Where: Charlotte, NC
Cost: FREE with registration

Southeastern Transgender Health Summit
This conference plans to offer a providers’ track, with workshops for trans health care providers, human resource directors and support staff, and a community day with workshops for the transgender community on aging, legal issues, community building, event coordinating, safe sex and empowerment.

When: August 23 – 25, 2012
Where: Asheville, NC
Cost: Pricing not yet available.

The 4th European Transgender Council
The Council is the largest European forum for transgender rights and activism. Organized by Transgender Europe (TGEU) and a local host organization every second year, the conference attracts trans activists, policy makers, allies and supporters from across Europe. With over 200 delegates, first class key note speakers and panelists, ample workshops and a diverse cultural programme, the Council sets the agenda for European trans politics and celebrates Europe’s lively trans community.

When: September 7 – 9, 2012
Where: Dublin City University, Ireland
Cost: 2012 pricing not yet available.

Southern Comfort Conference – 22nd Annual!
SCC is a “top shelf” conference with a seminar schedule that reflects Southern Comfort’s commitment to serve the diverse needs of the transgender community. Topics include basic information for the newbie, the newly-out, as well as the transitioned, plus detailed legal, medical and political presentations; informative sessions on family relationships, sexuality and spirituality; and tips on makeup, presenting, and much more. Other highlights include entertainment, provocative speakers, lunches, dinners and social evenings, and plenty of options for shopping, dining, and entertainment in downtown Atlanta.

When: September 22 – 27, 2012
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
Cost: Pricing not yet available. 2011: $110 – $230 day passes, $250-$335 conference passes, early bird discount available.

Fantasia Fair – 37th Annual!
A week-long transgender event that’s part conference, part social gathering. There are workshops, keynote speakers and special events each evening. (Light on trans masculine programming.)

When: October 14-21, 2012
Where: Provincetown, Massachusetts
Cost: $295-$650, early bird discounts available.

Transcending Boundaries
An annual community conference celebrating the diversity of gender, sex, sexuality and relationships. This year’s event will be an open forum for people of all genders, sexual orientations and relationship statuses to teach, learn, debate and discuss the civics, issues, concerns and joys of these elements of our identities.  This is an immersive weekend of networking, education, entertainment and social time. The theme of the 2012 conference is “Bringing Us All Together”.  We will focus on how to celebrate the different communities while finding our common ground.

When: October 26 – 28, 2012
Where: Springfield, Massachusetts
Cost: $54-74 early bird pricing

These events and more are listed on the TransGuys Events Calendar. Subscribe to the Events RSS feed to be notified of new conferences and events for trans men.

2012 Trans Conference Map

Put this map on your website or blog.

Trans Conferences with 2012 Dates TBD

These are trans conferences that were produced in 2011 but details about 2012 events were unavailable at the time of publication.

Transforming Health and Wellness Conference
MaineTransNet hosted this conference in 2011, designed to raise awareness about health and wellness-related needs of the transgender community, and to address how the many areas of life that affect wellness may be influenced by gender non-conforming experiences. The conference included workshops geared towards medical and mental health professionals as well as the transgender/genderqueer/gender-fluid community.

National Transgender Health Summit
An event previously held in April in San Francisco, CA for health care providers and health profession students interested in improving health care for transgender people. Programming included expert plenary sessions, workshops, films, and networking opportunities.

Trans Youth Summit
A conference presented in June in Boston, MA for youth age 24 and under from the New England area that identify with, or could fall under, the label ‘transgender,’ or youth who are in some way connected to the transgender youth community, such as partners/friends, to meet and connect with other transgender and gender variant youth. Attendees share ideas, learn about their legal rights and the larger transgender community, and participate in workshops and fun activities.

Transgender Leadership Summit
Produced by the Transgender Law Center, the Leadership Summit has become a major annual event for identifying and building transgender community leaders is the US. The 2011 summit was elp in July in West Holywood, CA. Attendees participated in workshops to learn skills to be effective activists, including how to facilitate public policy change, encourage economic development, educate the media, conduct budget advocacy, and build local capacity.

TransOhio Transgender & Ally Conference
The TransOhio conference was produced in Columbus in August 2011 and featured more than 70 workshops covering a variety of topics including health and safety, sex and sexuality, legal and employment issues, religion and spirituality, and culture, media and the arts.

Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit
This summit held in August 2011 in Houston was for those in higher education to discuss what works and what does not work in regards to codifying inclusion of “gender identity and expression: into institutional policy. The summit sought to find means to this end through discussion of divergent and respective strategies in regard to the inevitable barriers that always arise.

Minnesota Trans Health and Wellness Conference
This 2-day event held in September 2011 in Minneapolis offered programming for trans and gender non-conforming individuals and community, including partners, family, friends and allies, plus free health screenings, films, surgery consultations, a resource fair, and more. Workshops for  health professionals, social workers, and students were also offered, with Certificates of Attendance available for providers to self submit for continuing education credits.

TransForm Community
TransForm events are produced by TransMentors and held in various cities across the nation to educate and raise awareness within the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community and the broader public on the transgender community, and to encourage unity as we continue to fight for LGBT equality. 2011 events were held in Arizona, Florida and Oregon.

Translating Identities Conference
TIC explores a wide array of topics in discourses regarding gender and transgender identities, expressions, communities, and intersections. A one-day, free event held in October in Burlington, VT, TIC has numerous sessions to choose from at any time that are directed towards people at all levels of inclusion in the trans and allied communities.

Transgender Religious Leaders Summit
TRLS is an ecumenical meeting of faith leaders who identify as transgender, gender-queer and inter-sexed, and their allies. It is also an opportunity to connect with leaders of all faith communities and, through sharing, to celebrate our common heritage while learning to appreciate and respect our differences. The November 2011 summit was held in Berkeley, CA.

Trans Health and Advocacy Conference
The conference held in Cape Town, South Africa sought to educate health care professionals on service provision to TG people; and to explore indigenous knowledge and communication in relation to TG persons. Tracks included: Indigenous knowledge, access to health, sexual and reproductive health issues and HIV. Last held in November 2011.

Trans-Unity Pride
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s annual free celebration for transgender, transsexual, gender-queer and cross-dressing individuals and those who love them. Includes an art exhibit; workshops; march; and the Siren Awards to honor the work of transgender individuals, organizations and allies.

Gendered Intelligence
Held in the UK, Gendered Intelligence’s 2012 conference will consider trans in sport, physical education and activities. Venue, time and date is to be confirmed.

Also see: The 2011 Trans Conference Guide includes more historical conference information.

Do you know of other conferences for transgender, transsexual, genderqueer and gender variant folks, particularly international events and those with a focus on the trans masculine spectrum? Please add them in the comments area below!

Attending a trans conference is a great way to learn, share, network and socialize. Conferences offer you the chance to step out of your daily routine and stretch your knowledge and understanding of our diverse experiences, plus get important “face time” with long distance friends, as well as mentors and providers.

The 2011 Conference season is already in swing, with First Event kicking off this week! Below are the year’s upcoming transgender conferences. Which ones will you be attending?

Conferences at a Glance

Money Saving Tip: Note that many of the conferences have early bird discounts available. Register early to save on your expenses! Several conferences also offer scholarships and work trades!

2011 Confirmed Conferences

First Event – 31st Annual!
First Event is one of the largest transgender conferences, welcoming everyone from the transgender community and our supporters: crossdressers, transsexuals, intersex individuals, M2Fs, F2Ms, and their significant others are all welcome. You’ll find 60+ workshops, entertainment and fun activities. The growing trans masculine track of programming is organized by the author of the American Trans Man blog.

When: January 19-23, 2011
Where: Boston, Massachussetts
Cost: $18-$40 single day passes, $310-$340 conference packages, early bird discount available

Colorado Gold Rush
Hosted by the Gender Identity Center of Colorado, Gold Rush features three days of workshops covering a wide array of topics of interest for trans identified folks, plus a clinical track for students and clinicians.

When: February 24-27, 2011
Where: Denver, Colorado
Cost: $40-$80 for workshops only, $270-$350 for conference packages, early bird sicount available

The Keystone Conference
Attendees will find three full days of meaningful workshops and seminars, and four nights of social functions, the finale being Saturday night’s Keystone Gala Dinner and Dance. 2011′s programming includes significantly expanded transmasculine and youth programs.

When: March 9-13, 2011
Where: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Cost: $40-$120 single day passes, $140-$175 conference packages, early bird discount available

Circles Transgender Conference & Retreat
Circles is a retreat for transgender people, those questioning binary stereotypes, healthcare professionals, and allies. Highlights include workshops and discussion groups, accommodation and fine vegetarian, mostly organic meals, an atmosphere of safety, confidentiality, and ease, and time for relaxation, sauna, naps, walks in the surrounding hills.

When: April 15-17, 2011
Where: Warner Springs, California
Cost: $250

Transgender Lives: The Intersection of Health and Law Conference
This all day conference is geared towards providers, medical and legal professionals, trans and gender non-conforming community, allies and all those interested in the health and law issues facing the trans and gender non-conforming communities.

When: April 30, 2011
Where: Farmington, Connecticut
Cost: $25, “no one turned away” policy

The Empire Conference
Put on by TransEventsUsa, the Empire Conference serves those who identify as transgender, crossdresser, transsexual, transvestite, FTM, MTF, SOFFAs, providers, students and educators. The conference provides informative workshops and skillshares, opportunities for networking and socializing, plus a health fair, special outings and entertainment.

When: May 4-7, 2011
Where: Albany, New York
Cost: $50 single day passes, $250-$350 conference passes, early bird dscount available.

Be-All – 10th Annual!
Be-All is an empowering conference featuring entertainment, excursions, a vendor fair, and over 50 professional seminars. Everyone’s welcome: crossdressers, transsexuals, transgender, MTF, FTM, and SOFFAs. Note: Trans male specific programming is light.

When: May 31 – June 5, 2011
Where: Chicago, Illinois
Cost: $100-$345, early bird discount available

Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference – 10th Annual!
This conference focuses on the specific issues, needs, and experiences of trans-identified individuals with regard to the health of body, mind, spirit, and community. Everyone concerned about these issues is welcome to attend, including but not limited to: members of the transgender and gender-variant communities, partners, family members, allies, and service providers.

When: June 2-4, 2011
Where: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Cost: FREE

Trans Youth Summit
A conference for youth age 24 and under from the New England area that identify with, or could fall under, the label ‘transgender,’ or youth who are in some way connected to the transgender youth community, such as partners/friends, to meet and connect with other transgender and gender variant youth. Attendees share ideas, learn about their legal rights and the larger transgender community, and participate in workshops and fun activities.

When: June 18, 2011
Where: Boston, Massachussets
Cost: FREE

Transgender Leadership Summit
Produced by the Transgender Law Center, the Leadership Summit has become a major annual event for identifying and building transgender community leaders is the US. Attendees participate in workshops to learn skills they need to be effective activists, including how to facilitate public policy change, encourage economic development, educate the media, conduct budget advocacy, and build local capacity.

When: July 22-24, 2011
Where: West Hollywood, California
Cost: $10-$100 sliding scale

Gender Odyssey – 10th Annual!
Gender Odyssey is an international conference focused on the needs and interests of transgender and gender variant people, with a particular focus on the trans masculine experience. This one-of-a-kind annual gathering is packed with thought-provoking workshops, discussion groups, social events and entertainment. Programming is predominantly trans male oriented. Exclusive programming for POC, teens, genderqueer, partners and more.

When: August 5-7, 2011
Where: Seattle, Washington
Cost: $135-$255 sliding scale, early bird discount available.

TransOhio Transgender & Ally Conference
The TransOhio conference features more than 70 workshops covering a variety of topics including health and safety, sex and sexuality, legal and employment issues, religion and spirituality, and culture, media and the arts.

When: August 5-7, 2011
Where: Columbus, Ohio
Cost: $50-$150

Texas Transgender Nondiscrimination Summit
The summit is an invitation to interested parties in higher education to discuss what works and what does not work in regards to codifying inclusion of “gender identity and expression: into institutional policy. The summit serves to find means to this end through discussion of divergent and respective strategies in regard to the inevitable barriers that always arise.

When: August 12-13, 2011
Where: Houston, TX
Cost: $22

Southern Comfort Conference – 21st Annual!
SCC is a major transgender conference featuring seminars, events, a career expo, numerous vendors catering to transgender and transsexual people, and more. Whatever your connection to the transgender community – whether you are transsexual, a cross dresser or in between; a spouse, a partner or a family member; straight, gay, bi or omni-sexual; post-op, pre-op or non-op; young or old; married or single; FtM or MtF – if transgender is an issue in your life, you are welcome!

When: September 21-24, 2011
Where: Atlanta, Georgia
Cost: $110 – $230 day passes, $250-$335 conference passes, early bird discount available.

Fantasia Fair – 36th Annual!
A week-long transgender event that’s part conference, part social gathering. There are workshops, keynote speakers and special events each evening. Light on trans masculine programming.

When: October 16-23, 2011
Where: Provincetown, Massachusetts
Cost: $450-$650, early bird discounts available

TransForm Arizona
TransForm Community events are held in various cities across the nation to educate and raise awareness within the gay, lesbian, and bisexual community and the broader public on the transgender community, and to encourage unity as we learn to live amongst each other and share in our continued fight for LGBT equality. Upcoming events in Arizona, Florida and Oregon.

When: October 20-23, 2011
Where: Phoenix, AZ
Cost: $25

Translating Identities Conference – 10th Annual!
TIC explores a wide array of topics in discourses regarding gender and transgender identities, expressions, communities, and intersections. A one-day event, TIC has numerous sessions to choose from at any time that are directed towards people at all levels of inclusion in the trans and allied communities.

When: October 22, 2011
Where: Burlington, Vermont
Cost: FREE

Transgender Religious Leaders Summit – 5th Annual!
TRLS is an ecumenical meeting of faith leaders who identify as transgender, gender-queer and inter-sexed, and their allies. It is also an opportunity to connect with leaders of all faith communities and, through sharing, to celebrate our common heritage while learning to appreciate and respect our differences.

When: November 3-5, 2011
Where: Berkeley, CA
Cost: $15-$35

Transcending Boundaries
An annual community conference celebrating the diversity of gender, sex, sexuality and relationships. From transgender to intersex to genderqueer, from asexual to bisexual, from kinky to polyamorous, and all the in-betweens, we discover we are not one facet on a single continuum, but the combination of characteristics in a complex identity. Everyone is welcome, including friends, families, allies and professionals who want to support the queer community.

When: November 11-13, 2011
Where: Springfield, Massachusetts
Cost: $54-? (only the early bird pricing was published at press time)

Trans Health and Advocacy Conference
The conference has identified two clear focus areas: to educate health care professionals on service provision to TG people; and to explore indigenous knowledge and communication in relation to TG persons. Tracks to include: Indigenous knowledge, access to health, sexual and reproductive health issues and HIV.

When: November 26-28, 2011
Where: Cape Town, SA
Cost: $180-$300

These events and more are listed on the TransGuys Events Calendar. Subscribe to the Events RSS feed to be notified of new conferences and events for trans men.

2011 Trans Conference Map

View 2011 Trans Conference Map in a larger map, or embed it on your website.

2011 Conferences with Dates TBD

Trans-Unity Pride
The L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center’s annual free celebration for transgender, transsexual, gender-queer and cross-dressing individuals and those who love them. Includes an art exhibit; workshops; march; and the Siren Awards to honor the work of transgender individuals, organizations and allies.

Other Conferences

These are trans conferences that have been produced in recent years but it’s not known if they will continue as regular events.

Liberty Conference
Put on by TransEventsUsa, the Liberty Conference in Philadelphia, PA provides informative workshops, networking and socializing, plus a vendor fair and entertainment. Last held in 2009.

IFGE Capital Conference
An educational conference held just outside Washington DC in Virginia, with presentations, keynote speakers, entertainment, activities and social time for everyone on the trans spectrum. Also features a Provider Day, geared towards those who provide speech, medical and mental health services to the transgender community, plus a transmasuline programming track. Last held in 2010.

Minnesota Trans Health & Wellness Conference
Two-day conference in St. Paul, Minnesota featuring a Provider Day, offering presentations for primary care providers and mental health providers on both basic and advanced transgender health, and Community Day, FREE and open to all, focusing on meeting the health and wellness needs of the trans community, including trans and gender nonconforming people as well as partners, family, friends and allies. Workshops; health screenings; mini surgery, voice, electrolysis, and medication consultations; a resource fair, chair massage, and social gatherings. Last held in 2010.

Communi-T
A 1-day conference in Portland, Oregon held in 2009 and 2010. Communi-T connect trans and genderqueer individuals to address health, legal, and social needs unique to the community. It offers a space for trans and genderqueer individuals to meet health and service providers, and for providers to network with each other.

Transforming Health and Wellness Conference
MaineTransNet hosted this conference in 2010, designed to raise awareness about health and wellness-related needs of the transgender community, and to address how the many areas of life that affect wellness may be influenced by gender non-conforming experiences. The conference included workshops geared towards medical and mental health professionals as well as the transgender/genderqueer/gender-fluid community.

Forge Forward Conference
A national FTM/SOFFA conference held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 2007, Forge Forward featured a whopping 90 workshops, along with medical consultations, a vendors hall, film festival, author readings, music and more. (A second coming may be due!)

FTM North Conference
The FTM North Conference was produced in 2006-7 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, with the goal of being an annual event catering to FTM identifying people and their friends, families, and allies. The FTMNorth.com domain name has expired. (It’s unclear if this conference will return.)

Conferences in Canada

Vancouver Trans Forum
A three day gathering in of trans people and allies in July 2010 that offered transition information (esp. Canadian resources) and skill sharing. Dances, the 1st Annual Vancouver Trans Film Fest, and other social activities, including an All Body Swim and 1st Vancouver Trans Pride March. (It’s unclear if this will be a recurring event.)

The Deaf Trans Conference
This first of its kind conference brought together the deaf and trans communities in North America in Toronto, Canada in 2010. It provided an opportunity for individuals and their allies in the deaf and trans communities to unite and share common experiences, regardless of language barriers, and to gain a greater understanding of both the deaf and trans experience. (It’s unclear if this will be a recurring event.)

Trans Access Conference
Bodies of Dissent: Trans Access is a trans conference in Peterborough, Ontario (Canada) on the topic of access, barriers and accessibility and is focused on decolonization of the racial and gender norms present in our society, as well as from institutional practices of psychiatry and prison systems. (It’s unclear if this will be a recurring event.)

International Conferences

WPATH Biennial Symposium
Presenting the latest advances in research, education, clinical service, and advocacy to promote the health and well being of transgender and transsexual people and their families. Topics include children, families, and youth; ethnic/racial and cultural diversity in transgender health; community-based health care; human rights; and the latest advances in brain research, and more. The 2011 symposium will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, right after Southern Comfort.

Barbara Ross Association’s TG Conference
Biennial conferences in Norfolk, UK devoted to transgender issues, and including programming for those of the trans masculine experience.

TGEU’s (Trans)Gender Equality Conference
This 2010 conference aimed to raise awareness about the legal and social situation of transgender people, as well as the role of European institutions in defending transgender people’s fundamental rights.

Trans Community Conference
Bringing trans people and professional services together in London, England to create dialogue and form partnerships that will benefit the trans community. Last held in 2010.

Trans Remembrance Conference
Held in Ankara, Turkey in November 2010, this conference focused on transphobia and “hatred” in fields like sex work, discriminative legislation, sexually transmitted diseases, international trans rights activism, politics, arts, transfeminism together with several academics, lawyers, artists, writers, parliamentarians, journalists and activists both from Turkey and abroad.

ILGA Trans Rights Conference: Putting Trans Rights on the European Agenda
This event was a pre-conference to the ILGA-Europe XIII Annual Conference, held in Malta in 2009. Its focus was on tackling discrimination of transgender people in European Institutions and their programmes. Delegates from the conference agreed on this Declaration of the Trans Rights Conference.

Clearly, there are more international trans conferences than just the ones listed here! Please add information for these events in the comments below.

There are also additional conferences that are more tightly focused, such as the Gender Odyssey Family conference for families with transgender and gender variant children and teens. At the other end of the spectrum are the multitude of LGBT conferences that only touch on trans issues, if at all.

Other important trans conferences of days gone by include:

• FTM International Conference (California, 1995)
• “Forward Motion: Celebrating Cultures, Advocacy, and FTM Lives” Conference (California, 1999. Grew into FTM Alliance of Los Angeles.)
• Transsistahs and Transbrothas Defying Gravity Convention (Kentucky, 2005)
• The First International Transgender Rights Conference (Geneva, 2006)

More reading about conferences for trans men:

Have You Ever Felt Like the Odd Duck Out?
Many of us live in a society that doesn’t have a place for us or even acknowledge we exist—how hopeful it is to find a conference like Gender Odyssey! How disappointing to get there only to discover that, even at this conference, we feel that, once again, we are the odd duck out.

Trans Conferences: Where Are the Men?
Trans guys and trans conferences are not mutually exclusive — but sometimes it seems that way. The reality is that trans men do attend trans conferences — but we tend to be scarce at many of them, for a variety of reasons.

Do you know of other conferences for transgender, transsexual, genderqueer and gender variant folks, particularly international events and those with a focus on the trans masculine spectrum? Please add them in the comments area below!

It’s been about 3 years since I started identifying as transgender, and I recently noticed a trend in the acceptance I’ve received from my cis gender friends:

• Women seem more hesitant and awkward about my transition, and still cling to incorrect pronouns;
• Men have been more outwardly accepting, and this has been expressed by some rather humorous (and sometimes alcohol-inspired) displays of brotherly affection.

It’s as if the women are hesitant to “let me go” while the men are happy to have me “in the club.” If asked about this pre-transition, I probably wouldn’t have expected this outcome.

What about you? Have you noticed any difference between cis gender men and women regarding their acceptance of your transition? If yes, why do you think this is the case? Please leave your comments below.

Note: While this question is aimed at trans guys, comments from trans women are welcome.

I remember when I was first learning about transition and being surprised at the idea of gay trans men who had previously identified as lesbian. Now, my concepts about gender and sexuality are much more fluid and I chuckle at the naïveté I had. Looking back, I think I just found it astounding that gender and sexuality weren’t the immutable foundations I thought they were. I was only just beginning to understand my gender evolution, and the idea of having to manage gender transition plus a shifting sexual orientation seemed hugely challenging. And yet this is what many trans guys experience, a concurrent evolution of gender and sexual orientation.

Does pumping work? Yes! There are numerous accounts of trans guys who have increased the size of their penis with a daily regimen of pumping. However, success with pumping depends on a high level of commitment and patience. For best results, pump twice a day, morning and night.

Measure Up

To measure the length of your penis, hold it straight out from your body and measure from base to tip. To measure the girth of your penis, wrap a soft tape measure around it to get a circumference measurement, or wrap a piece of string then measure that length against a ruler.

Cylinder Selection

Select a cylinder twice as long as your flaccid penis, and about 50% more in girth. (Example: If your penis is 1″ long and 1/2″ in diameter, then use a 2″ long, 3/4″ diameter cylinder.)

Warm Up and Get Pumped

Warm up by wrapping your penis in a warm towel for a few minutes. Simultaneously, soak the cylinder in hot water.

Dry everything off, then amply apply lube to your penis, as well as a small amount to the inside of the cylinder.

Position the cylinder to ensure a good fit and seal.

Pump to five pounds. Keep the pump on for as long as it takes for your penis to become fully engorged.

This shouldn’t cause pain or fill the cylinder completely. Check yourself frequently to make sure you’re not blistering or bruising badly (slight bruising is OK.) If you’re experiencing any pain, blistering or significant bruising, disengage the cylinder immediately. These symptoms aren’t the sign of permanent damage but you will need to take a week or so off pumping to heal up.

Advanced Pumping

Once you’re comfortable with basic pumping, you can experiment with increasing the pressure on the pump to achieve more length. Take a cautious approach, always being aware of any pain and bruising.

If you have a second, larger cylinder, you can try the Two Stage Pumping Method: complete the basic pumping technique, then increase the pressure to 15 lbs, disengage the smaller cylinder and attach the larger one.

Where to Buy Pumps

• TransGuys Enhancer Pump Kit
  Excellent 5-star package for just $98 USD. Includes high quality pump with pressure gauge, 3 cylinders, and bonus bullet vibe.
• Find more pumps and cylinders in the TransGuys.com Store.
  
• PumpToys.com Store
  A large selection of seals, tubes, pumps, toys and accessories.
• Boston Pump Works
  Pumps, cylinders and accessories. Order by phone.
• NaughtyThings.com
  Get the pistol-style Magnum Pump for $54.95 USD, recommended by Dr. McGinn.
• Dr. Kaplan Pumps
  Dr Kaplan’s Enhancement Pump is an affordable kit at $69.99 USD. PayPal accepted.
• Vacu-Tech
  Cylinders and pumps. In business for more than 25 years.
• GFH Pump Kit
  Pump with pressure gauge, two cylinders, bonus vibe. $140 CAD.

Videos About FTM Pumping

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