In this issue: Atlanta, Eugene, Lopez Island, Massachusetts, Mendocino, Oakland, Pennsylvania, and San Fransassy
Maintained by Jaina Bee, a Priest/ess of CAYA Coven, San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA, Earth.
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Blood Story, Bone Memory, Skin Legacy: A Ritual in Corpo-realities by Mangos With Chili (NQAF)
Friday, June 6, 7:30pm
Brava Theater, 2781 24th St. SF, CA
Tickets: $10 – $20
Queer, trans and two-spirit, black, indigenous and people of color bodies are vessels of knowledge holding oceans of sacred and profane memory. Stories of surviving the Atlantic slave trade, Indigenous removal, resisting colony, medical experimentation. Legacies of love making, death-defying transformations made on $20 and a hairpin, creating new family, making new origin stories, forging new spiritualities, feeding new ghosts, and reclaiming body when all seemed lost.
In Blood Story, Bone Memory, Skin Legacy, 8 artists explore the queering of ancestral memory, navigating these living moments mapped in queer blood and bones. Bearing witness to the stories held in our queer bodily experience, we heal and transform through the power of embodied truth.
Mangos With Chili is a North American touring, Bay Area based arts incubator committed to showcasing high quality performance of life saving importance by queer and trans artists of color to audiences in the Bay Area and beyond. Our goal is to produce high-quality multi-genre performances reflecting the lives and stories of queer and trans people of color (QTPOC) and speaking out in resistance to the daily struggles around silence, isolation, homophobia and violence that QTPOC face.
More than a performance incubator, we are also a ritual space for queer and trans communities of color to come together in love, conversation and transformation. Our goal is to present high quality performance art by QTPOC, but so much of our work is also about creating healing and transformative space through performances that are gathering places for QTPOC community.
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Low Cost Herbal Consultations with Liz Migorelli of Sister Spinster ApothecarySaturday, June 7— check with location for times available
Homestead Apothecary, 486 49th St #C, Oakland, CA
$40 - $60 sliding scale
Liz Migliorelli is a western clinical herbalist and magic maker. Her clinical herbal work is inspired by the folklore of the plants and aims to find herbs that bring your personal mythology into balance. In order to work on your health care needs and intentions, she provides a safe, non-judgemental, active listening space in order to discuss your health care options that may include herbal remedies, flower essences, dream work, magic and ritual, nutritional support, lifestyle changes and other healing modalities. She welcomes all bodies with deep compassion and respect. Liz has studied with folk herbalist Corinne Boyer in Olympia, WA and has completed the apprenticeship program and clinical year at the Ohlone Herbal Center in Berkeley. Liz has studied under herbalist Atava Garcia-Swiecicki and now works at Ancestral Apothecary as a teaching assistant and medicine maker. Liz is the founder of Sister Spinster Apothecary, where she is committed to making flower essences in love and ceremony for her community.
This 45 minute consultation will occur on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Please email the shop to see if appointments are available.
(510) 495-6549
http://homesteadapothecary.com/
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Breaking Code: Intersections of Queerness and Madness (NQAF)Monday, June 9
The San Francisco LGBT Center, 1800 Market Street, San Francisco
$10—$20
Many of our communities have not yet embraced candid conversation about mental health; Breaking Code gathers Queer and Trans visual and performing artists seeking to claim the ways madness informs, complicates, and sweetens our lives. Together we will use the tools of reclamation and subversion, that many of us develop as we come to a queer identity, to rethink our relationship to mental health. As artists and community members we will explore the ways queer and crazy have been forced together and forced apart. In this space of intersection we'll explore the differences in how we are assigned and how we experience madness and queerness. With power and vulnerability, we continue the legacy of resisting shame by claiming our wholeness.
Join us as we name and honor our joy, our struggle, and our resilience.
Wheelchair Accessible. Scent reduced. ASL Interpretation Confirmed. ASL RSVP required by June 2nd, please contact breakingcode2014@gmail.com
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/670103
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The Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference 2014
Pennsylvania Conference Center, 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA
FREE!
The Philadelphia Trans-Health Conference is a FREE conference that offers three full days of workshops and activities focused on the health and well-being of transgender people, communities and allies.
Now in it's 13th year the conference draws a diverse group of around 3,000 people of many genders and gender experiences from all over the country and around the globe.
This is also a great space for our families, friends, allies and providers.
Ganesh Puja: Offering to the Remover of Obstacles (PTHC)
Thursday, June 12, 10:20-11:40am
Pennsylvania Conference Center, 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA, Room 104A
FREE
Transitioning gender can present challenges, so
we invite you to join us in a ritual offering to Lord Ganesh, known to
Hindus as the remover of obstacles. Transitioning is an undertaking that
can bring questions like “How will I tell my family?” or “How will I
find community and support?” or “Will I be able to afford the care I
need?” Ganesh is traditionally worshipped at the beginning of any
undertaking, and as we worship together, we build a sacred community of
support together. Puja is an act in which the worshiper treats God as
one would an honored guest. Thus it involves invoking the deity and
welcoming Him/Her, offering them a seat, a bath, and showing gratitude
with offerings of flowers, water, incense, and fruit. The puja will be
followed by a discussion of Hinduism and gender, with a question and
answer period.
Ricky Cintron is the founder of LGBT Hindu Satsang
of Philadelphia, a support organization for LGBT-identified Hindus and
their allies living in Philadelphia. He is a Religion major and LGBT
Studies minor at Temple University. He has always been interested in the
intersections between spirituality and sexuality, and he focuses his
time on faith advocacy work for the LGBT community.
Native Smudge and Drum Circle (PTHC)
Thursday, June 12, 10:20-11:40am
Pennsylvania Conference Center, 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA, Room 104A
FREE
Presented by Janis Stacy and Lynn Young
http://www.trans-health.org/content/native-smudge-and-drum-circle-0
http://www.trans-health.org/
http://www.trans-health.org/content/spiritual-opportunities
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Energetic Alignment through private CoAlithesis treatments
Friday, June 13
Homestead Apothecary, 486 49th St #C, Oakland, CA
$50 (or $35 if you bring your own beeswax candle, sage bundle, or palo santo stick)
Take a guided & assisted dive into your own energy field & participate in a collaborative healing process. This treatment is especially recommended for those with a passion for working on their own healing & evolution. You will leave these sessions with hands-on experience of simple & effective energetic treatments, customized to your particular & current needs, that you can then continue to practice on your own to keep your energy strong, flowing and in balance.
Rae Diamond’s work arises from a devotion to the interrelation of matter and energy. She has practiced professionally as an astrologer, energy healer & teacher for over a decade. Rae apprenticed with Lakota shaman, Char Sundust, 2002 – 2006, became a Reiki master in 2005, & recently transplanted to Oakland from Seattle. She is also the director of the Long Tone Choir, plays synthesizer in an art-rock band, makes meticulous black & white drawings, & makes frequent forays into nature.
This 45 minute treatment will occur on the 2nd Friday of each month. Please email the shop to see if appointments are available.
http://homesteadapothecary.com/
raediamond.com
Wednesday, June 25
Homestead Apothecary, 486 49th St #C, Oakland, CA
$50 sliding scale
Atava Garcia Swiecicki, MA, RH (AHG). Atava has been studying and practicing healing arts for over 20 years and has an undergraduate degree from Stanford University and a graduate degree from Naropa University Oakland. Atava is also certified in both Acupressure and Jin Shin Jyutsu®, and is a clinical herbalist and professional member of the American Herbalist Guild. Atava’s teaching and healing work is a unique and powerful combination of herbal medicine, curanderismo, dream work, energetic bodywork and ancestral healing. She runs a small herbal product company, Ancestral Apothecary, that specializes in hand-crafted herbal remedies and potions. She also is opening a school and healing center dedicated to herbal, folk and indigenous medicine in the Oakland.
This 45 minute treatment will occur on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Please email the shop to see if appointments are available.
http://homesteadapothecary.com/
www.ancestralapothecary.com
Native Smudge and Drum Circle (PTHC)
Thursday, June 12, 10:20-11:40am
Pennsylvania Conference Center, 1101 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA, Room 104A
FREE
Presented by Janis Stacy and Lynn Young
Janis Stacy is of mixed blood heritage including
Cherokee and Dakota. She has been practicing Native American
spirituality for decades. Her academic work includes a degree in
Electronic Engineering and 25 years working in the Semiconductor
industry. Janis is a long time advocate of civil rights and inclusion in
a broad number of areas. She has supported a variety of organizations
and participated with a number of efforts involving Native American,
Racial, Gender and LGBT issues.
Lynn Young is a Two Spirit person of Lakota heritage
who identifies spiritually as a Native American Traditionalist who
finds engagement and fulfillment in many traditions - including
Christian, Buddhist, and Earth-Based traditions. Lynn is passionate
about the spirituality of drumming, and is energized by the
intersections of culture, identity and spirituality. Lynn is on the
board of directors for Transfaith, a national non-profit that is led by
transgender people and focused on issues of faith and spirituality.
Lynn maintains spiritual balance through meditation, ritual, and
worship, and through the blessed connection with other embodied spirits,
and by drumming whenever possible.
http://www.trans-health.org/
http://www.trans-health.org/content/spiritual-opportunities
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Energetic Alignment through private CoAlithesis treatments
Friday, June 13
Homestead Apothecary, 486 49th St #C, Oakland, CA
$50 (or $35 if you bring your own beeswax candle, sage bundle, or palo santo stick)
Take a guided & assisted dive into your own energy field & participate in a collaborative healing process. This treatment is especially recommended for those with a passion for working on their own healing & evolution. You will leave these sessions with hands-on experience of simple & effective energetic treatments, customized to your particular & current needs, that you can then continue to practice on your own to keep your energy strong, flowing and in balance.
Rae Diamond’s work arises from a devotion to the interrelation of matter and energy. She has practiced professionally as an astrologer, energy healer & teacher for over a decade. Rae apprenticed with Lakota shaman, Char Sundust, 2002 – 2006, became a Reiki master in 2005, & recently transplanted to Oakland from Seattle. She is also the director of the Long Tone Choir, plays synthesizer in an art-rock band, makes meticulous black & white drawings, & makes frequent forays into nature.
This 45 minute treatment will occur on the 2nd Friday of each month. Please email the shop to see if appointments are available.
http://homesteadapothecary.com/
raediamond.com
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Low-Cost Consultations with Atava Garcia Swiecicki of Ancestral ApothecaryWednesday, June 25
Homestead Apothecary, 486 49th St #C, Oakland, CA
$50 sliding scale
Atava Garcia Swiecicki, MA, RH (AHG). Atava has been studying and practicing healing arts for over 20 years and has an undergraduate degree from Stanford University and a graduate degree from Naropa University Oakland. Atava is also certified in both Acupressure and Jin Shin Jyutsu®, and is a clinical herbalist and professional member of the American Herbalist Guild. Atava’s teaching and healing work is a unique and powerful combination of herbal medicine, curanderismo, dream work, energetic bodywork and ancestral healing. She runs a small herbal product company, Ancestral Apothecary, that specializes in hand-crafted herbal remedies and potions. She also is opening a school and healing center dedicated to herbal, folk and indigenous medicine in the Oakland.
This 45 minute treatment will occur on the 4th Wednesday of each month. Please email the shop to see if appointments are available.
http://homesteadapothecary.com/
www.ancestralapothecary.com
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SF Trans March 2014Friday, June 27
Youth and Elder Brunch: 12 - 3 pm, Pride in the Park: 3 - 6 pm, March: 6 pm
Dolores Park, San Francisco, CA
FREE
The San Francisco Trans March is SF's largest transgender Pride event
and one of the largest trans events in the entire world. It's always
the Friday of Pride weekend and thousands of people attend. This year
the March will be June 27 in Dolores Park and there's lots of big fun,
huge celebration and awesome community building just waiting for you!FREE
Not only that, but this year we've also been selected as SF Pride's Organizational Grand Marshal!
The mission of the SF Trans March is to inspire all trans and gender non-conforming people to realize a world where we are safe, loved, and empowered.
We are a sober event. ♥
After party at El Rio: a benefit for TGIJP
Support the SF Transmarch 2014 crowdfunding campaign!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1449114288660162/
http://www.transmarch.org/
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Creating Queer Community Meeting (NQAF)
California
Witchcamp 2014
Sunday
June 29th-through Sunday July 6th 2014
Northern
California, Mendocino Woodlands
Cost: April 1st through May 31st, the price is $620 to
$720 sliding scale, your envelope must be postmarked no later than May 31st,
and payment in full postmarked no later than June 1st 2014. June 1st until camp begins, the price is $680 to
$740 sliding scale. After June 1st any registration payments must be made in
full, you can register anytime up until camp starts as long as we still have
room.
This is an extraordinary
event for extraordinary people.
Share in a week of
Reclaiming style, earth based spirituality and magic. Come and study magic and
ritual in a week long Intensive. Witchcamp is offered to all genders at all
levels of experience. Newcomers can learn the basic skills of magic and ritual,
working with the elements, movement, sound and the mythological and historical
framework of the Goddess Tradition.
Advanced classes offer the
chance to apply the tools of ritual to personal healing and empowerment, or a
focus on taking the Craft out into the world, creating public ritual, ongoing
groups, and healing issues surrounding leadership and power. This event is a
deeply moving, life changing week and a constant experiment in temporary
village life. We will also look at ways of bringing this work and inspiration
into our everyday lives, creating powerful, joyful times.
We welcome people of all
genders, gender histories, and orientations, and we encourage you to feel safe
to explore the fluidity of your identity, if you so choose.
This year Witchcamp will
be held at the Mendocino Woodlands, located just far enough outside the town of
Mendocino to avoid coastal fog. The camp is set among a mature Redwood/Douglas
Fir forest, creating a beautiful, peaceful setting. The cabins are rustic, but
pretty. Camping is also an option. A small river runs through the camp, and is
the home of steelhead trout. To request a brochure, please send us an email at:
info[at]californiawitchcamp.org with your mailing
address.
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Monday, June 30, 7pm
AAACC African American Art & Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St SF, CA
FREE
QCC began operating “Creating Queer Community” in 2000 by awarding 5 small commissions ranging from $500 to $1500. Since then, QCC has commissioned approximately 120 LGBT artists to create new works that authentically express our community’s diverse experiences. The vast majority of these commissions have been awarded to culturally-specific and gender-specific individual artists whose work expresses the experiences of queers of color, Lesbians and Transgendered people. The commissioned work has broadened the Queer community’s understanding of the fluid nature of racial and gender identities and has provided many insights into what people of different races, gender identities and ages actually think. QCC has received major grants from the Haas Foundations’ Creative Work Fund, the Gerbode Foundation and the San Francisco Foundation to expand our commissioning activities.
http://qcc2.org/cqc/
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*************Around the Bend: Mark your calendars and register for these lovely events
Faerieworlds 2014
July 25-27
Emerald Meadows at Mt. Pisgah, Eugene, OR
EugeneWeekly.com describes Faerieworlds thus:
"Faerieworlds, the yearly festival that encourages attendees to “live your legend,” returns. Celebrating fantasy, magic and, of course, faeries, this annual event of pixie dust and gossamer wings provides everything a faer-folk enthusiast could want. By bringing in internationally acclaimed authors and artists, featuring a “Mythic Marketplace” and presenting a diverse group of musicians from the world over, Faerieworlds….caters to the varying tastes of those who adore the faerie realm."
"Faerieworlds, the yearly festival that encourages attendees to “live your legend,” returns. Celebrating fantasy, magic and, of course, faeries, this annual event of pixie dust and gossamer wings provides everything a faer-folk enthusiast could want. By bringing in internationally acclaimed authors and artists, featuring a “Mythic Marketplace” and presenting a diverse group of musicians from the world over, Faerieworlds….caters to the varying tastes of those who adore the faerie realm."
For much more information, flit on over to: http://faerieworlds.com/
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Coph Nia: A Mystical Gathering for Gay and Bisexual Men
August 6 thru August 10
Four Quarters Interfaith Sanctuary, Artemas, PA
Coph Nia is a 5 day outdoor alternative spirituality festival for
gay, bi, queer and questioning men. Held at an interfaith sanctuary in
Artemas, PA, Coph Nia is open to long-time practitioners and new seekers
of a wide range of spiritual paths including Wicca, Paganism,
Heathenry, Druidism, Shamanism, Thelema, Ceremonial Magick and more.
Sponsored by the Ordo Aeternus Vovin,
an initiatory Thelemic order for gay and bisexual men, Coph Nia
features vendors, concerts, rituals, workshops, nightly bonfires,
dancing, drumming, chanting, signing and many social events including
our annual Masked Ball & Sensual Feast.
During this magickal time, gay, bisexual, queer and questioning men
will create a pagan town where we work powerful magick together, worship
the Gods, drum and dance around the fire, chant, sing and be who we are
at our core. We'll leave behind the bar attitudes and judgements that
fragment our community and join together as community of spiritually
minded men who love men. We'll explore our spiritual natures and our
place in the universe through numerous workshops, rituals, concerts and
social events. And at the end of Coph Nia, we'll return to the larger
community changed and empowered, ready to minister to the larger gay
community. Won't you join us?
Coph Nia is open to all men age 18 and older who identify as men who
love men. We embrace all alternate spiritual paths such as paganism,
wicca, druidism, heathenry, shamanism, buddhism, new age thought,
Thelema, and more. Participants of all levels of experience are
welcome--from those brand new to pagan or magickal practice to those
that have been practicing for a life time.
The programming at Coph Nia is largely presented by the attendees of the
festival who wish to share their knowlege and experience with others.
Proposals for workshops, rituals and other programming are accepted
through June 30, 2014.
Pre-registration is required to attend Coph Nia 2014. Your
registration fee includes entry into the festival and camping at the
event site. This year, registration also includes two meals--an
all-you-can-eat community feast on Saturday evening and an
all-you-can-eat community brunch on the final day of the festival.
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Haaayfest! Queer Music Explosion!!
August 8-10
Oddland!, Lopez Island, WA
Sliding scale donations, $20+, no one turned away for lack of funds
more info to come: Oddland!
August 8-10
Oddland!, Lopez Island, WA
Sliding scale donations, $20+, no one turned away for lack of funds
more info to come: Oddland!
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Queer/Two Spirit Ancestral Healing Workshop
August 21-24
The Witch Barn, Amherst, MA
Cost: $500-$425. $75 deposit due by July 1st.
Cost: $500-$425. $75 deposit due by July 1st.
We are thrilled to announce this special
workshop on ancestral healing and remembrance workshop for the queer
community. We’ll be gathering at the Witch Barn in Amherst, MS for a
four day intensive on this subject. Topics covered include:
• Group and individual practices to connect to our ancestors
• Ritual and ceremonies for healing
• Dream work
• Healing with plant and stone allies
• Connecting to the elements of nature for healing and connection
Class taught by Atava Garcia Swiecicki of Ancestral Apothecary and Dori Midnight.
Dori Midnight practices community based healing and intuitive counseling, weaving traditional folk healing, plant medicine, and social justice. Drawing from her ancestral heritage (Ashkenazi/Sephardi, Roma, First Nations Shawnee), her passion for justice, and training as a clinical herbalist and flower essence practitioner, Dori's work is grounded in self-determinism, collective liberation, and the belief that healing ourselves is inseparable from healing our communities and earth. Dori teaches workshops on community healing, queer magic, and intuitive arts and maintains a local and distance healing practice in Western Massachusetts.
• Group and individual practices to connect to our ancestors
• Ritual and ceremonies for healing
• Dream work
• Healing with plant and stone allies
• Connecting to the elements of nature for healing and connection
Class taught by Atava Garcia Swiecicki of Ancestral Apothecary and Dori Midnight.
Dori Midnight practices community based healing and intuitive counseling, weaving traditional folk healing, plant medicine, and social justice. Drawing from her ancestral heritage (Ashkenazi/Sephardi, Roma, First Nations Shawnee), her passion for justice, and training as a clinical herbalist and flower essence practitioner, Dori's work is grounded in self-determinism, collective liberation, and the belief that healing ourselves is inseparable from healing our communities and earth. Dori teaches workshops on community healing, queer magic, and intuitive arts and maintains a local and distance healing practice in Western Massachusetts.
To Register: Contact ancestralapothecary[at]gmail.com for a class application.
http://www.ancestralapothecary.com/classes.php
http://www.ancestralapothecary.com/classes.php
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Freedom and Ease of Being: A Meditation Retreat for Our LGBTIQ Community (IMS)
September 2 – 7, 2014
Insight Meditation Society, 1230 Pleasant Street, Barre MA
Prices Vary, $130 and up
Scholarships available
We are so glad you have decided to join us the 24th annual Southern Comfort Conference, the largest gathering of the transgender community in the world. Whether its your first time, or you are an old hand, we’re sure that you will have the time of your life.
There is something for everyone on the SCC. 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!
Editor's note: the SCC 2014 program is still under construction. Check here in the next month or so for specific events that may be of particular interest to Trans*/Pagans!
Southern Comfort Conference
Sliding Scale; $485-$605
IMS is one of the Western world's oldest and most-respected meditation retreat centers. We are dedicated to providing a spiritual refuge for all who seek freedom of mind and heart.
This insight retreat creates a space of ease and support for our LGBTIQ meditators to come together, beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Sharing silence and meditative space allows us to make greater peace with ourselves and our lives, one moment at a time. We learn to find an ever-deepening sense of wellbeing, touching joy and fostering the heart's release. While listening to the teachings of wisdom and compassion, and sitting and walking mindfully, liberating insights arise, and clarity and freedom is gained. We practice in this way both for our own benefit and for the benefit of others.
The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Atlanta Perimeter at Ravinia
, 4355 Ashford Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta GAIMS is one of the Western world's oldest and most-respected meditation retreat centers. We are dedicated to providing a spiritual refuge for all who seek freedom of mind and heart.
This insight retreat creates a space of ease and support for our LGBTIQ meditators to come together, beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Sharing silence and meditative space allows us to make greater peace with ourselves and our lives, one moment at a time. We learn to find an ever-deepening sense of wellbeing, touching joy and fostering the heart's release. While listening to the teachings of wisdom and compassion, and sitting and walking mindfully, liberating insights arise, and clarity and freedom is gained. We practice in this way both for our own benefit and for the benefit of others.
Prices Vary, $130 and up
Scholarships available
We are so glad you have decided to join us the 24th annual Southern Comfort Conference, the largest gathering of the transgender community in the world. Whether its your first time, or you are an old hand, we’re sure that you will have the time of your life.
There is something for everyone on the SCC. 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!
Editor's note: the SCC 2014 program is still under construction. Check here in the next month or so for specific events that may be of particular interest to Trans*/Pagans!
Southern Comfort Conference
