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August News From Eastern PA Trans Equity Project and LV Renaissance
Upcoming Events and News You Can Use 
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In this edition, learn more about:
- Real ID
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Trans TOpics Workshops Return
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New Resource for Trans Healthcare
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News You Can Use
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Support Group Reminders
- Kutztown Conference
- MCCLV Events
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Monthly Milestones
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And More!
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Upcoming In-Person Hangouts, & Support Meetings |
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Renaissance In-Person Meet-up 2nd Saturday of the Month @7:30pm - Open to all transgender and gender nonbinary people and their allies. MCCLV/Church of the Manger - 1401 Greenview Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Doors open at 6:30pm
Beyond the Binary In-Person Meet-up 2nd Saturday of the Month @7:30pm - Open to all gender nonbinary/gender-expansive people. MCCLV/Church of the Manger - 1401 Greenview Ave, Bethlehem, PA 18018. Doors open at 6:30pm
Pocono Renaissance - Last Thursday of Every Month - At the East Stroudsburg Presbyterian Church Located at 55 Smith St, East Stroudsburg, PA 18301. Starts at 7:00pm, ends at 8:30 sharp.
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Upcoming Virtual Hangouts, & Support Meetings |
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Spouses and Partners - 2nd Tuesday of the Month @7:30pm EST. Open to spouses/partners of trans/nonbinary folk. Click this link to join using Meeting ID: 832 5382 3949, Passcode: spouses
Renaissance Virtual Meet-up and Happy Hour - 4th Saturday of every month at 7pm . Open to all trans and nonbinary folk gender nonbinary/gender-expansive people. Click this link to join using Meeting ID: 828 1864 7982, Passcode: EPTEP
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Scroll to the end of this newsletter for a list of other support groups in PA and NJ |
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There is More PRIDE to Come!
Thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers we have spoken to hundreds and hundreds of people about our services and programs.
As one of our volunteers recently said "It is always great connecting with people. When you tell them what we do and they say, 'That’s exactly what I need!', or 'I’m a parent and just trying to be supportive and this will help.', or 'You guys helped me out when I was in a rough spot and now I have a job, an apartment, and I want you to know EPATEP made a big difference.' EPATEP is changing people’s lives for the better."
If you haven't made it out yet, here is where we will be over the next few weeks and please consider reaching out to volunteer at one of these events!
Date Location
21-Aug Lehigh Valley*
8-Oct Reading*
15-Oct Bloomsburg*
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Over the past two years scores of bills have been introduced in state, county, and local legislatures that are specifically targeting transgender individuals with discriminatory actions. This is despite the fact that polls indicate that two-thirds of all Americans – including those whose political views are on the right and the left – oppose anti-trans legislation. So, why are these bills being introduced and how do we work to defeat them? In this workshop you will learn why legislators and political operatives are pushing these bills and the actions you can take to combat them.
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Educate Yourself About Medical Issues
Queer CME is a new resource that provides tranining and guidance around trans healthcare for both medical professionals and trans folk alike. Check out their free webinar about insurance coverage and more here |
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New Resource for LGBTQ Youth
imi (sounds like eye-me) is a free, digital, research-backed mental health tool
made with and for LGBTQ+ teens.
imi supports the well-being of LGBTQ+ youth, and is available for free at imi.guide
imi was greated by Centerlink, Hopelab, and the It Gets Better Project |
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Save the date for the annual Gender and Sexual Minorities Conference at Kutztown University! This is a free, one day educational event for members of the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. This year’s conference theme is "Justice" and LaLa Holston-Zannell, who leads the ACLU’s advocacy and organizing work to support and empower transgender and non-binary people will be giving the keynote.
They are also seeking speakers. If you would like to give a talk you can submit a proposal at this link.
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Trans Topics Workshops Return
That's right, as we head into the Fall we will begin another round of Trans Topics Zoom Workshops. Here is a list of the first few:
- 8/16, 7:30pm - Anti-Trans Legislation and the Legislative Process
- 9/20, 7:30pm - Taking Action in Ways Big and Small... Becoming a Trans Rights Advocate
- 10/18, 7:30pm - Changing Your Name in Pennsylvania
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Have You Updated Your ID?
Beginning May 3, 2023, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver's license/photo ID card, or another form of federally-acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID.
If you need help with obtaining your REAL ID we can help you understand the requirements. |
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Doctors, Lawyers Therapists... Oh My!
Thanks to the hard work of one of our interns we have updated our lists of trans affirming therapists, doctors, and lawyers. We also have lists of shelter and food programs.
You can find these lists on the EPTEP website or reach out to info@PATransEquity.org for the latest versions!
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Upcoming Dates and Milestones
- August 9 | International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples
- August 26 | Women’s Equality Day
- September 15 | International Day of Democracy
- September 23 | Celebrate Bisexuality Day
- Last week in September | Ally Week
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Trans-Parents Group
Our families trasition when we do and that includes the parents of trans and nonbinary people.
If you are the parent of a trans or nonbinary youth you may want to check out this Zoom support group that is just for you! |
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Research to change lives.
Conducted by Stanford University and UCSF, The Pride Study is the firts national effort to truly understand the issuse that affect LGBTQ+ people's physical, mental, or social health. Participant's information is kept confidential and the project is IRB certified. You can take part by registering here.
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Have Something to Share?
This is your newsletter! If you have an event you want publicized, want to write a column or to share some poetry this is your space!!
Email your entry to info@PATransEquity.org and we will do our best to get it into our next newsletter! |
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Sign-Up for the National Trans Survey!
The U.S. Trans Survey (USTS) is the largest survey of trans people in the United States. The USTS documents the lives and experiences of trans people in the U.S. and U.S. territories and is the main source of data about trans people for the media, educators, policymakers, and the general public, covering health, employment, income, the criminal justice system, etc. Sign up to take the survey by clicking here!
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Upcoming MCCLV Events
MCCLV has always supported Eastern PA Trans Equity Project and our Renaissance support groups and they have two events coming up in October. First is their LGBTQ+ Dance Party on October 1st. That will be followed by their annual Blessings of Transgender Journeys service on the 2nd. Come out and enjoy community! |
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My View:
My first centerfold and another first too - Life as a public figure |
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Sometimes being one of the public faces of our community has its ups and downs.
On the downside it means that Pride Season - especially June - is a super-busy month for me. This past June, I had 18 separate events over 30 days. This included two flag-raisings, five Pridefests, three panel talks, a couple of trainings and more, on top of my normal workload of running support meetings, editing newsletters and (oh yeah), my day job. Pride season is like a marathon and like all long races it can be tiring just as much as it can be joyful.
One of those events fell into the latter category and was a pure pleasure. I was honored to be nominated and subsequently recognized as one of the "influential women" in the Lehigh Valley. Pretty cool!
One of the activities around that was taking part in a photo shoot with the other four honorees. All of them are truly beautiful and capable cisgender women and I was definitely a little intimidated by the prospect of the photoshoot. I am happy to say that everyone there was amazing and made me feel so comfortable. I had a great day getting to know these people and it reaffirmed my belief that there are more good people out there than bad ones. You just have to give them a chance.
Of course, there is the other side of the coin and I had another "first" in June. I was publicly called-out as a "groomer." This happened after a public event where a protester was present. I woke up the next morning to find that they had posted the "groomer" accusation (amongst other hateful things) on my social media account. Needless to say, I blocked them and removed their comments from my account. I subsequently had another incident from a well-known national anti-trans activist. It’s not fun when people try to ruin your reputation.
The good news is that when I mentioned these issues to others I was surrounded by nothing but love and Community. Many folks – including many of the women mentioned above - called and texted to check-in on me.
So, what is the moral of the story? If there is one, it is to remember that for all of the "bad" that is happening out there, there are people who will accept you and who care for you.
Even when you are having a bad day or a stressful month your chosen family and friends will have your back. You never know where you will find a new friend, ally, or chosen family member – as long as you are willing to keep the door open.
These are stressful times for our Community and I hope you have these types of people in your life. If you don't, a great place to start is at one of our Renaissance support group meetings. Why not give it a try!
By the way, you can pick up a copy of the August issue of Lehigh Valley Style magazine to check out all the shots from the photoshoot and learn more about Genesis, Tiffany, Larissa, and Carol who are pictures with me below.
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OTHER PEER SUPPORT GROUPS
As restrictions due the COVID-19 pandemic have loosened, some events/groups are now being held in person and/or remotely. Please not these groups are unaffiliated with Eastern PA Trans Equity Project - check with the facilitators of these groups for details.
- Lehigh Valley
- Transmasculine Group first Wednesday of avery month from 6:30-8pm - Contact Robin at Robin@bradburysullivancenter.org for details
- Parents of Trans Kids Meet-Up second and fouth Wednesdays of each month - Contact Robin at Robin@bradburysullivancenter.com for details.
- Transfeminine Group - Fourth Wednesday of every month from 6:30-8pm - Contact Robin at Robin@bradburysullivancenter.org for details
- NEPA Trans Discussion Group (via ZOOM) - 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. Contact the Rainbow Alliance for log-in info
- Hatboro: Online Trans and Nonbinary Group - Saga Hatboro 1st Thursdays at 7pm
- Harrisburg TransCentralPA operates groups for trans folk and family members
- State College: LGBTQ & Gender Identity Group contact info@centrelgbtqa.org at Centre LGBTQA for details
- New Brunswick, NJ: Proudly Me. Meets 2nd Thursdays 6-8pm
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Support EPTEP While You Shop!
That's right, you can shop at
smile.
amazon.com and they will donate to your Eastern PA Trans Equity Project at no cost to you! You get the same products, the same prices, and the same service from Amazon, and we get a small portion of the purchase as a donation!
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Join our online Groups
That's right! You have the ability to connect with Community to share news, seek support, or chat at almost any time! They are also the best places to find breaking news about meetings, times, cancellations, etc.
You can also Join our Discord Community here |
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Your Support Makes A Difference
Our work saves lives and then changes them for the better. But it requires time and money to make these things happen. Please consider a small tax-deductible donation to help us continue our work by visiting the Eastern PA Trans Equity Project website, if you are able to, please consider donating your time and skills through volunteering.
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Always Stay in the Know - Follow Us on Social Media! |
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